by Carla Caruso

A passion for vintage-shopping often goes hand-in-hand with a love of the environment.

And Laura Russell fits this to a tee. As well as founding a vintage wedding and event hire business and enjoying swing dancing, she loves nothing more than a cycle in your Adelaide Park Lands.

In April, Laura joined us for our twice-yearly Park Lands Loop collective event – a 15km walk, ride or run through the city’s parks. She’s pictured above with fellow APA member Trish Russell.

Before she hit the trail, we put her in the hotseat for a few questions…

(Cyclists, please note, we’re holding another riding event this Sunday, May 7 - the Adelaide Park Lands Gravel Bike Ride. It’ll explore the network of gravel tracks abundant throughout your Park Lands, led by rider Andrew Noble.)

Hi, Laura. Can you first tell us about your all-girls’ dance team, The Savoy Sisters.

I discovered the world of swing dancing over a decade ago when I spotted a group of swing dancers performing in Rundle Mall. They all had the most amazing fashion and dance style and looked like they were having an absolute ball.

I have always held a fondness for the fashion and music of the 1920 and ‘30s. So, it was love at first dance for me and gave me a new way to express my passion for the era.

Originating in Harlem, New York, in the 1920s, swing dance was created by Black African-Americans and brought joy in a time of great hardship and segregation.

It’s made up of a group of dances including the Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Charleston, and Balboa – all of which evolved alongside the swing and jazz music of the era.

The upbeat tempo of the music, paired with the social and playful nature of the dances, brings the most infectious joy. It’s something that always calls you back, even if life gets in the way for a while.

I’ve learnt a range of the swing dance styles through [school] Swing Out Adelaide over the years, and got to be a part of The Savoy Sisters – a performance troupe, made up of a wonderful group of passionate and inspiring women, showcasing solo vintage jazz and blues.

You’re also a keen vintage shopper. Why should people buy second-hand rather than new?

Raised on op-shopping and car boot sales as kids, I rediscovered a love for op-shopping and garage sale-ing as a teenager, which quickly became a favourite pastime.

My sister, Sarah, and I would delight in the thrill of finding vintage treasures and loved getting creative in decorating our rooms with curated treasures – and pulling vintage outfits together.

Our dad helped us both find vintage wheels when we got our licences: Sarah, a sky-blue Morris 1100, and myself, a pink-and-white 1960 Hillman Minx.

Dad already had his own small collection of vintage cars, and so, he and I convoyed in the Bay to Birdwood Classic one year, which is one of my absolute favourite [motoring] events.

Second-hand is still my primary and favourite mode of shopping. Not only is it so much more fun and exciting – and more friendly on the wallet – it also gives you peace of mind knowing that you can give something a second life, which may otherwise have been discarded and ended up in landfill.

Vintage pieces are usually made with so much care and are definitely made to last, which sadly is not the case with the fast-fashion industry these days. 

You often spend time in the Adelaide Park Lands. Do you have a favourite park?

We are so lucky to live in a city surrounded by stunning Park Lands. It’s hard to choose a favourite, but I’ve always loved the Karrawirra / Red Gum Park [Park 12] behind the University of Adelaide.

I used to spend a lot of time reading and enjoying lunches, with views of the river, while studying at uni.

I still love to ride my bike through there when I’m heading to the East End of the city for the Adelaide Fringe or WOMADelaide, or to the Botanic Garden [Park 11] for a picnic with friends.

I currently live in the perfect location to ride my bike all the way from home to the city, along a scenic pathway, which follows the river and is surrounded by Park Lands.

It’s also such a great way to add exercise and fresh air into the day. 

What else keeps you busy when you’re not meandering the parks or vintage shopping?

My love for vintage led me to create a wedding and event hire business, Minty Mary Pea, which specialises in vintage pieces and bespoke events.

Founded back in early 2015, it’s been my baby for the past eight years, and I still can’t believe I was able to create a dream job out of my favourite pastime.

I’ve had the joy of working with so many beautiful couples to add a bit more magic to their celebrations and it’s such an honour to be trusted with such an important day in people’s lives.

In making space in my life for other creative ventures and a slower pace, I’ve recently handed the reins over to its new owners, Kate and Veronika.

I’m so excited to see the business injected with fresh energy and can’t wait to see where they take it next.

I’m still helping out behind the scenes while we finish the handover process. But I’m getting more and more time to enjoy some of my other loves – including gardening, weekends away with my husband, quality time with family and friends, and, of course, more dancing.

Finally, what would you say is your favourite era?

I would have to say it’s a toss-up between the 1920s and 1960s for me. Both were times that saw big changes on a societal and cultural level – in response to the end of World War 1, as well as the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement of the ‘60s.

It’s interesting to see how such events impacted all areas of life, including women’s fashion.

Both eras were heavily influenced by the younger generation and saw a focus on freedom and comfort emerge - changes in cuts, hemlines, and fabrics, and a release from heavy corsets, in the 1920s. And again, in the 1960s, less restrained, more youthful energy, with more room for personal expression, and bold prints and designs.

I don’t tend to stick to a particular era in the way I dress so much these days, but rather stick to what I feel comfortable in – which is a bit of everything.