You spend your
rent money on British Vogue, new handbags and other fashion furnishings.
Your closet
has expanded way beyond its standard structure.
You can’t
stop collecting the same item of clothing (I can’t stop buying
shoes – I must have more shoes!!!).
You impulse
buy! And consider shopping ‘retail therapy’.
You never leave
the house without the ‘perfect’ outfit, even if it makes
you late for work or a party.
Lena Love
Fashion Addict, performance artist, dancer,
choreographer, party hostess, personal trainer, columnist, Scorpio
Ever-evolving and always re-inventing, Lena Love epitomizes 'personal
style' with thought-out clothing collaborations that include every detail from head-to-toe. From strategic, yet effortless, color combining
to customizing thrift shop finds, she successfully morphs into a myriad of characters and appearances that include an 80s club kid,
new wave fitness buff and the fiercest femme fatale.
As an entertainer, Lena is often mistaken for a drag queen, likely
because of her larger-than-life presence and an ensemble of extraordinary
costumes complete with painted brows, multifarious headwear and
a perfectly tanned, toned bod. She explains that an outfit, no matter
how shocking, is only a costume when she can barely walk, has something
taped or velcroed and has to do a make-up check every so often.
Everything else, whether oversized hoodie or string bikini is potential
everyday wear.
The Addiction Begins...
It all started when Toronto's first dance show, 'Electric Circus'
was all the rage; when the party scene went techno and people started
dancing 'til the sun came up. As early as 15 years old, Lena Love
conjured extravagant rave wear, like bubble wrap bodysuits and astronomical
footwear that opened doors for multiple opportunities in clubs all
over the continent.
Her fashion fixation is much more that an addiction (she was
recently quoted as saying she's "completely styleless");
it's an absolute lifestyle of hair, make-up, clothes, accessories
and body image. Countless hours in the gym provide a priceless confidence
and a seeming ability to be as comfortable with clothes off as on!
Lena explains her strict work-out routine is a result of getting
treated different, more seriously, as a performer and as a woman.
Current obsession:
My style changes all the time, everyday depending on my mood. Lately
I'm drawn to neon - fluorescent yellow!
Most treasured item(s)?
My stripper heels. It took me a few tries and falls to get used
to them, but now I can't live without them! I love the way a woman
looks; her posture and composure in a pair of high heels.
Most
worn item?
In winter I don't take off my Moon Boots ! It's like wearing warm
slippers all the time, they're so multipurpose! You can walk around
in your Moon Boots and panties and always be warm.
What don't you own?
I don't own Uggs or wedge heels..they make my leg look like an alien.
And I don't have those ice-capade type dresses...you know the dresses
that are all chiffon-y with flowing tails that all the girlies wear!
Where do you shop?
I love thrift shops and vintage shops; Value Village, Kensington
Market and dollar stores! I love obscure and bizarre finds to re-furbish,
re-work and design to make them uniquely mine.
Fashion/style inspiration:
I'm inspired by everything: supermodels, music videos, high-fashion
shoots, dancing and raving. I love the moments of surrealness; like
when a photographer captures a pose. I'm awed by strippers and hookers:
I love their "don't care" attitude; I'm fascinated with
their confidence and the fact that they're doing what they want
to do. These women represent the ultimate femininity; they do their
hair, lashes, make-up and exude a sexual confidence...
How long does it take you to get ready?
2 - 2 1/2 hours including full make-up, lashes, etc...
How much do you spend on fashion?
Everything! I spend a lot of money on shows.
Who do you 'dress up' for?
Myself, for my own fantasy. I love it!
by Rachel Schwab
You spend your
rent money on British Vogue, new handbags and other fashion furnishings.
Most
worn item?
