The Frockery

January 30, 2008

Frocks for all eras

It has been a case of ‘frocks around the clock’ since the turn of the year as The Frockery has been coping with an increase in orders from customers new and not-so-new. Vintage and retro party dresses have been in particular demand throughout January and many of our own favourites have found new appreciative homes. 

Meanwhile, there is evidence of some serious green resolutions being made and kept by a number of our customers who are moving house, downsizing or just having a good clear-out. This has resulted in The Frockery dress agency taking delivery of some fabulous pieces for our catalogue, so look out especially for the arrival of some glam 80s frockery which would have had Joan Collins and Victoria Principal tearing each other’s hair out over back in the good old days of Dynasty and Dallas!  

The 80s look certainly seems to be enjoying something of a revival among the younger set, who are once more embracing shoulder pads and over-the-top statement outfits like we all used to (without even a hint of embarrassment!) Frank Usher dresses are endlessly appealing for posh parties and proms and the more colourful and dramatic the better! Why not flamenco the night away in this vibrant violet number or dazzle in this sexy black velvet frock from Dusk?   

Vintage and retro themed parties appear to be gaining in popularity and The Frockery has recently helped dress a newly 40 year old for her 1960s themed birthday party, as well as a newly 50 year old who wanted a memorable 1950s look for her half century celebration. Meanwhile, one of our younger fashionistas stuck to a 1980s theme for her 21st birthday party when she and her friends got fully into the spirit of the era, ably assisted by The Frockery team, a supply of sparkling wine, some retro fashion magazines and an original December 1986 copy of Vogue.

Still on the subject of vintage themed events, we have also just had notice of the dates for this year’s Culzean Autoclassica international heritage motoring event in Ayrshire which will be another great opportunity to dress up in period costume from the 40s, 50s, 60s or 70s to reflect a particular transport era. Billed as Scotland’s equivalent to the Goodwood Revival weekend, it promises to be a fantastic event for all the family and will take place at Culzean Castle, Maybole, Ayrshire from Thursday 21st to Monday 25th August 2008.

January 8, 2008

Marion Donaldson: the label that brought the swinging 60s to Glasgow

In our latest Frockery Focus section, we have turned the spotlight on Glasgow designer Marion Donaldson, whose fashion label - started with  a mere £50 of capital in 1966 - is widely credited as having brought the essence of Carnaby Street fashion and swinging 60s London to the streets of Glasgow.  

Probably best known for her long and successful association with Liberty of London and her ultra feminine ’signature’ Liberty print dresses, Marion Donaldson began modestly by designing mini dresses and mini skirts and selling them wholesale to the fashion boutiques which were establishing themselves in Glasgow as a result of the 60s fashion revolution.  

The label flourished and soon Donaldson was selling her garments all over the UK and making an impact in high fashion boutiques and upmarket stores like Fenwick’s of Bond Street The company traded from 1966 until 1999 and the iconic Marion Donaldson art nouveau label, originally inspired by an old oval mirror picked up at auction for a song, remains an instantly recognisable indicator of a quality garment.  

Some good examples of Marion Donaldson’s designs can be found at The Frockery, such as the following pieces from current stock:   

Beautiful sheer print blouse (Marion Donaldson) - Marion Donaldson 1970s maxi dress - Marion Donaldson navy shift dress - Liberty print dress (Marion Donaldson) - Vintage Marion Donaldson black velvet dress - Marion Donaldson foxglove print dress

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