Just arrived. Feminine vintage 1950s Swiss cotton day dress

This is such a sweetie now selling on vintageclothing.com.au. It looks great with or without crinoline which is underneath in the above photos as I love to show how it might have been once worn. The fabric is a quality, creamy, off-white Swiss cotton with rows of pulled thread work. Also love the diamante buttons down the front and on each sleeve. It is a good size with 28 inch (71cm) waist and 37 inch (94cm) bust.

Divine vintage 40s silk velvet evening jacket

Just wished this beautiful vintage 40s jacket fitted me as it is so rich and luxurious. Not to mention velvet is on-trend at the moment.
The little rhinestone brooch is some sort of cute insect and the tiny rhinestones in the centre of the front buttons just add that touch of bling.

It is always fascinating to think about the history of these vintage clothes and who and where they were made. I love the fact that the address of the manufacturer Miller's Exclusive Smart Wear (57E. Randolph St., Chicago)  is on the label. Sadly on Google it comes up as a high-rise bank now. I wonder how many other gorgeous creations came out of their business.

Pretty in pink 1920s Hungarian embroidered dress

These gorgeous 1920s - 1930s cotton-voile Hungarian embroidered dresses are so rare now.
It is amazing how timeless the style is. Just love the smocked band around the hip area.
I have this one for sale on vintageclothing.com.au

A walk down memory lane

While talking to my friend about the first 60s-style boutique in Brisbane called Splendiferous recently I remembered another friend who bought her gorgeous wedding dress there. As I was the bridesmaid I remember well the day in 1971 when I went with her to buy it. The dress (pictured above) was long, white crepe with a shirred bodice and short sleeves ... so of the era and still looks fabulous especially with her gorgeous Marianne Faithfull style hat. Thank you for letting me use this photo.

We all loved Splendiferous in Albert Street, Brisbane opened in the late 60s by sisters Kris Stevens and Bodil Bossey. It was so popular and new for Brisbane with the funky styles, groovy sales assistants and music playing. The owners opened another boutique called Brazilia nearby in Queen Street.

If anyone has any memories of either of these boutiques or old photos wearing something they bought there would love to hear from you.

New Arrival: divine Ceil Chapman vintage 1950s dress

 

 

Ceil Chapman fitting Marilyn Monroe

I have recently added this magnificent vintage 1950s pink silk organza dress by Ceil Chapman for sale on my website vintageclothing.com.au It was such an exciting find.

Ceil Chapman was an American fashion designer based in New York from the 1940s to the 1960s. With no formal training she rose to become one of the top fashion designers in the US. She was not only a designer for the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor she also made her label available to the public. Renown for her construction and draping techniques the new owner of this rare dress will not be disappointed. Just wished it fitted me.

Costumes from the Golden Age of Hollywood on display in Brisbane

                                  Image credits: Museum of Brisbane

A most remarkable exhibition, Costumes from the Golden Age of Hollywood, featuring costumes worn by many of Hollywood's most famous stars including Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Grace Kelly and Fred Astair  is on exclusively at the Museum of Brisbane until May 24, 2015. This wonderful exhibition is drawn from a private collection owned by Brisbane man Nicholas Inglis.

The exhibition of around 60 outfits is beautifully displayed with the movies they were worn in playing in the background.

Talented textile restorer, Tess Evans, now based in Sydney was responsible for the incredible restoration of most of these gowns. Hundreds of hours were spent on the collection with a wonderful outcome.
The story of the restoration, From Creation to Restoration, which I attended was utterly fascinating.

This is one not to be missed and admission is free.

A must see for lovers of fashion

Have just been to see Dior and I for the second time. Such a wonderful glimpse into the world of couture fashion. It is Raf Simon's first show as the new designer for iconic Parisian brand Christian Dior and he only has eight weeks to put it together. The talented women and men who work behind the scenes are a dedicated team who I found to be the main interest in this insightful film/doco. Great footage of Mr Christian Dior and some of his early creations too.