The Red Windmill

Christmas Party: "Merry Moulin Rouge" 

In which Belle Epoque & Roaring Twenties come together for one heck of a celebration...

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Dress: Gift, chiffon & lace

Heels: Emerson @ Big W patent

Bag: Vintage, 1950s resin & silver

Wrap: Gift, chiffon & wool

Headband: Gift (from China)

Necklace: Gift, beaded & pearl lariat

Brooch: Gift (from China)

Black Faceted Beaded Bracelet: Gift (from China)

Bangle with Charms: Pandora silver

Ring: Pandora silver

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Finally posting some pictures from the first Christmas Party I have had the pleasure of attending this year - a gorgeous gathering of fashionistas with a Moulin Rouge theme! 

www.maydae.com

Founded in 1889 by Charles Zidler & Joseph Oller - who owned the Paris Olympia - the "Red Windmill" (as it is loosely translated) is widely regarded as the spiritual birthplace of the modern Can Can, originally performed as a dance by courtesans in the Belle Epoque era of peace & optimism marked by industrial progress & exploding in popularity during the heady post-World-War-One "Lost Generation" Paris of the 1920s... What tourists from all over the world romanticise as the time of the "Flapper." 

www.vintageposters.co.uk

As such, this stunning outfit has both a Belle Epoque & "Roaring Twenties" flavour, mixing the two eras simultaneously with its low, scoop-neck empire-line shape & floaty pleated skirt, as well as the monochromatic mix of lace & chiffon. 

Take a peek as these vintage photographs to see what I mean:

www.belleepoquefashion.com 

www.live-life-in-style.com

The exquisite accessories are also a combination of the two eras - a soft, black chiffon wrap with hand-embroidered white wool flowers to ward off any air-conditioning-induced chill, black patent platform heels & a vintage silver & resin "box" handbag - clearly the size & style of those in the Belle Epoque, as it was the Flappers of the 1920s who popularised the use of the teeny tiny "evening bag" as we know it today. 

Jewellery clearly evokes the sensibilities of the "Roaring Twenties" with a sparkly black headband to catch the light, long beaded lariat necklace with tassel ends & an intricate brooch comprising of ribbon, lace, fur & beading. The look is finished off with a Pandora bangle with charms & the matching ring, modern elements at ease with their vintage-style counterparts. 

The event was a "roaring" success, with performances by a wide range of cabaret stars & a live band playing all manner of old-time tunes for party-goers to dance to, culminating in the standard Christmas Carol sing-a-long that we all know & love. 

One of the amazing party favours was this gold & diamante mask with black ribbon straps - a very popular prop during some of the racier dance numbers...

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Ooh la la!