Meet Melanie Kerr - keynote speaker, funeral celebrant, and founder of SOS 'Sprinkle of Sunshine™', a movement devoted to seeing, seeking, and sharing beauty in everyday life. For Melanie, beauty is a tool that connects, heals, and uplifts us. And, nothing captures that spirit quite like her love of vintage treasures that sparkle with history and joy. Her motto says it all: “Wear the dress!”
Based in Dunedin, Melanie first discovered Painted Bird Vintage through her friend photographer (and Painted Bird Vintage customer), Fiona Tomlinson a dynamic soul and true seer of beauty. Despite her full and busy life, Melanie generously took the time to share her thoughts and images with us, offering a glimpse into her world of style, sustainability, and sparkle.
What first drew you to Painted Bird Vintage, and what do you feel makes the curation stand out or resonate with you?
I was looking at Kimonos when I found you. From the first peek online, I was hooked! I adore the fact that PB values the beautiful treasures you sell. In a world of fast fashion, we just gotta slow it down!
Which Painted Bird Vintage piece has made you feel most like “yourself” - and why?
I adore my Wax print dress with the elaborate sleeves. It is fun, playful, glamorous and over the top! It makes people happy!
What is your current style obsession (person, piece, or mood), and why?
It has to be Iris Apfel. Age was no barrier to her shining brightly, she said, “When you don’t dress like everyone else, you don’t have to think like everyone else.”
Which fashion era (1940–1980) speaks to you most right now, and what do you love about it?
I am taking a stroll through my teenage years and revisiting the 80’s. I’m loving the shoulderpads and power suits. That said, I do not subscribe to any particular era. If it’s beautiful or fun or makes me happy… I’ll wear it!
Which Painted Bird piece - or something that has been handed down to you - do you think could become tomorrow’s heirloom, cherished again and again? And why?
I say to my boys that when I die, they must invite my friends to come and take what they want from my wardrobe. This way, precious pieces will be matched with precious people.
What does slow fashion / sustainable fashion / circular fashion mean to you personally?
It is the seeing, the seeking, and the sharing of beauty. It is fostering an appreciation for the tailored, the handmade and the beautiful. It’s the appreciation for what was and the stories of days gone by.
How do you care for your clothing so it lasts beautifully for future generations?
I am very naughty…I shove it all in the washing machine on gentle! I can hear the screams of outrage from here!
What is your accessory essential - the piece that always completes your look
Earrings…always earrings!
Do you have a vintage ‘unicorn ‘ you’re still hunting for, or a piece you passed on that still haunts you?
That is the exciting and addictive thing about vintage hunting, I don’t know what I am looking for until I find it!!!
If you could step into any fashion era for a day, where would you go and what would you wear?
Oooo….too hard! 1920s Chinioserie, flowing kimono jackets, silks, satins, widesleeved coats in velvet, of course. Oriental fans and jewel tones. Beaded handbags. Cranes, chrysanthemums, lotuses. Don’t get me started on the decor!!!
What’s the best piece of style advice you’ve ever received - and who gave it to you?
My mum knew that opportunities in life arise when you least expect them and you don’t want to miss them because you don't feel your confident best! She still says to me, “Never leave the house without your lipstick on!”
In your wardrobe today, which Painted Bird piece feels truly timeless, and why?
My Waxprint dress. The thought that it is handprinted raises so many questions…Who were you? You beautiful artist!
Who is your favourite style icon, and how would they wear Painted Bird Vintage?
Anyone who wears clothes with confidence and fun! I am inspired by people I see walking down the street in Dunedin. We are a very Fashionable bunch, you know!
One Painted Bird piece you think everyone should try at least once.
A Kaftan!
If you were a bird, which one would you be and why?
I think I’d like to be a flamingo, vibrant, elegant and sophisticated… but really, I’m more like a Fantail. Flitting from here to there, checking on others. Happy and playful, but actually a bit elusive. I have never met a Fantail I didn’t like, and I always feel a little happier after I have seen one!
It’s such a joy to share Melanie’s words and images with you. Her passion for beauty, her playful spirit, and her fearless embrace of vintage remind us all why these pieces matter. They connect us to stories, to joy, and to one another. Thank you, Melanie, for opening your wardrobe and your heart to us at Painted Bird Vintage. 
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