House of Fraser Blog

This weekend has been all about vintage, if you haven’t seen the news or picked up a magazine or newspaper then you may be excused for missing the event of the summer. Vintage at Goodwood kicked off, it is the first year for this fabulous festival dedicated to all things vintage from fashion to music, and it has been an incredible if not wet retro extravaganza.

We were there checking it out and getting our boots a little muddy. Yes it’s been raining, yes we were cold, but no that didn’t dampen our spirits… perhaps it was the war time victory curls or perhaps just plain excitement but we stayed elated all weekend long. The festival continues until tomorrow night, so if you still fancy going you’ve still got tomorrow, and rumour has it that there are still tickets available!

It is so much fun, from a fairground to a roller disco there’s something for everyone. The whole area is separated into sections, there’s the 1940s war time chic complete with allotments and a Tanqueray music hall, then there’s a 1980s inspired skate park and warehouse clubbing area, as well as a rock theatre, a leisure dome, a Butlins for the little ones and lots and lots of shopping.

There’s also workshops that cater for everyone from pros to complete beginners, so you can learn how to make a mini dress or even a clutch bag. We decided to try our hand at a spot of knitting (for beginners) this turned out to be mighty hard although strangely addictive and has already become the hobby of the weekend, although it’s unlikely that anything more than a coaster will be knitted from our clumsy hands.

Being serious fashion lovers we couldn’t help drop into a few catwalk shows, The Chap fashion show was a fab satrirical take on fashion through the ages. Patti Boyd also held an interesting peek into her wardrobe and favourite music tracks. It really is all about the fashion, with revellers showing off their best vintage looks. There were 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s, from Nu-rave grandmothers to 70s boho babes almost everyone dressed up and looked fabulous. Even the children looked sublime in their Just William-esque regalia.

As well as the fashion there were numerous impromptu performances, as well as the big acts including Faces and The Noisettes. Sandi Shaw performed an amazing set whilst world acclaimed burlesque performer Kitten Von Mews worked her wartime charm.

But when you tire of all that music and vintage shopping – there really is loads of shopping from high street retailers like Cath Kidston to a whole marketplace packed full of vintage buys – you could drop by the salon. For just £15 anyone could have their hair and makeup done in whichever era they fancy. We went for 1940s to compliment our Edge of Love ensembles, that meant big eyes, saucy red lips and victory curls to match, it looked so good that we’re wondering about sporting it forever more.

It really has been action packed, and a weekend to remember, bring on next year! Stay tuned for more pics and some video clips…