The twentieth century was the making of London as a global hub for style and culture, and with every decade that’s passed since then it has constantly evolved, whilst always holding on to its vibrant past. It’s one of the many reasons we love our hometown not to mention the endless things to do. Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair comes around seven times a year to satisfy your vintage cravings but there are still plenty of retro pastimes around London town to keep you occupied whilst we’re busy planning the next fair (11th May – put it in your diary!). We’ve picked out a whole week’s worth of frivolities that we know you’ll love:
Monday – Fashion Illustration Shoreditch
Once upon a time, before photography, fashion illustration was an essential part of magazines to show off the latest collections. Now it’s experiencing a resurgence. This weekly class is run by professional fashion illustrator Clara Gomez and takes place at Paper Dress Vintage Boutique in Shoreditch. Any level of experience is welcome to come along and draw from a live model (who you can guarantee will be dressed up in some incredible vintage-inspired outfits) to get the creative juices flowing. Sign up for the class, £10, each week on Meetup http://bit.ly/1hjsPME.
Tuesday – Kerry Taylor Auctions
Founded in 2003 by Kerry Taylor, former Southeby’s Director and their current textile consultant, Kerry Taylor Auctions specialises in vintage fashion and textiles. If you’re looking to invest in something really special or just fancy going about your vintage shopping in a slightly more thrilling way, head down to their next sale on Tuesday 8th April http://bit.ly/1dTE83o
Wednesday – Geffrye Museum
This charming little museum set in an old alms house explores how our homes and interiors have changed over the years and what it reflects about life at the time. Each room is set up as a model room from different eras, starting with the 17th century, taking you right through to the 20th century and featuring design classics from Eames to IKEA. The Geffrye Museum is free to visit and open from Tuesday to Sunday 10am until 5pm http://bit.ly/1cVzpLj.
Thursday – Afternoon Tea at the Ritz
The most iconic afternoon tea in London. Where better to enjoy a traditional spot of tea and cake than the 108-year-old, five star hotel in Mayfair. Afternoon tea is served in the ornate Palm Court where a formal dress code is in place and their resident pianist quietly plays in the corner. Make sure you book well in advance http://bit.ly/1jFMZnU.
Friday – The Diamond Jive Club
On the second Friday of the month, The Diamond Jive Club bring back the glory days of rock ’n’ roll swing clubs to The Railway Tavern in Tulse Hill. Get dressed up, put on your dancing shoes and jive the night away at this free night. Can’t wait until next month? They also hold a club night on the last Saturday of the month at The Libertine in Borough. http://bit.ly/1kufqFi
Saturday – Back in the Day Walk
This is not your average tourist tour. Born and bred Londoner Barrie arranges walks around varying parts of London and narrates their history as well as giving personal accounts of his own experiences. On Saturday 24th May he’ll be guiding punters through the Soho of the 1950s and the tales of drinking dens, jazz clubs, the red light district and the creatives who moved there, paving the way for the swinging 1960s. If the swinging 1960s is more your area of interest, Barrie will be taking that tour on Saturday 21st June. Walks last two hours and cost £10 http://bit.ly/1h5Yo2o.
Sunday – Lipstick and Curls Vintage Hair and Makeup Academy
Looking to perfect your pin curls and powdering your nose? Lipstick and curls are specialists in styling vintage hair and makeup. As well as offering bridal makeup, styled photoshoots and pamper parties, they also run their popular makeup academy. You’ll spend a whole day learning about iconic beauty looks from various eras and the techniques to create the look yourself. The academy costs £120 and includes food but book early as it tends to sell out