Many hats for Lana-Rose proprietor

FOR the second year running, owner of Lana-Rose Fashion Tracey Spencer is excited to set up shop at the upcoming Rock Ballarat, the city’s tribute to rock ‘n roll and rockabilly.

Retailing rockabilly, psychobilly, pin-up and vintage style clothing and accessories, Ms Spencer said having the pop up is always a great way to reach a new customer base.

“I’ve had my shop since 2012 and managed to stick it out, and like any fashion it changes and is very fluid but it definitely is its own little niche,” she said.

“I used to have my shop along Lydiard Street but I realised 80 per cent of my business is online anyway so I thought why pay rent when I can sell online?

“It’s everyday wear, just a little bit different and a lot of it is vintage inspired and customer culture inspired.”

In addition to running her own pop-up apparel store, Ms Spencer said she lead the charge in the continuation and the organisation of the city’s celebration of rockabilly culture.

“Ballarat Beat closed two years ago, decided not to go ahead with the 2020 festival and I was a stakeholder because I have run the pin-up competition at the event for around six years,” she said.

“A group of stakeholders including myself were approached by the City of Ballarat to see if we would re-launch the festival which is how we came up with Rock Ballarat.

“I’m one of the directors, we do all of the paper work, the permits and the logistics of everything.”

The annual pin-up competition is set to take place 13 February during the festival at 10am at the Civic Hall precinct.

“It’s exciting, it’s an honour and it’s very satisfying when we finally get to that weekend and see everybody smiling and dressed up,” she said.

“It’s a very good community whether you’re a rock n roller or a pin up, everyone’s there for the same thing, to have a good time and not cause trouble.”

The Ballarat Rock Festival is set to run at the Civic Hall precinct Friday, 12 February to Sunday, 14 February.