Hawke Blog has Moved!

Vintage Hawke's Blog is now integrated into the store website!  It can now be found at www.vintagehawke.com/blog . Hope you like the new format:)

Flapper Fineries

Dripping in beads, lace and jewels, the flappers of the 20's and 30's shimmied their worries away after such dark times post WWI, and revolutionised the way Women dressed.   Nothing can quite beat their evening style; with cigarette holders, shiny bobs, fringing, bow lips and stockings essential accessories for any night out.  Imagine how much fun it would have been to be a part of this golden era?

This photograph makes you wonder whether this flapper was dressed up for a day of lounging; or was she relaxing after an all nighter?  Either way it's amazing right! 

Hawke Happenings

From tommorow there is going to be a treasure trove of new treats being added into the store!  There has been some very unusual techy issues which have prevented me from being able to access the site to update this week, but they have just been resolved yay!  

Behind the scenes the Blog has also had a makeover;  it is going to be fully integrated into the site soon and will tie in with the store's aesthetic. 

In the shop update there is going to be an Oriental vibe to the dresses section with some beautiful Cheongsams and vintage Kimonos added which is exciting!  In the mean time while things are getting ready for your perusal here are a few of the treats which will be available tommorow...

 

Meet and Greet!

It is always nice to know who you are dealing with when you are on the internet right?  After nearly a year of this blog running and a little over a month since the store opening I am yet to formally introduce myself!  So over the weekend after the new photoshoot was complete, Caleb also known as photographer Eagle Eyes asked me a few things to share with you. 

Caleb: Firstly, would you be so kind as to introduce yourself?

Anna:  Good day, my name is Anna & I live in Wellington, New Zealand.  I like Sushi, Winter and rain!  

Caleb: What is your background?

Anna: I studied Interior Design at university / college, and throughout my time there found myself becoming increasingly interested in Surrealism, traditional detailing and antiques.  I like to alter and repair clothing (not as well as I would like to just yet) , work with Photoshop to create imaginary spaces by manipulating photographs and design things! 

Caleb: How did you come up with the concept for Vintage Hawke ?

Anna: I came up with the concept after purchasing my taxidermed Hawke with an e Herbie.  I liked the idea of a hawke swooping down to catch its prey for the logo.  I also kept coming across beautiful vintage items which I thought would look amazing on the right person, and decided it would be an enjoyable challenge to design a website to be able to pass these clothes on. It was a huge learning curve to turn the idea into a reality, and it involved a lot of dedication! 

Caleb: What started your love of the vintage style?

Anna: I think it began with my Nana.  She was a twin and would tell me nostalgic tales of getting dressed up to go dancing and show me beautiful photographs of her and her sister which brought the tales to life.  The photos didn't look like they were from this world, it made me really appreciate the charm of past eras. 

Caleb: What inspires you?

Anna:  My friends, people I work with, stars of the 1940's, designers of the 1950's, Max Ernst, Surrealists and animals! People who love what they do is something which will always be inspiring.   

Caleb: What is your favourite era (currently, it is ever changing trust me)

Anna:  At the moment it is the 1940's for its polished perfection, nipped wasp waists and lady like silhouettes.  It is rare to come across authentic 40's clothing in New Zealand now!

Some of my favourite things in my wardrobe are from the 1940's, I will be sure to share them on here soon. It is also my aim to get some 40's inspired and authentic pieces from this era into the store as soon as possible.  Yay! 

Hope you had a lovely weekend xox

Dear Gentlemen....New Store Treats

Here are some pieces which have just been added for Gentlemen.  There will be an update of Ladies dresses over the weekend too so keep an eye out! 

Lounge Lizard Smoking Jacket

Yves Saint Laurent Tour to the Seaside Shirt

Man in Uniform NZ Police Jacket 

Pilot of the Sky Bomber Jacket 

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