Dreaming of Deco: Style in the Modern Age at Rockhampton Art Gallery

"Dreaming of Deco: Style in the Modern Age" opens at Rockhampton Art Gallery

During the mid - 1920s the Art Deco movement heralded an era of opulence and style through design, architecture, fashion and art. It was the age of Gatsby, Jazz, flappers and transatlantic travel with its influence felt from Paris, New York and Miami to the far-reaches of Australia.

Dresses and accessories from The Darnell Collection were woven into the Art Deco story along with stunning furniture belonging to Melbourne auctioneer and collector, Warren Joel, and paintings belonging to private Australian collectors, museums and the Rockhampton Art Gallery.

The exhibition runs until the 24th May 2015.

Feather, lame and silk fabric rose on a 20s hat

Straw Chrysanthemums add depth to a delicate lace 20s hat

Silk stockings, never worn, add to the opulent accessory display. My grandmothers Bakelite and 24 carat gold driving goggles, worn as she drove the family's open-top roadster across the deserts to souks in Egypt in the 1920s, are a valuable addition to the international Art Deco experience

A rare silk velvet day dress worn in Sydney in the 20s was recently donated to the collection by Ellice and Linda Collier.

The Roaring Twenties brings the Blue Mountains alive

Fashion Parade at the Roaring Twenties festival at the Hydro Majestic HotelThe Fifth annual Roaring Twenties/Charleston Challenge event took place high in the mountains 

The Fifth annual Roaring Twenties/Charleston Challenge event took place high in the mountains of NSW on (another) foggy day. We didn't beat the world record for the number of dancers, dressed in vintage, dancing the Charleston, but we certainly had a fabulous time trying.

Following the Challenge, 250 people adjourned to the Hydro Majestic marquee to spend the afternoon wining and dining on a locally produced five course meal. 

The Darnell Collection was featured in a mini catwalk parade of rare and stunning 1920s garments and accessories, co-hosted by the fabulous Damien Beaumont, presenter at ABC Classic FM radio.

What a great day. I'm still recovering! 

Congratulations to everyone who organised and brought this festival to fruition. Bring on 2018!

A misty moment dancing the Charleston

With my great friend and Patron of the Festival, Claudia Chan Shaw

Winners of the Best Dressed competitions

Posing!

At the Long Lunch 20s fashion parade. Olivia wears an original 20s 'step-in' chemise (or 'onesie' as we call it today!)

Olivia wears a 20s silk 'teddy'

Eleni wears a silk tricot knit sweater, palazzo pants and hand printed silk chiffon blouse

Eleni's second outfit is a beautiful silk and glass bead embellished dress with an Egyptian motif

Kate wears a stunning silk 20s wedding dress

Anetta wears a delicate lace and silk crepe evening dress and a silk with silk moire shawl 

Posing on the terrace at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel, Mellow Bath, Blue Mountains

Parade's over. Time to relax!