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From the race tracks of small-town America to the mean streets of Bristol, roller derby has injected a hit of attitude into the city’s sports scene with, as Gina Dyer discovers, its own distinctive retro-punk style

“Bruises” is, apparently, the key accessory for the derby girl look and after watching the game you can see why. Roller derby is a tough, all-female contact sport and not for your average wallflower: the girls skate around an elliptical track in packs trying to prevent the ‘jammer’ (wearing a star-marked helmet) from each team passing through.

On the track the girls wear hotpants, knee-high socks and rocker T-shirts, accessorised with brightly coloured hair and layers of bangles, tattoos and piercings (under the mandatory safety helmet and shin pads). The look is fun and fierce – they clearly mean business.

Off the track, the dress code is somewhat girlier. A-line skirts and pretty floral dresses top the skater girl style parade. Attention to detail is key – flawlessly applied red lipstick and several ‘victory roll’ hairstyles. It’s not a low-maintenance look by any standard.

Many of the girls are inspired by 1950s pin-ups and rockabilly styles, but their way of wearing it is joyful, camp and kitsch. It’s Veronica Lake at G.A.Y, or Marilyn Monroe at Glastonbury: an odd combination but young and feminine at its heart.

Derby girls have an alter-ego that they use on the track – an excuse to dress up (and behave?) very differently to how they might in ‘real’ life. 1940s stylista Brooke Nolan becomes the sultry Brookiller de Ville on the track; Sarah transforms into rock chick CandyKazi; and Carly Robertson turns into the wicked Carmen Electro.

“I’d describe the look as kick-ass feminist style,” grins Sarah, grabbing a cupcake during half time. That’s another important thing about derby – there’s always cakes. It’s not a place for skinny minnies. Curves are encouraged.

“Derby girls are an eclectic bunch,” explains Brooke. “Some of the girls are sporty, others like more feminine 1950s styles, some have piercings, and some are more rockabilly. It doesn’t matter which direction you take it – the scene is very accepting and embraces all kinds of looks.”

Roller derby is a visually exhilarating sport, not least for the range of creative looks on display. It makes you want to get your skates on and get involved. After all, you suspect Marilyn would have had a damn good time if she had been to Glastonbury.

GINA DYER IS EDITOR OF WWW.MYSTREETCHIC.COM, A BRISTOL-BASED ONLINE FASHION COMMUNITY COVERING ALL THE LATEST STYLES FROM YOUR CITY.

Copyright Gina Dyer 2011