On a recent issue of Australia’s Next Top Model (yes it’s a guilty pleasure!), the girls were asked to style themselves and were then critiqued by a styling guru. One girl had donned skinny jeans and a pair of Doc Marten-like boots that were half undone. He decided everything was great, except the boots were “too lesbian”. I decided he was a bit of a tosser.

I’m not a follower of fashion anymore. Where once I’d be desperate to buy the right corduroy trousers or pencil skirt (I know, I’m giving my age away here), now I’m happy finding a nice top in St Vinnies. I did ‘skinny’ jeans years ago; now I’m a fan of flares, regardless of what’s ‘in’ or not. And as for this whole footless tights underneath a flowy frock and ballet shoes – been there, done that, not something I care to repeat.

But that said, I recognise a sharp outfit when I see one and appreciate the creativity that goes into many designers’ and stylists’ work. In this month’s CHERRIE, we talk to women with a passion for fashion. It’s an industry traditionally associated with our gay boyfriends than with queer chicks, but even fashion intel blogs are recognising that lesbian chic is in. The L Word has done a lot to change the perceptions of lesbians as drab creatures with no sense of style – and so too are the not-so-straight girls featured in this issue. Sara Rundell is a celebrity stylist whose style caught the eye of Prince, Pink, Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys and landed her regular work with these iconic artists. Lenya Jones has just started her own freelance styling business, and Sprinkle is a queer designer in Melbourne with her own label and shop. Find out what they have to say about working in this very competitive industry.

Here at CHERRIE we love women who make waves and push the boundaries of what’s safe and acceptable. Helen Walsh is a British author who divided feminist and queer audiences with her first novel Brass that features a predatory young queer woman who picks up prostitutes and rapes a teenage girl, while here in Sydney Margaret Mayhew – aka Mayhem – is an artist, activist and performer who’s always ready to rock the status quo.

On a more serious note, a growing number of displaced and often dispossessed women are driven to strap explosives to themselves, enter public places and blow themselves and others around them up. What causes female suicide bombers to take such extreme action? It’s a huge topic, but one which governments across the globe would do well to explore if we have any chance of living in a peaceful world.

Thank you to everyone who has sent comments on our articles via our website or by email. Please keep ’em coming. We want to know what you think, so put finger to keyboard and have your say at www.cherrie.com.au.

And whatever you do this July – do it in (your own) style!

Katrina Fox

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