When the call comes in that there’s a Vintage Fashion Fair in town, little will stop us from attending. The Magpie Vintage Fashion Fair came to Tunbridge Wells once again, this time at the atmospheric Solomon’s, brought to the fashionistas of the South East by the fabulous designer dress agency and vintage boutique Love Is Boutique.
Vintage Fashion Fair, Tunbridge Wells
We were greeted by a fabulously glamourous lady promoting Mad Hatters Fancy Dress Vintage Collection in a sumptuous 1950′s vibrant red dancehall dress with killer peep toe heels, then we walked through the reception of cupcakes from Everything Cupcakes by Yvonne to sweeten us up and get us revved up for some serious shopping. Next stop was BooBoo Burlesque and an invitation to join the taster session at Friction Bar & Lounge, Beckenham on the 19th March to get an insight into the glamourous world of Burlesque and Pole Dancing, sign us up!
Menswear at Vintage Fashion Fair
Let’s get shopping!
In this grand event hall there was a buzz of excitement and anticipation and a lot of “Have you seen that handbag over there, it’s divine” to “Where did you get that jacket from?”. Attendees turned up in true fashionable style, wanting to make a good impression and clearly having an eye for style. Although one member of the Tunbridge Wells Twitterati did wow us with his throwback to the 80′s rocking a tan leather jacket and chino combo (check out Mrs Anke’s Ladybits blog she will have the exclusive photo on this scoop!), that remained questionable as an outfit choice to some and a cheered on by others.
Our favourite stalls of the evening were those with a touch of evening glamour and definitely those with handbags and accessories. Vintage jewellery just shines and glitters for us magpies and we spotted quite a few people making some very happy purchases in that department.
Lilly Lewis – Millinery Genius
The lovely Lilly Lewis was showcasing some gorgeous faux vintage pieces, from Miss Marple style hats in deep greens and purples to ladylike glamour of feather fascinators and hair slides. A touch of 1940′s Charlglamour that wouldn’t go amiss at a wedding in 2011, with vintage fashion being an inspiration to many brides this year and a great way to complete an outfit for the races, a ball or a special event.
Lilly Lewis, Photos by Sam Fairbrother
Coucou Heart
Jewellery and vintage treasures are always an exciting find at a fair such at this. Coucou Heart had some divine pieces made from vintage keys and watch mechanisms, teamed with modern fabrics to make some exciting and inspiring necklaces and brooches. A playful take on fun and quirky jewellery, a favourite caught our eye in the shape of an Eiffel Tower necklace and matching set of earrings.
Coucou Heart Jewellery, at the Vintage Fashion Fair
Charlotte Casadéjus
Charlotte has created an amazing and sumptuous collection of vintage inspired wedding and evening wear. With a studio in London Bridge and a keen eye for gorgeous fabrics, this really was our favourite part of the fair. Dresses in elegant ivory and creams, gorgeous for the summer, with fantastic embellishment in all the right places. If you are looking for a stunning wedding dress look no further than Charlotte Casadéjus.
Charlotte Casadejus Collection, at the Vintage Fashion Fair
The evening was a fabulous success and Lynne of Love Is Boutique described it in one sentence “It’s just gone really well, just as we hoped and an hour and a half to go there’s plenty more time for people to enjoy it”. There was always a crowd around the Love Is Boutique stall with some great vintage handbags, accessories and dresses. If you missed out make sure you visit their boutique on Church Road, Tunbridge Wells.
Which handbag will you choose?
With 1940′s style music from Natalie Ross to entertain us and a fabulous raffle donated generously from businesses in Tunbridge Wells and in aid of the Pickering Cancer Centre it really was a great evening. Bargains to be had, some fabulous vintage pieces to be picked up in a relaxed atmosphere and with time to browse. All in all a great event and we look forward to the next one.