Once again it was time
to pack up all our furs and hats (well, no furs for Mr Shoestring but a lot of
hats) and take ourselves off to Napier for the DIY Deco winter weekend. This time we were taking the Figaro (who
seems to have acquired the name of Figgy since we can’t come up with anything
more exciting), so we had to be a bit careful with the packing, and more
discerning as to which outfits “made the cut”.
No room for any spares this year.
In fact Figgy’s boot is so diminutive that we couldn’t fit much more
than a hanky in there, so the back seat was stacked to the roof with all our
finery. We shared the driving and found
that wherever we stopped people would strike up conversations about Figgy and
want to know all about her. I remarked
to Mr Shoestring that we wouldn’t be able to commit any major crimes such as
bank robberies along the way because there would be a whole string of witnesses
who could swear as to our exact whereabouts through the day. Of course we had to investigate all the op
shops in the towns we passed through, squeezing various parcels into the
remaining nooks and crannies in the back of the car. Mr Shoestring found a three piece suit so he
was beaming from ear to ear, but I didn’t miss out altogether and got some
“new” doilies for my latest crazy quilt plus several garments which should be
able to be modified for art deco costumery.
When we finally
arrived there was only time for a quick cup of tea with The Duke and Duchess of
Ringloes before it was time to give myself over to the tender ministrations of
Rose and Claire from Decadia Vintage, who had set up a temporary beauty parlour above Decorum
vintage shop, and gave me a hairdo and makeup to go with my costume for the
opening soiree. What a wonderful job
they did, I was thrilled with the result and only wish I could have them tame
my mane and beautify my visage on a daily basis. It was very special.
I would thoroughly recommend them to anybody
wanting a vintage look for an occasion, they really make a girl feel
special. And as well as making a great
job of the hair and makeup, they were full of useful information as to the
whereabouts of likely charity shops and the treasures they had recently
obtained.
In the mornings we
went for walks along the foreshore, where the sunrises were spectacular. Even after a late night it made a beautiful
start to the day. If you cross the road
and turn inland you can wend your way through the streets on the hillsides and
discuss the merits of all the houses and gardens, and decide which you would
make your very own if you were able.
Though fewer people
attend winter deco the costumes are very impressive. We decided that the “hard core” fans who are
willing to brave the cooler weather come along and that might be the reason
why.
I have to confess that I have never
seen such a magnificent selection of furs, I was wildly jealous and came to the
conclusion that my own poor selection needed to be increased. Not least of all because various tails and
other bits and pieces have been falling off with alarming frequency.
On Sunday night there
is always the “winding down” event but just as we were arriving the large light
fittings began to sway in an alarming fashion.
This was as a result of the earthquake which had just hit the top of the
South Island and of course caused a good deal
of worry amongst the assembled guests.
Fortunately there was no serious damage and no loss of life but it was
an anxious time, particularly for those who had loved ones in Wellington and were finding it difficult to
contact them. This final event takes
place at The Hawke’s Bay Club which venerable institution is steeped in
tradition. It has so many of the
original fixtures and fittings and an unshakeable air of permanence which make it a very
popular venue.
Some of the hats and coats awaiting collection
A handy repository for the payment of one's subscription
The grand staircase - I omitted to take a picture of swaying light fittings
This house is a museum full of exquisite art deco furniture and artifacts, it is like stepping back in time.
On the way home we visited a very special treasure, more about that soon.
