Perth is a melting pot of creative talent – and a local Milliner, Skull Stylist has come on board for our Festival re-launch in 2019 to add that final touch of glamour to our sponsor lineup. This powerhouse Perth babe has been styling skulls for the last 4 years – and officially set up shop in 2017.
She’s styled more feathers, flowers, faux fur, horns, turbans and even coconuts(!) than you can poke a hatpin at!
On stage she’s better known as Fifi Fontaine (or if you’re naughty, Miss Fontaine) – and you’d be amazed how many of her creations you would have already seen on the heads many local, national and international performers.
Original Skull Stylist creation
Photo Courtesy of Skull Stylist
We caught up with Skull Stylist to get some style tips for our own ‘skulls’ and see what she’s up to before, and during PIBF:
FOR THOSE NOT YET AWARE OF YOUR CREATIONS – TELL US WHAT SKULL STYLIST GETS UP TO IN HER WORKSHOP?
There is a bit of dancing, a few swear words but mostly creative juices. I create custom fascinators, hats, headpieces, showgirl headdresses and have most recently ventured into half masks. There is no skull topping too big or small. Or outrageous!
YOU ALSO TEACH AND PERFORM – HOW DID STYLING OTHER ‘SKULLS’ BECOME A BIG INTEREST FOR YOU?
Being a burlesque performer myself and creating my own headpieces, it organically led to other performers within the local Perth burlesque community enquiring if I would be interested in making them something fab. I think Whisky A’More was my first commission and I can’t thank her and everyone else enough for supporting me.
IF SOMEONE SAYS TO YOU “I DON’T WEAR/SUIT HEADPIECES” – WHAT’S YOUR RESPONSE? WHY SHOULD PEOPLE WEAR HEADPIECES?
You haven’t had the experience of a custom design then have you? When you are putting together an outfit, you dress from head to toe, don’t forget the head. Make a statement!
YOU’RE A PERTH LOCAL – WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR WHEN PIBF RE-LAUNCHES IN OCTOBER?
I have been involved in PIBF for a number of years and when it had a haiatus, it left a huge hole in the burlesque community. I am most excited for the congregation of talented sparkly folk from all over the globe in lil ol Perth.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST HEADPIECE YOU EVER CREATED? AND HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT NOW?
The first headpiece I ever made, was for myself. I needed something a lil extra for my red carpet look for the Miss Burlesque WA 2015 competition, so I thought I would try my DIY skills to save some $$ and I was surprisingly impressed with how naturally it came to me. My skills have come a long way since then, but I still really love my first born and recently modelled it for the PIBF/Cat Haven collaboration.
Skull Stylist piece created for Scarlet Adams’ Miss Burlesque Western Australia (2019) Handover Act
Photo courtesy of Skull Stylist
YOU’VE MADE HEADPIECES FOR SO MANY PERFORMERS – FOR MISS BURLESQUE AUSTRALIA, FRINGE FESTIVALS, AUSTRALIAN BURLESQUE FESTIVAL, FOR THE SPRING RACING SEASON AND EVEN SENT THEM INTERNATIONALLY – HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON ANYTHING SPECIAL FOR ANY OF OUR PIBF PERFORMERS?
Not the performers as yet, we all know burlesque performers like to leave things till the last minute. But if you purchase a VIP ticket to the PIBF opening night, you might just get a special lil something as a gift(!)
WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST/MOST INTERESTING BRIEF YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
I would have to say Scarlet Adams has given me 3 of my topmost craziest briefs.
First was “I want a palm tree on my head”, next was “how do you feel about making a mask?”- more about the third one below!
TELL ME ABOUT THE PIECE YOU MADE FOR SCARLET ADAM’S MISS BURLESQUE WA HANDOVER ROUTINE. NOW THAT WAS A HAT!
Scarlet came to me with the fabulous idea of using all the Miss Burlesque Australia sponsors to put together her handover act costume. Of course it was going to be something spectacular.
After I made her first coconut tree headpiece, we joked that the next thing I make for her would have to be even bigger and better. Well…this time we included a taxidermy bird provided by Death and Delicacy to give a real Victorian vibe and I think we nailed the brief:
Skull Stylist piece created for Scarlet Adams’ Miss Burlesque Western Australia (2019) Handover Act
Photo courtesy of Skull Stylist
IF YOU COULD DESIGN A HEAD PIECE FOR ONE OF OUR PIBF HEADLINERS – WHAT WOULD YOU CREATE?
It would definitely be something large and in charge and a nightmare to travel with. I love creating extravagant showgirl/boy headdresses.
WHERE CAN WE CATCH SKULL STYLIST AT PIBF THIS YEAR?
I will be at ALL the events and you’ll be able to spot me in the crowd. Just look for the gal with a noggin’ toppin’ and come say hi!
Want to catch up with Skull Stylist at PIBF? Or something stylish for your own skull?
You can spot Fifi and her fabulous headpieces at our Tease Factory, Gala and Glitter Crash After Party. Don’t miss getting your tickets for any of the fabulous 2019 performance events, including Boston Burlesque or our exclusive Headliner and Sponsor workshops.
Got your tickets? Get your headpiece!
Get in contact with Skull Stylist by emailing skullstylist@outlook.com, or via the Skull Stylist Facebook Page. Follow her fabulous creations on Instagram at @skullstylist
Skull Stylist piece created for Scarlet Adams
Photo courtesy of Skull Stylist