#Badgirlcrush

This week our #Badgirlcrush 

is the sassy, soulful redhead musician Dominique Pruitt!

In the interview below we talk to Dominique about her music, tips to break into the industry, personal style, costumes, love for the desert, and why we chose her to be our #Badgirlcrush of the week! 

Q: You’ve got a very unique sound, it’s raw and very soulful with a sinful slice

of catchy pop that we just love! How did you go about creating your sound?

A: Awww, thank you so much for loving it! I have always loved ALL different types of music, but I feel most connected to the sounds of the 50s and 60s, and wanted to do something that gave a big nod to those inspirations, while keeping things current, too. But being an artist, you’re always changing and evolving- so we’ll see where the sound goes from here! 

Q: When did you decide you wanted to be a musician? And what / who was your muse and influenced you to follow your passion? 

A: I ALWAYS loved to sing, and came from a long line of professional musicians and singers, but I think it fully hit me when I was about 16. Like, OH. I really want to do this, and nothing else will do... Gwen Stefani was probably my first muse. The first time I saw No Doubt play was in 1996, when I was 11 years old. Right when “Just A Girl” came out and they were getting huge. I saw her rocking out with the guys, and it just blew my mind. She was an instant hero to me. Gorgeous and bad ass.  Also, around age 10 I saw the movie Cry-Baby, and that film single handedly made me fall madly in love with the 1950s. 

Q: ‘He’s Got it Bad’ and ‘Victim’ Have been on repeat in our studio and we just can’t seem to get enough, do you have any plans to release any new music, or tour? we’d love for you to come over to Australia! 

A: I AM creating new music! It’s a grueling process, but YES it’s happening. Slowly but surely, just pouring myself into it. I hope to tour this year a bit, and would just LOVE to get to Aus! I have been there once before and I absolutely fell in love with it. I have a lot of Australian friends too. And I loved Vegemite when I tried it- HA! 

Q: We stumbled across your cover of Wanda Jacksons, ‘Fallin’ song, it’s an awesome track and we really dig how you made it your own, Is Wanda a big influence of yours musically – not to mention inspirational with her handmade glorious fringe outfits? 

A: Wanda is a HUGE inspiration of mine. She's a firecracker. I’ve seen her play live a bunch of times, and she tore the house down. I have her name tattooed on my neck because I love her so! And she definitely inspires me musically. I love that she has always had so much attitude & sass, and so I’ve aspired to have that in my own musical persona. I actually covered Fallin’ while taking cues from the Connie Francis version- she’s another major inspiration of mine. 

Ah of course! Connie Francis! I knew it sounded familiar, it's a killer tune!

Q: Do you have any advice you can give to an aspiring musician, tricks of the trades or a bit of a heart to heart? 

A: Follow your gut and your heart. Practice, practice, practice. Throw things out into the universe and see what comes back to you. Grow a thick skin and don’t be discouraged, because a million doors will slam in your face before one opens and lets you in. It may sound harsh, but this biz is ROUGH.  

Q: We see you divide your time between LA and the Desert, is it hard to leave Joshua Tree for the Hustle and bustle of LA?

 A: I like the balance actually. I really appreciate the quiet moments and beautiful surroundings in Joshua Tree. It’s so easy to take a step back, get re-inspired and just chill there. But when I’m done chilling, and I’m craving some great Japanese food or something, it’s easy to come home to LA! 

Q: What’s your favorite haunt in Palm Springs?

A: Oh man. I love Toucan’s- it’s a gay bar with a GREAT drag show on Sunday nights. I go whenever I’m there. The Amigo room at the Ace Hotel is always a good one too. And I have yet to go, but they recently opened a Tonga Hut Tiki bar in Palm Springs- it’s on my to do list for SURE. 

Q: Where can we find you on a Sunday afternoon? 

A: Either at my house in Joshua Tree, or just getting home from a flea market. Almost ALWAYS one of those two. 

(Dominique and her partner Ron on their wedding day, Oh lawd aren't they the most gorgeous pair!)

Q: We follow you on instagram and we love your feed, so many colourful sparkly things, fringe and sassy outfits, we love your eclectic style and were wondering if you made some of your own clothing for the stage? Or if they are modern/ vintage pieces - What inspires you and who is your biggest fashion icon? 

 Thank you again! I do try to make my outfits when I can, although I’m not the greatest seamstress. But I always want things I can’t find, so I’m like, hey! I’ll just make it! I definitely buy vintage pieces too and wear them on stage, although in the last year I’ve gotten more into an actual “costume” versus just wearing a great vintage dress. I worship the stage style of Poison Ivy Rorschach from the band The Cramps- She wears animal print leotards, fishnets, and rhinestone bikinis. The rest of my inspiration for stage outfits comes from showgirls from the 40s, 50s and 60s. I remember my grandma telling me about Gypsy Rose Lee as a kid, and being kind of enamored with showgirls. I’m constantly saving photos I find on tumblr, instagram and pinterest for more inspiration.  (Check out my tumblr- I’m obsessed with it! dominiquepruitt.tumblr.com) 

Q: What does 2015 hold for you?

A: Hopefully recording and releasing said new music! And touring. And amazing stage costumes ;)

Q: The reason why we have started #Badgirlcrush is because we want to share inspiring females around the globe, is there someone in your life that inspires you or anyone you have looked up to?

A: I would say I’m inspired in general by all the ladies out there who want to lift other gals up too- I love when women are supportive of each other and help one another succeed! We are all in this together!

Amen to that lady!. Thank you again for taking the time to chat with us, we can't wait to hear and see more of you!

Click the links below to find out more about Dominique's 

Music 

Tumblr 

Instagram 

The Powder Room

Here we are in this months issue of The Powder Room Magazine!

We were so lucky enough to have the very talented Photographer/Model Laura Okita of Paper MothBall Vintage shoot the stunning MUA/Model Danielle Gherman @noboringdays in our clothing, what a stunning collaboration!

Danielle wears the now sold out 'Starlet Scandal' Jumpsuit, the 'Atomic Glitz' Top and the 'New Vamp' Top. 

You can purchase The Powder Room Magazine here!

#Badgirlcrush

This week our 

#Badgirlcrush

is the very beautiful, extremely talented and inspiring Lady, Lanaya Flavelle. 

Read the interview below to find out more about Lanaya, her personal style, fashion tips, fashion photography, magazine publication and why we chose her to be our #Badgirlcrush of the week! 

Thank you for taking the time to have a chat with us, we love all the work you do, especially on body diversity, your photography is stunning and to us has been so very empowering!


Q: Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

A: Thank you so much! That is really sweet. I'm a really artsy lady. It's important to me that I make a difference with my art in some way & I'm a big believer in beauty diversity. This past year I've been focusing hard on making photos of ladies who are strong, confident & good role models for other girls & women. I've been involved in a lot of body-positive projects and I also run a charity magazine on the side.


Q: We are a big fan of your Fashion Photography! What drew you to photography, especially fashion photography? Did you study and how long have you been a photographer?

A: I've been doing fashion photography as an official 'career' for about 4 years, but my interest in it was born a little earlier. I grew up drawing and playing music, and as a school art project I organized a big fashion shoot. Right away I realized how much I loved the creative process, and decided that's what I wanted to do. Of course, I would never show anyone those photos now (so bad!!), but that shoot was a really important milestone for me. After that, I started shooting with real models, makeup artists - when I was 14 or 15 I organized my first big shoot. There were probably 20 people there, I rented a location and a designer actually made the outfits specifically for that day. It was Old Hollywood theme! I got so busy with shooting that I felt like high school was getting in the way. So, I graduated a year early and started photography classes a few months later in college. I finally finished my course this Christmas :)


Q: Where has Fashion photography taken you, what kind of opportunities do you have being a photographer?

A: I'm really still at the beginning of my career, but I think the best thing that's come from my photography has been all of the incredible people I've met. I've made a lot of friends by doing what I love, and connected with so many kind, talented, inspiring people. Sometimes I'll get messages from girls saying that my photo gave them confidence, that's also a huge reward.

Q: Can you tell us more about your charity magazine Refashion Book? What is the idea behind the Magazine? Why did you start the Magazine and how can people get involved?

A: As a teenager I was really interested in philanthropy & activism; I wanted to figure out a way to give back with my creativity. I couldn't find any charity/fashion magazines to submit to, so I decided to start my own, and Refashion Book was born. Every issue donates proceeds to a different charity & the theme of the photos is based on that cause. If anyone wants to get involved, or for more info, check out the website! www.refashionbook.com

   

       

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your role within the ‘A Perfect 14’ movement?

A: A Perfect 14 is an upcoming documentary about plus-size models and the struggles they face in the fashion industry. Giovanna & James, the filmmakers, actually approached me in their early days of shooting and naturally I fell in love with their idea right away! I did their promo posters and an interview for the documentary. It is really great to see people taking a stand against size discrimination. The anticipation for this film is so high. I know it's going to be so inspiring and successful - I'm very honoured to have been a small part of it.

Q: You have a beautiful, glamorous sense of style, could you tell us a little about what/ who inspires you in the fashion world, tell us a bit about your fashion style.

A: Thank you! I watch a ton of old movies and most of my inspiration comes from the film stars of that era. The outfits were so much more glamorous and beautiful back then. Dita Von Teese is my biggest modern-day inspiration. When I got older and started to pay for my own clothes I discovered the wonder that is thrift shopping. I LOVE THRIFT SHOPPING. Almost everything I own is second-hand, or bought online.


Q: Can you share with us one of your favourite vintage outfits?

A: Attached is a photo of my favourite dress (also known as my proudest eBay auction victory)! This one is actually 80's-does-50's vintage. It fits like a glove, has a boned bodice and a glorious winged bust, ahhhhh I love it. A corset is worn underneath in this particular photo.

Q: What is your go to lipstick?

A: Unfortunately I'm currently mourning the death of my all-time-favourite lipstick, Covergirl Lip Perfection (in #305 Hot Passion). I was told it's been discontinued, so now I'm looking for a replacement red!  Haha that's so funny! that's what I use, I will have to send you some from Aus, we still have it here! 

Q: Can you share with us any Hair or make up tips?

A: Be good to your skin. I am super particular about always wearing sunscreen year-round, moisturizing my face and always taking my makeup off before bed. Eyebrows are important too. Anastasia Dipbrow is really awesome for making perfect brows. I use it with an angled brush and clean up the edges with concealer. For hair, I just pin curl it with an iron. I leave the pins in until the hair is cooled down. It's way more convenient (and idiot-proof) than doing a wet set, and the key to vintage hair - or just longer lasting curls in general! It works best if your hair hasn't been washed for a day or two.


Q: We see you wear a corset from time to time can you share some details?

A: It's a newfound love of mine! I bought my first corset last year for fun just to wear under a few dresses, and after a few months I was able to close my waist almost 5 inches. It actually helps me with my posture after long hours of editing, too. Right now I'm saving up for a custom corset so I can waist train properly.


Q: What are some of the things you love to do when you’re not behind the camera?

A: Dressing up! When I'm shooting it's more about whatever's comfortable, so on days off I like getting dressed up. I love going on adventures (especially if there's food involved), & hunting for treasure in thrift stores / antique malls. I also really love being lazy, watching old movies, having bubble baths & listening to old radio shows etc...Who's guilty of being a princess? Me.


Q: It’s the start of the New Year and everything is new and fresh, what does 2015 hold for you?

A: I'm actually going back to school, this time on the health/sciences path. I know that probably sounds random! It's not easy making a steady income as an artist, so I'm going to get my diploma and start working part-time while I follow my photography dreams.
Aside from that, I have a ton of secret projects coming up. 2015 is a new chapter :)


Thank you again for taking the time to chat with us, once again we love what you do and please keep doing it! 

Thank you so much! xo 


Find Lanaya here:

Website
Refashionbook
Instagram: LANAYAF