I’m a bit behind with things at the moment – mostly I’ve been in the shop, so there hasn’t been as much time as I like for getting new stock ready, or answering emails or catching up on various things – I still haven’t finished setting up my new stockroom after moving last November.

In the meantime, I thought you might like to see some lovely 1960s photos by John French of Jean Shrimpton – after Twiggy, perhaps the most successful face of English fashion from the elegance of the early ‘sixties to the Mod era of Carnaby Street. Personally, I love her fresh face, fine bone structure and thick hair.

Jeannie holds a special place in Australian fashion history – in 1965 she shocked Melbourne society by turning up on Derby Day (during the Spring racing carnival) in a mini dress with no hat, no gloves and no stockings. It was a small thing, and she didn’t intend to ruffle feathers, but it was a big step in our evolving fashion styles.

Apparently she didn’t care much for fashion, and perhaps that’s why she wears clothes so well – she looks as much at home in an evening dress as she does in a simple shift. Aged 67 now, I’m sure she still looks fabulous.