Don’t be fooled by Shay Reeves’ diminutive stature and immaculate appearance – Alhambra’s leader of the style police holds her own against the most unsavoury of the Valley clientele. As told to Sally Claxton.
“I see my role as just being the little lady who sets the tone for the whole evening. I make sure that the experience starts with me outside as a glorified welcome mat…I just want to make people smile and laugh, their comfort is important. Wearing thongs at any time to a cocktail bar makes no sense to me at all. It’s not the beach and it’s also very dangerous with glass. I’d happily never see fluoro and glowsticks again too.
“Dressing is play for me, it’s all about dressing up and having a bit of fun…. a little bit frou-frou. I do think the lovely ladies of the 20’s have inspired me a lot since I was young…but right now I’m influenced by Tinkerbell, Debbie Harry and Chloe Sevigny. For boys I’ve seen a nod to the ‘new romantic’ look being championed by bands like Stature::Statue and the lasses have fun styling like Patience from The Grates…. they have such a fearless individual style and it’s them pulling our city in a new fashion direction.
“I’m always trying to teach people how to treat each other, especially strangers. Being polite counts for a lot with me; remember that we are just people too and I want you to always have the best night possible. Plus, looking gorgeous never hurts.”