Wednesday 20 July 2011

Interview with Betty magazine

Isn't it lovely when you come across a bashed up little magazine stall and come across a magazine that is not only full of fashion, beauty and features, but interesting articles and angles that inspire you?
Well, this is how I feel about Betty magazine. When it first came out, I loved the cocktails shot so beautifully and the way a team of students had pulled together a pretty robust magazine.
So, in my quest to talk to interesting people, I have grabbed some time (with the promise of tea and cakes) with Charlotte Jacklin, editor of Betty, to celebrate issue 2.

What outfit/items make you feel good?
A lace dress! I don't know why, it doesn't matter what colour or style it is I feel good. I have red ones, black ones, white ones.....I love wearing them!


Who/what/where (or all of the above) inspire you?
In fashion terms, icons of the 60s and 70s. The Rolling Stones and their girlfriends are the style I always try to reflect. I love that late 60s early 70s look.


I am mostly inspired when I am near nature, I grew up in a seaside town and I live near the country now, something about all the open space gets your creative juices flowing.


In regards to what inspires me, pretty much anything! Anyone who is individual and stays true to themselves I really admire.


How do you plan your issues of Betty?
I start of brainstorming, which then develops into a page plan. However there is no set format, inspiration and ideas come to me when I least expecting them, mostly doing really mundane things. I take photos of everything, so if I am out and about I snap it to remind me later as I have such a bad memory. My phone has over 3000 photos on it.


What made you want to create Betty?
Betty was created with my friend from university Hannah, we had similar tastes and Betty was created because there is not really a magazine out there that we truly loved, that I think has all the aspects I would like to see in a magazine in one place.
There are magazines out there I love to read, of course, it was putting the bits I loved the most together and adding them to parts other magazines didn't have and going from there.


Also I don't believe there are a lot of positive magazines out there in the mainstream, too many gossip columns and diet tips. It is not what young girls should be reading, it is detrimental in the long run. One minute something is in and the next it's out, whether it's a piece of clothing or a person, things are too easily disposable.

Which part of creation do you love most?
Seeing an idea come to life. Having something in your head and then seeing it in front of your eyes - sometimes a lot better than you thought- is great.


Do you have a style icon (s)?
Florence Welch - she always looks amazing and stays true to her style.
As previously mentioned style icons of the past, Anita Pallenberg, Marianne Faithful and everyone's mums when they were younger....they all look so chic no matter what decade!


Favourite designers?
Ooooooo a tough one!! Erdem, Mui Mui, Charlotte Taylor, Vivetta, Orla Kiely, American Vintage, TBA, Moschino Cheap & Chic.....the list goes on but these are my favourites!!
I don't think I'll ever get over Luella going under!


Best or most frequented high street shops?
I don't stay loyal to a particular one to be honest. I get a lot of things from boutiques instead. I of course shop at Topshop however I do try to limit what I buy from there.


Your all time make-up brands?
I love Chanel foundation and I have just started using bare minerals which is really good. However no-one can persuade me to stop using Rimmel liquid eye liner, a staple in my beauty bag for a decade!


Describe a look and what you would wear on a night out
It varies, depends where I am going and who I am going with. At the moment I keep wearing cropped flares or palazzo pants with a soft blouse with platforms. Lots of chains and rings, with a vintage bag. Come winter I will be back in maxi dresses and platforms for a more 70s rock n roll vibe.


Most treasured item?
My collection of polaroid’s of my friends and me and then a ring given to me by my late uncle that I wear everyday on my little finger. There was a man who knew how to accessorise!

Most recent purchase?
Velvet platforms from eBay and Leopard print faux fur coat for winter - it was to good a buy to leave (even if it is June!)


How many pairs of shoes do you own?
a lot..... but I've never counted.


Places to relax..?
At my friends farm, on a hot day there is nothing better than running around with nothing but open space.


Best things in life?
Friends and records


Fav novels/literature/books?
Valley of the Dolls was life changing for me, I read it 2 years ago and I wish I could go back to re-discovering it again. I was unreachable for a week.


Must have accessories?
Charms, whether it be rings, necklaces or bracelets, things that mean something to you are the most precious and look the best.


Fav films - old and new or want to see this year?
Almost Famous is my favourite film of all time, I can quote it word for word....I watched it at an impressionable age and have never quite gotten over it. Recently I started watching Wes Anderson films, so beautifully shot. One more to mention is Julie and Julia, i loved this film, you can't fail to be inspired after that, I was walking around with a warm glow for two days. I love it when films leave you with a feeling like that.
As for films I need to see the list is endless! I have been so busy with Betty I haven't gotten round to watching any, I really want to watch Submarine, I am reading the book at the moment and it is a hilarious laugh out loud - I can't wait to see the film.

Best places to visit in London (your secret haunts) and local to you?

I have recently moved outside of London and the three places I miss the most are:
The Commercial Tavern - the prettiest pub there ever was
Liberty - I just want to live there
And Princi's on Wardour Street for the best Cannolli's in town

Name 3 things you want to achieve this year.
I am learning to drive (at 25 it is hard!) so I would like to pass my test please.
Be able to have Betty in a print format
An visit three states in America ( I hoping to do NYC, San Fran and LA in September)

see betty here:  http://issuu.com/bettymagazine/docs/betty_issue_2_the_perfect_summer

Follow Betty on Twitter: @BettyMagazine