We are filming for a documentary, so be prepared to be filmed! You will need high heels, stockings or hold-ups and a suspender belt if you have one. If you have a corset bring it along!

I suggest you wear a top and shorts or tap pants/french knickers and top/bra. Whatever you are comfortable in will be fine.

The class will last 1-1.5 hrs

Wine will be provided!

RSVP gwen@gwendolinelamour.com

Gwendoline's make-up bag

I’ve just been reading Millie Dollar’s blog and thought I’d have a rummage in my make-up bag and give you the lowdown on my key items for a vintage burlesque look!

First off base; for shows I find Foundation Stick in Porcelain by Bobby Brown perfect, but my other fave is NARS Sheer Glow Foundation. Being quite pale I go for Siberia which gives a lovely light coverage for day wear. Often I wear this without powder, but my powder of choice is NARS loose Powder, the shades I have at present are Flesh and Snow. In the blusher line I mostly use Fleur Power by MAC,which is a great girly pink without being too bright or gaudy.

It is really important to make up your body if you’re a burlesque performer, remember the audience will see that too! I favour Screen Face All Over Body Make-Up and for extra coverage I mix it with Color Tration Super Concealing Liquid Make-Up which makes for a really perfect finish. Color Tration also do a barrier spray which is great as it prevents the whole lot coming off on your costumes. A light dusting of Urban Decay’s Marsh Mallow shimmer powder and the base is done!

Most of my kit is NARS or MAC, but for eyebrows I use Benefit’s Browzings with an angled brush; eyebrows are a key element of the 40s look, so it’s worth spending time to get them right and using a good product.

As far as eyeshadow is concerned I usually go for Gesso which is a good matt white and Bamboo for contouring, both by MAC, as a basic look, sometimes adding darker shades for added drama.

In the world of eyeliner I used to be a devotee of Benefit BabyCake, but they have deleted it!  I’m presently using MAC Liquidlast liner, which is amazing stuff and just doesn’t move!  The only thing that will shift it is Clinique Take The Day Off, which is the best make-up remover ever! Still on the eye front, I have been using Clinique High Impact mascara for ages and despite trying lots of others I still come back to it as I find it doesn’t clog or dry up like most of them seem to. I always use false lashes for shows, but only on the outside corners of my lash-line to heighten the flick of the eyeliner.  You can either use individual lashes, which can be a bit fiddly or just cut down a regular pair.

Getting a true red lipstick can be problematic, often they are too pink or too orange, or too oily and seem to get everywhere or bleed easily. I have two favourites; NARS’ Red Lizard and MAC’s Ruby Woo. The Ruby Woo is rather dry so you need to moisturise your lips first!  A good liner is also important as is a lip brush if you want to create a flawless look.

And there you have it, ready to go!

Friday 2nd December  Volupte 
Festive fun at the most decadent little supper club in town!

Thursday 8th December  The Medicine Chest
A wonderful cabaret supper club with burlesque compere and chanteuse Divine Miss Em!

Thursday 13th October The Medicine Chest
A wonderful cabaret supper club with burlesque compere and chanteuse Divine Miss Em! 
Medicine Chest Restaurant and Bar 51-55 Brunswick Street, East Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1AU
01273 770002

Thursday 20th October  Divine Decadence @ Volupte 
Cabaret, Magic, Theatre, Comedy. Come watch a live show while enjoying a delectable 3 course meal at the most decadent cocktail bar/supper club in the heart of London.

Armed with my Crystal Shoe and new pink fans I spent a day in August frolicking around on set and you can see the results here! 

Burlesque redhead Gwendoline Lamour with Pink Fans

If you have ever wanted to learn to move like a showgirl, pose like a pin-up and learn top burlesque  techniques now’s your chance! I am starting a new course of burlesque classes on Thursday 16th September.  The classes will be held at the chic private members fitness club Inc Space in Grape Street, Covent Garden; a convenient central location where you can learn in style!

The classes are a fun and friendly was to improve your poise, confidence and posture as you learn fabulous routines and gain impressive performance skills!

To book follow this link to Pole People!

Gwendoline Lamour with feather fans

Of the many shoots I’ve done this has to be one of my favourite images, captured at the Rivoli Ballroom by Burlesque photographer extraordinaire Neil Kendall.

Mr Kendall had been working for some years on his forthcoming book of Burlesque photography. Tirelessly photographing performers all over the world, with his customary enthusiasm and espiègle, Neil has recently been out to LA to photograph the fabulousDita von Teese.

We await the product of his toils with bated breath!

Photo: Neil Kendall
Hair & Make-up: Klare Wilkinson

Made in Chelsea

Daze performers backstage at Made in Chelsea

My second foray into reality TV came on Sunday with a booking for me and my crystal shoe to appear in the first episode of the new series of Made in Chelsea. This was an all day shoot set in a night club with myself and other performers creating an ‘exotic’ party ambience.

Shireen on stilts and Gwendoline Lamour

Among those present was fire girl Della pictured here with Luke, Shireen and Chelsea chap Francis. Photos by the lovely Ruby Roux of Daze. Below is Shireen on her stilts and a very short looking me! Show airs in September.

The Gwendoline Lamour Fan

I’m really delighted to announce the launch of the Gwendoline Lamour Fan! Frou Frou Feathers has designed the ‘Gwendoline Lamour Fan’ – luxurious, thick and beautifully shaped 5ft fan-dancing fans which are an absolute joy to dance with!

I’m going to be making a short video for them soon, but in the meantime here is a pic from a recent  photo shoot with my new feathered beauties!

The Fast Set

The splendid Mister Meredith and I are launching a new supper club show this autumn! Rakishly entitled The Fast Set we will be channeling Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence with a liberal dash of high end burlesque and featuring the best cabaret performers in town.

This is new territory for me as I will be singing and co-hosting as well as performing burlesque!

Join us as we flit about the fashionable hotspots of 1930s high-society, introducing the exciting and remarkable performers we encounter!

Show starts in September, dates to be announced!