October 7, 2022 |
A beloved British icon and her stylish sidekick have just launched a playful podcast and it’s the best, binge-worthy stream since Old Time Radio: Jaime Winstone’s Greatest Night Ever, co-hosted by punk powerhouse and boudoir maitre d, Princess Julia. This the first broadcast venture from Winstone, a subversive actor, activist, model and creative who has been making her mark on the silver screen since she burst onto the cinema scene with major roles in films like BAFTA-nominated Kidulthood, Made In Dagenham, Tomb Raider, Anuvahood, and Four Lives and Babs. She’s also a naughties club kid who notoriously partied through her 20s. Princess Julia on the other hand, is often called the first lady of London’s fashion scene. She first cropped up in the early 80s as part of the short-lived Blitz Kids club scene, before operating as a model in London and Tokyo and eventually settling into DJ-ing as a resident jockey at Kinky Gerlinky. These club kids have been the life and soul of the party for decades, so who better to epitomise night out nostalgia than them?
Chatting with Jamie and Julia from the heart of Winstone’s cushy boudoir where it feels like a party amongst friends, celebrity guests will take listeners on a high-spirited journey through their happiest, most meaningful memories and nights out. They will relive every high, low, and WTF moment after which life was never the same. Maybe it was an iconic birthday celebration with besties, the birth of a child, a landmark career moment, a tear jerking marriage proposal or something so absolutely unhinged that no one believes it actually happened. The premier season’s lineup is a goodun’ too: from the likes of Nick Grimshaw, Amanda Lepore and Cara Delevingne, to Giggs, Danny Dyer, Wolf Alice and Bez. Fearne Cotton, Asim Chaudhry and Mel Blatt are set to step into The Boudoir too, for a rough-and-tumble, uninhibited chat about the greatest of giddy, devil-may-care, after-dark outings.
Here, I sat down with the titillating twosome for a rousing Zoom chat about their favourite nights out on the town. This is: Jaime Winstone in conversation with Princess Julia – unfiltered.
Emily Phillips: How did you two meet and foster such a wonderful fiery friendship?
Jaime Winstone: I’ve seen visions of Princess Julia for years. I’m a huge Club Kid extraordinaire and a huge fan of Julia – the way that she talks, her art, everything – and the way she is authentically herself. But I don’t remember where we met.
Princess Julia: I think we met in the early noughties when we did that show with Grimmers. We were just running around London, going to parties and events, deep in the Y2K moment when our paths crossed. I had heard about you before too, but that’s all a bit of a blur.
JW: No shit!
PJ: But let’s talk facts: Jaime Winstone is the life and soul of every party you go to. She really puts a lot of energy in, so you will notice her. And Jaime, I really mean this, it’s such a joy to see you at a party or an event because you really get the feeling of, “Oh I’m at the right party; I’m in the right moment.”
JW: I love that. And it’s so true, we love a dance!
PJ: We love a dance; we love club music; we love club rave music; and we love flinging ourselves around on occasion. But you’re really inspiring Jaime! You are! It’s really invigorating. I can’t really extol how much of a fan I am of you.
JW: I think that’s why we were attracted to each other because I feel the same. We also share so many mutual friends and Julia is always in East London and I’ve lived in East London for years – I’m an East London girl at heart. There’s such a community in East London that you cross paths so much and you basically become part of each other’s furniture. And I get that feeling too: if Princess Julia’s at a party or an event or DJ-ing, I’m like “Yes, great, brilliant! I can feel the vibe already.” So yeah, we’ve been knocking around for years, us two.
EP: Sounds like you’ve been having a lot of fun! So Jaime, you’ve just launched this podcast, and Julia you’re her co-host. Obviously it’s about nightlife and all of these wild experiences you’ve all had, but why is that the direction you decided to take the podcast?
JW: The podcast came out of a conversation I had during the pandemic when things were just calming down and the industry was trying to get going again with events and entertainment. I had just done this really weird and fabulous show, The Masked Singer, and I was working with Rupert Fowler who is actually my best mate. He works in the film industry and he’s very good at what he does; he’s the producer of our podcast too, and I just kind of found myself in a little bit of a rage about it all. I was like, “Oh what, so we are allowed to do this now? It was only a couple of months ago that ‘you’ were saying artists and musicians or anyone in the creative industries had to up-skill and retrain.” I got my head into this place where I was like, “Hang on a minute, how the fuck would any of us been able to survive this without music, art, poetry, TV and all of that amazing stuff that ticks us as humans?” I just suddenly felt that there was a lot of “watch this, do that, eat this”, and I thought, “God, I’m fucking bored of being told what to do.” In a sense, I found my voice in singing on that show and doing it dressed as a Firework – which is trippy enough in front of an audience and is like a weird fantasy nightmare dream scenario – but I thought that this was maybe a time to talk about the stuff that we love, our greatest memories and to really embrace being allowed to talk about dancing and drinking and having fun. I thought that maybe this had legs, and Rupert was like, “It’s just like talking about your greatest night ever”, and then it spiralled from there and we thought that although it’s fun and it’s a laugh, it’s an important part of our culture. If you realise it’s okay to have fun and it’s okay to talk about it, you’ll get so much more joy and spread so much more love. It’s what we do isn’t it, Julia? And who better to do it with than Princess Julia! We had done one episode already when I felt there was something missing: and it came in the shape, sound, and silhouette of Princess Julia. There was no one else I thought it could work with; it was natural and easy. Don’t get shy Julia!
PJ: Every time we saw each other out and about there was a connection and we were slowly starting to think that there was a project there too: something, somewhere, for us to do when the time was right. I think you’re a bit like me and when the time is right it will just sort of happen; I mean, obviously you have to make things happen but you’re a really proactive person, Jaime. I feel like this particular thing seems to be the right liaison for us because you’re really good at presenting, you are really good at it Jaime!
JW: I am a glorious podcaster!
PJ: We are both good at nattering on. But anyway, it was something that was in the ether but hadn’t quite found its place yet, and it needed that time to cultivate and eventually this podcast evolved in a really non-stressful, natural – I dread to say the word organic – but organic fashion.
JW: Rupert worked really hard on this and he’s made it feel very organic because we have an essential friendship. I think everyone knows it can be difficult to work with your friends, but when you believe in your taste and your confidence, it can work. We thought, “Out with the rule book! Let’s create our own format.” And it’s going well; we love it don’t we?
PJ: Oh I love doing it; I really look forward to it. But you know what, I was very impressed by your dressing of the boudoir and you know, I quite often find Jaime Winstone wandering up and down outside Spirit Land with a glitterball encrusted mannequin.
JW: It’s here! She lives next to my bed! Sorry she’s falling apart, she’s had a big night. But yeah, it’s the boudoir, it’s the characters, it’s about creating something. For me it’s really helpful that I’m an actor and I’m super-pro at what I do, and I like to be professional, but ultimately there were so many times when I was growing up where I felt like I was being pushed into a corner of being captured falling out of clubs. But what else was I supposed to be doing when I was 19/20? I’m pretty sure most other people at that age were falling and stumbling out of clubs. It’s just about ownership. I never did anything wrong, but there’s a lot of guilt attached to talking about fun and the pandemic imploded that. It was a time when we needed to come together as a community to say, “This is what we are good at; this is what we love. Let’s use it.” Don’t get me wrong, it’s a scary world out there but we need joy. It’s the Ying and the Yang, innit?
EP: What are some of your best nights ever?
JW: One of my greatest nights ever was, ultimately, when I became a mum. It changed everything moving forward, from the way I approach work, to the way I step out my front door, to the way I look at life in general. But there was a close second: So, I’m an ambassador for Save The World for Tigers and we went on this amazing fundraising trip to raise awareness about protecting and preserving their natural habitats. The amazing journey began in Bangkok and went through Malaysia. There was one night in particular, and lovely Mel Black was on the train with me and loads of dear friends that I’d met through the charity, and James was DJ-ing on the back of this open-air, old school, stunning train. We played the most amazing old disco sets driving through the jungles into the night and into Kuala Lumpar. It felt like it was the future! From the jungle, to the light in Kuala Lumpar, and eventually, as we travelled into Singapore, it was just this mind-blowing journey. And on this one night particularly, we were losing our minds at the back of the train, all having amazing cocktails – I think that night I sang “Never Ever” round the piano with Mel which was like an all-time dream – then I went onto the back of the train and DJ-ed for all the guests. It wasn’t a celebrity party; it was just real people having a special time, who worked really hard on something that wasn’t fashion or celebrity based. It was otherworldly, I mean you don’t get to do that often; it was magic! And whenever I hear a song from that set it takes me straight back to that moment where we were all dressed up with wind blowing in our hair on the back of the train. It felt like old-school glamour and disco.
PJ: Wow that does sound incredible! I don’t think I have one particular greatest night ever, I’ve just had a series of them since 1976 really, but I love the idea of getting ready, the excitement of going out, and then going out! That’s why I’m still involved in club-life and nightlife. And I love DJ-ing, it’s just so exciting. Some of the highlights of my greatest nights though, are the unexpected moments that have just turned into major fabularity really. In hindsight, some of the clubs I’ve been involved in like The Blitz and Taboo, and all those people, some who aren’t with us anymore, were the best nights and the memories have become more poignant over the years. I don’t think I’ve had the ultimate experience like you Jaime, because that just sounds amazing and beyond; I have had moments where I’ve DJ-ed in other countries that have blown me away, but I think the ultimate nights are the ones where get the feeling that something really magical is happening – something that can’t be repeated. I will say, DJ-ing at Kinky-Gerlinky with some of the guests we had there, like Amanda Lier whom I adore, those moments were so spectacular. I feel so lucky that I have been involved in such a great community over the years, and I’m still really excited about people coming together and really enjoying themselves. I think that’s what really inspires me to carry on; that feeling of joy, happiness and excitement. This is a feeling we hope to relay in the podcast. That’s the vibe; that’s the ultimate sharing and caring.
EP: What are your favourite drinks for a night out?
PJ: You know what I’ve gone on to: Aperol spritz. Is that a bit naff? I think I had an aperol spritz at the launch party for the podcast, Jaime, and that’s where I got hooked on it.
JW: That is so funny. I can’t imagine you with an aperol spritz! My current squeeze is tequila. It doesn’t give me a hangover. But if I’m not drinking and I need a sugar hit, I love a Shirley temple.
EP: What’s your go-to look for a night out?
JW: Julia likes to plan a look.
PJ: No I don’t! Well, I sort of do. I’m quite easy going about it though, and I don’t feel bad if I do the same look two nights in a row – though I try not to. I like a handbag too. I think accessories can really switch things up. You like an accessory too Jaime, don’t lie!
JW: I love an accessory!
PJ: You have that diamanté wig thing, and you’ve got a Gucci one. They are brilliant!
JW: I’m constantly creating looks on my mannequins and then eventually I’ll build up the confidence to go out in it because I clearly love the look. I also love a headpiece and I love the idea of my hair morphing me into these different characters. Also, when I change characters at work, I tend to bring their style into my own life. Some say that that’s bringing your work home in a bad way – it is slightly exhausting for my partner I will say. I mean, I’m currently playing a dominatrix vampire, so bringing that home can’t be too healthy. I’m not too much of a bag girl though. I hate holding things when I’m out, so I always bring a little rucksack or something pathetic where I can stick a lipstick, a pack of fags and a USB. I also love a heel. However, I realise now that I can’t resist a dance no matter where I am. So I’d probably also pack a pair of trainers.
PJ: You know what Jaime, you’re right: I do like to plan a look! I am in a circle of people that are so creative and I sometimes ask for custom-made outfits to wear. I’m constantly on the lookout for unique pieces and interesting ways of dressing.
JW: Who just showed during fashion week that you loved Julia?
PJ: Matty Bovan! He did a show in Milan recently and I was a huge fan. There’s also a marvellous designer called Paolo Carzana that I’ve been buying a few pieces from. His LFW presentation was fantastic. I went to Edward Crutchley too. I didn’t go to that many shows but do actually watch them on YouTube anyways. I like to keep abreast of it all; I don’t know why! I’m just a fashion fan.
JW: I want to add that I’m quite spontaneous with what I’m going to wear; it all depends on my mood. Recently, I’ve been working with Jonny (Sports) Banger recently to make a suit that’s very Peggy Mitchell and Max Allen who makes all my rosettes for me. I love what they’re doing at Sports Banger; I love council house couture because it’s like taking the street and elevating into high fashion.
EP: What are the best venues in London?
PJ: I love The Clause; they were up in Tottenham but they now have a temporary space in the Silver Building and I love the idea of being able to set up a space and a night somewhere in a derelict environment. My second home is The Glory on Kingsham Road. Dalston Superstore too. There are so many fantastic places with their own unique vibe. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to DJ at the Eagle and the Horse Meat Disco, which is cute and local – I love the local mood. I also played the Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) the other week and love it and you know when people have parties – like the Tim Walker one – in a studio? I love that! I mean that one was special, wasn’t it?
JW: So good! I love a good studio space. I really love Denmark street too! We hired it recently for our launch party and it felt like a house party! Printworks has also been great for a night out recently. Super Pink just did their last ball there. I really felt the energy and heat in that tunnel room; just the length of the space and seeing all those bodies in one place is amazing. I recently went to Fabric on my own too, which was great. I didn’t have anything to drink and literally blagged my way in; I was dropping so many names and then I just said, “Fuck it I’m Peggy Mitchell,” and it worked. Then I danced for three hours on my own and it brought so many memories back. It’s a completely different club to what it was when I first started going; I mean those stairs – I don’t know if anyone remembers the stairs going into that club but you would literally have to walk over sweaty bodies – but it’s all clean now and there’s all these legit lovely areas. It felt really mature and I loved it. Fabric is the last standing proper rave night isn’t it, Julia?
PJ: I do love a rave. But my favourite is Adonis.
Photography by Sammy King. Jaime Winstone’s Greatest Night Ever is part of the Acast Creator Network – and is available now, wherever you get your podcasts.
