Written by: Jo Ann L.B. Duggins
All Photos by: Marlo Gamora
Full Name: Michael Emily Quinn
Age: 33
Currently Residing: Northport, NY
Currently Listening to: Morrissey "Irish Blood, English Heart"
I really enjoy what I do with this little webzine. Mostly because I get to meet amazing and accomplished people. Upon meeting Miss Michael Quinn, I was smitten by how honest and sweet she is. Here's this chick who creates these visionary millinery pieces and who knew she existed? Well you do now! Glampire Design reflects a beauty which is making a subtle comeback I feel. There's a class and elegance about wearing something regal on your head.
With a revival of burlesque and cabaret, fashion conscience shows like Gossip Girl, and vampire culture making a return to pop culture, Glampire Design will definitely stand out on it's own. Every piece holds an intricate and expressive feel that will make any girl the belle of the ball. For all those looking to stand out and looking to scratch records, I highly suggest purchasing one of Miss Quinn's divine inventions.
There's a vintage revival happening, but more of a victorian theme, don't you think?
I agree. I've never been terribly interested in the Victorian era, though. I am more interested in the 1920's-40's. I was an Agatha Christie addict when I was young and all of her books take place in that time period. Everything and everyone was so proper then and civilized, even murder.
How did all this come about and what made you decided on headwear?
Sort of a fluke, really. I saw a large raven in a craft store and bought it not really knowing what I was going to do with it. It ended up on a headband and the positive feedback was really overwhelming...everything sort of avalanched from there.
Your creations are gorgeous, where do you get your inspiration from?
Thank you! It's hard to pin down what moves you, don't you think? Music, art, travel, a beautiful room, other creative people. Let's just say it's about rebellion with form.
How long does it take you to do a piece and is it difficult finding the materials?
From start to finish, from initial idea to finished product, from woe to go, from beginning to end...what was the question? Finding materials has been a treasure hunt - sometimes fun, sometimes supremely frustrating!
You've just added fascinators to the mix, why?
A new challenge. I've done over 200 headbands and just as many clips - it was time to branch out a bit. They are the most glamorous things in the world and are exciting to make - no limits!
Not to mention, when Marlo and I were traveling last year through Australia and other countries, fascinators were about $300. I wanted to make something affordable and just as beautiful. Not to mention one-of-a-kind...
I feel some people think this type of dressing is dramatic, but how do you feel your pieces have become part of fashion culture these days?
I don't know that they have become a part of fashion culture, really. Have they? I really just think it boils down to the 15 year-old-goth in me who doesn't want to give up dressing up. Let's face it - it's about attention...it's exotic, it's unique, it's Glampire.
What do you enjoy making most?
Depends on the day... sometimes sheer amount of feathers and beads and ribbons that I have really overwhelms me and I have to start with a small simple clip just to get in the flow. After that, it's all systems go.
I just released the "Jukebox" collection which uses vintage band pins and that's something I'm excited about because I'm using buttons from all my favorite bands. Especially fun to think of the names of the pieces.
Do you see Glampire expanding elsewhere?
Of course. World domination is what I seek - nothing less. (Except maybe to be one of Oprah's "Favorite Things".)
How does one find your wares besides online and how do you go about marketing them?
Let me count the ways.... Hmmm. Well I worked in public relations for a long time - first in music, then in interior design - so I picked up some marketing skills along the way. I'm trying to work my way into some quirky independent boutiques, so I'm putting together some press kits to mail out but I am always open to new ideas, so if anyone out there wants to drop me a line, feel free!
Where to find Glampire Design:
The Jewelry Collection, a boutique in Northport, NY and at
Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg (just ask for the Glampire collection)
Do you collaborate with others in doing your pieces?
Only my mother (who was visiting from Australia to help me find the perfect fascinator netting!) and Marlo as well. Being a photographer, he has an eye for detail and sees things in a different way. Plus, he just has great taste.
favorite inventor and why?
Thomas Edison, of course. I do my best work at night - what would I do without a lightbulb?
Please feel free to do some holiday shopping by visiting Michael's, Glampire Design website, her Etsy Site or you can tell her how much you love her pieces by adding her on MySpace.
Please stay tuned because in January, Anti-Mag will be presenting Michael's designs with a fashion reception. I also wanted to thank Michael publicly for making a very beautiful piece for Xmas. It's gorgeous and I can't wait to wear it!
Back to Style
All Photos by: Marlo Gamora
Full Name: Michael Emily Quinn
Age: 33
Currently Residing: Northport, NY
Currently Listening to: Morrissey "Irish Blood, English Heart"
I really enjoy what I do with this little webzine. Mostly because I get to meet amazing and accomplished people. Upon meeting Miss Michael Quinn, I was smitten by how honest and sweet she is. Here's this chick who creates these visionary millinery pieces and who knew she existed? Well you do now! Glampire Design reflects a beauty which is making a subtle comeback I feel. There's a class and elegance about wearing something regal on your head.
With a revival of burlesque and cabaret, fashion conscience shows like Gossip Girl, and vampire culture making a return to pop culture, Glampire Design will definitely stand out on it's own. Every piece holds an intricate and expressive feel that will make any girl the belle of the ball. For all those looking to stand out and looking to scratch records, I highly suggest purchasing one of Miss Quinn's divine inventions.
There's a vintage revival happening, but more of a victorian theme, don't you think?I agree. I've never been terribly interested in the Victorian era, though. I am more interested in the 1920's-40's. I was an Agatha Christie addict when I was young and all of her books take place in that time period. Everything and everyone was so proper then and civilized, even murder.
How did all this come about and what made you decided on headwear?
Sort of a fluke, really. I saw a large raven in a craft store and bought it not really knowing what I was going to do with it. It ended up on a headband and the positive feedback was really overwhelming...everything sort of avalanched from there.
Your creations are gorgeous, where do you get your inspiration from?
Thank you! It's hard to pin down what moves you, don't you think? Music, art, travel, a beautiful room, other creative people. Let's just say it's about rebellion with form.
How long does it take you to do a piece and is it difficult finding the materials?
From start to finish, from initial idea to finished product, from woe to go, from beginning to end...what was the question? Finding materials has been a treasure hunt - sometimes fun, sometimes supremely frustrating!
You've just added fascinators to the mix, why?
A new challenge. I've done over 200 headbands and just as many clips - it was time to branch out a bit. They are the most glamorous things in the world and are exciting to make - no limits!
Not to mention, when Marlo and I were traveling last year through Australia and other countries, fascinators were about $300. I wanted to make something affordable and just as beautiful. Not to mention one-of-a-kind...
I feel some people think this type of dressing is dramatic, but how do you feel your pieces have become part of fashion culture these days?I don't know that they have become a part of fashion culture, really. Have they? I really just think it boils down to the 15 year-old-goth in me who doesn't want to give up dressing up. Let's face it - it's about attention...it's exotic, it's unique, it's Glampire.
What do you enjoy making most?
Depends on the day... sometimes sheer amount of feathers and beads and ribbons that I have really overwhelms me and I have to start with a small simple clip just to get in the flow. After that, it's all systems go.
I just released the "Jukebox" collection which uses vintage band pins and that's something I'm excited about because I'm using buttons from all my favorite bands. Especially fun to think of the names of the pieces.
Do you see Glampire expanding elsewhere?
Of course. World domination is what I seek - nothing less. (Except maybe to be one of Oprah's "Favorite Things".)
How does one find your wares besides online and how do you go about marketing them?
Let me count the ways.... Hmmm. Well I worked in public relations for a long time - first in music, then in interior design - so I picked up some marketing skills along the way. I'm trying to work my way into some quirky independent boutiques, so I'm putting together some press kits to mail out but I am always open to new ideas, so if anyone out there wants to drop me a line, feel free!
Where to find Glampire Design:
The Jewelry Collection, a boutique in Northport, NY and at
Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg (just ask for the Glampire collection)
Do you collaborate with others in doing your pieces?Only my mother (who was visiting from Australia to help me find the perfect fascinator netting!) and Marlo as well. Being a photographer, he has an eye for detail and sees things in a different way. Plus, he just has great taste.
favorite inventor and why?
Thomas Edison, of course. I do my best work at night - what would I do without a lightbulb?
Please feel free to do some holiday shopping by visiting Michael's, Glampire Design website, her Etsy Site or you can tell her how much you love her pieces by adding her on MySpace.
Please stay tuned because in January, Anti-Mag will be presenting Michael's designs with a fashion reception. I also wanted to thank Michael publicly for making a very beautiful piece for Xmas. It's gorgeous and I can't wait to wear it!
Back to Style