The Darnell Collection, Australia’s largest private collection of international vintage couture clothing and accessories, will come to iD Dunedin’s catwalk showcasing 15 stunning pieces of Chanel and Dior from the 1960s…
I was captivated by the story of Dreaming of Dior, the 2009 book that outlined how a woman inherited a wardrobe of 3000 priceless pieces from her American godmother, Doris Darnell, complete with her godmother’s ‘book of stories’ – including stories of the women who wore these treasures for the first time.
Charlotte Smith, the owner and curator of what is the largest private vintage clothing collection in Australia, will arrive in Dunedin, New Zealand, as iD’s special guest, with fifteen stunning pieces including original items designed by Chanel and Dior in the 1960s.
Charlotte Smith says, "Inheriting the Darnell Collection has completely changed my life and to be invited as a guest of iD Dunedin Fashion Week is an exciting opportunity to take the collection internationally and add yet another story to this adventure. I love working with students and anyone fascinated by and passionate about fashion and recognise the importance of vintage clothing as educational and inspiring. The collection has brought my family full circle back to New Zealand, following in the footsteps of my great- great-grandfather, Sir Edward Stafford who was elected Prime Minister of New Zealand in the mid 1800s and helped establish the wool industry in New Zealand.”
A guest lecture on the history of the Darnell Collection will be given by Charlotte Smith, curator and author of Dreaming of Dior and Dreaming of Chanel, during iD Dunedin Fashion Week. Thread reviewed Dreaming of Dior; read about it here.
For the third time, Pacific Blue Airlines is a major sponsor and official airline for the 2011 iD Dunedin Fashion Week. The airline will be giving away four travel prizes, including return flights for two people from Dunedin to Brisbane. One of these trips will be awarded to an Emerging Designer winner. Three trips will be given away to a guest in a ‘lucky boarding pass draw’ at each of the key events, the International Emerging Designer Awards and the iD Dunedin Fashion Show.
The iD International Emerging Designer Awards will take place on Thursday 7 April 2011, starting at 7pm. Front-row tickets $70, second row and raised seating $55, and tiered seating $40. Tickets include a show gift bag and programme. The event will be held at the Lion Foundation Arena, Edgar Stadium, Dunedin, in front of an audience of more than 1200. Doors will open at 6.15pm.
The 2011 iD Dunedin Fashion Show will take place on Friday 8 April and Saturday 9 April, starting at 8pm, in front of an audience of 1500 each evening. Front-row tickets $110, second row and front-row carriage $90, third row $75, fourth row and second-row carriage $65. Tickets include a complimentary drink, show gift bag and programme. Doors will open at 6.30pm.
Tickets for key events during iD Dunedin Fashion Week go on sale on Thursday 27 January at 9.00am, available at TicketDirect venues (including the Regent Theatre, Dunedin), Ph 0800 4 TICKET or online at www.ticketdirect.co.nz; a booking fee applies.
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