I may have missed the 50's Fair - But I still have Sterling Hair - AND one mega exciting scoop!

Well, lovely readers, I most tragically missed this years Sydney 50's Fair and must, alas, wait a whole 12 more months to be able to again have the chance to don my 50's finest and hang with other like minded lovers of mid century.

 

 

Fortunately for me, however, I stumbled upon this terrific little youtube tribute to

a) the Sydney 50's Fair and

b) the wonderment that is Sterling Hairdressing......

I am just itching to share it with you! View this great footage and you will catch a very strong glimpse of that which is rockabilly inspired or, as I prefer it called, mid century or vintage culture. It is quite different from rock n roll culture (oftentimes a weekend pastime), this mid century addiction is lived rather than dabbled in as a retrospective hobby culture. I hope I am making sense!

What I love most about the 50's Fair is that it is not a hot rod show - it is a celebration of 50's design, culture, fashion and style. In my opinion it is like no other nostalgia event in Australia - without doubt it is the most authentic. This wonderful clip has Tony, from Sterling Hair in Sydney, talking about his experience of The Fair and everything wonderful about the love of 50's culture.

 

 

As for Sterling, ladies and gents, I only WISH they were closer than the 8 hour drive away for me - I would become a regular customer simply to soak up the ambiance! If, however, you find yourself in the lovely harbourside town, do head on down to Surrey Hills for a sparkling Sterling trim or style....I am betting you wont regret doing so, and might even wager you will back again for more !

As I penned (or realistically, typed) the words above two days ago, little did I realise that I was to be entrusted with one of the most exciting scoops to hit 'the scene' in an age. People, Sterling Hair IS going to be closer than an 8 hour drive for me !! Indeed, they are going to be close enough for me (and a vast majority of those in 'the scene' - although I hate using that term!) to frolic to on a very regular occasion. Dear friends -

 

STERLING HAIR IS COMING TO MELBOURNE !!!

 

Tony and Lou are in the process of hunting out the perfect bayside city venue for Sterling - as well as putting together their own product line due to be released early next year !!! Yeow !!!! Clapping hands with excitement !!!

 

 

OK. Breath. Breath. Focus.

 

Until such time, those of us south of the border will have to content ourselves with anticipation, and the viewing of the following two Youtube clips to tide us over.

 

The wonderful world of Sterling (Bespoke Press)

 

 

Sterling Hairdressing Parlour & Barbers Shop talks 50's Fair

 

 

So - I may have missed the 50's Fair this year - but in knowing that more of the mid century culture is coming my way on a regular basis, I can live with it.

 

 

Hope you enjoy the footage, and once again, being inspired by the stylin' class of those wonderful individuals who demonstrate 50's love on a daily basis ! Thankyou Tony and Lou for creating such a classic, experience based service!

 

 

Till next years Fair, and the advent of Melbourne Sterling - Mwah!
 

 

 

Thankyou to Pablo Martin for these great photographs taken at a recent trade fare

Sydney Fifties Fair 2012 - Rose Seidler House

Well, here we are at wonderful Rose Seidler House, all dolled up and looking glamorous for the 2012 Sydney Fifties Fair. Brooke looking as much like Marilyn as ever, and me in my Jackie Kennedy-Audrey Hepburn inspired outfit.

 

 

Enjoying the afternoon sun with Bonnie Rose, Miss Chrissy, and Brooke Orchard

 

 

Georgio Rimi and Robyn Hayes - always picture perfect !

 

Evening wear fashion parade

 

This event is one of my very favourites on the vintage event calendar, mainly because it is all about the fashion, the decor and architecture, and mostly, for catching up with my Sydney friends whom I sometimes don't get to see for a whole year in between.

 

Everything 50's from sensational skirts to cowboys

 

 

Happy 10th wedding anniversary Paul and Gill !

 

It is so easy to find a perch and just enjoy the passing parade of colour and music and face wide smiles, and with this years weather a delightful 20degrees, the Fair could not have been more spring perfect.

 

 

 

Linpin Jimmy and Swingin Kitten infront of the iconic modernist house

 

Entertainment from the much adored Rechords, Scotty Baker, Limpin Jimmy and the Swingin Kitten, and fashion parades from the always stunningly dressed Pia Andersen had the crowd hanging around right until closing time - I was loath to tootle off to catch my plane home to Melbourne.

 

 

Loving the wonderful 50's mobile phone ! And Rosalie Benyon rocking Mexican 50's chic !

 

This years fair, in my humble opinion, was much better than other years I have been - and not just because the weather was kind ! Numbers were limited, so I wasn't about to freak out from agoraphobia and the heritage listed house and grounds were somewhat protected. It was easy to navigate events, house, activities and friendly catch ups, and the vast majority of patrons were passionate 50's lovers and dressed accordingly. So heavenly to be a part of a 2000-3000 strong crowd all dressed in vintage style ! Market stalls were also limited this year, and I did wonder how I could enjoy that aspect being culled, but it worked a treat really...all stalls were required to be authentic vintage and not reproduction, and I must say, I found that very refreshing - not that I have anything against repro stuff, but it was just fantastic to have a social event where everything - fashions, activities and stalls - were pure and original, as I am not aware of any other such event in Australia....do let me know if I am missing anything !

 

Miss Chrissy and best dressed lady award winner, Kitty Van Horne

 

 

So all in all, I will be locking the Sydney Fifties Fair 2013 on my calendar - this event is definatly a hit with me....and now, off to plan my outfit !!!!

 

My main squeeze, Craig, and I with my oh so 50's waterbottle !

 

 

End of the day and we are all shopped out !!! Till next year then !

 

 

Thankyou to Brooke Orchard, Robyn Hayes, Louise Wheelan and The Swingin Kitten for the use of their beautiful images taken on the day.

1950's Fair at Rose Seidler House

What a glorious weekend I had in August visiting my beautiful Sydney friends, Marc and Sue, enjoying their stunning home and hospitality (more on that in a later post) and especially taking in all the sights, sounds and wonders of the Sydney 1950's Fair at Rose Seidler House. It is an event I strongly reccomend you attend if you possibly can - held every year at the beautiful, contempoary designed and National Trust listed house by Harry Seidler. There were frocks, groovy dud's, nick nacks, dress patterns (my favourite!!), china, furniture, hairdressing, makeover sessions, roving music, on stage entertainment and gourmet food to list but a few of the highlights !! But without any doubt the very best feature of the day for me was being with lovely friends and deepening those relationships, and admiring the creativity surrounding me. A totally inspiring time !!!

Beautiful Best Dressed winner and adorable gal pal to boot, the lovely Miss Rosalie (above) !