Home About Shop Custom Press Links Terms & Conditions Contact
About Black Pearl
Black Pearl
Black Pearl opened in 2005 and is owned and run by designer Fiona Deffenbaugh. Decorated in a South Seas tiki style, it evokes the spirit of tiki bars such as Beachcomber and Trader Vics. These bars became popular in the 1950s as places where people could go to forget the mundanity of everyday life and sit back with a cocktail in their own tropical paradise. This mirrors the philosophy of Black Pearl - located just off Carnaby Street and minutes from Oxford Street, yet miles away from the everyday shopping experience. Inspired by classic pin-ups of the 50s such as Bettie Page, Jayne Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe, Fiona selects stock either from or inspired by this era. Beautiful vintage dresses sit alongside handmade miniature hats, retro-inspired lingerie, corsets, flower hairclips and charm jewellery. Many pieces can be adapted or custom made to suit personal tastes.

About Fiona Deffenbaugh

Fiona began making jewellery in 2002 while studying at London College of Fashion. She sold at both Portobello and Spitalfields markets before opening Black Pearl. Inspired by a love of 1940s and 1950s glamour, old tattoos, charms and trinkets Fiona creates a vast range of jewellery and accessories from necklaces to nipple tassels using silver, gold, leather, fabric, beads, stones and charms.

The Black Pearl designers

Bombshell
Bombshell

Bombshell is a vintage inspired clothing line by designer Katya Wildman. Her signature dress is a 1950s style wrap dress which comes in sizes 8 – 18 and is available in a variety of prints and fabrics. The dress is incredibly flattering and features stretch panels on either side to ensure a great fit.
What Katie Did
What Katie Did

What Katie Did specialises in lingerie and hosiery inspired by the 1940s and 1950s, adapting original patterns and where possible using materials available at that time. Most well known for their fabulous bullet bras, What Katie Did also produce knickers, suspender belts, corsets and stockings. Their newest range 'Dorothy' is now available at Black Pearl.
Instant Vintage
Instant Vintage

Instant vintage is a vintage-inspired clothing line by designer Anna Coleman. Anna’s designs include the ‘Pencil Me Thin’ skirt which is the perfect high waisted pencil skirt. Also stocked in Black Pearl are the Girl Friday dress, and the Songbird dress which features a crossover halterneck. Instant Vintage clothing can also me made to order if you would like a different size or colour to what we have in stock
Frillseekers Vintage
Frillseekers Vintage

Frillseekers is a vintage clothing source run by friends Fran and Caroline. Their hand-picked pieces range through the eras and are sourced from around the globe, with Black Pearl stocking their 1940s and 1950s finds.
Trophy Queen
Trophy Queen

Trophy Queen was founded in 2000 by artist and designer Jenny Parker. Inspired by her passion for hot rods and vintage motorcycles and using her training in auto upholstery, Jenny creates a range of handbags and wallets using metallic, patent and leopard print fabrics.
Sakura Designs
Sakura Designs

Emma is the designer behind Sakura Designs. Her mission is to re-instate simple but unusual headwear back to the aisle, dancefloor and street. Her retro inspired hats feature a myriad of materials including leopard print, feathers, sequins and bows in unique and unusual shapes. She can also custom make her hats if you have an idea for a special occasion (or any occasion!).