All About Alisha
Hello lovelies! I’m back with another post and I have been so excited to share this with you. Awhile back I made a post called “Dear Vintage Community” which sparked much conversation within the vintage community. In that blog post I addressed white content creators who partake in the vintage community and their lack of inclusion. Over the past few years I have come across many social media accounts of fabulous black women who are into vintage style and inspire me everyday. These women are beautiful, creative powerhouses with an eye for detail. I noticed that the social media following is much smaller for black women who are into vintage and I decided that I want to spotlight the women who provide so much inspiration for me. I have a very small blog and hold a minuscule space in the social media realm but this is something that I am super excited about. And I cannot wait to share my very special first guest with you!
Allow me to introduce you to the ultra fabulous Queen of 1960s Glamour, Alisha. I met her years ago on Instagram and we instantly connected due to our mutual love of 1960s fashion, film noir, French film, and everything in between. She lives in London and you can definitely see it in her gorgeous aesthetic. I am so happy that she is my first interviewee and hope you all enjoy this post! (Also take note of all of the fabulous looks she serves on a daily basis.)
Hello dearie! My first question for you is: how would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?
My aesthetic is 1960s black office secretary chic by day meets swinging 60s London mod gyal grooving by night.
What drew you to vintage? Do you remember your earliest exposure to vintage?
Well, one of the things that drew me to vintage was remembering coming home after school to my mum watching vintage films on TCM and I guess I started to pay more attention to the fashion and aesthetics in my teens. I was experimenting a lot with different decades during my high school/college years from 1920s/1930s to 1980s new wave style—I mean it was crazy—until I found my middle ground which was 60s and the admiration for that period started to grow heavily on me throughout the years.
Who or What are your biggest inspirations that have helped shape your style?
I have so many inspirations! I would first say Edie Sedgwick. At the time when I was getting into the sixties style, I thought she had such a unique glam to her and I just adored her short pixie haircut and thick black eyeliner look and earrings with fur coats (fake fur for me of course). It was so chic and easy to recreate.
Lola Falana is my number one style icon! I just adore her mid sixties looks with the short hair and groovy outfits. I loved how she was able to become this famous black showgirl in Italy and America during the sixties. She is everything I aspire to be—her beauty, talent and style. ❤️
60s black soul singer P.P. Arnold is also an inspiration to me as there wasn’t that representation of black mod women being at the forefront in the U.K. at the time so it was so refreshing to see this black woman claiming that aesthetic and embracing it for that time.
And of course other style inspirations include: Mary Quant, Diahann Carroll, The Supremes, Audrey Hepburn, Eartha Kitt, 60s French yé-yé style and Twiggy.
I always say you can tell a lot about someone based on their favorite cocktails. When you go to a bar, what is your go to cocktail?
Probably Pink Lady or Cosmopolitan.
I know films are a huge inspiration for you. What are some of your favorite films?
To name a few possibly Vivre Sa Vie (1962) , Blow Up (1966), Leave Her To Heaven (1945), Last Tango in Paris (1972), Mulholland Drive (2001), and 8 1/2 (1963).
What is your favorite vintage piece that you own?
Wow I have so much favorite pieces. One of favorites is my 1960s gogo Joseph Ribkoff hoop waist dress. It’s so gorgeous!
There are so many complexities within the vintage community and the past in general. As a black woman, how do you navigate this?
One thing I can say is I always stayed true to myself and my blackness. It’s important for me as a black woman to show that there are women of my complexion who enjoy 60s mod culture as myself and I think that’s what also brings joy into what I represent. If you’re interested in a certain subculture go for it! Don’t allow anybody to deter what makes you feel good and contributes to your eccentric lifestyle . ❤️
I thank Alisha so much for sharing her inspiration, thoughts, and style with us today! If you are not doing so already, I highly recommend following her colorful and aesthetically pleasing Instagram account: @60sgyal.
Thank you for tuning in and I will see you next week!
DISCLAIMER: All photos of Alisha came from her personal Instagram. I do not own any of the photos in this post including the additional photographs I inserted.