Stalkers and Strumpets.

Another discovery over MFW; I was introduced into the fabulous world of Strumpets (namely the shop and product). The brainchild of Elizabeth Melinek was born 7 years ago when she went shopping for boots and, faced with the classic dilemma, nothing fitted properly. I met this enticing character, some kind of petitely proportioned jet haired superwoman, and was just as drawn in by the wall of leather legs. So ingenious are strumpets that they transform any shoe into a boot. The varied calf sizes (the aptly termed petite, athletic and voluptuous) ensure that they will fit anyone.
Her hub is down in the vintage paradise Brick Lane near Shoreditch in London and was originally stocked in the decedent Coco de Mer. Ms Melinek now stocks up Selfridges in Manchester with strumpets and waist clinchers. It was quite tantric in a way and very dark Victorian, in the way that Burberry Prorsum suggested for winter throughout their A/W shows back in March, with leather gloves and high neck tops.
She does use Toscana sheepskin and leather; not exactly an ethical dream. However there is a strict handmade-only policy on all produce so no sweatshop endorsement here. Though her price range maybe out of reach for some of us there is nothing like some ridiculous indulgent dress up. I strapped on some strumpets and I must warn you; do the same and you may be tempted to wear some ridiculous cleavage scooping dress, drink red wine and hang of a window and shout 'Alright mister!' at every man that walks past. Victorian whore fantasy aside, they're a revolutionary addition to a wardrobe and work well in normal circumstances too.


The most recent collection 'signature range' is a modern interpretation on 1930's spats, remarking on those worn through the crazy surrealism movement of that time that has been so widely referenced in art fashion and theatre during 2007. Being a slightly acquired taste, it's no surprise that Gwen Stefani has been seen wearing Strumpets' designs or that they have been featured at the Vivienne Westwood Retrospective - renowned for her corseted traditional creations. There’s nothing like a bit of a celebrity name drop to boost impressions. Impressed? I was.

www.strumpets.co.uk