At 19 years old, Kat Creasey is the design superwoman behind both the Kustom Krafts Market in Brisbane and independent Jewelry label My Little Rockabilly. Studying fashion design, jewelry and business, Kat has put her mind to not only creating her own successful label, but helping others to do the same. By mentoring and supporting these up and coming designers, Kat is helping to ensure that the alternative fashion scene is alive and well in Brisbane.
Not content to rest on her laurels, Kat’s latest adventure has seen her launch her own line of My Little Rockabilly makeup. What a wonder woman!
I spoke with Kat to get the low down on her burgeoning empire.
Growing up, were you always a creative type? Yes! When I was two I started drawing life like faces and bodies upside down, my parents couldn’t believe what they were seeing, they still talk about it today.
Art has always been my love and I am only just getting back into drawing and painting again now.
When I was twelve I made my first bracelet at the local bead store, my mum said ‘why don’t you try and sell them?’ so I went down to the local fashion store in my old home town of Mullumbimby (near Byron Bay) and sold my first batch of bracelets. Then I went into earrings, necklaces and brooches; by the time I was 13 I had 9 stores stocking my things! Other kids didn’t seem to understand why I would dash home after school because I had an appointment to show local shops my range while they went home to play Nintendo.
All my savings went straight into the bank and last year I bought my 1966 Fairmont.
Do you remember the first thing you made and felt that sense of “wow, this could be an awesome job.”? Because I grew up in Byron Bay, my first thing I made was rainbow (gross) but it was suited to the town. I have never really thought of my jewellery as being a job as such, just a hobby. I mainly do it so I can get out and socialise and I love seeing people wearing my things. It’s alot of hard work; you have to have patience, a strong back bone, and to be able to take criticism as being constructive.
Where did the idea and name for My Little Rockabilly come from? I got the name from ‘My Little Pony’ hahaha…I did a short fashion course during year 10, and we had to create an image and style to focus on. I never really knew Rockabilly existed, I always knew Rock’ n Roll- poodle skirts..but never liked that cheesey style. I went to a car show and saw this beautiful women (who is now a good friend) and thought ‘oh wow’ she had a 1950’s full circle skirt on that was chocolate brown with detailed lace on it, her hair was immaculate she was just so elegant at that moment she changed my life. I grew up with my dad picking me up from school in his bright red Chevy Apache with flames and my mum dropping me at friends places in her turquoise 67 mustang. I thought it was normal . I guess my family has always been into this style, but we never put a label to it.
Which of your pieces do you feel most clearly defines the aesthetic of your label? The hair accessories, using different fabrics can change the look. I think anything leopard print and polka dot can suit rockabilly, as well as everyday people.
Do you ever feel like you’ve run out of ideas and how do you deal with “creative’s block”? Oh no never! I can’t seem to stop. I have too many plans and ideas for MLR art, makeup, clothing..now paint..haha this interview is making me realise how random this label really is!
Friends are always telling me to slow down..I ask why? The answer is always the same, “you’re making me tired just watching what you do!”
I have a lot of older women who are friends and loyal customers and they come up and give me suggestions. One thing is ‘less skulls, more bows’. Peoples feedback always feeds my creativity.
You’ve recently launched you own makeup line; what prompted you to move into cosmetics from clothing and accessories? I’m a bit of a health nut. I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the past and I became highly allergic to everything. I started finding out what was in our everyday brands and discovered the harmful ingredient they use as fillers in the products. A lot of my friends are vegan or are allergic to many products. My cosmetics are 100% Natural and far cheaper than everyone else’s.
Has this been a difficult process or a natural progression for your label? Natural progression. I have built up a large customer base from going out to markets and making friends out of these amazing people. And the makeup gel’s into everything. It was a large risk, because I spent a lot of money with the start up of the makeup. But so far I have received an outstanding response. The makeup isn’t restricted to one alternative scene, anyone can use it!
What does the MLR makeup line offer that is especially suited to us vintage vixen’s? Red lipstick of course! White eyeshadow (Marilyn Monroes trick to bigger eyes!) Black eye pencils that work like liquid. And a vast array of bright colours inspired by the ladies of the 30’s,40’s,50’s and early 60’s.
Is the line seasonal or trend driven? How would you like to see your customers highlight their look with MLR? It changes with my style. People who know me, know my style changes dramatically from modern rockabilly to Authentic 40’s and 50’s vintage to goth & Psychobilly. Why should you feel restricted to one era or one style? I’ve just started roller derby. I go in wearing all black, band t’shirts, fishnets and leave wearing a atomic 50’s dress.
Recently I started making cute gothic lolita bows, next week it will be the complete opposite. Eventually I want to do a top to toe MLR look, starting with the jewellery, then makeup, clothes. I’m also looking into getting shoes made.
Does MLR ship worldwide and how can SKM’s readers get their hands on some of your pretties? I sure do! Most of my sales from the internet are international. You can send me an email mylittlerockabilly@gmail.com tell me exactly what you are after- or I can make custom made pieces.
My Little Rockabilly Vegan Makeup used for this look
On eyes: White highlighter powder for base, Emily and Isobel Von for creases and highlights
On cheeks: MLR powder blush
Lips: MLR Cherry Gloss
Great News! My Little Rockabilly is offering all Super Kawaii Mama readers FREE shipping worldwide for orders over $20.00!
You can check out the detail of any of these shots over on my Flickr stream.
