Please introduce yourself and tell us about the moment you discovered Suede.

Hello my name is Wanda MacRae. I am a Canadian living in Toronto Ontario and am a hairstylist by profession. Before becoming a stylist I freelanced as a makeup artist for over 10 years and worked in the music industry. In my free time, I enjoy pop culture and am always adding items to my home which has been called a museum or comic book store.

Suede has been in my life and ongoing since 1993. Here’s the kicker, the first time I saw Suede was on the 1993 Brit Awards show. I thought ew that sounded awful and shrilly leaving a bad first impression. Their music videos changed my mind pretty quick though. Always envied the crowd in the US drowners video as it must have been a blast to take part in bubbles and all.

What & when was your first Suede purchase? 

Suede’s first album on cassette in 1993 as I did not have a CD player till 1994.

How do you organise your collection?

The bulk of it which are CDs, vinyl, books, magazines, SIS zines and DVDs are in one place on a large wall unit and featured in the middle. I change up the area a little bit as items come in. A few posters are around the home including the IOs calander as well. Shirts are all together in a wardrobe just for t-shirts. Records and CDs are kept in release order.

What's your most treasured item in your collection and why?

Physical item would have to be the first album poster signed in 1995 when I first met them at an HMV in-store signing. My memories of that time are special and treasured too. Later that evening I went to a nightclub and Suede showed up, so we hung out all night and had a great time. Their show was the following day.

Tell us about your most recent Suede purchase. 

Waiting in the mail for two items actually Suede On Film as I am fluffing up my CD collection which is catalogue full for the most part now. Second item a press photo taken by Janerik Henriksson of the band around 96/97 with Simon, Neil and Brett smoking cigarettes, to be framed on arrival.

Is there any item that was in your reach and you now regret not buying?

Suede lighter would be the most recent answer as the person selling it would not ship it to Canada unfortunately.

What's on your wishlist for your collection?

The boys tools for playing their dreamy music which would be drum sticks, guitar picks and set list from a show in the future. I really like promotional items. Looking back the brown sports leather bag would be nice to obtain as well. As for completing my CD list, SIS See you in the next life CD, SIS Suede live, Suede radio sessions and promotional CD singles from Bloodsports up to Blue Hour.

Thanks for having me!