“The room is my boudoir/sleeping quarters/dressing room/pleasure dome, primarily used by me, and my alter ego Ruby Slippers.”
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“Aside from the fact that Elizabeth (my peacock) is a stunning and breathtaking creature exuding glory and majesty, he was also a surprise 30th birthday gift! Friends from all across the country, nay, the world, chipped in so that I may forever bask in his majesty and their humbling generosity.”
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“For the first time in a long time, my room is my own, it is a beautiful and restful place to be, and nesting has been a joy.”
” The compacts and most of the jewellery belonged to my Nan, who passed away when I was only 10. She was an amazing seamstress . I would have loved to have been able to share some of the things I now make with her today.”
“I have a great love of film (I studied it for three years), and also for costume. The Ruby Slippers are inarguably the most famous costume piece ever worn on the screen, so paying homage to two of my loves through my name felt very right.”
“I had these shoes made in Perth by a company called Benelli. I wanted a red satin dance heel that I could use for my more classically styled performances, so I had them custom made to my specifications. They’re the only pair in the world! I adorned them with Swarovski Crystals, and always get compliments on them.”
“Teddy has been with me since the day I popped out! She was a gift from my godparents and has travelled with me everywhere I go. Once she spent a few extra nights in a motel in Karratha while I was on tour but she made her way back home safely via Australia Post!”
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Gretchen
1. What’s the room and who uses it?
The room is my boudoir/sleeping quarters/dressing room/pleasure dome, primarily used by me, and my alter ego Ruby Slippers. Also my housemate’s cats like to take turns sleeping on my bed.
2. What do you do for a crust?
I’m a burlesque performer and costumier.
3. What goes on in the room?
Luxuriating, swanning about in kimonos, applying copious amounts of stage makeup, burning rose scented candles, drinking tea, loudly proclaiming “I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR”, and generally pretending to be a very wealthy lady.
4. Favourite piece in the room and why?
Aside from the fact that Elizabeth (my peacock) is a stunning and breathtaking creature exuding glory and majesty, he was also a surprise 30th birthday gift! Friends from all across the country, nay, the world, chipped in so that I may forever bask in his majesty and their humbling generosity.
5. Anything on your wish list that you would love to add to the space?
Well, if you asked me last week it would have been a taxidermy peacock and a Ryan Heshka print. But seeing as I was a very spoilt birthday girl, then I would have to say the company of my far flung friends. Or a Turkish velvet throw rug.
6. What do other people say when they see your room for the first time?
Direct quote: “Oh, look at all her costumes!!”.
I don’t keep any of my costumes in my bedroom.
7. Why do you love this room?
I haven’t felt settled for a long time. Before I left Perth in April, I had moved house five times in as many years and spent six months living out of a suitcase. For the first time in a long time, my room is my own, it is a beautiful and restful place to be, and nesting has been a joy.
8. What’s one lovely memory you have whilst being in the room?
When my parents came to visit a month ago, I was so happy to be able to show them that I had some semblance of stability in my life. Mum was pleased to see her mother’s vintage compacts and jewellery were on display, and dad was just happy that he could see the floor. Anything to impress the olds!
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The Room Illuminated 
Beautiful space.
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love the pose, and the idea in my head that the chimney is packed to the brim with jewellery that keeps on spilling out each time you pullout something to wear. santa tops it up each year and occasionally a bird will steal something from the top of the pile.
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