30
Jan
2015
Posted by Nicole in Book, Calendar, Talk 2 Comments

Hi all,

This one has been in the pipeline for ages and I’m so excited that I can finally share it with you: ever since my first book came out, I’ve wanted to do an event at Readings, one of my favourite book shops, and I’ve been to so many of their events and I love them. With the launch of my new book “Style is Eternal”, they’ve invited me to talk about my passion for fashion!

From their site:
Nicole Jenkins has been collecting and restoring clothes since she was a child. With a background in film and theatre costume design, her Melbourne boutique Circa Vintage, showcasing the best of 200 years of Australian fashion, opened in 2004.

Over a glass of wine, hear Nicole talk about fashion and the history of clothing, and impart a few tricks of the trade.

Here are the details:
What: Nicole Jenkins on fashion
When: 6-7pm, Monday 23rd February
Where: Readings Hawthorn — 701 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122
Cost: $10 per person and includes a glass of champagne.
Bookings: click here.
More information here: Readings event site.

Hope to see you there!

Here’s my book cover, because I can’t resist sharing it with you again.

Style is Eternal cover

13
Dec
2014
Posted by Nicole in Book, Book review, Talk 2 Comments

I’m having the time of my life – this week we launched “Style is Eternal” at Avid Reader in Brisbane and last week in Sydney at Berkelouw Paddington Sydney. This is so much fun: I love books, bookshops, book readers and best of all is having your own book and talking to shiny people about it! Book people are good people.

And just when I couldn’t get more excited about bookshops (and how great it is to find good ones in other cities) there was the St Kilda library, who kindly invited me back for a third time to talk about my passion for fashion.

Plus: there have been a couple of radio interviews (3AW and Radio Adelaide) and newspapers, online magazines and blogs. And I also appeared on Channel 9’s “Mornings” show – you can see me talking about celebrity style here.

Are you ready for some highlights? Here are some pics –

West Aust Dec 10 2014
A big article in the West Australian newspaper – thanks Susi for sending me the pic.

Avid Reader
Some of the wonderful ladies who came to see me at Avid Reader – the whole audience was amazing, especially considering how hot and humid it was. I love this bookshop so much. Plus: Krissy Kneen live tweeted me! Achievement unlocked.

Vicki and NJ
Mz Vicki and I at Avid Reader in Brisbane – read Vicki’s great blog post about the event here. Photo copyright Vicki Martin.

Berkelouw books
A table filled with copies of my book: Berkelouw in Paddington. So many great things about this bookshop and they have beautiful old style slanted wooden shelves upstairs.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Here I am demonstrating ways to wear scarves on stylish fashion blogger Nora. This pic is copyright Sydney Flapper. Here’s her terrific review of the Berkelouw event and my book.

Dymocks catalogue
My book featured in the Dymock’s catalogue alongside two of the most talented women in fashion!

Dymocks Sydney
And on display at Dymock’s Sydney – another really great old style bookshop with a mezzanine balcony cafe. Note that my book seems to be selling better than the other great title.

Future Beauty
I caught the Future Beauty exhibition in Brisbane! Japanese Avant Garde fashion! Highly recommended and full of inspiration.

Gabbi at Dymocks Chermside
Gabbi at Dymock’s Chermside asked me what my favourite word was – I replied “momentum”. I’m feeling a lot of that at the moment.

Kinokuniya
Lots of books to sign at Kinokuniya! Amazing bookshop, a new favourite and everyone is so nice. I didn’t use the sharpie – have discovered an author truth: we carry pens we like to write and sign with. I’m glad I signed a lot of books because “Style is Eternal” is currently one of their best sellers!

St Kilda library
Chatting about fashion at St Kilda library – where Cati created a wonderful display of vintage frocks and books and called me “fabulous”. Cati, I think you’re fabulous too.

Now, the book is available at good bookshops everywhere and of course at Circa – but if you’d like a signed copy here’s where to go:

– Dymock’s Sydney, Bondi Junction, Chermside and Brisbane
– Avid Reader, West End Brisbane
– Circa Vintage online and in the city salon, where I can personalise a copy for you. All web and phone orders are sent via Express Post and we post the same or next business day, but don’t leave it too late if you’d like one for Christmas!

29
Aug
2014
Posted by Nicole in 1960s, Calendar, Talk

Hi all,

I’ve got a talk coming up on ’60s fashion, as part of the “Polyester and Pantyhose” exhibition now on. It’s a free event and includes afternoon tea. I’ll be bringing some favourite pieces from my private collection as well as a sneak peak of some styles that will be featured in my upcoming book “Style is Eternal” (out December 1st). There will also be an opportunity to see the exhibition after the talk.

What: Talk on 1960s Australian ladieswear and afternoon tea.
When: Tuesday 9 September, 2pm
Where: The Gallery, Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre, Brighton Town Hall, cnr Carpenter and Wilson Streets, Brighton.
Cost: free but bookings required as limited numbers available – phone 9592 0291
For more information see here: the Bayside council site.

Pantyhose and Polyester 475
A photo from the exhibition, reproduced courtesy Bayside council.

25
Jun
2014
Posted by Nicole in Calendar, Talk, Vintage Market 2 Comments

Dates for the upcoming Strictly Vintage markets have been announced – as you may know, the SV is a collaboration with Circa Vintage and the Take 2 Markets and we aim to bring you the best vintage at the best prices – with an added bonus for the next two markets of a presentation by myself!

What: The Strictly Vintage market
When: Sunday 20th July, 10am to 3pm (12pm: Talk on 1920s ladies fashions, presented by Nicole Jenkins)
Where: Northcote Town Hall, top of Ruckers Hill, High St, Northcote. Tram out the front, Merri and Westgarth train stations near by.
Cost: $5
More information at the Strictly Vintage Facebook page.

There are still some spots left for traders – click here to select your stall.

Unlike previous markets, Circa Vintage will not be trading – instead I shall be presenting a talk on ladies fashions of the 1920s, accompanied by some items from my own collection! I’ll talk about the social history, fabrics, how to identify real ’20s, how to restore and care for your fashions plus creating a ’20s look using revival styles from the ’60s, ’80s and contemporary fashion amongst others. Free with market entry of $5! See me at 12noon in the meeting room.

Here’s the lovely Clare St Clare modelling one of my beaded silk ’20s dresses – this one features Egyptian motifs.

1920s beaded dress

Here’s the flyer for this and the next event, which will be on November 30th – I’ll be talking about ’30s fashions then and if all goes well, I might get to talk about ’40s and ’50s at upcoming markets. Hope to see you there!

Miss Becky Lou wears a spotty crepe ’70s dress by the House of Merivale.

SV & QV 2014 475

12
Feb
2014
Posted by Nicole in 1920s, 1930s, Calendar, Exhibitions, Talk 1 Comment

If you haven’t yet seen the fabulous NGV exhibition on Deco fashion and Edward Steichen photographs, allow me to offer you an additional enticement – I’m presenting a talk on Deco fashion at the NGV:

Join us for an afternoon in the exhibition as we take a closer look at fashionable aspects of the ’20s and ’30s, including hats, shoes and jewellery. Hosted by Paola di Trocchio, exhibition co-curator and Assistant Curator, International Fashion & Textiles.

Speakers include Theo Hasset, bespoke shoemaker; Richard Nylon, Milliner; Nicole Jenkins, fashion historian, retailer & author; Anne Schofield, jewellery specialist and collector.

What: Art Deco Fashion Afternoon: Vintage Glamour
When: Saturday 22nd Feb (2pm – 4pm)
Where: National Gallery of Victoria, St Kilda Road Melbourne.
Cost: free, but entry costs apply to the exhibition and you’ll need a ticket to get in.

Here is a pic I took of some glorious ’20s coats: more Deco fashion loveliness can be found here. Hope to see you there.

Coats 475
Photo copyright Nicole Jenkins

6
Nov
2013
Posted by Nicole in Calendar, Swimwear, Talk

Are you ready for summer? I’m giving my last talk for the year on ladies swimwear, and there’s sure to be lots of inspiration for what to wear on the beach.


Join Nicole Jenkins (award-winning author of Love Vintage, fashion historian and retailer) on a trip through the changing styles, fabrics and construction techniques of 20th century ladies’ swimwear.

What: Talk on the history of ladies swimwear.
When: 6.30 pm Wednesday November 20th
Where: St Kilda library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
Cost: Free but please book by phoning 9209 6655 or on the website so you don’t miss out.
More information at the St Kilda library site.

I’ll be bringing along photos of assorted styles and actual swimsuits, so you can see and touch the different fabrics and see how they were made.

Hope to see you there!

1940s swimsuit

St Clare in elegant 1940s swimsuit, pretty enough to wear as a playsuit or sundress.

vintage swimwear2 475

15
Oct
2013
Posted by Nicole in 1920s, 1930s, Calendar, Exhibitions, Talk 2 Comments

This Friday the new exhibition of Edward Steichen photography and Art Deco fashion opens at the NGV – the following day they’re running a number of fun programmes includinga film, tour, charleston lessons and a panel discussion about the exhibition and I’m on the panel!

From the NGV’s site:
Join us as we explore the innovative and glamorous fashion photography of Edward Steichen, as well as art deco fashion from the 1920s and 1930s.

Keynote: William A Ewing, independent curator, formerly director of the Musée de l’Elysée, Lausanne, Switzerland, and specialist in the history of fashion photography; Todd Brandow, Executive Director, Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography and exhibition co-curator; and Nicole Jenkins, fashion historian, retailer & author of Love Vintage: A Passion for Collecting Fashion (2009) .

What: Forum: Edward Steichen – the image maker
When: Saturday October 19th 2-4pm
Where: Clemenger BBDO Auditorium, NGV International, St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
Cost: free, although an admission cost applies to the exhibition.

ESteichen 3 475

27
Jul
2013
Posted by Nicole in Calendar, Circa event, Exhibitions, Film, Talk

Hi all,

I’ve loved Marilyn since I was a child and now – for the first time – I have an opportunity to present a talk on her costumes and why they’re so fabulous and special. ACMI have invited me to speak as part of their Hollywood Costume exhibition in a one off event.

“The Golden Age of Hollywood” will be hosted by Clementine Ford and include Cinema Fiasco (Geoff & Janet) who will “humorously dissect some film trailers”, plus someone from Miss Fisher’s Murder Mystery will be discussing costuming the ’20s in modern times.

Singer Ilana Charnelle will also be performing songs from the Golden Age (incl a Marilyn song hopefully) and there will be sewing demonstrations by Thread Den and an exhibition bar.

Hope you can make it!

What: Hollywood Costume up late: The Golden Age of Hollywood
When: Thursday 1st August 2013, 6.00 pm – 9.00pm (my talk is at 7.00pm)
Where: Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne
Cost: National free. Entry cost applies for the exhibition.
More information: at the ACMI website

Miss Monroe in the gown that was too raunchy for “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” so you only see it – briefly – from behind.

7
Jun
2013
Posted by Nicole in 1920s, 1930s, Calendar, Talk 3 Comments

Hi everyone,

An exciting event is coming up later this month – I’ll be presenting a talk with a difference as part of the Glen Eira Storytelling Festival. Here’s a little about the festival from their website:

For two weeks from 17 June, Glen Eira City Council will present a range of events that celebrate stories and those who tell them. From brunch with Elliot Perlman at the beautiful Rippon Lea House ballroom to the comics market and manga workshop in the Boyd Room at Carnegie Library, there are events to suit all age groups, budgets and interests.

You can see the full programme here.

My talk will be an interactive one: telling the stories of some of my favourite frocks of the ’20s and ’30s. I’ll be bringing several gowns including silk velvets, beaded silks and printed chiffons. Dresses are very personal and I’m looking forward to sharing their secrets with you.

It’s an honour to present in such beautiful surroundings as the Rippon Lea ballroom so I can’t resist showing you a pic – many movies have been filmed here, and in my ideal world it was where I wanted to get married (well, there and the Spiegeltent).

What: Storytelling through fashion with Nicole Jenkins
When: Saturday June 29th 11am
Where: The ballroom, Rippon Lea house, 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick
Cost: $25 including morning tea
Bookings essential – book here.
More information: see the website.

Here are some of the dresses featured in my book “Love Vintage” that I might bring along – all photos reproduced courtesy Tira Lewis.

24
Apr
2013
Posted by Nicole in Calendar, Circa event, Talk

Hi all,

To accompany the workshops at the Across the Arts festival, I’m presenting a version of my popular talk on historical ladies fashions, illustrated with original garments of the time.

What: Talk on ladies fashions of the ’20s to the ’60s.
When: Saturday May 5th 2pm to 3pm
Where: Wangaratta library, 21 Docker St, Wangaratta VIC 3677
Cost: gold coin donation
Bookings essential: phone 5721 2366

This is one of only a handful of public talks that are scheduled this year – hope to see some familiar faces there!

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