The Bite Magazine - issue 16

Bite Magazine: Working within fashion as a model, were there any elements of fashion that you wanted to bring to Holdup Heroines? Mari-Liis Ivalo: Sure, style and dress- ing up has always been very much a part when it comes to going out, so yes this was very reflective in our parties. Our whole appearance has come about through working with very talented designers. We also have our own styl- ists onboard which has always been very instrumental in what we do at our parties. Fashion adds colour and vibrancy to our parties. I was around it for a short spell while modelling; working around visionaries and artists, it has to rub off on you and many of them became acquaint- ances and friends. Movie style themes, with a promise of their proposed theatrics held only to Holdup Heroines now into their 11th year of production at the private members’ club HomeHouse. Bite Magazine: What’s the attraction of hosting your parties based on the 18 th century and its themed performances? Mari-Liis Ivalo: Well my business partner Chris Birch is an amazing story teller and has had a few books published. He’s responsible for writing about the girls and has a shared responsibility on reflection and direction, so he really has brought depth to the parties. So he always brings about an idea and writes about it. He does have a passion for the 18th century and these historical themes. He’s super creative, which naturally falls in with a costume party of sorts. Its all about making that effort which gives a fuller picture on what’s in store for our guests. I must add that many of our cli- entele prepare months in advance before our parties, and that’s something to be proud about. Holdup Heroines with its super strict door policy ensures that only those who are truly costumed and prepared for the fabulous 18th century period adventure will gain admittance to the most incredi- ble themed party of the season. Mari-Liis Ivalo: I must also give a mention to our stylist Alexyi Reneece. She was given a huge responsibility of styling our girls and finding our models as well as constructing and making the costumes. Again, with months of prepa- ration in working within a chosen theme, Holdup Heroines is a collective of cre- atives. This also draw reference to the venue as it has to captivate exactly what we’re trying to do and are doing, so the art decor is equally important and signa- ture to what we do at Holdup Heroines. Holdup Heroines is run by Chris Birch who has 20 years’ experience in event production and promotion and 12 years’ experience as founder of the Joystick Junkies fashion brand. Mari-Liis Ivalo, the jet set party planner and founder of MLworld Management has 15 years of event experience and insider knowledge of the global club and entertainment scene. She has worked with many top names in the industry, international DJs, high-end events and brands worldwide and is a regular visitor to Ibiza, Miami, Cannes and other credible jet set party habitats. www.holdupheroines.com bite nightout