From Deco til dawn

Another year, another fabulous step back in time to the jazz age, as the Glory Days team raced around Tremains Art Deco Weekend 2015, getting up at dawn and going to bed well after dusk, to get up to all sorts of fun and frolics with some of the 40,000 other attendees in sunny Napier.

This is my forth time attending Deco, and it still gives me a thrill to drive down Tennyson St on the first day, cruising past people who are getting into the spirit by donning their deco finery and admiring that fabulous architecture that was bestowed on the city following such a disasterous natural event.

This year we hosted a range of activities throughout the weekend. First up the Glory Days Pamper Parlour joined forces with Jones Hair Boutique on Thursday and Friday to offer ladies deco style makeovers to match their elegant ensembles.

On Saturday afternoon we excitedly prepared our photographic equipment, bundled up our prizes and headed towards the gorgeous Sound Shell for the Glory Days Costume and Coiffure Competition which we were very proud to sponsor. This is one of the most hotly contested events of the weekend and the huge crowd gathered to view beautiful deco era outfits were not disappointed.

We caught up with Bertie, compere extraordinaire and iconic Napier public figure, before the show and managed to snap a quick selfie before staking our place to play paparazzi at the side of the stage.

The competiton consists of sections including Mens and Womens Original outfits, Reproduction outfits, Childrens and Bathing Belles. I particularly love to see the originals every year, it is hugely inspirational for a vintage fashion fanatic to see 80 to 100 year old garments brought out of their tissue and padding to be worn again. Deco era clothing in particular looks fabulous on a body, as it is normally heavily beaded dresses or gossamer thin bias cut silk georgette styles which look magical with a breeze catching it or sunlight glinting off the sparkles while they get paraded in front of the crowds.

A sweet little sailor girl won the children's section and the teen competition was scooped by a young lady in a lovely 20s style drop waist dress. The reproduction class was divided into ladies and gentlemen, the lady's was won by Judy in a pale blue ensemble with matching accessories and second prize went to the designer at Tam Sin who spent three weeks attaching beaded fringe to her self-made dress! Nick was resplendent in an "apricot" (read pink) suit with matching boater and took the mens section.

Next was the originals section and there was a fabulous range of outfits on display from both ladies and gents. One of the things I really love about the Costume and Coiffure Competition is that all people - young, old, curvy, thin, tall and small - give it a go. The winner was Sara Klotz de Aguilar, a pianist and singer based in California who was wearing a dress from the Chicago World Fair which was held in 1933! She was also awarded best in show which was no surprise given the time and distance that both herself and her dress had travelled.

The group section was really fun to watch, and the winners were decked out in their finest undergarments with coordinating hats, that were supplied by one of their mothers who has a serious vintage clothing collection. Last but not least, the Bathing Belles took to the stage and had a great time hamming it up for the crowds who chose the winner by a clap-o-meter vote.

Despite the heat and wind, we had a fantastic time at the competition and loved the chance to get involved with one of our favourite events on the weekends calendar. You can find lots more pictures on our facebook page.

On Sunday we hosted the Glory Days Cucumber Cinema Gazebo at the Gatsby picnic, presented for our guests amusement and pleasure by Hendricks Gin. "Cucumber Cinema?" I hear you say.... look out for our post later this week to find out exactly what was involved!