Wednesday, 28 November 2012

All-new Winter Warmers!

Marilyn Monroe & Jayne Russell in 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' 1953
With a wiggle in your walk, a twinkle in your eye and a hot toddy in your hand; you'll be the very essence of cool winter chic with our gorgeous reproduction Swagger Jacket!

Perfect teamed our brand new, matching, lined pencil skirts, or mix with a block colour skirt or even our crisp denim jeans and ballet pumps for an ultra chic casual look that even Audrey Hepburn would envy! This style classic is sure to feature heavily in your winter wardrobe.

The classic 'swagger' shape was first created in the mid 1930's, and was to become more widespread during the Wartime period. This loose-fitting style was soon to take on a much more creative look with the re-introduction of fabrics -particularly in Britain- after rationing ended in 1953. Coupled with the sleek, wasp waisted lines of the 'New Look', the swagger coat was to become an instant classic, gracefully draping with its swing-sweep and stylised cuffs.

With all this in mind, Vivien of Holloway have faithfully reproduced this beautiful 1950's classic. In a stunning selection of heritage-style plaids, as well as plain black; each jacket is exquisitely lined with luxurious crepe satin in contrasting colours. Plain wool highlights the heavily stylised detail of the deep shawl-style collar, and two simple slanted pockets either side of the opening add a touch of practicality. All this adds up to a wonderful item that is both practical and glamourous!


Helen G Diamond in the 'Brown Plaid' wool
But that's not all; we've introduced the new wool plaid fabrics to a new range of our classic, high-waisted pencil skirts.

And we've listened to our -always welcomed- customer feedback; these new skirts are to be lined as well!

So wrap up warm and cosy this winter, and enjoy our new Swagger Jacket and Lined skirts!

Friday, 23 November 2012

Something for the weekend...

V.o.H Playsuit- Navy Satin
V.o.H Playsuit- Burgundy Satin
Well here's a little cheeky little something for the weekend for all you hep kittens and pin-up gals!

V.o.H Playsuit- Black Satin
A favourite all year round; the Vivien of Holloway Playsuits are finally back in stock, and in an astonishing array of 15 fabrics! You'll never need to worry about what to wear for which occasion with these beauties!

Ideal to progress from daytime to evening with the greatest of ease, the newly altered pattern is now even easier to wear and is guaranteed to turn heads and send temperatures soaring as the nights get colder...

New to the Playsuit collection are three simply stunning crepe satins- rich navy blue, deep burgundy and classic black. All with white piping, highlighting details such as the turn up sleeves, ruching at the yoke and over the pockets. And let's not forget the gorgeous covered buttons- they simply scream glamour!

The 12 other fabrics range from sweet hawaiian to skull and crossbones, as well as florals, hearts, watering cans... the list is (nearly) endless!

V.o.H Playsuit- Heart Green


If you are taking a trip away to warmer climes this winter they are an invaluable addition to your suitcase- lovely with a pair of roman sandals!

Or if you're staying at home, then full-on glamour is the order of the day; and don't be afraid to get those gams out! All are perfect paired with a pair of seamed tights and heels, or cute ankle socks and lace-up pumps.



V.o.H Playsuit- Daisy Navy
To complete your playful, glamourous look we just love hair in victory rolls and a snood, finish off with a beautiful hand-made hair flower and get ready to dance the night away...

Or if you pop into our London Boutique you can peruse our wonderful hand-knitted turbans- made from an original 1940's pattern!
























So head over to our online shop, or whizz on down to our London Boutique; and you'd better get your skates on, because they're a limited run!


Wednesday, 21 November 2012

Competition Time!

Our fabulous friends at The Goodwood Revival have kindly given us two tickets to next year’s event, and as we’re such a lovely bunch here at Vivien of Holloway HQ, we thought it only appropriate to give them away to one lucky winner via a cheeky little competition! The festive season is well and truly here!





One lucky winner will receive two tickets to The Goodwood Revival 2013, as well as £50 of Vivien of Holloway gift vouchers - to be redeemed in store or via telephone purchase.

Check our website for all the competition information!




Vivien of Holloway have also teamed up with the fantastic British Film Institute (BFI) to offer a £50 voucher for vintage style clothing and accessories as part of a prize bundle worth over £300!

"44 years after she quit films, Doris Day is still one of the top box office draws of all time. BFI Southbank celebrates Hollywood’s golden girl this December with a selection of her finest films, and we’re offering one winner a fabulous bundle of prizes worth over £300!"

All the information you need for this fabulous competition (which we think you'll agree, is well worth entering) can be found on the BFI website.

All that remains to say is good luck and Enjoy Yourself!

Wednesday, 14 November 2012

Vivien Of Holloway- On screen!

If you are a keen Vivien of Holloway follower, you may have spotted one or two of our items gracing screens both online and on television. Well, you've spotted correctly!

90's poppets 'Steps' have returned to the charts with a new album and single, and the gorgeous Claire wears the Vivien of Holloway White Satin Sarong and Black Satin with Purple and Red Spot overlay Circle dress. Beautiful!



Rockabilly jewel Ruby Ann is also back with a new album, featuring the single 'Call his name'- the Vivien of Holloway black Halter neck Top and Black Pencil skirt adorns one of the backing singers!



Finally, The Jive Aces -Britain's best jump-jive band (and hardest working)- have a new album and single out- 'Nothing's too good for my baby', taken from 'King of the Swingers' features fabulous songstress Rebecca Grant. Here she wears our Navy Duchess Jezebel and our red duchess circle dress and we think she looks stunning!




Vivien of Holloway frocks and outfits are always spotted on television and in films- if you happen to spot them please let us know in case we've missed a clip!

Blue jean baby...

Miss Cherry On Fire in V.o.H 1950's Red Jeans
Grace Kelly
Anna Fur Laxis in V.o.H 1950's Black Jeans
For nearly a century and a half, denim jeans have been a firm favourite  amongst workmen and women, and certainly throughout the 40's and 50's jeans became a staple in every bright young thing's wardrobe.

With this in mind, and with a countless number of rock 'n' roll and film icons paving the way for the use of denim as an everyday item -ideal for work and play- Vivien of Holloway started work at the beginning of the year to create her own version of 1950's reproduction jeans. An idea that has been attempted by a great number of people but never exact to her specifications!

With a deep, high waistband and belt loops; side zip and rivet button fastening; 4 pockets and a gentle taper to the leg; the Vivien of Holloway 1950's jeans are a wonderful addition to the ever expanding collection.

Cleverly combining comfort and ease-of-wear with a stylistic sharp and flattering cut, it's no-wonder that they've become an instant favourite. So much so, that after the first two runs of the jeans sold out in record time, Vivien has now restocked with some wonderful new colours!

Marilyn Monroe
Jayne Mansfield
Gene Vincent sang about the "blue jean bop" and "red blue jeans and a pony-tail", so we thought it apt to incorporate these iconic 50's ladies-wear classics into the new batch of jeans.

Alongside the classic deep indigo blue and black denim, we also have a pale blue- ideal to team with a festive knit for a touch of icy, winter cool. And for something even more colourful, we have a limited run of purple denim; wonderful with a contrasting halterneck top or cosy cardigan.

Worn with socks and loafers, ballet pumps or heels, the Vivien of Holloway jeans are sure to feature heavily in your everyday wardrobe- you might need more than one pair!

All five colours can be purchased from our online store
or at our glamourous London Boutique!

Monday, 12 November 2012

Sumptuous Satins

Ava Gardner
Evoking golden era glamour of Hollywood in the 1940's, Vivien of Holloway's Satin Sarongs are the perfect way to get you in the mood for the imminent party season.

You'll be spoiled for choice when choosing your perfect elegant evening frock- and we know how hard it is to choose just one! 

Red Satin Sarong
In ten rich, shimmering, jewel-like colours, and with a seductive waterfall drape from the hip, revealing as much -or as little- as you dare courtesy of a wrap-around skirt; the Sarong dress is a firm favourite with the most glamorous gals around.

They're also sold with a matching bolero- ideal for keeping that winter chill off your shoulders.

White Satin Sarong
Lilac Sating Sarong
Burgundy Satin Sarong


These fabulous frocks -and so much more- can be bought either online or from our gorgeous 
x x x

  

Friday, 2 November 2012

Time for Tea

Utility Pink Tea Dress
Strawberry Tea Dress
With period perfect details ideal for work, rest and play, our tempting Tea dresses are back in stock!

Purple Black Tea Dress
We've made a few little adjustments to the pattern; emphasising the tucks at the front of the yoke and the classic 1940's style shoulders and sleeves.

Available in 14 charming fabrics, such as scrummy strawberry and cute florals, to authentic utility pink and grey- they are a definite wardrobe staple for any glam gal about town.









We also have a number of fabulous accessories; from snoods and hair flowers, to belts and brooches- there's everything to transform a darling for daytime to evening elegance.


Everything can be purchased on our website or from our beautiful London Boutique!


Calling all Hep-Cats!

 N E W  A R R I V A L S

Eddie Cochran and Sharon Sheeley











Vivien Of Holloway 'Petrol Check' Men's Shirt

















It's been a long time coming, but here at Vivien of Holloway H.Q. we've finally launched the all-new, 50's men's shirts!
We've taken inspiration from original patterns, as well as some of the leading names in 50's Rock 'n' Roll (we think Eddie Cochran's Shirt bears more than a striking resemblance!) With a classic vintage cut, incorporating a collar loop detail, handy breast pocket and yoke pleats for ease of movement, it makes them perfect for you jivers- just in time for those winter weekenders coming up!

Available in a variety of six authentic, crisp, easy to wash-and-wear fabrics, they are a steal at £45- and ladies, they are a surefire way to brighten up Christmas morning for the man in your life!
We are also hoping to introduce a number of other dazzling fabrics in the coming months as well, so keep your eyes peeled for updates.

The Barker Brothers
Jackie Wilson

Sid King & The Five Strings


All shirts are available from our website or in our beautiful London Boutique.
(and if you do come to our shop, you can peruse our selection of pomades and other Men's accessories)

Come on fellas- Put your cat clothes on!