﻿ROCK-’N’-BY-GONE

VVDO 2016 / The Very Vintage Day Out

Saturday, 9 April 2015

Alexandra Park Raceway,

Greenlane Road West,

Auckland.

The Vintage Menu served up at VVDO 2016:

10.30am – 4.30pm Tea Tasting Classes with Parry’s Fine Tea

10.30am – 11.30am Photo Safari
11.00am – 11.30am Story Time with Von Classic kids fairy tales as read by Von Vonsky
11.30am – 12.00pm What to Look for in a Vintage Car with Doug Bell from The Hot Rod Show

12.30pm – 1.00pm How to be Curve Confident with past MPUNZ winners

1.00pm – 2.00pm Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Workshop with Steve and Andrea

Celebrating all things vintage. Dress-ups and getting into the spirit of the event, last week I hit the retro stores on K’rd, in search of a vintage ensemble both glamorous but most importantly practical, as I would need to be able to move in order to take photographs on the day, so I settled on the 1940’s with its tailored streamline silhouettes. I found a gorgeous moss green vintage Valentino dress, coupled it with a vintage black leather purse and threw on some little black heels. Accessorising with my favourite ‘Deadly Ponies’ accessories and a pair of gold and ruby earrings and coupled ring, both, heirloom jewellery passed down through my family. I am not one to wear much makeup but was informed that thick shapely brows, sunken lids, large lashes, a flawless powdered matte face and a hot red lippy would complete my 1940’s look; paired of course with a head of curls and a classic victory roll. The photographs below of me are by photographer Ivan Karczewski of Kioui Pix.

Photography Credit: Ivan Karczewski of Kioui Pix

VVDO hosted a full day of entertainment, high tea, networking and shopping. Performers nationwide entertained with dancing, music and cabaret. Live music was heard throughout the afternoon by talented musicians; namely the ‘Sisters of Swing’, ‘The Darktown Strutters’, Sarah Tolley, Jessie Cass Duo and dance numbers by Pineapple Productions. The day was MC’ed by the vintage vixen, ‘hostess with the mostess’ Miss Monique Sweet who made us day-dream of the glory days of a by-gone era with a twist of modern madness. I put on my dancing shoes for an hour in the afternoon at the dance workshop ‘Learn to Rock ’n’ Roll’ with teachers Steve and Andrea of ‘Auckland Rock ’n’ Roll’; learning the basic steps and rhythm of the era. High tea was served by Parry’s Fine Tea by owners and tea blenders Patsy and Koreana. The Beauty Lounge was a popular ‘beauty spot’ on the day, with Morgie Lee and friends sharing five classic hairstyles with patrons; with a choice of victory rolls, finger waves, the Betty Grable “Poodle”, a preppy pony and the sculptural classic beehive. To complete the look, Linda Devlin Makeup Artistry was on hand offering mini makeovers.

During the event, VVDO host and crown the ‘Miss Pinup New Zealand’ with guest judges; Miss Victory Violet (Miss Pinup New Zealand 2014, Miss Viva Las Vegas 2015), Phoenix Renata (Founder and Director of Phoenix Cosmetics) and Norris Montgomery (Celebrity, Fashion & Event Photographer, Co-Founder of Babe Method). The pin-up crowned was the gorgeous pin-up beauty, Fran Robertson (Fran Henricksen), a huge congratulations to the other nine gorgeous ladies that made it to the finals; Miss Pixie Dust (Pixie Williamson), Dariel Dearlove (Hanna Wain), Miss Lola Fondãnt, Zigana Monroe, Miss Lola Turquoise, Miss Molly Tov, Miss Kitty Kat, Miss Opal, Lady in Red (Carmen Kilss). There were also two other competitions on the day, the ‘Very Vintage Bake-Off Competition’ and the ‘Very Vintage Up-Cycle Competition’ which aims to promote and encourage the use of recycled materials to create sustainable fashion with vintage flair. There were over 60 stalls at the event ranging from beauty, fashion, homeware, craft, knick-knacks, specialty and food vendors. There were so many beautiful stalls but I will just mention two I had the pleasure of meeting and my personal favourites of the day. Vigilantes Apparel is a label with a focus on alternative, hot-rod and rockabilly fashion. All their products are designed and printed in New Zealand by the lovely couple and owners, Tui and Sam. A must see, for that perfect vintage tee. If you missed them on the day you can visit their online store at www.vigilantee.co.nz. Vintage Addiction (Facebook) has an amazing selection of new and vintage products. Taxi! A late night out on the town would not be complete without this taxi bag, purchased at the Vintage Addiction Stall, a must buy for those rainy exists at closing time. The black acrylic petite bow gloves are from Forever New.

As mentioned I was working during the event and was privileged to be an official photographer for the Photo Safari from 10:30-11:30 in the morning. The hour was spent photographing a selection of beautiful pin-ups, vintage beauties and war ready men with a range of classic cars and other stylist props I had bought along, like the American Raspberry Twists and Cola. The final selection of my photographs submitted to the ‘VVDO Photo Safari 2016’ are pictured below.

ENJOY.