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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
Velda Lauder
Velda Lauder, the original and still the finest of London's bespoke corsetiers, has been creating her uniquely designed steel boned corsets in the capital since 1992. Velda's corsets have featured in a multitude of music videos, such as the Sugababes, and starred in both blockbuster and art-house movies.
Velda has dressed many performers including Dita Von Teese. Black Pearl carries a range of Velda's corsets in various sizes, but if what you want is not there, it can be made to order.
Velda Lauder, the original and still the finest of London's bespoke corsetiers, has been creating her uniquely designed steel boned corsets in the capital since 1992. Velda's corsets have featured in a multitude of music videos, such as the Sugababes, and starred in both blockbuster and art-house movies.
Velda has dressed many performers including Dita Von Teese. Black Pearl carries a range of Velda's corsets in various sizes, but if what you want is not there, it can be made to order.
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.
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.
Chelsea Rebelle
Sarah Brannon is the designer behind LA-based label Chelsea Rebelle. Taking influence from 1960s rockers and mods, Britpop and Americana Sarah creates beautifully constructed, modern yet classic pieces.
Mixing velvet bows against linen, pink silk on dark wool, the feminine with the tough, each piece is based on subtle contradiction.
Sarah Brannon is the designer behind LA-based label Chelsea Rebelle. Taking influence from 1960s rockers and mods, Britpop and Americana Sarah creates beautifully constructed, modern yet classic pieces.
Mixing velvet bows against linen, pink silk on dark wool, the feminine with the tough, each piece is based on subtle contradiction.
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.
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 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.
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
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!).
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!).