About | The Paper-Girl
Hi there. I’m Colette, illustrator, photographer and designer of Coletta on Paper. Let me tell you a story of how it all began.
A Chance Meeting With A Silver Suitor Marked The Beginning Of A Vintage Love Affair
Hi there. I’m Colette, illustrator, photographer and designer of Coletta on Paper. Let me tell you a story of how it all began.
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Girl Meets Shoes And Falls In Love
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Portobello Gold
Wandering home through the secondhand stalls of Portobello Market, I glanced upon a pair of well‑worn, silver high heels. It was over twenty years ago and I was not expecting to meet The One but there they were, in my size, still with a twinkle in their shiny 80s toes. Imprinted on the insoles in faded gold capitals,
"MAN MADE UPPERS, MAN MADE SOLES, MAN MADE LININGS"
Nevertheless I loved their metallic, synthetic leather, finely plaited and delicately woven. Fastening at the ankle, with a tiny buckle. I was smitten. They were man made for me!
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I Didn't Know I Was Looking For Shoes Until I Found You
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Every Shoe Has A Silver Lining
The stilettos were more 'arriving by taxi and lounging with cocktails' than dancing the night away. So while I waited for the perfect soiree, I decided to display the silver heels, on my bedroom wall.
Looped together with satin ribbon and dangled from a picture hook. I loved the way the shoes looked so much, I had to take a photograph.
And so it all began, a new creative endeavour and the start of a forever love affair with vintage shoes, fashion and accessories.
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I've Found Love In A Vintage Place
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Happily Pre-Loved Up!
Today, I'm still enamoured with all my vintage heels. I love photographing, illustrating and wearing them.
I can't resist a 50s tea dress or a 60s pussy bow blouse. Give me 80s puff shoulders or a dagger collar shirt and I’m in retro 70s heaven.
On display, in my home and studio are my collections of old cameras, typewriters, perfume bottles, vintage teacups and retro coffee pots.
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You could describe me as a vintage lover | fashion hoarder and | or a vintage hoarder | fashion lover with a penchant for shoes!
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It's A Family Affair
Many of my favourite vintage pieces have been gifted or borrowed from my parents.
An impressive vinyl collection (disco, funk, reggae, soul), their stylish 60s and 70s lighting and homewares, beautiful fashion accessories and trinkets courtesy of my Mum.
I love the nostalgia they bring to my work and I always try to feature some of these 'family heirlooms' in my photographs.
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THE PAPER-GIRL COLETTE
I'm happiest in the sunshine, dancing with friends, singing in the car with my daughter, strolling around a vintage market and watching old 80s and 90s episodes from Top of the Pops.
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A PAPER FOR MY THOUGHTS
Coletta on Paper is the place to catch me writing an ode to a favourite vintage dress, composing lonely hearts adverts for my high heels, sharing mantras for wall decor prints or jotting down an entry in my journal.
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My creative life has always been centred around design. After completing a Masters in Constructed Textiles at the Royal College of Art, I became a trend and colour consultant, for fashion and lifestyle brands before I went on to illustrate stationery and greeting cards as Something for the Girls for twelve years. Catch my archive blog here →
Stocked by independent boutiques and leading department stores including Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, John Lewis and Victoria’s Secret in the U.S. Standout moments included, creating greeting card collections for The Royal Ballet and winning an award for my designs.
I'm now excited to introduce Coletta on Paper in 2026 and share my new designs.