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!

Perfect late summer capris

As August passes us by and the autumn is approaching, there's still so much to look forward to. The Goodwood Revival, late season getaways to exotic climes, and, with a little bit of luck, perhaps even an Indian Summer. Whatever the rest of the month has in store, now's the ideal time to launch our very latest design. The late summer and early fall are perfect for fabulous 1950s style Capris!

These flattering stretch pedal pushers are cut to make the very most of your figure, with a close-fitting waist and shapely hips; plus eye-catching winged pockets. This authentic little detail is extremely flattering on hips of all sizes, downplaying generous curves, while creating the illusion of a more rounded posterior in those with rather less! The legs fit well, without being too tight, and they end in the cutest little cuffs. Your pins will look miles long, and your waist miniscule... you'll be keeping the temperatures soaring all by yourself!

While the sun is still shining, choose a pastel shade, such as the light blue denim, modelled to perfection by Anna Fur Laxis; or the mint green cotton twill on Ms Fleur de Guerre. When teamed with one of our versatile 40s style peasant tops and a pair of sandals, you'll stay cool while the sun is shining. And, as the temperatures start to cool, it's time to invest in something that will see you right through until next spring - a mid-sleeve blouse.

These stunning three-quarter sleeve blouses simply scream mid-century style, from 1950s rockabilly to 1960s Mad Men secretary chic, and paired with our capris, they can be casual or dressy - it's up to you! We encourage you to stock up on these late-summer items now because they're flying out of the shop fast.

Stay tuned for some rather smashing magazine appearances!

Being a peasant has never been so stylish

We have new peasant tops! This is just a selection of them, best you head over to the Peasant Tops Page to see them all in all their glory. These are perfect with Strap trousers and skirts, but look equally awesome with pencil skirts and capris. We're head over heels for the two new strawberry prints, what do you think?

Gingham Peasant Tops

We have a brand new stock update for you lucky ladies! Four hot new colours have been added to our range of gingham peasant tops.

You can now choose from black, green, purple and red in a cute small gingham pattern - perfect for the summertime! Plus, these tops go wonderfully with our range of ladies swing trousers.

They have elastic along the entire neckline and around the sleeves which allows you to wear it on or off your shoulders, there is also an elasticated waistband to nip you in and show off your gorgeous curves!