Paloma Faith

F*M*A*D Interviews Paloma Faith

August 2010

Congratulations on your recent single ‘New York’ with Ghost face Killah!

Thanks! …You know I always find it funny when people say to me congratulations on your new single, because ‘New York’ was my second single to be released as an artist and so its been floating around for almost a year now and only now has gone mainstream.

Your look is very pin up inspired from the 40s, if you could raid the wardrobe of your style icon who would it be?

It would definitely be Marilyn Munroe, I completely love her style & everything about her

How would you describe your sound in three words?

Soulful, Fairytale like and Extravagant

Did you enjoy your days as a Burlesque performer and which places did you often gig at?

I used to work for the Whoopi Club – a burlesque agency, before it went bust and I’ve performed all over London. But my favourite places to perform was at the Blackpool ballroom which was absolutely stunning and also the Riverly ballroom in south London.

I also did a few corporate gigs, which I didn’t enjoy doing so much but the pay was also better!

How did you juggle gigging as a burlesque show girl, working on your music and working at Agent Provocateur?

It was very difficult to juggle working and my music, you know, I always had to focus on getting my rent paid! But one tip I would say, it always try to have a good relationship with your employers and don’t piss them off, whilst trying to pursue your dream. I try not to burn any bridges, which has worked for me because I got contracted to do some burlesque work, but when the contract ended; which is definitely the nature of the industry.. And so I called up my old manager from Agent Provocateur and she gave me back my old job

I think that a lot of girls can relate to you in terms of working 9-5 jobs to support their dreams & for those who are thinking about giving up the juggling act, what would you say to them?

If you can honestly ask yourself would you be happy living with a 9-5 job then yes you should give it up. But if like me, you’ve always had a feeling that you were meant to do something then I would say don’t give up, because I love to perform – I can’t not perform.

Do you have any favourite designers?

Right now I would say my favourite designers are Ashish, Manoush and Victoria Grant.

If you could be the muse of any designer who would it be and why?

It would have had to have been Alexander McQueen, because he was such an artist, he wasn’t pretentious and he didn’t design because of the ‘fame’ of it. He wasn’t caught up in the fashion parties and events, he was all about the art of fashion and his designs were always sculptural and beautiful.

What’s your favourite trend/ prediction for the autumn season?

I don’t believe in trends. Screw trends! Wear what you want to wear and what makes you happy

What can we expect next from Paloma Faith?

Well I am currently focusing on writing my second album, I am making a film at the end of year which I am excited about and I am going on tour soon in Oct/November!

To visit Paloma’s website & find out more about this soulful songstress click here!

View Our selection of Burlesque inspired dresses click here!