The number one fan of Barry Douglas

Aside from fashion, there is one more thing that plays an important role in the life of the Scottish beauty football. Despite never playing the sport herself, she watches and supports Barry every game, laughing that he calls her his number one fan. Debbie Shaw tells us about her ideas concerning the future and the life by the side of a football player.

The charming Old Market Square

When Barry told you that he was going to play for Lech, what was your reaction?

We didnt know too much about Poznań back then and it was a little bit of a shock. But we came here, to Poznań, to visit and we saw a bit of the city and we really liked it. We thought it was a great opportunity. I already have my favourite place. I love Stary Rynek. Its so different from what we have back in Glasgow. We also take our families and friends there because its a really charming place.

Do you have a double life now a home both in Scotland and in Poland?

I have to go to Scotland now and then to take care of my work, more or less four times a year, whenever there is such a need. Its not a long flight so its not difficult. Unfortunately Barry has less time and because of his commitments, hes needed here in Poznań. When I'm in Scotland, I always find time for family and friends. When we lived in Glasgow, we both lived with our families. When we came to Poznań, it changed, and we moved in together.

But you try to feel here like in Scotland. On 4th March Scotts celebrate Pancake Day. Did you celebrate it in Poznań?

Yes, we did celebrate it. We asked on Twitter, where we should go, and we received many recommendations of different places. We found a really nice pancake place Manekin, where we could feel like in Scotland and we go there now and then. We rather go out, because though Id love to say I was a good cook, unfortunately Im not.

Dolly Royalty

Youve been a model before, was that the beginning of your adventure with fashion?

When I was about 19 the opportunity came about for me to do promotional work, modelling, TV work and as I was interested in fashion, I thought Id give it a go. I also had some opportunities abroad with dancing in Greece, Spain, Lanzarote. It worked out really well, I did it for 5 years as my only job. It was fun, many great opportunities. We used to do a lot of work with fashion different brands and I really enjoyed the job. So thats perhaps when my love and interest for fashion started.

You came to Poznań and you had to start with something new.

Yes, I havent really had the same opportunities here as I would have back home, so I did not continue modelling when I came here. When we moved, I was thinking of something I could do while I was here in Poznań. I wanted to stay self-employed, do my own thing. Barry asked me what would I enjoy, what would I want to do, and the other thing I really enjoy besides modelling is fashion, so that is why I decided to start the website. In Dolly Royalty I seek for the styles I really like and hopefully in the future I will design the clothes myself.

Where did the name, Dolly Royalty, come from?

I was thinking of the name for the company, I had several ideas but Barry didnt like any of them, and one day Dolly Royalty just came to me. I liked it because the name sounds cute and I associate it with princess. In these dresses each girl can feel like a princess.

The dresses designed by your company are for young, urban women like you?

The style is all me. The dresses are for girls, who want to get dressed up and glammed for the weekend. This is what I like to wear. Its nice because whenever I go out I can wear any of my dresses.

You sell the dresses mainly back at home. Do you also have clients in Poland?

I wasnt expecting this to be honest, but we do have clients from all over the world. It's nice because you can visit dollyroyalty.com from any part of the world and shop online. Im hoping that Dolly Royalty will also become popular in Poland. Of course everywhere you go, the countries have their own, unique style. Its interesting to see the differences in fashion. Here the girls are so lovely and beautiful and they do dress similar to the girls in Scotland. Id love to see more of them in my dresses. I hope that in Poland girls enjoy the same as the UK girls to dress up and look fabulous.

Football fan

I have to ask that question - do you like football?

Yes, of course (smiles). My family has always been interested in football so Id watch a game now and then but when I met Barry I started to really support him and thats when I began to enjoy the game.

Do you come to the stadium every match to support Barry?

Yes, but I dont go to the away games. Itd be quite difficult to get to the different cities. But whenever Barry and his team play at home, I am there to support him. In Scotland I also did, but Barry played about 2 hours further away from where I lived, so it was more difficult to get to the games than now, when we live 5 minutes away from the stadium. But whenever I wasnt working, back in Scotland, I would go to every game I could.

As a footballers girlfriend, are you also a football expert?

No, not really. I wouldnt call myself an expert but certainly have learned a lot. However, I have never tried to play. Sports arent my thing, I prefer to watch rather than participate.

Living with a football player has ups and downs. Do you find enough time for each other?

Despite Barry being busy with the games and training sessions, we do find time for each other. We try to spend as much time with each other as possible. Last week for example, when Barry had day off, we had a lovely spa day. It's very important to find time for such entertainments. Its similar to the way it was back home.

During last match, you and Barry met with an ill boy. Do you support any other charity activities?

We support charities regularly, Barry in particular. Two years ago he lost a dear one to cancer. He supported the cancer research and even shaved his head.

In Great Britain the word WAG is a popular expression for footballers wives or girlfriends, while in Poland the word is barely used at all. Have you noticed the difference in the way media treats you here, in Poland, and back in Scotland?

No, I really think in Scotland, as well as Poland, the media concentrate on Barry and his work on the pitch. And that's the way it should be. I take it as a compliement when the media take an interest in me and what I'm doing.