Melbourne a la Mode – image via Hawkeye Vintage
There’s not much more satisfying than having a long rustle around racks of eclectic clothes and finding a rare vintage treat that’s going to stand out a mile from the high street crowd, especially when it’s top quality designer material, too. So it was an absolute delight to attend Melbourne à la Mode, which had the bubbles flowing to kick off its first-ever pop-up shopping event with a fabulous night of fashion and fun.
Set up in the gorgeous George Ballroom in St. Kilda, I joined some of the city’s most dedicated fashionistas who flocked from all over to get the first glimpse and indeed, the first opportunity, to buy the more than 3,000 clothing and accessories pieces by Hawkeye Vintage, Lady Petrova, Dainty and Bold, The Eternal Headonist, Micky In The Van, and T Serafina.
With gorgeous gowns and evening wear, vintage-inspired costume jewellery and a fine selection of vintage hats and millinery, this is the perfect place to pick up something special, like I did (a black beaded Great Gatsby-style dress). After all – race season is slowly creeping in.
I didn’t need much convincing to open my purse but I felt better about it knowing that 10 per cent of all the cash splashed at the event will be donated to Assist a Sista, an Australian charity supporting women recovering from domestic abuse.
But it wasn’t ALL about the stunning clothes. After a good browse (and there’s a lot to get through), I refreshed with a glass of Clover Hill champagne and an iced tea from the bar, and nibbled on some cute mini cupcakes from Sweet Cheeks Desserts, which set me up nicely for watching the fashion parade. Leggy ladies delivered some pretty diverse looks, with key pieces including sexy short, shimmery dresses and colourful jackets with big shoulder pads.
Great fashion, great company, and all for a good cause – what more could a girl ask for?!
– Claire
Claire Henderson is a passionate lover of food, fashion, and all things fun and fabulous.
Melbourne à la Mode runs July 24 and July 25 at The George Ballroom (129 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda). The venue is not accessible.
