Quines in a Figaro: A Murder Mystery
The weather had been iffy all day. It had been torrential rain in Edinburgh, where most of the models and photographer were travelling from and dark looking clouds. Weather apps were being refreshed over and over and Lisa, who had been sunbathing all day and enjoying tea in her garden in Falkland had to keep sending reassuring videos and photos for proof that Falkland still had sun and blue sky.
Kamila and Greg our photographer had to work until late that day and came straight from work, picking Debi and Noelia up on route. Anya and Lisa had chosen outfits for everybody a few days earlier and prepared different areas in the shop for everybody to get changed in. It was very surreal walking up to the shop past the Covenanter beer garden with big vintage hair, carrying vintage hat boxes, petticoats, a suitcase full of shoes and accessories, vintage champagne flutes and a large picnic.
Kamila @hedwig.macbutterfly
Kamila @hedwig.macbutterfly
The shop was filled with laughter and shouts of “oh my God you look amazing!” and Quines helping each other with pulling up zips and deciding on last minute accessories. Louise was ironing creases, whilst others were straightening their seams. As we were leaving the shop, we heard a little whining sound from the back of the homeware display and spotted wee Dug looking at us with big “please take me too” eyes. We got back into our cars, remembering to take the champagne and headed towards the top secret shoot location.
The evening light was gorgeous. Large iron gates beckoned us up a sweeping gravel drive, which was lined with dense trees and beautiful flowers towards the mansion. The Quines didn’t know where to look first, as everything was so beautiful.
Debi @ms1940mccall
Kamila @hedwig.macbutterfly
The owners of the house, including their dog Charlie couldn’t have been more welcoming. Charlie insisted on taking part in the photo shoot and was rewarded with a selfie with Dug. Greg, the photographer was able to get the Quines lined up on the grand staircase to pose for the first group shot.
Lisa, who looked like the owner of the “big house” soon opened up the Champagne. The owners offered us their vintage champagne glasses to pose with to complete the look.
Anya @anya_mackay
The skies started to darken a little and Greg was able to take pictures of Debi, Anya, Kamila and Noelia on the steps leading up to the house before it started to rain. We were worried that would be the end of the day we’d all waited so long for! Thankfully, the lovely owner came out and offered us the use of her piano room so we could continue to shoot indoors. The interior of the mansion left everybody speechless.
Debi @ms1940mccall photographed by Greg @motyl.photography
Debi @ms1940mccall photographed by Greg @motyl.photography
Greg shot Kamila posing next to the grand piano, then Debi posing in front of the mirror.
Lisa @vintagequine1
Lisa overcame her nerves and was soon posing like a professional 1920s Lady of the Manor.
All of the Quines were in love with their chosen outfits. Lisa and Louise even started a little sing a long on the piano.
The Figaro arrived amongst all the hustle and bustle, and the rain had eased off long enough for us to get back outside into the grounds. The “murder mystery party at the mansion” vibes soon changed when some of the Quines started humming the Bond theme tune and favourite Bond actors were discussed. Greg remained so patient and professional throughout, guiding the models and adjusting his gear to capture the best angles in the fading light.
Noelia @noelia_thetimetraveller & Kamila @hedwig.macbutterfly
Heather, the owner of the Figaro opened the roof of the car and encouraged the Quines to live their best “sipping champagne whilst precariously hanging out of a moving Figaro” life. Vintage suitcases were unloaded for the “Quine’s weekend at the mansion” shots.
Noelia @noelia_thetimetraveller with Charlie the Dood & Dug @dugthedogvq
There was a costume change at some point. Lisa and Anya set up the picnic basket in the shop and took the left overs back to the location. The owner gave everybody a tour of her amazing gardens and the Quines were left speechless with the beauty of it all.
Debi @ms1940mccall photographed by Greg @motyl.photography
Greg @motyl.photography with the VQ crew
Greg got to work shooting individual shots under a blooming arch, followed by group shots next to a fountain. Wee Dug snuggled in next to the Quines. The light was fading, but Greg worked relentlessly until almost 10pm. The garden was filled with laughter and happily munching Quines and the Champagne was finished. Dug was rewarded with a walk through Falkland back to the shop with Kamila and Anya.
The whole evening was a joy start to finish, despite the anxiety we all felt in the lead up and the swift change of plans when the weather turned! The inside shoot was completely unexpected and everybody was so touched by how welcoming, helpful and lovely the owners of the house were and how nice it was of them to let us use a couple of rooms in their house.
Us Quines kept trying to make each other laugh and relaxed for the shots - Jamie from Outlander might have been mentioned a few times! Lisa was greatly admired in her 1920s dress and Louise looked ravishing in the Mabel dress. Heather, the owner of the Figaro, was even talked in to posing as well!
Lisa was so grateful to everybody for giving their time and for being so patient. All the Quines were still buzzing when they left. Lisa sent everybody on their way with doggy bags of picnic leftovers, and wee Dug was passed out happily after his adventure.
Meet Anya
Getting to know you! What are some facts about you?
I moved to Scotland 24 years ago to make it my home and have never looked back. Until recently I worked as a project manager for an international Youth Welfare Organisation. Since the beginning of the year I’ve been playing Miss Marple (investigating and listing Vintage items) and Marketing Quine alongside Marcie for Vintage Quine. I dress in vintage or reproduction vintage clothing every day and love meeting up with my vintage loving friends for events, days and nights out, or to scour charity and vintage shops for treasure. I love being creative and I’m trying to sew my own clothing, using original sewing patterns from the 1940s.
How and when did you first get into vintage?
I have loved everything old since I was little. My Mum collected old books and some antique furniture. I could spend hours in antique bookstores or antique shops. My Grans liked to throw vintage tea parties. I loved dressing up in their hats and brooches and watching old Hollywood movies and helping them choose which brooch to wear. I still have their old tea sets and brooches and keep adding to my collection.
After moving to Fife, I realised Edinburgh and Fife have some amazing Vintage Shops filled with adorable pieces that suit my body shape much better than “high street fashion”. Items back then were made to last, mended and lovingly stored all these years. I love the stories these vintage items can tell and imagine what adventures they might have had. I dress in vintage or repro Clothing every day. I feel life is too short to hide your pretty clothes at the back of your wardrobe.
Who is your ultimate vintage style icon?
I don’t really have a typical style icon. I’m inspired by everyday fashion of the 1940s, old Hollywood movies and what I see on Instagram.
Which era is your favourite to dress in, and which fashion from then is your go to?
The 1940s are my favourite era fashion wise. I love how feminine everything is, from everyday clothes to glam evening wear. Nothing beats a great shirt dress with a nipped in waist, little puff sleeves with shoulder pads, A-line skirts, swing pants, bishop sleeves, Princess coats, seamed stockings, house coats, knitted cable knit and fair isle cardigans and glam evening gowns.
Which outfit did you wear on the day that was your favourite?
It is really hard to choose. I loved the deep red velvet 50s dress I wore as it was “my colour”, incredibly soft and elegant but also the late 40s navy coat made my heart beat faster. Can I say BOTH?!
Any tips to get the perfect vintage pose?
I feel the best poses just happen when you are relaxed and having lots of fun.
Follow Anya on instagram: @anya_mackay
Meet Noelia
Getting to know you! What are some facts about you?
My name is Noelia, I am originally from South Spain. I’ve always felt a strong connection with Scotland and its ancient Celtic culture so in 2016 I made my dream come true coming to live here. Before that, I went to live and work for an English family as an ‘au pair’ in Bath, following in Jane Austen’s footsteps, my favourite author of all time. I’m always looking to fulfil my dreams! I studied a BA in Languages and Literature in the University of my city as I love reading and writing. I was a teacher for a few years and now I am looking to find the job of my dreams in something closer to my interests, like history or vintage fashion!
How and when did you first get into vintage?
I was only 12 years old when I realised, I wanted to dress like my grandma when she was young. No one in my family seemed too inclined to like old things or vintage fashion so they were really impressed/surprised the first time I decided to wear a full circle skirt, a white blouse and a bolero on top of it. It was on a family Easter lunch when I was 15. I picked up some clothes from the 80s from my mum’s wardrobe and I curled my hair trying to achieve a 40s/50s look. After that I started sewing/mending modern clothes by hand to make them look like this era. When I was 18, I went for a 1930s look in my High School Graduation Ceremony, wearing a floaty knee length dress and finger waves for the first time! I still remember the reaction of my friends and teachers when I arrived. I received lovely compliments though! Shame that I don’t keep any picture from that day, phone cameras were not that good as they are nowadays!
Who is your ultimate vintage style icon?
I really don’t have just one. I like everyday fashion of the 1940s. However, I could mention some Old Hollywood quines who sometimes I get inspired from like Gene Tierney, Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth or Vivien Leigh.
Which era is your favourite to dress in, and which fashion from then is your go to?
My preferences go particularly from 1935 to 1945. I’m just in love with every detail from this decade, unique details that you don’t find in any other fashion in history, from novelty prints, puff and bow-tied sleeves to knee length skirts, feminine hair accessories and peep toe shoes. Though the lines were simple, the overall effect was one of complete sinuous femininity. Impeccably tailored, the designs in the thirties and early forties championed the strong shoulder and cinched in waist that defined the period.
Which outfit did you wear on the day that was your favourite?
Oh, wow this is a hard question! I loved both of them. The red polka dot Mable dress is a dream! So flattering and well reproduced. Also, the 1940s wool black hand beaded dress is beautiful and elegant, perfect for any formal occasion!
Any tips to get the perfect vintage pose?
I always say that posing is like acting, you just need to make the camera love you and voilà!
Follow Noelia on instagram: @noelia_thetimetraveller
Meet Louise
Getting to know you! What are some facts about you?
I am a teacher who loves dresses. I wear all my dresses to work as they are too lovely to leave in the wardrobe.
How and when did you first get into vintage?
I have always loved vintage but I didn’t really start wearing the clothes until I discovered Lisa and her lovely shop.
Who is your ultimate vintage style icon?
I grew up watching old films and I loved Doris Day! Every outfit was an event. I love the white evening gown from Pillow Talk, especially when accessorized with Rock Hudson.
Which outfit did you wear on the day that was your favourite?
I wore the Seamstress Mabel dress. I love this dress and I have it in 2 colours. It is so flattering, it makes me feel fabulous, and what is not to love about a puff sleeve!
I also wore a 1920s drop waist and I felt fantastic in it! I want to wear it to go dancing.
Any tips to get the perfect vintage pose?
I have never done any modelling before but when Lisa asked me along, I thought it would be fun to do something different. It was but a wee bit of bubbly helped me strike that vintage pose!
Follow Louise on instagram: @loobee45
Meet Dug
Getting to know you! What are some facts about you?
I am a pooch from the Cotswolds, I’ve recently joined the Vintage Quine family! I like hanging out in the shop and when it’s a nice day I get to have a little sniff outside and watch the world go by. It was a highlight to get out of the shop and get to go for walkies around the lovely grounds of the big house. Meeting Charlie the doodle was spectacular fun too!
Who is your ultimate vintage style icon?
It’s got to be Lassie - I’m incredibly jealous of her beautiful long coat but I know I’m just as handsome when I have my bowtie and scarf on.
Which outfit did you wear on the day that was your favourite?
I loved the beautiful scarf I was given, I had my eye on a couple of sparkly dresses though that I think I would have looked incredibly dashing in.
Any tips to get the perfect vintage pose?
I’m getting used to the modelling life now, the best advice I can give is to act natural and smile with your eyes.