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FEMINISM & FASHION WITH FLORENCE GIVEN
02 Oct 2020
We recently did a shoot with one of our favourite ladies and a true inspiration to all females out there, Florence Given. We went back to the swinging 60s for one night only for a Twiggy inspired, psychedelic shoot with photographer Jamie Noise shot on film. We have followed Florence for a while now and her amazing artwork so we wanted to do a little Q&A for you guys so you can find out a little bit more about her!
You have thousands of fans who you inspire with your art and content on social media every day. Was there someone or something that inspired you to become such a champion of equality and female empowerment?
Being a feminist to me is part of survival. It’s how I heal from my wounds experienced through sexism, I have experienced and witnessed way too much shit to stay quiet, and if I have the creative tools to be able to spread my message to women that there are many ways we can exist in a world that tells us we need to be one particular thing, then I will.
What does feminism mean to you?
My version of feminism is advocating in all aspects of my life, wherever possible, to question and challenge the shitty established order we know today as the racist patriarchy. It’s listening to others, encouraging empathy…it’s a journey.
Your art is so amazing and different, how did you find your style?
Through my own personal style! The way I dress has always been heavily inspired by the seventies, I have a lot of style icons from the seventies including Brigitte Bardot, Cher, Mick Jagger and Stevie Nicks. My music taste also inspires my artwork. It’s an embodiment of my entire personality and everything I’m passionate about.
What advice would you give to young female artists?
Don’t follow or try to do what everyone else is doing. It’s boring.
The 70s is a very special decade for us, are there any icons from the 70s that you particularly admire?
Stevie Nicks, Mick and Bianca Jagger, Cher, Lou Reed, Grace Jones…loads
How important is fashion to you and how would you describe your style?
Very, it’s a part of my own personal creative expression, and a form of communication without even having to open my mouth. I’d describe my style as multi-faceted, bold, dramatic, chaotic and bright.
We know music plays a big part in your life after listening to your ‘Floss Bops’ on Spotify, how would you describe your taste in music?
My taste in music defines so much of who I am and informs all of my artwork and writing. The music I like all comes down to whether it makes me feel something, and a lot of the music I have a connection to came out of the 70’s/80’s. I also love blues music, so John Lee Hooker, Howlin Wolf and Muddy Waters…I love music that’s emotive and feels like it’s pulling at my soul.
What music did you listen to growing up?
My mum loved The White Stripes and had their albums in her car, which I think was a massive introduction to rock/blues music to me. The rest I kind of found on my own through Youtube recommendations and being part of a scene in Plymouth where people regularly went to local gigs, and picking up recommendations from those people too.
What’s your favourite piece in your wardrobe and why?
All of my faux fur coats! I love being as dramatic and glamorous with my looks as possible and they make me feel so powerful. Also my leopard print platofrms. I wear them with literally everything.
We love your prints, t-shirts & totes, what can we expect next from you?
I’m writing my first book!
Follow Florence on Instagram @florencegiven and check out here website HERE
Photography: Jamie Noise @jamie_noise
Model: Florence Given @florencegiven
Make Up: Wilma Stigson @wilmastigson
Hair: Linus Johansson @hairbylinus
Styling: Naomi Hession @naomihession (The Hippie Shake)