What this fashion insider wears behind the scenes and on the job
When you would see this contemporary GIPSY like girl (she even sleeps in a tent) with shiny long locks and mysterious, dark eyes flashing by on the streets sporting some heavy boots, you’ve probably encountered ROMY of the SHOWPONY agency. Showpony’s team consists of some colourful birds and a guy that together are like a small tribe, most of them adorned with symbolic and very personal tattoos. “My tattoos reflect me as a person, like my love for INDIANS and a knack for spirituality,” muses Romy.
She is a SPIRITED personality of the pure kind who often wears those much loved booties that she got from her mom. Back in the 70s mama Houwer got quite a few men hot on her heels while rocking these boots, yet we truly wonder if that’s only because of the shoes.. On a day at the job Romy likes to wear those boots or an army style pair, mixed up with a coarse knit or roomy cardi and distinct HAT. “Stiletto’s I only wear when really really necessary, because it often just feels like a dress-up party gone wrong to me.”
Describe your personal style?
“I would say a bit hippie or gipsy like with rock ‘n roll accessories. Anything I wear is very comfy and I love long dresses or skirts with roomy cardigans and sweaters on top. I also wear tons of black and cut-off, denim shorts with knitted stockings and boots. Actually I never really think about my style, because it really goes very natural. I just wear whatever I feel like and this way my style develops.”
What is the most precious piece from your wardrobe?
“The black fur coat that I got from my best friend. She actually bought it for herself, yet when I put it on I fell madly in love with it. That’s why I got to keep it, very sweet of her!”
What do you prefer to wear on a quiet day at the office?
“During an ordinary day at the office I prefer to wear black, maybe velvet leggings with a huge cardi and comfortable boots. Or a midi dress with a sweater on top. It just has to feel cosy, because I have trouble sitting still. You can always find me in the weirdest positions on my desk chair.”
What type of jewelry do you love?
“Jewelry is very important to me. I wear it any day and I actually never take it off. I pretty much always wear silver and my earrings I get either from the Noorder market or the Waterloo square. Bracelets and necklaces that I wear are from Bujah and I all got them as a present from my mom and friends. Also a while ago I discovered this label Club Manhattan. I love to wear the label’s rings and at Showpony we use a lot of their jewelry for styling projects.”
You’ve also got tattoos, could you share the story behind them?
“My tattoos really represent me. Ever since I was young I have loved Indians, feathers and simply anything related. The Indian girl on my lower arm symbolizes my journey to Peru two years ago, and the growth I’ve experienced as a person while I was there. The dreamcatcher I drew myself and stands for positive thoughts and dreams. It really has become quite the addiction, because I’m already drawing my next tattoo.”
Floppy hat in Romy’s hands, Hat Lori by Cheap Monday
What is it like working for Showpony?
“It’s just a really fun and friendly environment, because everything is negotiable and we’re very close-knit. Every single day is different. Often I do the styling together with the owner Josje and then we’re on the road a lot. It’s really busy, but in a good way.”
Where do you hope to be professionally in three years time?
“I hope our team has expanded with even more lovely people and that we work in the same way. In that case Showpony will remain one of the most fun places to work at.”
Sublime moment of fashion or style?
“Especially that you make sure you’re confident and comfortable in whatever you wear. I think that’s much more important than focussing on trends. That way it wouldn’t matter how crazy you would dress. When you’re confident, you will always radiate something beautiful.”
Photography: Marlis Sluijter
Words by: Kaira van Wijk
