1960s sequin pantsuit with fur cape. Love the butterscotch Lucite handbag and polka dot headscarf.
My mother and I had a great time at the Vintage Fashion Show and Tea on Saturday, November 12th. A fundraiser for the Friends of the Lafayette Library, the show was held at Collector’s Choice Antiques in downtown Lafayette and featured vintage fashions from the store’s collection.
As a fashion writer I have attended many fashion shows and I have to say catwalks are not my cup of tea. I prefer the old-school style with models strolling out into the crowd, allowing for a slower pace and a closer look at the clothes. So, I was thrilled to find someone agrees with me. JB Kaye, who styled the show, had the models descend the store’s staircase one at a time and circulate among us. With ten models in all, there was a constant stream of vintage outfits to admire.
Holly Golightly ... where have you been?
Fashions highlighted were from the 30s to the early 90s and included knit suits, daydresses, evening gowns, and lots of fabulous accessories, particularly Bakelite. Rather than keeping it era specific, JB, who also works in the shop and is an avid vintage collector herself, mixed it up combining pieces from different periods creating unique ensembles suitable for any modern woman.
- 1930s knit suit.
As I watched the models, looking oh-so-chic, it occurred to me that women back in the day dressed like this all the time. Even a non-fashionista always left the house put together, complete with hat and gloves. Today such attire is either only for dress-up or a costume. I’m hoping more shows like this will inspire women to put a bit more effort into their daily look.
Most of what was shown was for sale at reasonable prices ($90 to $150) and a lot was snapped up by eager collectors. But not for sale was a simple cap covered in crystal-like drops (pictured right). Originally worn by Elizabeth Taylor, this stunning piece is part of JB’s private collection.
The afternoon flew by (a full two-hour show) as we enjoyed tea sandwiches on vintage plates, sipped wine served in goblets, and tea served in china cups. There wasn’t a paper plate or plastic cup to be found – now that’s doing it in style. Besides viewing all the clothes, the most fun was talking vintage with liked-minded people.
Congratulations to Collector’s Choice Antiques and Friends of the Lafayette Library on a fashion show well done.
PS – Rumor has it that the shop’s owners, Carl Himmelman and Kathy Himmelman are planning a spring 2012 vintage fashion show. Stayed tuned to Over Dressed for Life for details.
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