Last week I attended the National Vintage Awards as a judge. It was my 3rd awards after winning the Best Home Online Shop in year one. I also sponsored and presented the Best Breakthrough Awards as part of Vintage Academy.
So what should I wear to such a glamorous event? Well I posted three dresses over social media and asked you. Over 300 comments later, you chose this full length red 1970s vintage frock. It’s a real WOW dress, beautifully designed and one I have never worn before. No surprise then to find out its a designer piece, by John Bates for the Jean Varon label.
The detailing on it is amazing – it is a double layered dress, with a red classic spaghetti strapped dress underneath but it is the top layer that really makes it stand out. It is a chiffon with wide batwing, cape like sleeves which gather in at the wrist.
Here and across the front there are hundreds of appliqued sequins and beads in silver and gold.
I wore it with silver shoes and a black corde clutch bag. The bag is 1940s but I felt the oversized feel was right for this dress (albeit a little dark)
It had real stand out, mainly due to being an early 1970s dress. It’s not always the most popular era at vintage events but it is the time and style that I love.
I chose to wear no jewellery. I think when you wear a dress with so much detail jewellery can conflict so best keep it simple.
Here I am at the event itself with Keeley Harris, my business partner for Vintage Academy, and friend of course!
Dress was from ebay, John Bates for Jean Varon
Shoes are from Clarks (currently in the sale)
Handbag was a gift
Recreate the Look
(disclaimer)
