The Minnesota History Center certainly hit upon a fetish last night. The place was so crowded at the first-ever RetroRama that a girl couldn't even get a pink martini. Note to self: Next time, heed that time-honored tradition of packing a flask in your stockings.
Even though I couldn't get a drink and didn't come close to the retro hors d'oeuvres, I did get an eyeful of fabulous vintage wear. The partygoers were decked out in all manner of dandy suits and New Look-inspired dresses. I ran into such throwbacks as Lit Sixer Stephanie Wilbur Ash and Southern gentleman-about-town Andy Sturdevant. (Pardon the horrible lighting here. This is but a low-tech blog and I am but an idiot with an Elph.)
People-watching aside, the evening existed in four or so parts:
Part One: Shop. Succotash and Up Six were on hand to sell lots of nifty stuff. But, because I had to rush off to the fashion show, I wasn't able to snag these gorgeous silver ankle boots.
Part Two: Fashion Show. (I just said that ...) Various local designers took inspiration from the History Center's archives, and came up with ...
A tie skirt, and it was cool as heck ...
And here we have a detail shot of the fabric. Mmm, Mmm.
Part Three: Arts and Crafts. The History Center crafts council kindly provided us with plenty of leather scraps and duct tape. I made this deco-esque clutch, whereas my friend Adam made the artsy tie below. Sadly, both items are headed straight for the trash bin. (Note: Adam's tie, cool though it may be, had to be taped onto his shirt.)
Part Four: The New Standards. None for me, thanks ...
Ah, twas a nice catch, Mr. eagle-eyed Adam!
Clarification: Adam's tie came with a string which was taped to the back of the tie itself and then tied around the neck. It was not taped to my shirt, and certainly not taped to my"skirt"! Has Ms. DeSmith been hitting the pink martinis at her desk again?!