Twice a year there is a trade show held in London. For the past couple of year it has been held at the Business Design Centre in Angel. And I have been really privileged to have gone to the last four and was really looking forward to seeing what this year would bring.
Now, I always go down by train and meet up with a lot of my vintage/plus size gal pals and we spend the day looking at all the goodies, chatting to old friends and new. The evening always is fantastic as they hold a VIP after party at the Ironworks and it is a most fabulous night out.
Sunday 11th February came around and I had already purchased my train tickets. First Class to St Pancras, then a short walk to Kings Cross to meet my blogger bestie, Boo in The Parcel Yard pub for breakfast.
Sadly, when I woke up that morning I was feeling decidedly rough. Swollen glands, wicked cough and a headache. It didn’t bode well.
Thankfully I had booked a seat in the quiet first class carriage, so I would get some peaceful rest on my journey down at 0800 in the morning, wouldn’t I?
On my way
Well…. that was a huge failure. Due to an issue with the trains, they had decommissioned First Class (which is absolutely fine) however there were two babies in there, one relatively newborn and they weren’t happy campers. They cried a lot.
My head was now banging, but I could only feel sympathy for Mum as she tried frantically to calm and quiet her little one, to no avail.
Eventually I hit Kings Cross and waited for Boo to arrive. I had the same breakfast I always chose there; Eggs Benedict with Ham and it was delicious!
Waiting for Boo
We hopped the tube and arrived at Londonedge around 1130. The first person we ran into was the lovely Lucy Stanton, a vintage blogger friend. She took some great photographs of Boo and I, including my favourite ever photo. Then it was off to hit the stands.
Taken by the fabulous Lucy Stanton
We made a beeline for Voodoo Vixen. Back in September we were told there was not an A/W 2017 Plus size range, But to look out for S/S 2018.
Voodoo Vixen S/S 2018 Range (Plus Size)
Viva Las Vegas! By Voodoo Vixen
And we were NOT disappointed. A 9 piece range for the now, with an even larger range including trousers and coats for A/W 2018
How excited were we?!?
Pretty as a Peacock by Voodoo Vixen
We then moved on and found the most wonderful stall, Now,Voyager which made some of the most unique and unusual hair accessories, including rubber ducks, knitted pizzas, and my absolute favourite; Felt cupcakes, Swiss Rolls and Sponges, in the prettiest of colours. I literally fell in love with it all.
Now, Voyager and their amazing creations
Some of it was absolutely whimsy, including the hair clips made from water pistols and the feather birds. I wanted one of everything!
Wonderful Whimsies
We stood chatting to the creator of the wonderful pieces, Felicity and took a photograph or two. She was a total sweetheart!
Fabulous Felicity!
Moving on to Hell Bunny, we delved into the plus range and found some absolute beauties including this gorgeous Japanese Blossom print which actually has blue glitter on it!
Boo fell in love with this!
A differernt print in the Leah style dress
Cactus are a popular theme this year….
Collectif was next. And here is where I have a bit of a moan.
Their designs are beautiful and I lust after all their dresses. However, they go no bigger than a 22 (and a small 22 at that) This means I cannot fit into any of their clothing and whenever we have spoken to them about increasing their range, they state there is no demand for it.
Collectif; Just fabulous!
I would buy this in a heartbeat… if it came in my size!
Now, Both you and I know that this is codswallop. There is a bigger demand for reproduction vintage than ever, and the “fat” pound is there for the taking. Come on Collectif…. You know there is a market for your beautiful designs!
Absolutely divine tartan from collectif
One thing they do have going for them though, is the wonderful range of bags and shoes. There are a few pairs that I saw, that I know would be perfect for me. It looks like that may be where my money goes!
Collectif Shoes!
This gorgeous red bow shoe – Short squat heels – the vintage plus size womans friend!!
It was then time for the fashion show. We missed the first one, but thankfully they are repeated later in the day. We settled down to watch show B, featuring Burleska, Hell Bunny, Voodoo Vixen, Innocent Lifestyle, Hearts and Roses London, Unique Vintage and Collectif.
Burleska
Hell Bunny
Voodoo Vixen
Voodoo Vixen
Innocent Lifestyle
Hearts and Roses
Collectif
Collectif
Unique Vintage
Collectif on the Catwalk
The Stylists Edit
We went and had a drink in the cafe area and discussed all we had seen. I would love to say I was Wowed by the catwalk, but I think my cold symptoms were turning me into a super grumpy arse.
Lunchtime Grumpy Selfie
My main complaints were that the models (as usual) were all very thin, around 5ft10 with a very flat shape. Absolutely Gorgeous… but not representative of most of the women in this County.
Whilst I know this is the norm, for once I would love to see a variety of figures on that stage. I don’t necessarily mean a size 26 – although why not?!?
Generic Model Sizes
Just a variety of body shapes so everyone can get a better feel of how things will look on someone who is regular size/height and shape.
Also as a vintage aficionado, I get really wound up over the little things. By this, I mean the petticoats worn with some of the full skirted dresses. They are just too short on someone that tall. This means they sit higher in the skirt, leaving a strange straight drop down once the petticoat ends, rather than it going all the way till just above the hem of the dress.
Sort out those short petticoats!
It just isn’t the ‘done’ thing. And neither is having your petticoats hanging out the bottom of your dress!
Charlie’s Dead
Lastly, There seems to be a trend of giving them the highest shoes on the planet, that don’t fit. Toes hanging over the edge, clinging onto the shoe like the talons of a hawk. I find that this is so off putting, I spend all my time looking at their feet, and not the clothes.
Looks Painful
Ouch!
I told you I was a grumpy arse, didn’t I?
Other than that, the clothing that was displayed was super. I would like to own quite a few of the pieces and will be watching out for those companies that are doing my size.
We went back down to the stalls again and came across this absolute gem of a company, Little Pig Jewellery Design. They had the most wonderful acrylic jewellery designs, including some brooches that just melted my heart.
That Unicorn
My favourites had to be this wonderful fountain pen and SWALK envelope. I need to get my hands on these so badly!
That Pen WILL be mine!
She had a range of designs that were Rhyming Animals. She challenged us to work them all out. I have to admit they were genius and I loved them all. I need to make several of them mine, especially the ‘Octopus takes the Bus’ ‘flamingo playing bingo’ and ‘Llama don’t want no Drama’
So funny and beautifully made.
Next was Frilly Industries. They also had acrylic accessories, but were very
Snowglobes by Frilly Designs
different to Little Pig. My favourites were the Snowglobes which had different City Skylines in. Totally different and very cool.
Almost on the Catwalk….well, next to it!
It was time to go back down for the Catwalk show B which we had missed earlier in the morning.
This time they showcased Collectif, Jawbreaker, Sheen, New Rock, Retrospec’d, Gatsbylady and Hell Bunny.
Collectif
Jawbreaker
Sheen
New Rock
Stunning range from Retrospec’d
Gatsbylady
Hell Bunny
The Stylists Edit
After the show we headed for Hearts and Roses London and saw some really pretty things. This dress was such a pretty print, I was most sad that they don’t go quite as large as I need!
Hearts & Roses
All the pretty prints!
Then it was the turn of Banned who have amazing shoes and bags. They also do a fabulous clothing range, but sadly too small for me.
Amazing Selection from Banned
Bettie Page shoes were next and I have to say they were divine. I wished I could walk in high heels, as I would have bought a pair of every single ones. They were that beautiful.
Bettie Page Shoes
I will take one in every colour…
We were nearing the end of the stalls, however you know what they say? Save the best for last?
We arrived at Unicorn Mafia, which is the sister company of Mermaid Salon.
The cutest things were right in front of us. Patches, light up shoes and even clothing. So kawaii and cute. I literally fell in love.
How cute are these?
My Favourite was this patch. I have no idea what tickled me, but I couldn’t stop looking and giggling about it. I literally loved it! I told them that if they made the patch into a fat girl t-shirt, I would order one in a heartbeat!!!
They see me Rollin’
Mermaid Salon were amazing as always and we had a good chat about their brushes (we had been given one in a goody bag back in September) which had revolutionised my foundation application. I was also super chuffed that we had been given another in this years VIP bag!
We moved on to an old friend, Ronke of Love UR Look clothing, a vintage brand that is all her own work. We had a good old natter and we arranged to have a catch up in the Summer, which is something to look forward to.
Ronke’s amazing work
Right next door was a beautiful lady with a beautiful stand. Bow and Crossbones had the most amazing vintage reproduction jewellery range.
Beautiful Bow and Crossbones
Not only was the range huge, most of it was a literal reproduction of an original piece of vintage jewellery. The lovely Cam was so effusive in her love of original vintage and recreating it, that I could literally have stood talking to her for hours (to be fair, I think we chatted for over 30 minutes!)
Vintage Inspiration
She knew her products, as any creator does. The designs, colours, shapes and ideas all had their history in original pieces and she was able to show us some of the original inspirations she had used. I absolutely loved talking to her and I have to say, she was one COOL lady!
Such a selection
Sadly time was ticking on and we needed to visit the last few stalls. Pretty much the last one we visited was the uber fabulous Maskadelic.
Marvellous Maskadelic
Ultra Violet masks, headdresses and jewellery. All glowed under black lights. I fell in love with so many of the designs; even though I have NOWHERE I could ever wear one!
My favourite piece however, was this beautiful Childs Cot Mobile, which had been made for a friend. The whale with its waterspout, the octopus’ tentacles, the shiny anchors, Everything was so perfect and beautifully made. Such a thoughtful creation. I couldn’t help but take several photographs.
Made with Love
So cute
Boo even got to be a Unicorn for a short time, a different look to normal but one I think she could pull off!
I AM a a Unicorn!
It was pretty much time for us to go. The plan was originally to go and get something to eat (five guys) and then I was going to head to the after-party.
Sadly, I was feeling really rough and I couldn’t stop coughing and sneezing.
Although my heart really wanted to go to the party, my head was telling me it was a terrible idea. I was due to work the next morning at 8am, so logically it wouldn’t have been my best idea.
I had already reserved a seat on the 11pm train home, but thankfully had bought an anytime return ticket. I headed back to St Pancras and had about a 25 minute wait for the next train.
On the Train home
I was lucky enough to see some of the London Illuminations, including this display of ever changing colour. It was so simple, yet perfect!
Illuminations
I had an amazing day, I was just really not feeling up to having an even more amazing night (which I know it would have been)
Night time in Pancras
By 830pm I was home, fuzzy ‘jamas on with a hot cup of tea.
It might not be ‘Rock n Roll’ but it was just what the doctor ordered!
Thanks to everyone at Londonedge for hosting us again. Roll on September, when I intend to be in the best of health!!!
Till next time
Txx