KAZOO SPY: ISOBEL ON VELVET

Isobel Johns – or should that be Iz Johns – has a fetish for all things velvet. These days, velvet rarely appears in many peoples' wardrobes. But that’s not the case for her. She explains that the magic of velvet is how it makes an outfit instantly interesting. If you have a choice of cloth, why not go velvet? she exclaims.

rocking velvet (and a v on trend bag)

Intrigued to find out what items of velvet clothing she owns, I didn’t expect such a comprehensive list to follow:

1. Purple velvet halter neck dress. Apparently, this dress was fate – just £5 in a charity shop and ‘fitted to perfection’.
2. Black velvet waistcoat. Tricky to pull off, the perfect layer over a polo neck.
3. Brown velvet flare trousers. Let’s take a step back to the 70s for a minute. She describes them as channeling a ‘Joni Mitchell’ vibe.
4. Green velvet cardigan. This item was originally from the 80’s but with the shoulder pads removed. (Note: forget a time machine, her velvet items look the perfect alternative)
5. Purple velvet jacket. Bought at a vintage fair, she is still waiting for the perfect moment to wear this.
6. Velvet clubbing tops (example below)

Usually found on the High Street, tops like these are a ‘strong’ pick - but only when coupled with the black velvet leggings.

Hang on, the velvet black leggings?

Yes, the black velvet leggings. These are the go-to wardrobe staple when it comes to velvet – comfy and quick to slip on. She confesses that her personal hygiene has been questioned over how much she wears them (I decide not to ask any more on that) and how she would happily sacrifice a small animal for them (nor that). There’s something so tongue-in cheek about Isobel that velvet seems the perfect fabric for her vibrant personality - it’s as if standard cotton wouldn’t do.

Peek-a-boo: out in the infamous black velvet leggings

Delving a little deeper, I ask what’s her take on guys wearing velvet. ‘Aaaaaalmighty fun’ she says. Velvets dinner jackets, trousers and shoes are all spot on. As for velvet underwear? ‘Oh my. Yes. Intense in summer’. 

We mentioned her velvet wardrobe may as well be a time-machine and indeed, she gets much of her style inspiration from well-back. Whether it was jazz and flappers in the 20's or rock and roll and teddy boys in the 50's, music and fashion are a key part of what influences her – so much so that sometimes she will dress according to an era.

The exact era might be unpredictable - just as some of her answers have been - but one thing’s for certain: where there’s velvet there’s Iz, and where there’s Iz there’s velvet.

A velvet umbrella? watch this space

WHEN I SAY FASHION YOU SAY: FEELS

Isobel Johns is a 3rd year biochemistry student at Oxford, involved with both rowing & netball. 

She is the founder of online vintage clothes platform Vibe&Era. 
Pictures one, three and four taken by budding photographer Jeong Jung.