Big Band Inspiration - Glen Miller

Glen Miller and the Band, Boxeted Aerodrome 1943

Glen Miller was a Jazz musician and band leader in the Swing era, as well as one of the best selling artists from 1939-1943.  Glen formed his first Big Band in 1937, which failed to distinguish itself from other bands of the time.  After the split Miller returned to New York and worked hard to develop a unique sound, and in 1938 The Miller Band was formed.  Their songs were destined for big things with names such as Chattanooga Choo choo, Tuxedo Junction and A String of Pearls.

These are the images of Glen and the Band kept in mind when seeking out things for the Gentlemen's collection.  There is nothing quite like sharp tailoring, military styling and a heavy dose of suave when it comes to Men's dressing, just ask Glen!

Magic!

xox Valentines Sale xox

As a Valentines treat there is at least 20% off all Ladies Dresses and Gentlemen's Jackets until Sunday 20th February! There are some really good savings to be had, be sure to have a peruse.  Happy Valentines Day  xox

All time Favourites - Anna Pavlova

Anna Pavlova with her pet swan Jack

Anna & I share a name, and pavlova is the best dessert treat both of my Nanas make on special occassions, so it seems pretty much a given that Miss Pavlova would be a favourite for her name alone! She was the best Russian Ballet Dancer the world has ever seen, and had a love for animals so great she could emulate them in her performances like no other. 

I found the book these images are taken from "The Magic of Dance" by Margot Fonteyn at a charity store. When I showed my Mum she told me my Grandparents knew the author, who was one of the World's great Ballerinas herself.  When I visited my Grandparents I showed them this book and their faces lit up, my Grandad took me down to his study and showed me another book she had gifted to them with a lovely little note she had written inside.  It was all very exciting!

The first time Pavlova performed abroad in Stockholm, it caused such a stir that young men from the audience took the horses from the shafts of her carriage and drew it back to the hotel themselves after her performance.  What a gesture of Gentlemen!   

The writing style is beautiful in this book, it is filled with stunning images and is a great read for anyone wanting an interesting and unconventional account of the history of dance.

New Treats for February Preview

Here are just some of the treats which will be in the store tonight.   There will be Gentlemen's trousers too!  To all international customers pricing is in New Zealand dollars which means you can take advantage of the exchange rates, particularly if you're from Australia, UK, Europe or USA. Enjoy!

Lexi Blouse

Velvet Bodysuit

City Stripes Dress 

Leopard Cape Dress

 Rockabilly Button Skirt

Big Band Show Waistcoat 

Silk Paisley Tie

1890's Corsetry

1890's wedding corsetry from England.  There would have been not even a remote chance of stocking slippage with these clips! 

Pretty as a Picture

A new month already can you believe it?  Here is a photograph found recently of Mary Louise Brooks in her feather flapper fineries.  It is these types of photographs which remind me why I love vintage clothing and craft so much, and really show the charm of a particular era to full effect.  What an outfit! 

I also came across this image of Louise Brooks, and it reminded me of a beautiful book found last year called "The Magic of Dance".  It is filled with vintage delights which I will make sure to share, including images of a Russian ballerina who had a pet swan.

If you like tutus or full skirts, be sure to check out the Ginny Crinny in the store, it is an authentic 50's crinoline and the secret to having a swing dance ready party outift!

Forties Foray...

Marian Marsh

At Hawke headquarters, the 1940's is fast becoming one of the all time favourite eras of dressing.  For ladies fashion this was the golden era  of feminine tailoring, tasteful gathering, striking silhouettes, nipped wasp waists and a fully finished look.  Skirts were a respectable length, jackets had form, fit and sometimes little peplums, and your gloves and bag were just as important as your perfect hair, lips and hat! 

While it may have been a time of great difficulty for many, the fashions of this era represent an appreciation for a strong yet lady like aesthetic which is still relevant over 70 years later.  I will be trying my very best to bring some 40's foray pieces into the store this year, it is pretty hard to come across these days in New Zealand but when I do oh what a treat it will be!

French ladies stepping out with their hair dyed for the first time post WWII (1945)

Dear Gentlemen... Giveaway Time!

 Reindeer Cufflinks

To celebrate the launch of the store it's giveaway time!  You could win a sweet duo of reindeer cufflinks and classic vintage black tie.. exciting!  To have a chance either leave a comment below and become a follower of Hawke's Blog, become a new pal to "like" Vintage Hawke on Facebook and leave a comment, or email through to anna@vintagehawke.com so I can get in touch if you are lucky!  In the mean time make sure to have a peruse through "The Big Band" , the gentlemen's collection of vintage and retro clothing goodies hand selected for you!  The winner will be drawn out of a top hat on Sunday February 7th 2011.  Best of luck Gentlemen :)

Classic Black Tie

Vintagehawke.com Officially Launches!

Phew.  I am excited to let you know... www.vintagehawke.com has officially launched & is awaiting your perusal!!  There are still some minor changes to be made which will be updated, as well as the main images on the home page which will soon become the collection photo shoots.

 Edward Scissorhands cuts the imaginary web ribbon

I photographed all of the clothing before I had trial and errored fitting the images into the frames, alas things will only improve from here on out!  I hope you enjoy the site and its offerings.  New clothing will be added regularly to the collections, there are currently 80 items up.  Any feedback / suggestions / comments are welcome & appreciated!  xx

Dear Gentlemen... The Gallant with the Glasses

 

Dear Ladies... Vintage Hair Dos

Nothing quite beats vintage in the hair stakes right!

Jailhouse Rock

On new years day I watched an old classic from 1957, Jailhouse Rock.  Seeing Elvis dancing, singing & smooing around in feature length entirety was a real treat!  Judy Tylers hair was wig like, and the outfits were tailored to perfection.  There are so many classic movies which can be forgotten about right?  I have made a promise to watch and read as much from the past as I can, and will make sure to share things worth noting along the way. 

Stills from Jailhouse Rock (1957)

Happy 2011!

Phew how fast did 2010 fly right?  I hope you are having a lovely start to your new year!  Vintage Hawke has been a long time coming now, and I was hoping to launch the store just before Christmas, but alas the date has now been pushed out a little further. 

I have nearly uploaded all of the products onto the site, there is a web wizard meeting, some testing to be done then the Hawke will be ready for your perusal!  Its a matter of days now yay.  Here is another sneak peek at what the store will be offering...

Congratulations to the lovely Masa from Slovenia for winning the pre Christmas giveaway!  The next giveaway will be for Gentlemen to celebrate the launch of the store :)

An Ode to the Party

There's nothing like a party to get excited about right?  The anticipation of what will come of the evening, the pre party getting ready ritual, hanging out with friends, relaxing, dancing, staying up too late and eating tasty foods before, during and after!

This is an ode to the party and all its fun and frivolty.  I hope you are enjoying the season of excess in good spirit and company!  If you are looking for a special outfit for a party you are planning on attending; Hawke's collections will be at the ready for your perusal very soon!  I will be working hard to source good times ensembles for the store always and forever with you party kids in mind :)

Pretty as a Picture

Publicity still from 42nd Street

The Drums Start Rolling....

The Big Band Photo Shoot

vintagehawke.com is so close to being complete!  Over the weekend the photo shoots for the Soiree & The Big Band were a whole lot of fun; with the assistance of photographer Eagle Eyes so many little tips and tricks in achieving a great photograph were learned.

The shoot shows a lady getting ready for the Soiree of the century, going to see a Big Band play!  The Big Band drummer is getting prepped for his show.  Here are some takes from the shoot, the final results will be up when the site officially launches :)

The Soiree Photoshoot