Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Tarnished Frocks and Divas

Last weekend my friend Wynn swooped down to Shoestring Cottage and plucked me up for a girlie road trip.  I met a whole new group of her friends and enjoyed the warm hospitality of her sister, who had us to stay in her lovely home.  The purpose of our expedition was to attend Tarnished Frocks and Divas.  This is a show which takes place once every two years in Tauranga.  It was established by a group of friends after one of their group lost her life to cancer.  Each time there is a different theme, but as this was the first time I have attended I had nothing to compare with.  All I can say is that it was a brilliant, fun and inspirational performance.

 A story was told through song and dance, but also there were the garments which were presented in seven "courses" (and what a banquet they made).  There was a theme for each course and the garments were mainly created from old clothes which had been recreated.



 One whole section seemed to be made of cheesecloth, and how beautiful they were!

 The audience was encouraged to take participate and the models wended their way through the audience to display their finery to best advantage.  All in all a feast for the eyes and I am sure we all went away inspired by the colour and creativity seen in such abundance.  Bliss for those of us who like to reuse and recycle as much as possible.   You can see some of the pictures here:

Take particular note of the black velvet dress with all the kitsch "Kiwiana" motifs on it - it was a marvel to behold!  The waka sailing across the bosom and the little geyser on the back were particularly inspired in their placement.  
On the way home we stopped at a beautiful patchwork shop where I bought a small piece of fabric which will make a bodice for a new Party Dress.  What more could you desire in a weekend away?