Just in case you blinked and missed it (and if you did, that’s rather impressive, as I’ve done nothing but waffle on about them for weeks) the Vintage Manchester awards ceremony was last week at Manchester 235.
Now in their second year, the awards are an opportunity for the vintage community to praise and reward those who have shone in the last 12 months.
Of course, for anyone enamoured of the vintage scene it’s an excuse to put on your glad rags and go out all glammed up. Which is of course what I did.
And I had a lot of help.
First up were the clothes. The stunning dress was made for me, to a vintage pattern, by Karen of Reinvintaged. Made in a royal blue cotton, this little number can be work for day or night and has it’s own matching belt, with vintage buckle.
Karen’s work is stunning and her attention to detail incredible – even if it did mean an impromptu trip to Haydock Racecourse and a fitting in the ladies loos.
The hat is another piece of beautiful work. Made by the talented Chapeau Carmine, it draws on themes from Van Gogh’s Starry Night.
Of course, this then prompted a visit to Pretty Me Nails for suitable nail art – stunning, I think you’ll agree.
My elegant gloves were from Gaby one of the stallholders from the Vintage Emporium – held every month at The Whim Wham Cafe.
And the jewellery, an absolutely gorgeous set from Grosse, on loan from Jayne at Ruby Rose Vintage Jewels.
Finally, those poor souls who had to scrub me up. Firstly Frankie, as ever, who did a fabulous job with my hair, despite making me look like this:
And who created a do that stayed well, in defiance of the Manchester weather.
And to Katharine, who gave me a make up lesson, told me off for over plucking my eyebrows, and lent me treasures from her make up collection.
And last, but not least, Tweedmans Vintage for Mr GFB’s suitably vintage 1960s suit.
And on the night, this prep was not wasted. Following a quick Caketober cake judging at the Grill on New York Street (more on that later), I dashed across the city in very uncomfortable shoes, to Manchester 235 for the event itself.
After being ticked off on the list by the lady editor herself – here pictured with event organiser Rachel, we were then greeted by Dave, whose cocktail prowess is no stranger to this blog, with an ‘Austin MonteLago’.
A cocktail combining G’Vine gin and an Italian apertivo, Sprizzato. Lovely stuff.
Glass in hand, we wandered into the room, to be treated to sea of old style glamour – dapper gents, elegant ladies. It was a sight to behold.
During the evening we were entertained by the delightful Kiki Deville, acting as both MC and chanteuse and Burlesque beauties Suzie Sequin and Ginger La Rouge performed on stage, showing us what Vegas glitz is all about.
Whilst throughout the evening (until they ran out at least) Drop Dead Gorgeous chocolates were handed out by ‘showgirl’ Laura.
And finally, the awards themselves. Very deserved winners, some new faces, some second time winners.
But all very much ours. I can only say a very very well done to all the winners and the nominees. You make us all proud.
Best Vintage Fair – Vintage Village Stockport
Best Vintage Photography – HMS Vintage
Best Vintage Entertainment – Dr Sid
Best Vintage Beauty and Grooming – Bethany Jane Davies
Best Vintage Venue – Sugar Junction
Best Vintage Event supplier – Vintage Afternoon Teas
Best Vintage Home and Furniture shop – Rose and Lee Vintage Living
Best Vintage Attire – Miss Bamboo
Best Vintage Blogger – nortonofmorton.com
Best Vintage Newcomer – HMS Vintage
And Manchester. When we do something, we do it well.
With thanks to the fab Gareth Davies for the bulk of the photos, to Lucy Barber and Caketober for the one from the cake judging and to everyone in the photos for lending me their faces!