A focus on... 1950s Costume Jewellery

As life began to return to normal after World War II, designs and styles changed in the 1950s, which brought an influx of striking designs and innovative materials. Women wanted to spoil and treat themselves after the austerity and gloom. In Great Britain, most of the fashions and trends were influenced by the Festival of Britain which took place in 1951, which was held to boost people's morale after World War II.

War time restrictions were lifted and once again diamante was integrated back into costume jewellery, along with various base metals. Jewellery designers such as Christian Dior and Miriam Haskell responded with big statement pieces embellished with fabulous large rhinestones, which they integrated into brooches, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

The 1950s were all about faux pearls, gold tone and lots of sparkle! Here's a dazzling selection of glamorous 1950s costume jewellery available at Vintage Modes! 

Faux pearl and Aurora Borealis clip on earrings, offered by Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

Gold tone and rhinestone clip on earrings, offered by Unicorn

Blue glass and diamante brooch, offered by Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

Gold tone & rhinestone lattice bracelet, offered by Unicorn

Vintage gold tone, pearl and diamante collar, offered by Arabella Bianco

Vintage diamante drop cocktail earrings, offered by Arabella Bianco

Vintage gold plated sunburst brooch, offered by Arabella Bianco

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk

Introducing Geeta Handa of C-ATOMIC!

We are pleased to announce a new addition to the team at Vintage Modes! British designer Geeta Handa of C-ATOMIC has created a beautiful display of individually designed vintage inspired dresses and accessories. Her influence for this collection mainly comes from the 1970s but does add a touch of the retro 50s and stylish 60s. The designs feature timeless silhouettes with an added ethnic touch to create the perfect balance between bohemian fashion and effortless chic.

Geeta also offers a bespoke couture dress making service to make you stand out from the crowd. Additionally, clients receive a fashion portrait sketched out by Geeta herself, which makes a perfect gift along with any purchase.

Personal favourites from the collection are the white chiffon dresses with floaty sleeves. These can be worn dressed up or down, and when paired with gladiator sandals and a fringe bag, would be perfect to wear to this season's festivals.

We asked Geeta a few questions...

What first interested you in vintage fashion?
The idea of a timeless classic piece that never goes out of style was the reason I first started designing.

Do you have a favourite fashion icon? 
1970s icon, Brigitte Bardot, influences my designs, with a piece in my collection even being named after her. 

How do you gather inspiration for your beautiful designs?
I like to travel in order to gain inspiration and have just come back from a trip to Paris. Indian Textiles and the British Raj Era also inspire this collection.

Below are a few designs from her current collection:

Geeta modelling one of her own designs

Gigi Galore off shoulder, raw silk top with gold and black printed pleat skirt

Stunning White Chiffon Dress

Bohemian Vintage Inspired Dress

Classic Vintage Style Dress

Bohemian Style with an Ethnic twist

Follow on instagram @c_atomicgeeta

Contact via www.c-atomicgeeta.com

Gmail: geetahanda.c@gmail.com

Mobile: +44 7061506777

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London.  Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk.

Vintage Modes on the cover of Vogue

Helena Bonham Carter wearing our 1950s feather head-piece on the cover of British Vogue, July 2013.
 

Styling: Lucinda Chambers. Photo: Mert & Marcus.
http://www.vogue.co.uk/magazine/archive/issue/2013/July

Vogue China

Vintage Modes had a 1950s rayon turban featured in Vogue China this month! Plus some spectacular 1960s plastic earrings from Gillian Horsup.  Love the colour scheme for this shoot.

 

In Vogue China, May 2013.
Styling : Ondine Azoulay. Photo : David Dunan.

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk