Calling All Vintage Fans…
- Words by Peppermint
If you love vintage frocks and you can get to Brissie from now until 19 August, we recommend you make a beeline for Old Government House, where you can see exquisite bridal gowns from costume designer Marion Boyce’s personal collection. Developed in conjunction with QUT, The Bowerbird and the Bride features 45 dresses dating from the 1880s to 1970s, collected by the award-winning designer since her childhood. Combining the pieces with characters and vignettes for each outfit, the exhibition is both history-lesson and storytelling – and we caught up with Marion to find out more…
You’ve collected vintage clothing since your childhood – what inspired this passion?
For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawn to beauty and timeless design. I have such happy childhood memories of listening to stories about family treasures and being able to hold them in my hands.
What do you particularly love about wedding fashion?
Throughout time there’s always been a standard for bridal fashion but no two dresses are ever the same, as the bride’s personal hopes, dreams and aspirations are all tied up her gown. I love wedding fashion because there’s always a story to tell!
In what way does the exhibition tell stories and weave together strands of history?
In this exhibition I’ve tried to broaden the parameters around the bride to include other items around the wedding – the hand-embroidered handkerchief made by a war bride, and given to the groom to keep in his uniform pocket next to his heart (the skills needed to impress ones future mother-in-law!), the bridal nightgown and other things that are stored as family treasures along with the bridal gown.
How has bridal wear changed over the decades?
It’s always influenced by social and economic forces, and it’s fascinating looking back through history and seeing the changing landscape of Australian brides – from cloth abundance to wars and depression – and also the effects of the changing structure of social etiquette.
Would would be your dream vintage find – which piece, or pieces, do you wish you owned?
My dream find would be any object I chanced upon that I found utterly mesmerising – be that even simply a button or a scrap of ribbon!
THE BOWERBIRD AND THE BRIDE TAKES PLACE FROM AT OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE IN BRISBANE FROM 12 JULY – 19 AUGUST, AND YOU CAN BUY TICKETS HERE.
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Between 2000 to 2015, global clothing production doubled... while the duration of garment use decreased by 36%.
We are throwing away clothing at a faster rate than ever before. How can we tackle this problem?
✨️ WEAR
Be an outfit repeater - wear your items of clothing as long as possible. Learn to style your garments in various ways. Loved clothing lasts.
✨️ SHARE
If you really need to move it along, share the love with friends - hold a clothing exchange night! Or organise a timeshare with a friend where you swap a few favourite pieces of fashion. If you really can`t find a new home for it, then donate to an op shop or charity.
✨️ CARE
The care of your clothing – washing, drying and ironing – can account for approx 30% of a garment`s total carbon footprint. Hand wash, line dry, wash in cold water, and only wash when necessary.
✨️ REPAIR
Mending – and making – slows down fast fashion buying habits. Repairing used to be common practice, until disposable fashion took over. Extending the life of clothing by just nine months can reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20–30%. Fixing doesn`t need to just be utilitarian – get creative with visible mending!
*Fact from The United Nations Environment Programme
#PeppermintMagazine #WearShareCareRepair #SustainableFashion
Have you whipped up the Acacia A-Line Skirt yet? 🪡
Accessible to beginner and experienced sewists alike, its classic style makes this skirt a wardrobe staple and a pattern you can happily play on repeat. Curved front pockets and the fun exposed-zip detail at the centre back make this style pop! The Acacia is a blank canvas, awaiting inspiration – add contrast top stitching, trim the pockets with bias binding or even change the length. We’ve chosen the smooth, clean lines that come from facing the waist, with back darts to ensure a neat fit on the hip. *chef’s kiss*
This pattern was made with the support of the lovely folk at @WeftAndWarpFabrics 🫶🏼 The team at Weft and Warp graciously sent three sewists the fabric of their choice to whip up their own Acacia A-Line – the results are super sweet!
Head to our website to see the makes from @The.Sewcialite @HandmadeByCarolyn and @You_CanSew - link in bio!
#PeppermintAcaciaAlineSkirt #PeppermintPatterns #WeftAndWarpFabrics #MeMade
Polka dots for days…
We love this Tansey Top by @_Rubys_Threads_ - the ultimate simple but stylish top you need in your rotation now!
Pattern: #PeppermintTanseyTop
Fabric: Japanese cotton @RawFibre
#MeMade #PeppermintPatterns
How`s your long weekend going? Working hard on your PhD? 🪡✂️🧵
Image from JoellsLeatherWorks on @Etsy
#ProjectsHalfDone #SewingPile #ProjectPile
In case no-one has told you lately, Emma Giacalone says you`re a good egg. (And we happen to agree).
This incredible mini egg embroidered 3D artwork was created by @Emma_Giacalone_Textiles, a textile artist in Gloucestershire, UK.
"When we buy an item of clothing, a label is attached telling us how to look after it to keep it at its very best. My mission is to create little care instructions to help to remind us to lead our happiest life."
INGREDIENTS: Freehand machine embroidered onto 100% cotton, using Egyptian cotton thread, and wool felt backing.
#EasterArt #GoodEgg #TextileArt
No ordinary wrap dress! 💃
Wrap dress wardrobe malfunction? Not with the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress pattern! We designed the Waratah to make sure this never happens.
Enjoy a few BTS videos from this super fun shoot. Maybe some inspo for Easter weekend sewing?
MODELS/SEWISTS: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress @Tricky.Pockets @Laura_The_Maker
Head to the link in bio for the #PeppermintWaratahWrapDress 🪡
#PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #MeMade #WrapDress
