Vintage glamour evokes 40s and 50s nostalgia

The Living Vintage Company, in association with the Harlequin Hotel, Castlebar, is displaying its private collection of authentic clothes and accessories in a vintage fashion show extravaganza in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, on April 11.

The evening - a fundraiser in aid of cystic fibrosis, Castlebar Musical Society and the IABS Convention, starting at 8 p.m. - will also feature exhibitors of vintage photography, artifacts, jewelley and clothes, and entertainment of the era.

Living Vintage is a travelling fashion show where models 'put on the style' and show off a magnificent collection of some of the most stylish haute couture of the '40s and '50s in a great atmosphere of fun and nostalgia. Owned by sisters Bridget Owens and Marian Keenan, Living Vintage is a not-for-profit organisation and all monies raised are donated to the designated charity and their chosen charity, Cancer Research.

Bridget explains: “Living Vintage evenings are great fun, with plenty of laughs and many happy nostalgic memories. We are extremely proud of our collection of authentic '40s and '50s fashion, including designer and some very rare dresses. All the outfits are accessorised with the appropriate vintage hats, gloves, bags, furs, jewellery and, of course, seamed stockings.”

The evening will showcase day dresses, suits and evening wear and is rounded off by a stunning bridal show.

As well as fashion, there's entertainment in the form of sweet vocal harmonies from the barbershop quartet Déjà Vu, Note-Orious Four and, from Sligo, the Sandbars barbershop quartet. There will also be fantastic prizes on the night for the best dressed man, woman and couple sporting the fashion of the era.

Tickets, from €20, are available in person from the Royal Theatre box office and from Ticketmaster outlets. Alternatively, phone (094) 9023111 or 0818 300 000, or log on to www.royaltheatre.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie. The show starts at 8 p.m.