1930s

A Night at the Grand Budapest

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

My lovely sister and I headed to the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne on the weekend for a Grand Budapest Hotel-themed soiree. As big fans of the Wes Anderson film, we couldn’t miss the chance to attend this Underground Cinema event and to get all dressed up in our 1930s gear. We will take any opportunity to dress up – especially if it’s fancy.

Sorting out a 1930s-themed outfit was tough work, as it’s not considered a prominent time for fashion. I had to scour the internet for inspiration, then burrow into my wardrobe to find something resembling the trends, until finally I had no other choice but to rummage through mum’s wardrobe. As always, she provided the goods. I found this sparkly Cue dress that at least had the classic length of the 1930s and a little flair at the hem. Then I added her faux fur black cape, black evening gloves and some low heels. Even in the 1930s I’m sure I wouldn’t have been low-key, so I thought I’d go full glam on this occasion.

The actual event was super fun. Everyone threw themselves into the spirit of things, with all the guests dressed to the nines and actors wearing purple uniforms like the hotel staff in the movie. With ballroom dancers and hilarious acting sequences keeping us entertained, there were food and drinks to keep us happy and refreshed.

My sister and I loved going along with the dialogue of the actors, because secretly we just want to become actors ourselves. If they’re looking for volunteers for next year then we’re happy to help! We already have our outfits sorted.

After enjoying the grand environment of the Windsor hotel, we swiftly moved to a nearby church where we enjoyed a viewing of the actual movie. I can’t say I’ve ever watched a movie in a church before, but it was certainly a cool experience (notwithstanding the sore backside by the end of it). And when you’re finishing the night off with a bit of Wes Anderson magic, you can’t go wrong.

Dress: Cue

Shoes: Mimco

Bag: ?

Cape: ?

Thanks for stopping by! x

A 20s Soiree

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblog

A fabulous exhibition called ‘Night Life’ is on display at Rippon Lea Estate in Melbourne, featuring original fashion items from the 20s and 30s that were made and worn in Australia. The ‘roaring 20s’ manifested a time of economic prosperity and joy due to the conclusion of the War. Skirt lengths and hairstyles were shorter, and sequins and fine embellishments were all the rage. Although there was reluctance to adopt these new controversial styles that brought fashion into a less conservative era, they soon became accepted in the western world by the mid 20s. Even in the present day, the 20s are known to have produced some of the most desirable and chic fashion of the 20th century.

Elaborately detailed wraps and capes rose to popularity in the 1920s, as can be seen in the above picture where the sheer cape decorates this plain black maxi dress.

This dress exemplifies the look of the 20s with a dropped waist, skirt measured just below the knees, and fine embroidery with sequins.

Floral prints became popular in the 1930s, and obviously this trend was repeated in the 1970s. These historical fashion exhibitions present how trends will always repeat themselves, and how in our own lifetimes, we are bound to experience the same trends a few times over. Nevertheless, style will always be in fashion, and fashion these days is so broad that it is constantly integrating trends from different eras into single outfits. This is also demonstrated by the contemporary Melbourne-based stylists and photographers who have featured their work in this exhibition.

This collection of stunning clothes and accessories made me wonder about the fabulous and fashionable women who wore them. I would have loved to know the stories behind these outfits, and the exciting shenanigans that were performed in them!

Tassels, tassels, and more tassels. These vintage bags were hand beaded with gold clasps and exclusively worn for formal events.

As hemlines became shorter, shoes became an important feature of an outfit as they were constantly on display. These shoes appeared very small and narrow, almost meant for a modern-day child.

How I wish I could be transported into the 1920s for just one night to enjoy a sophisticated society party. If you are in Melbourne, I would highly recommend visiting this lovely exhibition that is open until 30 July.

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