Vintage Life Magazine Front Cover!

Where did she get that hat!

Tiffany-Grant Riley, official wedding planner to none other than Luella’s Boudoir contacted me recently in respect of an article she was writing based on planning a wedding with a 1920’s theme for Vintage Life Nostalgia Magazine.  My jaw dropped this morning when I discovered my skull cap cloche made it on the front cover!  Not to mention a lovely write up inside on my 1920’s hats and fascinator workshops, plus a full page pic of the hat again!  A big thanks to all involved, especially Tiffany and of course the photographer who took that picture at the Hobbs Best of Bristol Show, Ria Mishaal Cooke.

Now grab yourself a copy and get reading!

Fascinator workshops are now advertised on the Vintage Tea Sets website

A new page has been added to my Vintage Tea Sets website to accommodate the fascinator workshops I personally host.  Why not take a look…..and spread the word!

1920’s Themed Hen or Birthday Parties at ‘The Daffodil’

I’m now offering fascinator workshops at the Art Deco gem of a venue The Daffodil in Cheltenham for hen parties and birthday parti.  Click here for more details on my Clara Bows Millinery Website.  You’ll create a fascinator, have Afternoon tea or a three course meal at the venue on vintage Art Deco china courtesy of Vintage Tea Sets in this truly outstanding venue.  You could even make a whole day of it dress up 1920’s style,  and learn how to Charleston courtesy of Charleston Dance.

The Daffodil is an award winning conversion from a 1920’s Art Deco picture house into a unique and dramatic setting that retains many original Art Deco features and to top it off it has a stylish À la Carte restaurant!  With sweeping staircases and views to wow from mezzanine Circle Bar, The Daffodil is perfect for your party, as well as wedding ceremonies and receptions.  Check out this amazing wedding on ‘Steve Gerrards Photography Blog’ that took place at the Daffodil. Just stunning!  Those pictures really do this gorgeous venue justice!

1920’s Hen or Birthday Party – fascinator making, charleston lessons & Vintage afternoon tea

Go on immerse your hen or birthday party in the roaring 1920’s with Clara Bows Millinery &  1920’s Charleston Dance with some stunning vintage china thrown in to boot from Vintage Tea Sets.  We’ve teamed up with the fabulous Daffodil in Cheltenham, a true ‘Art Deco’ gem to give you this ultimate 20’s experience.  Spend the day soaking up the beautiful venue and relax knowing you don’t need to traipse here there and everywhere, instead kick back with a cocktail or two, make a beautiful individual creation to wear and learn some 20’s moves like the knock knees, high leg kicks, snake hips and goddamit shimmy!!! before having a high tea or dinner on some stunning vintage china.

Further details will be added to the Clara Bows Millinery website soon but feel free to contact me for more details in the meantime.

Clara Bows write up in the Cosmopolitan Bride Editors Letter

I’m chuffed to pieces with this I really am.  One of my recent fascinator workshops has received a glowing personal review from none other than the Editor of Cosmopolitan Bride (and You and Your Wedding) – she attended the Bake-a-Boo one.  Click on the image to read it in full for yourself….

My millinery business gets a lovely write up in Cosmopolitan Bride by the Editor!

Clara Bows Lackham Countryside Centre Fascinator Course 01st June 2010

Hi all, just a quick post to let you know that I’ll be hosting a fascinator course at the lovely Lackham Countryside Centre on the 01st June this year.  For details on how to book click here.

What can we expect from this experience -Enjoy a creative afternoon in the idyllic surroundings of the Lackham Countryside Centre. Learn how to create your own fascinator, perfect for a day out to the races or a wedding, in relaxed, friendly and enjoyable company.

Discover the thrill of creating a completely unique fascinator from scratch whilst learning some basic millinery techniques along the way.

Be a real “mad hatter” with afternoon tea served on vintage china.

This experience is suitable for beginners, however basic sewing skills are needed, all materials are provided .

Profile of delivery team

Vicky Rowe founded Clara Bows Millinery after a career change and a passion for 1920s and 30’s fashion.

Vicky was trained by a milliner of royal appointment. She has taken a path of discovery based on research from the 1920s and 30s and has now established her own style. Vicky is known for her elegant designs, which are decorated with vintage embellishments – lace, freshwater pearls, and ethically sourced feathers.

Additional benefits of this experience

It’s great for building confidence and is an opportunity to express self creativity. You’ll produce something unique which will be the envy of others.

A delicious afternoon tea, served on vintage china, is included.

Mad Hatter themed fascinator workshop at Bake-a-Boo photographed by Rosie Parsons

Last Sunday Rosie Parsons (photographer extraordinaire) and I embarked on a road trip to the big smoke from our comfy west country burrows, one that would merge her Birthday celebrations with a fascinator workshop I was hosting at the stunning little teashop run by Zoe called Bake-a-Boo (I’d been itching to meet this vixen after a mutual appreciation of vintage china and cake).

Meet the beautiful Zoe, making us a steaming hot vintage teapot of darjeeling on our arrival.

‘The Clara Bows head’ complete with an example fascinator I made the day before for some inspiration was placed on the beautifully laid table that the workshop ladies would be seated, and I set about laying out all the materials before they arrived.

Then the workshop commenced.

We paused for an Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea…..

Before resuming work again and completing these lovely creations.  Here’s a picture of the hen party that took part modelling their pieces.

A lovely time was had by all.  If you’d like to take part in one of these workshops or would like one arranged, see my millinary website Clara Bows for more details or email me (Vicky) at info@clarabows.co.uk

Fascinator Workshops, Afternoon Teas on Harmony II Yacht

Yet more fantastic news folks.  I’ll be running regular fascinator workshops on the ‘Harmony 2‘ a 189ft luxury mega-yacht moored in Bristol Harbour, not only that but will be offering hen & birthday party packages (you get the venue exclusively). Its just down river from the SS Great Britain but bang in the centre of the city, a perfect and very unique base to explore the city after having a fun day of activities.

You can stay overnight in the luxury cabins, take part in the many workshops throughout the day, from fascinators, bouquet making, cup cake topping and finally some nautical boudoir! Enjoy a slap up afternoon tea on gorgeous vintage china, relax in the hot tub before leisurely wandering to the many bars and restaurants on your doorstep.   More details will be published soon, including details on the very talented individuals who will make up the very special workshop crew.

Clara Bows Fascinator Workshop photographed by Rosie Parsons

The gorgeous Rosie Parsons popped up to see me earlier in the week with her camera! after a lovely catch up at Bocca Bar she came with me to a ‘Mad Hatter’ themed fascinator workshop I was hosting at Caffe Clifton and took some snaps to go in my beautiful millinery website Clara Bows that both she and her husband Lee created for me.

It was a really lovely relaxed evening and the ladies that attended made some really beautiful things, two even vowed to wear their creations into work the next day!  I so hope they did.  Anyway, as they say, a picture can tell a thousand words and as usual Rosie has done me so incredibly proud, I cherish these images and can’t wait for our ‘road trip’ in just over a weeks time!

Introducing my 1920’s Millinery Website – Clara Bows

Its official launch isn’t until June this year but here’s a taster, I need to photograph all my hats and fascinators which is easier said that done at the minute (a good chunk are with a magazine which is another story!) so for now there’s some old pics on there .  Excuses excuses! check out my very flapperesque website Clara Bows Millinery (make sure you click on the gramophone!) created by the wonderful Rosie & Lee.  They’ve done an amazing job, thanks guys x

This website will be selling hats I make, giving details on how to order a bespoke hat from me and of course, details on my fascinator workshops (with lots of pictures showing them in progress).  I’ve been selling hats now for well over a year, no promotion at all but still getting at least a couple of orders a month usually people who stumble on me via the web or who stop me in the street.  I’ve been given my own millinery section in the Bristol Fashion Show later in the year.  I’m excited, nervous and honoured all at once about that, I’m busily making my six key pieces……six pieces that I’ve wanted to make for years heavily influenced by the 1920’s, its a creative indulgence and I’ve had to up my skills to create these pieces where the practices needed to make them have almost died out.  And two of these pieces wouldn’t be possible If it wasn’t for a lady with over 50 years in the business making hats for Royalty  passing on her skills as I couldn’t find anyone else up to the job.  All the feedback I’ve had from customers has been incredible but whilst I was growing Vintage Tea Sets I kept this in the background, and lets face it I’m very very busy with the china hire business!  But with the support of my lovely Mum – together we make an amazing team – she blocks the hats for me, makes those lovely vinyl cakes stands that just keep flying off the shelves and helping get big orders together.