Every February Napier goes back in time to the 1930s and plays host to one of the worlds biggest vintage festivals: the Napier Art Deco Festival. This year the theme was fashion, and I am so proud to have put together my first ever runway collection. Local and national designers were asked to create ‘Art … Continue reading 2019 Runway
I specialize in made to measure Art Deco reproduction fashion, keeping old designs and techniques alive. Even just having something custom made can be a vintage experience, as these days most of us are more likely to buy ready-to-wear. But if you have an original garment too delicate to wear which you want copied, or … Continue reading Custom orders: what’s involved?
I have been making 1920's reproduction dresses for the best part of 5 years now, but this is my first foray into headwear, starting simple; the bandeau or headband is a cliche of 1920s fashion. A modern 'flapper costume' would not be complete without a sequinned, feathered headband. But original pieces actually came in a … Continue reading A little Bandeau
In February I was asked to sew two 1920's slips for the Napier Art Deco Festival and launched into a frantic couple of days of research on fabrics, length, cut and finish details. Slips were generally made of silk or 'art silk' (rayon/viscose) and tended to be soft pastel colours with peachy tones … Continue reading A Tale of Two Slips
It's not every day that you are offered a gorgeous 1930's silk chiffon Dressing gown to borrow, and even rarer to be allowed to take a pattern. But in February I took the opportunity very gratefully, knowing a reproduction of it would be a striking addition to my newly launched Etsy Store! This is the … Continue reading 1930’s Lounging Robe
Taking a break from the travel posts, here is the first garment finished in 2017; a men’s double-breasted waistcoat circa 1937. This has been made on a sewing machine of no fixed abode, from Auckland to Algies Bay to Napier - the trusty domestic sewing machine has come into its own while we holiday and … Continue reading The Prototype Men’s Waistcoat of 1937
Clothing has the ability to alter our perception; of others and of ourselves. The outfit worn can change posture, confidence and mood. Wearing something light, flouncy and feminine will likely change a person’s behaviour when compared to that same person dressed in sturdy boots and tweed. It is generally men's clothing which is seen as … Continue reading Clothes make the (Wo)man
Its hard to know where to start; I had a full week of Art Deco Festival and every day was amazing. I find the best bits are usually those which were entirely unplanned; sitting on the beach in the small hours drinking rum (well I had wine), dancing in the Soundshell under the nearly full … Continue reading Art Deco 2016 (Part 2: The Festivities)
It has been remarkably easy to get into a rhythm of sewing and blogging, the words come very easily for the most part - but now for something completely different - my first travel entry! Admittedly not featuring the most far off and exotic destinations; Taupo, Wellington and Napier, but they are all very dear … Continue reading Art Deco 2016 (Part 1: the Touristy Bits and Roadtrip)
Art Deco Festival is the highlight of my year. For a week I live in an idealised version of the 1920s/30s where every day is sunny, every night is filled with music and dancing, the drinks flow, and a small NZ city is completely transformed. The streets fill with vintage cars, vintage planes perform over … Continue reading Discovering Deco
Tammy Twinkletoes 