Classic Style at the Classic Rally

A few weeks ago, we made our way down to the historic St Katharine's Docks for the Thames Festival Classic Rally, which was a wonderfully nostalgic trip back in time to when boats were truly glamorous! Historic vessels dotted the wharves, with colourful bunting flying in the wind, draped over rigging and wound around masts. We were absolutely honoured to be asked to provide clothes for the fashion show, and had enormous fun dressing the models and choreographing the show. Have a look at just how fabulous the girls looked in our designs!




The girls line up! The model in the front looks wonderfully willowy in our capris and halterneck top.

 Be splendid in red satin - our popular halterneck circle dress looks perfect with a matching bolero.


 For something really special - one of our luxury dresses, a popular choice for brides.
This one has silver stars on it, and is paired with a contrasting emerald bolero.


We teamed a pair of black pin-up shorts with a cheeky purple gingham peasant top for an exotic look...
 
Our eternally popular sarongs look lovely in elegant purple polka dot.
 
Playsuits are for life, not just for summer! Team one with tights to keep warm and
stay vintage stylish this winter.
 
A floral print swing dress is just the thing to bring sunshine to any winter functions. Choose an unusually coloured petticoat for extra rock n roll style points.

We also couldn't help but have an impromptu photoshoot aboard the beautiful clippers moored in the harbour - the perfect setting for our vintage-couture style gowns and pirate-tastic sarongs!



Avast ye land-lubbers, this skull-emblazoned sarong will lure many unsuspecting sailors to their fate...
to be held forever under your spell!



 All photos by the talented Anya Holdstock.


We can't wait to test out our sea-legs again next year!

Looking va-va-voom at the Revival

Tomorrow is the first of September, and that particular month holds a very special date for us here at Vivien of Holloway... the glorious Goodwood Revival!

It's three days of classic cars and full-on vintage glamour, and one of the highlights of the year for us. Not least because we love to spot fabulous ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes in Vivien of Holloway dresses!

At Goodwood, just as the rest of the year, our 1950s swing dresses are the most popular, with a riot of bright florals, cheerful polka dots and plain colours of every shade to be seen. They fit perfectly with the retro, post-WWII theme that runs throughout the Revival. But, for something a little different, we thought this year we might be so bold as to suggest some new looks from our brand new ranges!



Our simply stunning new A-line Skirts are the very latest addition to the Vivien of Holloway collection. Paired with one of our three-quarter sleeve blouses, a fabulous hat and a killer pair of heels, you'll be the double of a Christian Dior New Look model from the post-war years. Sharp, sophisticated, yet not too serious thanks to the small polka-dots, these skirts are full, with a high waistband, a button-up front and authentic pocket details, it's been designed and tailored with real vintage in mind. But if you're more of a pinup cutie than a couture model, try pairing a skirt with one of our Halterneck Tops or Peasant Blouses for a different twist on authentic 50s fashion.




The lovely Miss Anna shows how easily you can switch between vintage vixen and rockabilly darling with just a change of top. Pairing the A-line Skirt with a halterneck top in the same pattern gives the appearance of a stunning 50s frock, while the peasant top can add a wonderful contrast.

But what, we hear you ask, should you do if it's as beautifully warm as it was last year? Our advice is to pack a pair of our super sexy Shorts!



As we've mentioned before, these shorts would seem to have magical powers, and make girls of all sizes and heights look utterly bewitching. Wear with heels and any of our tops to really knock them dead. As Anna shows, the nautical Anchors shorts are a great blend of kitsch and cool. If you're not brave enough to go a whole day with your pins on show, you can pop them on underneath the a-line skirt to whisk off when you're ready. And whisk back on if it cools down of course!



We might be biased, but we think our new A-Line skirts are absolutely super, not only for Goodwood, but for the approaching autumn. And what better time for a new look than the start of a new season? Go get them, ladies! And see you at the Revival... come and find us and try everything on in person!

Polka Polka Polka!

Hot off the success of the rest of the Halter tops we've added this cheeky little multi-polka to the line. It's got the boned bodice we all crave and looks perfect with a pencil skirt and cute with capris.

If you're feeling a little more light and virginal we've also got white cotton back in stock. The beauty of these is not just the simplicity but the fact they go with absolutely everything! Dress them up or down, accessorize to your hearts content, and don't say we never do anything for you.

SImple Sophistication

Last week we professed our love for all things Gingham. This week we're happy to unveil our gorgeous new contrast gingham halter tops. They feature the same boned bodices that you know and love (probably for their ability to give that much dreamed of pin up silhouette) in plain block colour, with a contrasting gingham halter collar.

Like the idea of these but want something a little more on the sultry side? Fret not, we have our classic black wiggle dress with a black and white gingham halter. These are selling quick, don't say we didn't warn you.

Fabulous Dames in Fabulous Frocks

The Schla La La's were a fabulous UK based girl band, unfortunately now disbanded. We stumbled across this CD the other day and were reminded just how great they all look.

A perfect example of the smart, sassy, independent attitude that is Vivien of Holloway - and an even better one of how to rock a halter!

The Schla La Las, 1234 is available to buy on emusic and you can check their myspace here.