Vintage Glamour

When searching for style inspiration, it's hard to overlook the glamour of vintage Hollywood, when elegance and sophistication were immortalised by icons such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. And if the 2009 Oscar's red carpet is anything to go by, vintage glamour is very much back in style.

The key to this style can be summed up in two words: understated opulence. Gowns were flattering without being revealing; accessories were minimal but regal; and hair and make-up were soft and sensuous, drawing attention to the neckline and the lips. When translating this to today, look for gowns made from silk, which drapes softly around the figure creating an elegant silhouette –  particularly when cut on the bias. The drop-waisted gowns featured in recent collections by Johanna Johnson and Akira Isogawa are classic examples of this style. Worn with a full-length veil such as the lace-edged mantilla veil, these gowns give any bride an ethereal appearance.

Hair can be worn in soft glossy waves swept low and gently back or loosely around the face. Use mascara and eyeliner to enhance and open the eyes, but restrict eye shadows to neutral tones. To draw attention to the lips, select warm, rich tones and keep a clean, matte finish.

A single strand of pearls worn at the neck is perhaps the simplest example of vintage glamour, but if – like many brides – you feel that pearls are a little too old for you, vintage lockets are a gorgeous alternative. A unique option is to forgo a necklace altogether and wear a vintage brooch as a feature item, either on the neckline, at the waist, or in the hair. Brooches are also an excellent way to include the mother of the bride and mother-in-law in the vintage theme, and can make an eye-catching addition to a bouquet. In keeping with the demure, feminine style of vintage glamour, short satin or lace gloves – perhaps with a small pearl clasp or button – can also be worn.

With a vintage theme, any part of your wedding can be used as your “something old”. But for something special, why not see if the jewellery or shoes worn by your mother or grandmother on their wedding days are suitable? Or, if they have any lace or fabric from the day that they are happy to part with, you could create your own garter, handkerchief, or handbag. Many vintage stores carry antique beads, ribbons and clasps which you could attach to your creation, to make it truly unique.

The glamour of Hollywood’s golden era can extend well beyond your attire however. By carefully selecting colours, textures, and unique feature items, vintage glamour can be incorporated into your entire celebration. Embossed, letter-pressed and engraved stationery featuring old-style fonts and a simple motif such as a rose, a scroll, or a silhouette evokes a classic feel from the moment guests receive their invitations. A simple colour scheme of dusky pinks, soft blues, or rich creams maintains the look of understated opulence, and allows other items – such as the table settings – to stand out. A quick scan of vintage shops can reveal a treasure trove of ideas for your table, from intricate napkin rings and ornate porcelain dishes (perfect for holding sweet treats) to eye-catching candelabras and polished silver or pewter picture frames (ideal for table or place settings). Large bunches of tea roses in soft colours and lace-edged napkins complete the old-worldly feel.

Ultimately, your style choices will depend on your venue choice. Ornate detailing on the walls or roof of a function room or venue can really enhance your theme, and with many heritage-listed buildings now catering for weddings, it can also provide a truly memorable experience for your guests. Melbourne’s Treasury Restaurant, and the Tea Rooms in Sydney are two examples of venues that perfectly match the vintage ideal.