New from Catwalk Creative Vintage

Here are some fresh additions to the rails at Catwalk Creative Vintage on eBay.

BOUCHER Persian Turquoise Cabochon Earrings c.1960s

FRANK USHER Black Crepe Evening Gown c.1980s

Long Chiffon Multi Colour Abstract Neck Scarf.

HENKEL & GROSSE Gold Tone Hoop Earrings c.1967

HENKEL & GROSSE Gold Tone Hoop Earrings c.1966

British Vogue 1984

We may already have experienced the best of the summer weather (in England anyway!), but one can always rely on a vintage fashion glossie to remind ourselves that somewhere on this planet, warmer climes and mid summer escapes await. Here’s a pretty photo shoot taken from British Vogue July 1984, with images by Paul Lange in Haiti. Hair by Bob Fink. Enjoy!

Long pale linens for the long hot holiday abroad, garlanded with short pearl strings, wide faded straws, the prettiest scarves. Wear them with slippers or summer brogues for exploring the coast, the mountains, the mysteries of Haiti. Here, airy spaces, faded fretted wood, shades of the past, at the Grand Hotel Oloffson in Port au Prince, where Graham Green wrote The Comedians, and Vogue, some eighteen years later, stayed.

Soft green linen collarless shirt, £69, cream linen breeches, by Perry Ellis £150. Cashmere cardigan, £82.50. Lilac and cream chiffon scarf, £3, from a selection at Cornucopia.

White lace and linen shirt, beige linen trousers, brown leather belt, pearl beads, from a selection at Ralph Lauren.

White linen suit, short sleeved shirt, about £189 (with skirt and jacket, not shown). Trousers with turn-ups, about £46. Both by Max Mara.

Short-sleeved white linen shirt, £69, Striped linen trousers, £81.60, both by Paul Costello. Natural straw hat swathed in white chiffon, £35. Marvella fake pearls, from £8.95. Silk chiffon scarf, £26, at Kenzo. Brown and white leather co-respondent shoes, £85, at Flli Rossetti.

Short-sleeved pleated linen dress by Max Mara, £147. Leather brogues, £59.50, from a selection at Mulberry.

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Newly Discovered Fashion Illustrations of the 1940s

It’s not often that one can lay claim to discovering a lost talent. And even now, this exquisite illustrator only came to my attention through an acquaintance of my sister, Alice. The artist and topic of my conversation is Betty Wilkins and I’m honoured and delighted to have been given the opportunity to feature some of her outstanding art work. I would first of all like to offer my sincerest thanks to Betty’s daughter, Yvonne, for allowing me to share these wonderful images with my readers. I would also like to stress the importance of copyright and state that under no circumstances are these images to be copied or reproduced in any other form or publication. They remain the sole property of Yvonne and have been watermarked appropriately. Thank you.

I’ve written the following article as a testament to Betty and her incredible talent. I would dearly love to have known her. This post is intended to provide a very brief insight into Betty’s life, but most importantly to give inspiration to budding fashion illustrators and to those of you with a love for the history of fashion. Enjoy!

This beach scene illustrates 1940s fashion so beautifully. It has never been published and was part of Betty’s personal collection of paintings. It’s exquisitely executed, from the background image of the sea and steam boat to the detailed fabrics and accessories.

Sadly Betty passed away in 2004, leaving her incredible legacy of illustrations and paintings to her beloved daughter. In brief, Betty’s personal story began in Finchley, North London. She was born Elizabeth Wilkins in 1920 and a short while later, her family moved to Mill Hill, North London.

Willesden College of Technology opened in 1934.

Her artistic potential must have shone through at an early age. Betty left school at fourteen to attended Willesden College of Technology (formerly Willesden Polytechnic and now known as the College of North West London.) The original building in Denzil Road was built in 1903 (see photograph left), but unfortunately no longer stands. It was opened as a College of Technology in 1934 and ran the technical courses originally provided by the polytechnic. Betty enrolled at the college in 1934 so would have been one of the first students to attend the schools of art department. Interestingly, one of her fellow classmates at Willesden was one of the twin brothers who’s father, Montague Burton, founded Burton, Britain’s largest chain of clothes shops. It is unclear which brother, Arnold or Raymond, was the classmate of Betty. I do know that Raymond Burton passed away quite recently in February 2012, at the age of 93.

Some time after leaving art college, and just before the onset of World War II, Betty was interviewed by Marjorie Proops. Marjorie is probably best known for her role as the Daily Mirror’s “Agony Aunt”, although she was a prolific social commentator and writer, and had become a journalist in 1939. Marjorie’s first job was fashion correspondent for the Daily Mirror so this ties in nicely with my story.

Surprisingly, Betty didn’t get the job that Marjorie Proops had interviewed her for . . . . . . exactly why not, I cannot say. Certainly Betty’s talent as a fashion illustrator is as brilliant as anything I have ever seen in Vogue or similar fashion editorials of the same period. In my eyes, Betty Wilkins was an outstanding draughtswoman with a real eye for fashion, and had a true understanding of the human form. You only need look at the hands of these elegant ladies to see what a wonderful artist she was.

So without further ado, I’ll let you decide for yourself and give you the opportunity to see exactly what the Daily Mirror missed out on all those years ago . . . . .

More about Betty’s life story below.

These intricate fashion illustrations show what an incredible draughtswoman Betty was. Each stroke was done with a paint brush. Time consuming I believe . . . but truly, truly awesome!

The black and white images were produced for fashion publications or for dressmaking patterns. Unfortunately, Yvonne doesn’t know which publications they were from, so if anyone reading this recognises any of the following images, or can shed any further light on where they were published, please contact me. Thank you so much.

Do you recognise where this image was published? If so, please contact me (see ‘Contact’ page.)

If you’ve ever wondered how to paint or sketch the netting found on a hat, here’s an exquisite example! And what a hat!

So what happened to Betty? Well, as with most stories from this era, WWII brought change to many families. Betty’s father had been a Captain in the British Army and had served during the Great War of 1914-18. By the time WWII came along he was too old for active service, so the Army gave him an administrative role and sent him to Burscough in the North West of England. His family subsequently followed him and they began a new life in the lovely seaside town of Southport.

Betty’s father must have been very proud of his talented daughter. Although he was a strict character (remember he was an Army Captain), I believe he accompanied her to Liverpool in order to help her find work as an illustrator. However, as the War took hold, Betty’s fate was decided. She took work in a local factory in order to help the War effort and there she stayed throughout WWII. It was during this time that she met her future husband. They married in 1947 and went on to have a family of their own. Betty’s husband was a farmer although Betty didn’t work on the farm herself. Whether she carried on with her art work as a hobby, I am unsure. What I do know from Yvonne is that her mother often recalled her days as a fashion illustrator as the happiest of her life.

Here are some further examples of Betty’s creative talent which again, include the most exquisite, fine detail.

Wedding dress and veil complete with contrasting bridesmaid dress in blue. I love the heart-shaped bodice with matching handbag. It’s so adorable!

Betty Wilkins illustration 8

Betty Wilkins illustration 9

Betty Wilkins illustration 10

Betty Wilkins illustration 11

Betty Wilkins illustration 12

The detail on this mohair sweater was executed with a paint brush! More awesomeness!

Betty Wilkins illustration 14

There are more examples of 1930s and 1940s fashion illustrations on the V&A website. I think Betty Wilkins deserves a place there, don’t you? Betty you rock!

Thank you again to Yvonne for sharing her mother’s story and these beautiful images. If you have any knowledge of where the black and white images were published, please contact me. Thank you.

Summer Frocks From Catwalk Creative Vintage

A selection of vintage summer frocks currently available from Catwalk Creative Vintage. And don’t forget, if you’re UK based, delivery is free!

Blue Roses Dress c.1950s

KIVA CREATIONS Pink Brocade Suit c.early 1950s

EMCAR Blue Button Front Suit c.1970s

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A Certain Style: British Vogue July 1984

The following images are scanned from British Vogue, July 1984. The article, by Ingrid Bleichroeder, suggests that Mr Lagerfeld is age 46 years at the time of publication, although his date of birth is noted elsewhere as 1933, making him a little bit older. Ho hum! That’s nothing new in the world of fashion and celebrity I guess!

Also interesting to note that at the age of four, Mr Lagerfeld was asking his parents for a painting of King Frederick II of Prussia whilst at the same age, I was happy with a box of toffee cigarettes! Oh the lives we lead!

This feature is from ‘A Certain Style‘, by Ingrid Bleichroeder.

Karl Lagerfeld photographed for British Vogue, July 1984.

I was interested in fashion before I knew the word. My memories are made of clothes. When I was four I saw a painting in a German art gallery – it was of King Frederick II of Prussia with Voltaire – and I knew that that was what I wanted. At first my parents thought it was too expensive and bought me another picture. I was so disappointed that at Christmas they bought me the one I wanted. Style and luxury are the essence of life . . .

Karl Lagerfeld, forty-six, designed for Chloé for twenty years and has now just started his own line, Fan Club. He continues to design furs for Fendi and five collections a year for Chanel. He has apartments in Paris, Monte Carlo, Rome, Vienna (where he teaches at the university) and New York. They are all decorated differently: Louise-Quinze, Italian contemporary, art deco, hi-tech . . . “To mix different styles and centuries is depassé . . .”

“I feel safest in Monte Carlo – protected. It is like a spaceship floating in mid-air.” The décor in his twenty-first floor Monaco apartment reflects this impression with its futuristic constructions by the Milan-based Memphis group. “I live quite happily with things which are genuinely from this era; and Memphis creations are the most genuinely contemporary designs there are.”

The Paris apartment recalls the painting which first alerted him to the possibilities fo style: Louise-Quinze décor, furniture arranged as in the works of Watteau and Boucher, great puffy silk curtains, candelabra everywhere. For Lagerfeld this is the “closed circle of enchantment – the eighteenth century is a fantastic period of culture and perfection.”

But his office, designed by Andrée Putman, is functional: metal furniture, a resilient carpet, plain white walls with some Deborah Turbeville photographs; and eighteen shades of grey, his favourite colour, “the functional spirit of the working place today”.

The lack of distraction is useful. “I see myself as a lazy, unprofessional person. I’m all improvised. But I’m always trying to work better, more seriously . . . When I was a child, my governess told me I would never get anything done because I stayed in bed. Now I get up at 4 am, work until 9 am, go back to bed for two hours and then get dressed. I love the early hours, when the day is coming . . .

Karl Lagerfeld photographed for British Vogue, July 1984.

“I change constantly, but I never change my mind. I would wish to be like Virginia Woolf’s Orlando: never being the same but remembering who you are . . . “

His views on style are equally rigorous. “Beauty is not style: ugly monsters can have style. Mick Jagger made ugliness beautiful: the way he moves is so elegant. The Princess of Wales has a wonderful physical attitude. Ines de la Fresange, who models for Chanel, has the most aristocratic physical style – a timeless, perfect beauty which is always modern. And Tina Chow is the same: nothing ever dates on her. But style is individual. Paloma Picasso is not to be imitated, and Anna Piaggi’s style is hers and doesn’t work on anyone else. A woman can be inspirational only by her attitude. There is no style without attitude . . .

“What I like best in life are changes – new fashions, new trends, the next venture. I hate routine, which is why I like to do different collections. But I believe only in discipline, physical and mental. What I hate most in life is laissez-aller – I think that’s just revolting . . . “

Karl Lagerfeld photographed for Vogue by David Bailey.

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New Additions at Catwalk Creative Vintage

I’m currently listing some fabulous stock on my newly updated website. There’s never a dull moment around here! I wanted to show off a few items now, but there’s so much more to share in the next few weeks . .

There are silk scarves, leather handbags and some fabulous dresses, which I’ve yet to photograph and measure. I’m keen to get on with things before the start of the school summer holidays. Yikes! Is it that time already?! So for now, I hope you enjoy this small selection of vintage treasures.

Velvet Ruffle Evening Gown by Bernshaw c.1960s

Brown Leather and Patent Moc Croc Shoulder Bag c.1970s

Israeli unmarked Sterling Eilat Stone Earrings c.1950s/60s

Bohemian Floral Paisley Shawl by Franco Laurenti

Oyster Grey Metallic Clutch Bag with Detachable Shoulder Strap c.1980s/90s

The quality speaks for itself . . . Hardy Amies Silk Scarf

Cotton Floral Day Dress c.1950s

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Swagger Style 1984

There aren’t many looks from the 80s that I look back at with great fondness. However, one style I really did think was cool was the ‘swagger’ look of the mid-1980s. I was a teenager then and heavily into the rockabilly scene. I favoured baggy trousers, Doc Martens and a rather severe flat-top hair style. So, although this masculine look was a little too soft around the edges for me, it did make a refreshing change from all the glitzy, wide-shouldered power suits and massive hair. I’ll let you decide.

These images are scanned from British Vogue, July 1984 with photographs by the great Terence Donovan. Hair by Bob Fink of New York.

Silk and tartan lounge suit. Abstract-patterned silk side-fastening dressing gown by Georgina von Etzdorf, £275; tartan wool trousers, £55 by Paul Smith. Zebra-patterned slippers at Manolo Blahnik, £95.

Dressing up, dressing gown suit. Double-breasted tartan wool cotton mix suit, £230 at Crolla. Paisley cotton dressing-gown, £18 from a selection at Hackett Clothiers. Long-sleeved cotton shirt, £55 at Kenzo. Silver and enamel paste military badge brooch, £55 at Massada Antiques.

Newly classic double-breasted dark brown herringbone tweed. Jacket, £197; trousers £85; both at Harvey Nichols. Long-sleeved cotton shirt, £86 at Harvey Nicols. Zebra-patterned slippers as noted in first image above. Ruby and rose diamond enamel brooch, £1,385 at Massada Antiques.

Subtly Mismatched Suit. Dark charcoal linen herringbone jacket, £175, with matching trousers, £82; single-breasted cotton mackintosh with quilted satin lining, £110; short-sleeved cotton Aertex shirt, £21; all at Paul Smith. Leather lace-up men’s shoes, £18, from a selection at Blax.

Chequered City Suit. Man’s single-breasted pink and black check wool mix suit, £59.95 at Johnson’s. Long-sleeved cream silk shirt with detachable black silk tie, £185, at Chanel. Plaited leather belt, £15, at Browns. Mock astrakhan slippers, £95, at Manolo Blahnik.

Gamine’s Wrap and Flow Suit – in iridescent python greys, silky synthetic jacket; woven synthetic trousers with back pockets; silky synthetic shirt with knitted jersey collar, long sarong-tied shirt tails; silky synthetic mackintosh; military-style earring; all by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Hot pink drape and shape suit. Man’s fine gabardine single-breasted drape jacket with black satin lapels, by Stephen Sprouse, £440. Cotton/lycra stirrup-foot leggings, £12.99, at Stirling Cooper. Velvet slippers with embroidered fox masks, £52, at New and Lingwood.

Big and easy coat suit. Voluminous rubberised cotton raincoat with lapels, £325; baggy rubberised cotton trousers with tie waist, £150; long-sleeved rayon knit shirt, £120; all at Yohji Yamamoto Pour Homme. Leather school sandals, £79, at Kenzo.

. . . . and yours truly in 1984 – on my way to the Hacienda night club (Manchester)

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Pearls for June Birthdays June Brides or Just Because You Love Pearls in Any Form

If you were born in June you have a truly beautiful birthstone ~ the pearl. They are the oldest gem known to man, and the only gem made by an animal. Pearls are symbols of purity, perfection, elegance and affluence.

Once a rare and highly prized gem, a symbol of power and most expensive since first documented in 2300 BC, they are now relatively inexpensive and available to anyone. We can find them not only in jewelry but accessories and even accents to clothing.

Fortunately for pearl lovers, there are not only natural pearls from oyster beds, but saltwater or freshwater pearls, cultured pearls “invented” in 1907, and those grown in pearl farms. And of course faux pearls made of glass or beads.

Our Best In Vintage members have some fabulous pearl, cultured pearl and even faux pearl offerings for you from jewelry to clothing and of course accessories. We hope you love pearls as much as we do, even if they aren’t your birthstone!

Vintage choker necklace faux pearls & clasp set @henrietta’s buttons

Sequin and Faux Pearl Clutch Bag c.1960 @CatwalkCreative

ca. Early 1920’s Cotton Voile Blouse with faux pearl buttons @NobleSavage vintage

Faux pearl woven statement necklace or collar @vintageoutlet

Frame bag with plastic pearls, Auroras & Gold Bugle Beads @WickedLady Collectables

Vintage Art Deco Bird Brooch faux pearl rhinestone @vintageoutlet

Vintage Pink bead cluster faux Pearl Clip Earrings @VintageOutlet

Vintage 1940s Creamy Tan Faux Pearl Collar smoky bugle beads
@VintagePretties

Vtg 80s Ivory satin wedding dressfaux pearls med @Pinehaven2

80’s “Slouchy” Angora Sweater faux pearl accent @The Only Hula Hut

50s RED Silver Beaded Sweater Beads @BombshellFrocks

50s Black Velvet Skirt Pearl Accent Pockets @BettesBargains

Quelrayn Clothing 1968

A zippy style of slip-on. Shop in, drive in, picnic in, take the kids to school in. Casual yet always crisply appealing. Quelrayn Zippers. In stone, sky or navy ‘Terylene’/cotton, with plain or two-tone knit trim, about £6.19.6 – NEW FROM QUELRAYN

This image has been scanned from my copy of FASHION magazine dated April 1968. Please contact me if you wish to us this image and give credit to my blog, Catwalk Threads Vintage. Thank you.

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Wolsey Lombardi Advertising Campaign

For scene-stealing suits. Get into the act. A Wolsey Lombardi suit is a clever cover-up. Likes being seen. Everywhere. And every Lombardi suit is ingeniously cut. Beautifully fabricated. Take this one. Coloured gold with sleek sleeveless blouse. Sized 12-18. Priced about 16½ guineas. Wolsey Lombardi.

This image is scanned from my own copy of FASHION magazine. Please contact me if you wish to use this image and link back to my blog and website. Thank you.

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Boccara Luggage 1968

I’ve found several advertisements for Boccara luggage in my collection of 1960s magazines. Each one features strong, independent women in the starring role. Here’s a favourite of mine, which was no doubt inspired by the film Bonnie and Clyde, released in 1967, a year before this ad was published. The film of course, starred the glorious Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.

Looking at past decades for design influence isn’t a new thing at all. Nostalgia of the 1930s and 1940s played a big part in fashion-forward styles during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and this ad campaign is testament to that – even if it does harp back to the Great Depression era!

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Woman’s Pictorial Magazine 1930

I spent some time reading through this copy of Woman’s Pictorial. Dated 26th April 1930, the cover shows a beautiful painting by Albert Guillaume (Paris Salon, 1929). The pages within provide a wonderful insight into life as it was 82 years ago.

This issue includes a special nursery supplement which provides readers with advice on everything from what to feed baby to the correct way to deal with a year old ‘tot’ that has eaten a square inch of the forehead of her doll! Mind you, I can’t imagine that any advice would be much use to the mother. By the time her letter had been written and posted, received at magazine headquarters and published, anything could have happened to that poor child! And just in case you’re interested to know, following said incident, the mother immediately gave her child a small teaspoon of castor oil. Can you imagine?! Yuk! She writes to Nurse McKay (an advocate of Truby King methods), asking “Was that right, and was there anything else I could do?” Nurse McKay replies:

“With such catastrophes it is always as well to have immediate medical advice, and, in any case, castor oil should not be given, as this would hurry the contents on in a fluid form, whereas it is safer to let the foreign object get covered, and pass on slowly. The best plan is to give thick starchy food, such as bread and potatoes, to eat.”

"Le Thé." By Guillaume (Paris Salon,1929)

The magazine also includes a section entitled ‘FASHION THIS WEEK‘. Enjoy!

From left to right: The new berthé collar, the bolero suit of crêpe-de-Chine with a satin or linen sleeveless blouse, and a tennis dress of piqué which is very neat and serviceable.

Simple beige blouse trimmed very smartly on collar and cuffs with blue stitching to match the blue skirt. Both blouse and skirt have similar yoke effect.

Two simple silk frocks, which is a sign that the bluebells are coming out, because you want to wear silk frocks about that time! The one on the left is of black satin marocain with a white collar - very smart. The one on the right is a little dress with a very feminine collar and cuffs of pleated georgette frilling.

And here’s a rather ingenious idea from resident fashion expert, Ann. Here she shows how to make a bed jacket made from four handkerchiefs. I’d imagine you’d have to use quite large handkerchiefs, but unfortunately, Ann doesn’t offer any advice on size dimensions!

When Ann thought out this idea for a dainty dressing-jacket she was at her very brightest, I'd have you know! It's made from four handkerchiefs, or squares of chiffon, the same or varied colours, as you wish. Place one handkerchief at the back, join one at either side to form shoulder seams (see diagram), and cut the third handkerchief in half diagonally, and use to make fronts to the jacket (see diagram). The top point of the back handkerchief turns over to make a little collar. isn't it ingenious, and pretty!

Finally, I just wanted to include this very nondescript advertisement for Tobralco fabric. I’d never come across the name before, but the fabric appears to have been used widely during the 1930s. Also, being a resident of Manchester, I was interested to see that it was produced by the famous TOOTAL company, who were based at 56 Oxford Street, Manchester. More information below.

Advertisement for Tobralco fabric, 1930

Tobralco was a trademark name (registered 1910), given to a fabric produced by Manchester textile manufacturer, Tootal Broadhurst Lee Company Ltd. This company produced largely cotton and silk fabrics of very high quality with yarns imported from countries such as India. I’ve been unable to determine exactly what fibres were used in the manufacture of Tobralco. However, I would imagine they used something synthetic since it’s advertised as being a very practical fabric with ‘wash and wear’ qualities. In my online search, I found several magazine articles which mentioned Tobralco. One article in particular caught my attention (http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/4081914). The advertisement is for men’s business shirts, sports shirts and pyjamas made of Tobralco, and was also published April 1930. The wording goes as follows:

“All Tootal Products are as reliable as Tobralco. Every fabric and every dye produced by the company, has to pass the most rigorous tests in the Tootal Mills and Laboratories.

Every piece of cloth – every handkerchief – must measure up to the Tootal standard – a standard that enables Tootals to guarantee complete satisfaction in wash and wear. Any man who has used a Pyramid Handkerchief – any woman who has worn a Tobralco frock – will know what Tootals mean by “satisfaction.”

Tootal sheetings, casements, bedspreads, shirtings and table cloths, are all of the same guaranteed quality as ‘Pyramids’ and Tobralco, and all are plainly marked ‘Tootal’ or ‘A Tootal Product’ on selvedge or label. Look for this mark when buying.”

ADDITIONAL NOTE: the above images have been scanned from my own copy of Woman’s Pictorial. If you wish to use any images contained within my blog, please contact me and include links back to my website and blog. Thank you.

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Rainwear from 1975

If you’re looking for outerwear that will get you through these April showers in style, here’s an article that might provide some fashion inspiration. Taken from The Daily Telegraph magazine, 21 March 1975, entitled ‘Weathering The Storm‘. Enjoy!

The Daily Telegraph cover, 21 March 1975. The Midas touch of Biba marks this antique gold nylon raincoat. Midi-length, it is completely waterproof, yet totally glamorous. Coat: £32 from Biba. Black and yellow scarf by Park & Warriner at Carr Jones: approximately £10 from Liberty. The clip on the scarf and black and gold bangles from Adrien Mann.

“Raincoats have moved away from drab uniformity . . . as more and more designers appreciate that rain does not have to dampen your looks and depress your spirits. Fashion Editor: Jennifer Hocking. Photographer: Jim Lee.”

Christopher Robin smock in blue ciré is gathered from the yoke at back and front and unbuttons to well below the waist (making it easy to step out of). The band collar has a hood attached. Coat by Cyclone, £56.

Sky blue ciré raincoat buttons to the neck. There are large pockets on the generously flaring skirt and the raglan sleeves are gathered into buttoned cuffs. Coat: £19.95 from branches of Wallis. Striped blue shirt: £6.95 from branches of Wallis.

Waiting with a Bus Stop - Lee Bender raincoat in lightweight proofed cotton with check scarf comes, with hat to match, from Bus Stop. The coat buttons go right up to the collar; the sleeves, are gathered at the shoulder and into wide, buttoned cuffs. Coat and scarf: £26.95. Hat: £5.50.

Two in traditional colours. Quorum's roomy, double-breasted trench coat in light rubberbacked cotton has deep armholes and pockets. Coat: £35. Orange shirt: £18. Both from Quorum. Cotton turban: £9.50 from Medina Arts. Shoulder bag: £5.99 from Saxone. Print umbrella: approximately £18.75 from Medina Arts. Bangles from Adrien Mann Cooper's half-belted cream cotton proofed raincoat has a flaring back and deep front pockets, and facings in a fine check. Coat: £30 from Way In. Hat: approximately £13.25 from Medina Arts.

Battle dress against the rain. Quorum's proofed cotton, pintucked raincoat is loose and straight and single-breasted. A concertina pintucked hood buttons under the collar and ties in the front. Coat: £45 from Quorum. RIGHT: Quorum's proofed-cotton rainsuit has a hip-length golfer's jacket with elasticised waist and slanted pockets and a wrap-over skirt. Jacket: £22. Skirt: £18. Scarf, bag and umbrella: Medina Arts.

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The Mexican Collection by Louis Feraud, 1968

Louis Féraud (13 February 1921 – 28 December 1999) is perhaps best known for his sunny, heavily embroidered clothes. The designer said of his work, ‘I live in the joy of being surrounded by women, of somehow directing their destiny, in so far as their destiny depends on a note of excess‘. In 1955, Féraud opened his first boutique in Cannes. He had dressed the young Brigitte Bardot in an off-the-shoulder, white piqué frock; 600 copies of this dress were sold and Féraud’s success was established. Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman and Christian Lacroix’s mother were also customers.

Féraud opened a boutique in Paris where he began to produce couture alongside prêt-à-porter, and he and his wife were dubbed ‘The Gypsies’ because of their bright, Midi-inspired look.

And just to give an example of his work, here’s a wonderful advertising campaign for his Mexican Collection for Spring/Summer 1968. This is a huge two-page spread so I’ve had to attach both pages together as best I could. I’ve shown the pages separately further down so you can see more of the detailing on these fabulous, sunny clothes. Some of these prints remind me so much of Emilio Pucci designs of the same era. What do you think? This range also provides a great example of how, during the 1960s, designers were using newly developed synthetic fabrics to great effect.

Louis Feraud Mexican Collection 1968

Something blazing happened down Mexico way. Louis Feraud with blazing Mexican colours, with glowing Mexican designs. And from this world of the big, bright sun, he brings Sun-God prints in fluid, flowing, sun-worshiping Banlon! . . . for the Sun-Gods (and the Sun-Girls)

Louis Feraud MEXICAN COLLECTION – BAN LON featherweights in BRI NYLON.

‘Ban-Lon‘ is a trademarked, multistrand, continuous-filament synthetic yarn used in the retail clothing industry. It is artificially crimped in order to achieve greater bulk than ordinary yarns.

‘Bri-Nylon‘ is a trademarked name by ICI. It’s the joining of two words, ‘British’ and ‘Nylon’.

Please note: These are original scans from British magazine ‘FASHION’, dated April 1968. If you’d like to use any of the images, please contact me and link back to my website and blog. Thank you.

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Vintage Advertising Campaign: Pringle 1968

Just to remind myself that it’s not quite time to pack away my knitwear. This advertisement by Pringle dates 1968. Aren’t these colours yummy?!

“Only pure new wool looks so good. Four super matching sets of skirt and sweater in softest Lambswool. Top left: CRAWFORD, about £10.10s. Top right: SAMOA, about £11.15s. Bottom left: SHIPLEY, about £13.17s.6d. and Bottom right: NETLEY, about £11.15s. All available in a choice of colours. Pringle in pure new wool. Washable and shrink resistant.”

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New from Catwalk Creative Vintage

Bring some summer fun to your vintage collection. There are lots more new additions to follow, so stay tuned!

Vintage 70s Blue Cotton Dressing Gown, £22.00

Vintage 1960s Cowl Neck Dress, £38.00

Mens Authentic Hawaiian Shirt, £24.99

Gunne Sax Folk Style Dress c.1970s, £35.00

Long Sheer Sleeve Dress in Coral-Pink, £28.00

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Or visit my shops on Etsy or eBay.

1969 Ad Campaign: Pittard’s

It’s so nice to find a forty-three year old advertising campaign for Pittard’s, a company that’s still going strong today. This advert, ‘Dress To Kill‘ shows two gentlemen in the background messing about with swords. Now are they doing so to win over the affections of this pretty lady, or are they just after her rather splendid gloves? And also, why are they dressed up as Cavaliers? It’s 1969 you know! 😉

Courtesy of ‘FASHION’ magazine, April 1969.

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Unique Vintage Prom Dresses and Patterns to Make It Your Own

Stand out from the Prom crowd this year in a style uniquely your own ~ no off the rack mall dresses for you! Think special, think vintage, and be assured no one will have your dress on! Our members have every style, length and color formal dresses available from any era ~ just pick the one right for you, or select a perfect fabric and make it yours!

Long or short ~ 50s to 80s ~ we have a variety ~

Patterns to Custom Make the Perfect Dress~

Don’t see “the dress” here? Please check our member’s individual shops for other gowns we have available ~

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Pastels and Prints

A selection of soft vintage pastels and floral prints to bring a spot of spring-time cheer to your wardrobe.

Home-made, pastel green ruffle neck dress c.1960/70s - £15.00

Floral Shirred Top c.1970s - £20.00

Laura Ashley English Country Rose Dress c.1980s - £46.00

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Amethyst for February – Purple Vintage Fashion and Accessories for Everyone

Lucky you if your birthday is this month! February’s birthstone is amethyst ~ a fabulous purple color! If its not your birthstone, you can still enjoy these vintage purple items, from dresses to purses, shoes to necklaces and even a nightgown from our members.

Amethyst Chip Necklace @CatwalkCreative

6.5 M purple STEVE MADDEN slingback heels pumps shoes @ Scorpio Vintage

80s party dress purple sequins coffin drape medium @Pinehaven2

ca. 1930's Dark Purple Silver Foil Glass Bead Necklace @ NobleSavage Vintage

Vintage ESCADA, PURPLE SUEDE Leather SHOES @ Foggy16

Vtg 60s Handbag M Moskowitz Wine Velvet Purse @LilBlackDress (Affaire d'Amour)

Vintage 80s Purple wool Knit Military Dress Skirt Suit S M @Bombshell Frocks

Vintage Nightgown Peignoir Set 70s Gilead Purple Red S M @Vintage Pretties

Purple Handbag Vintage 60s Small Nylon Woven Pocketbook @BettesBargains

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