Tuesday 4 September 2012

Twinwood 2012

We have totally neglected this blog - so my mid year resolution is to start posting again. Im afraid a premises move together with the process of getting our own range of garments manufactured has taken prescidence! I have several posts lined up including our fabulous shoot with Leyla Rose modelling our 'So Foxy' collection and a preview of our new wiggle dresses! So watch this space!

Nikki and friends from The Swingbytes - the ladies are wearing our fever dress. (perfect for dancing in apparantly!)

However, just over a week ago, we had the pleasure of having a stall at Twinwood Festival nr Bedford. As a dancer myself, i adore this event which has several dance floors and live bands - dance lessons during the day (which sadly we couldnt go to because of the stall) and live music from the likes of Lola Lamour. Everyone is so friendly and the majority of punters really go the extra mile with their outfits - great to see so many people in vintage!

So below are some of our customers - existing and new - and when it was quiet enough, i managed to take a few pics.
Lovely Carly and friend!

there is a car - must have picture taken with car...note the wellies


This lady was so lovely, hope to meet her again. Her fella sported a rather impressive tash!


We have already booked for 2013, the same spot - hope i get a bit more chance to dance next year. Thanks to all the lovely visitors and the great comments about our new stock!


Monday 23 January 2012

Wallis Simpson’s Style – inside the wardrobe


This month see the launch of Madonna’s directorial debut, W.E. – a film that follows the scandalous love affair between the King and the divorced American socialite known as ‘that woman’.

Wallis Simpson may have made headlines for her relationship causing the King to abdicate, but she was also known for her incredible sense of style and was certainly a celebrated style icon of the 1930s and beyond. Wallis was always impeccably dressed and as one of the first clients of Christian Dior – wore the very latest fashions. Images of her continue to inspire and fascinator lovers of heritage fashion across the globe.

1930s fashion - a 'very' quick overview.

The 1930s was a difficult era in history marked by the great depression and austerity. Fashions during this period are fascinating in that they mark the duality between austerity and sensuality. The 30s has always been an obsession of mine since I can remember, the complexity of the cuts such as the bias method - I also have to admit having read most books on Wallis and being one of the many people fascinated by her pictures.

As the depression began to affect the public, a conservative approach to fashion displaced the flippant fashions of the 20s. Hems got lower (mid calf was average), necklines got higher and waistlines returned to their natural place, marking the return of a more ‘womanly’ figure/ladylike appearance. Daytime was feminine and tidy but eveningwear was pure glamour with daring bare backs and contour hugging bias cuts on sensual flowing fabrics such as crepe de chine, chiffons and satins.This era also saw the rise of the halter and cowl necklines, dolman and kimono sleeves. Was this the sexiest decade in female fashion, or what?

Two 30s inspired dress from Stop Staring - modelled here by Slinky Sparkles

We are in the process of working on a 1930s collection of our own - but this is in many way, an indulgence... Since most of the vintage inspired fashion followers prefer the iconic 40s and 50s pinup style, we have mainly focussed on filling the gaps to bring a full collection together. However, we have a few styles in stock and also need to admit our new own brand swing pants are actually based on a late 30s pattern....high waisted with buttons along the side. These are now on sale and are limited in stock, Since we buy short bolts of fabric, we can only produce up to 20 garments in each. This means that you are always purchasing a limited edition.

Swing Pants £55 - Available now - click here
Capsule 30s wardrobe:-
- tweed suit
- square scarfs
- a blouse of either pussy bow variety or simple collar
- wide leg trousers
- bias cut slinky evening gown
- a fur
- saucer hat (cloche hats were still worn for a number of years int he 30s)
- gloves (always, always, always)

Excellent films/tv shows featuring great 1930s frocks:-
Gosford Park
(some) Agatha Christie
Fred & Ginger movies
anything with Jean Harlow
The Merry Widow
Shanghai Express
and...The Devil is a Woman!

Thursday 5 January 2012

Face of Foxy!

We are delighted and proud to welcome the marvellous Missy Malone as an official 'Face of Foxy'  here at 20th Century Foxy. This annoucement is heralded by our 1950s fashion article and front cover of recent issue of Vintage Life Magazine! YES - front cover!



Vintage Life Magazine Jan 2012
(photo by Suzy Allison)

International Burlesque star Missy Malone is a highly accomplished and sought-after performer on the UK burlesque scene who has performed internationally and has graced the cover of several publications and campaigns. Missy is now also the sole creator and producer of "The Missy Malone & Friends Burlesque Revue" - this is one of the best Burlesque shows around.
http://www.facebook.com/events/143911539049987/

 Missy was open enough to work with us on our very first shoot despite never hearing of the site or brand back in December 2009. She has provided much inspiration for our shoots and we have worked with her consistently since then. Our first 1950s dress (pictured below) has been named 'Malone' and is available now in this 'wiggle' version but will shortly be available as a full skirt swing dress version and a sarong style.

Missy modelling our new 50s inspired boned bodice dress


Having a 'Face of Foxy' is all part of our move to define our clothing collections into eras and to launch our own range of heritage fashion garments. Missy is the first model to be sponsored by 2CF and we are in the process of hunting for other gorgeous ladies to become a 'Face of Foxy' for our 1930s, 1940s and our upcoming So Foxy (plus size) range.