Monday, January 3, 2011

For those who loved and wore The House of Merivale

Fabulous vintage 70s Merivale leather jacket
shown on omdiddyom.blogspot.com

I have found a wonderful post and thread about The House of Merivale fashions over at circavintage.com.au It has inspired a generation of fans, including me, to reminisce about our times spent shopping at either their Sydney or Melbourne store during the seventies. Here's an excerpt from the The Powerhouse's site on the post.

Established by John and Merivale Hemmes, the landmark House of Merivale and clothing designed by Merivale revolutionised the Australian fashion scene. John and Merivale Hemmes were mavericks in Australian fashion. Modelled on London’s famous concept boutiques and catering to 18-25 year olds, the House of Merivale was the first specialty fashion boutique in Australia.

The House of Merivale was not just a shop; it was a phenomenon that significantly influenced a generation of young Australian’s attitude to shopping and the fashion experience. The House of Merivale was the place to go to for the latest trends in music, fashion and make-up and was the first store in Australia to sell the mini. The popularity of the boutique was such that teenagers would be lined up outside the door.

Yes, I was there nearly every Saturday morning while working in Sydney spending my hard-earned cash on some amazing item of clothing. Even now I can describe every piece I bought in detail. Recently I spotted on Ebay the same fabulous brown leather Merivale jacket I bought from the store. Even though it was far to small to wear I just had to buy it to have another look. Incredible what an effect clothes have on us.

1 comment:

  1. I never had a John and Merivale jacket but I remember them. Funny how some names are part of our story and then they disapper and are replaced by others.. thanks for the walk down memory lane. Carla

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