DRESS CODE: Vashti Poor

Vashti Poor still recalls her first lines in a reading of The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen: “The emperor was not at all excited about his new clothes.” She adores her own clothes, antique and freshly minted alike. An actor since the age of seven, Poor describes a close connection between acting and costumes.

“Whether you’re a musician or actor, your costume affects the way you move, and it communicates to your audience who you are and what you are doing,” she says. “It is sensory and sensual.”

Now 38, Poor has two chock-full costume closets in her Southfield, Massachusetts, farmhouse. Her costumes include a majorette uniform; elbow and kneepads for playing animals on all fours; a Sherlock Holmes cap; a Stevie Nicks-style scarf dress; a “Tennessee Williams” kimono; and a Xena Warrior Princess leather bodice.

“I always say, ‘I came out of the womb in costume’—probably [as] Ziggy Stardust. With clothing, I feel like I can play anything,” she explains. “I’m getting into the skin of the part.”

When not acting, Poor likes to sing and play guitar with her band, the Temperance League. The group sometimes performs at Club Helsinki in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and Thursdays at the Down South Social Club, located downstairs at the Stagecoach Tavern in Sheffield, Massachusetts. Poor likens the venue to a speakeasy.

“It is secret and dark and people aren’t afraid to get really dressed up, which is fantastic,” she says. “Sometimes you walk in and everyone is wearing boas or fantastic hats with feathers in them.”

Poor has no interest in rummaging for reasons to dress up. “Waiting to be asked to the ball is not my idea of a good time,” she explains. “Just wear the ball gown.” Still, she imposes a dose of subtlety. “I hate it when someone’s clothes enter the room before she does. I don’t want to be like that.”  [AUGUST 2009]

Petria May owns Petria Boutiq in Great Barrington, Mass. For more on Vashti Poor’s inspiration, visit www.newyorkstylist.blogspot.com.

Vashti Poor's Inspiration

*Describe your personal style.
Ziggy Stardust meets Theda Bara. I costume myself for the day I might like to have, although it may not be the day I will actually have. I wore vintage exclusively until my twenties. For me, it’s always important to be the individual you are. When I’m at home and looking in the mirror and I’m dressed conservatively, I don’t feel like I’m being myself.

*What’s your latest fashion obsession?
My favorite new shoes are called Swedish Hasbeens. They’re very clog-basic; like Heidi, if she worked at the roller derby.

*How did you dress as a child?
My mother put me in a lot of smocked calico dresses and maroon Mary Janes. And I always wanted to wear jeans and corduroy. Now I enjoy wearing boyish and girly clothes. I also love very high heels.

*How do you see Berkshire style?
When I first arrived in the Berkshires, I tried to fit in by wearing earthy, J. Jill-ish kinds of things. I felt like I had to dress down. I had this feeling that my mother was dressing me [again]. Young people are starving for individuality. I love being an adult because I can wear whatever I want, finally.

*Which rock musicians inspire your style?
David Bowie—duh-uh! Bowie was really the first Madonna, let’s face it. And everyone has been ripping him off ever since. He’s the Thin White Duke—completely masculine and completely feminine. I also like Deborah Harry, Led Zeppelin, and the Faces, Rod Stewart’s band with Ron Wood.

*What’s your most prized clothing possession?
My grey Sgt. Pepper coat by Marc Jacobs; it’s about ten years old and I’ve had it sewn back together about ten times. To me, it’s timeless, slightly military, and I really feel like I’m in Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. I can hear the trumpets…

*Which long-gone item do you miss most?
A floor-length gold velvet maxi skirt. How I regret getting rid of that now.

*Who designs your hair?
My friend Jeanie Syfu is the artist behind the hair. She has the temperament of a sculptor or a painter. She was the lead stylist for Bravo’s Project Runway and may soon have her own show. With my hair, it’s like when you have a boyfriend and everyone asks you out: Oh my god, who does your hair? I would love to cut your hair! Jeanie’s been cutting my hair for years. I still go to her apartment in Brooklyn to get my hair cut.