If you don't have any idea where you're going or what you're dressing up as for Halloween, there's no need to scream your head off just yet. Come on down to Beyond Retro this weekend and we'll give you the Halloween makeover of your dreams (or nightmares...)

Nail Transphobia Pop-Up with Charlie Craggs:

Whether they're enhancing your outfit choice or gouging out the eyes of your enemies, there's a lot a great set of nails can do. Nowadays, with the help of trans activist Charlie Craggs, they're making the world a better place by nailing transphobia. 

Her Nail Transphobia campaign tackles negativity towards trans people by having a chat over getting your nails done began in 2013 as her final major project at London College of Fashion. Since then the movement has fully taken off and has landed her with a Marie Clare Future Shaper Award, a spot on Glamour's Instagram Power List, features from Vogue to the BBC news and everything in between. 

This month Charlie releases To My Trans Sisters, an invaluable book that takes a look at the experiences and lives of trans women worldwide. We caught up with her to talk about the new release, Halloween and her love for vintage dresses.

Describe what your goal is with your Nail Transphobia pop-ups?

Nail Transphobia is a campaign I’ve been running for about 4 years now, which involves me travelling around the country with my pop-up nail salon. I go to galleries, museums, festivals and unis offering the public free manicures for the chance to sit down and have a chat with a trans person. It’s my attempt to humanize the whole trans thing for people who might not quite get it or whatever.

What makes your nail pop-ups so successful?

I think because it’s quite a unique idea, using nails as a tool for activism. It draws people in to having that conversation with me about trans stuff, a conversation they wouldn’t normally be engaged in.

Congratulations on your new book! Tell us more about it...

To My Trans Sisters is a collection of letters from almost 100 inspiring trans women, offering sisterly advice to girls at the start of their transitions. Sort of like ‘what we wish we knew’ from how to deal with that 5 O’clock shadow to how to deal with transphobia.

The book contains letters from a plethora of inspiring trans women: from trailblazing politicians to celebrated entertainers, pioneering scientists to bestselling authors, and some straight-up trans icons too; women who have literally changed the world. From 80-year-old tech pioneer, Lynn Conway who’s inventions changed the way the world works, to America’s Next Top Model’s Isis King who changed the way the world sees us, as trans people. I like to call it an encyclopedia of trans excellence.

It’s a really good book, you should definitely buy it…and I’m not just saying that because I wrote it.

We're excited to have you in store for Halloween! As a fan of Beyond Retro, what are your fave vintage pieces in your wardrobe?

I love a good statement dress. Vintage dresses are so much more special than modern day, mass-produced stuff that everyone is wearing. Vintage dresses are my go-to for glam events because you don’t have to worry about someone turning up wearing the same thing.

What are your Halloween plans this year?

Sleeping. I’m exhausted.

What would be your ultimate Halloween costume?

How funny would it be if I went as my old pre-transition self for Halloween lol.

Come and meet Charlie for yourself and get your nails done for FREE at our Soho store this Friday, 4-7pm 

Although this event is FREE to attend, we'd recommend getting in early to avoid disappointment. Nail appointments are operating on a first come, first served basis. 

Halloween Make-Up Pop-Up

When?

Saturday 28th October 4 pm - 7 pm

Where?

Our Dalston, Cheshire Street & Soho stores
(https://www.beyondretro.com/pages/store-locator-uk)

We've summoned a handful of super talented makeup artists to transform you from regular human citizen into the Halloween king or queen of your dreams. Whether you're wanting a little bit of glitter or a full-blown horror inspired monstrosity, absolutely anything goes. 

Once again, this is an entirely FREE event so get down as early as possible in order to join in the fun. 

RSVP to the event on our Facebook page!