Stylist, dancer and Madonna impersonator extraordinaire… All the pieces of Terry Tiger Victor’s extraordinary life are about to come together. The Melkbosstrander and one time New York resident is about to start a new chapter. Together with Anton Marius Noortman, Terry will be at the helm of Lablicious, a vintage décor and lifestyle emporium in Salt River.

What a partnership this is. Terry has performed in New York and styled the rich and famous. Noortman has put on events for the likes of Richard Branson, Discovery, Edgars, Fashion Week and more. Terry looks serious: perhaps a case of stage fright? “It’s because I’m mid-change,” he admits.

The new chapter starts “as soon as they give us the keys.” Which could be next week! But Terry does not need to worry. He flourished in tough New York, working as a stylist at the famous Mudhoney salon.

Life with the stars
“I’m not star-struck,” he remarks. “Looking back now, I think, oh my God, I did not know. Ignorance is bliss.” Terry rubbed shoulders with Sylvester Stallone’s mom Jackie, Whoopie Goldberg, Richard Gere and a member of Andy Warhol’s clique, Holly Woodlawn. He got to know Alexis Arquette of the famous acting family and styled and co-starred in The Crisp Side of Life*, a documentary which Herb Klein made about the iconic author and public figure Quentin Crisp.

In the documentary the 90-year-old style setter appears beautifully attired blacks and lilacs. “I gave him lilac eyes and lips,” Terry recalls. As Crisp emerged from Mudhoney he was asked on film, “How was that?” “Strange,” he retorted. “I was probably the last person to do his make-up,” Terry remarks. “He died five months later.” He pauses, and mimics the Brit’s voice. “I think I can do him, eh?”

Together we sit looking at the footage. When the documentary ends we look at each other and smile. There are still icons about, and Terry Tiger of Melkbosstrand is one of them.

The Crisp Side of Life* has not been released yet.