Whimsical princess with a rock n roll twist.

I have recently developed a new-level of appreciation for fashion designers/dress-makers/seamstresses - basically, anyone who can make clothes. I am currently taking a night course in sewing at CIT and the sheer patience and determination required is both frustrating and exciting. The only memory I have of touching a sewing machine was in year 7 when I made an apron. Suffice to say, I did not grow up in a household where the gentle rattles of a sewing machine were present in any way, shape or form. Vicky Kidd-Gallichan, on the other hand, has clear memories seeing sewing machines in action. She fondly remembers watching her Mother create beautiful clothes for her and her sister, her friends and even her dolls. One peach taffeta bridesmaid dress (a la Mum) later - Vicky fell in love. 

Vicky is the incredibly talented owner of Rockstars and Royalty - a Canberra-based label encompassing everything from couture bridal gowns and Victorian corsetry, to fascinators and jewellery. Vicky established Rockstars and Royalty in 2007 after moving to Canberra from the UK, where she grew up and studied metal work and jewellery-making. 'So you didn't even take a course in sewing or design?', I asked Vicky when she told me this today. 'No, I am completely self-taught', she replied, modestly. Wow, so THIS concept was self-taught...

Image courtesy of Leighton Hutchinson. 

You may recognise this gold and teal gown from the catwalk at FashFest earlier this year. To say it was a 'show-stopper' is somewhat of an understatement. Vicky's bold gowns truly represent the 'Royalty' half to her brand, and are in high demand in Canberra and interstate. For example, Vicky currently has dress commissions booked through until November next year. This comes as no surprise, as Vicky's creations are all uniquely handmade from her home studio and designed to reflect your personality and taste. Plus, each dress takes Vicky 80-100 hours to make.  

The 'Rockstars' half of Vicky's brand encompasses the edgy, burlesque and rock n roll-inspired pieces that are reminiscent of Vicky's personal style. I can quickly draw comparisons, for example, between Vicky's gorgeous fairy floss pink hair and colourful tattoos, with her jewellery (I have a pair of Vicky's red rose studs that are almost a spitting-image of the red rose tattoo on her arm). Other inspiration for Vicky's jewellery is drawn from her Grandmother's collection of costume jewellery that she used to play with as a child, as well as her own collection of vintage charms collected over time. 

Rockstars and Royalty will be at the Hustle&Scout market on 21 September. As well as her jewellery and accessories, Vicky will be bringing along a few of her stunning gowns for us all to 'ooo' and 'ahhh' over. It is not until you get up close to her gowns that you can truly appreciate the craftsmanship and skill involved. 

Vicky, who has attended so many markets that she now has it 'down to a fine art', tells me she loves chatting with her customers and hearing their feedback. So, if you're in the market (and at the market) for a beautiful quality, one-of-a-kind dress - look out for that glorious pink hair and go and say hello!

http://www.rockstarsandroyalty.com.au/index2.php#/home/