Fashion of the past

Penny Stotter, What Shoes to Choose, screenprint. Photo / Supplied.

Fashion Week fever may be set to take over Auckland in roughly two weeks, but two events happening this week will get you into the fashion mood.

The second annual Auckland Vintage Textile Fair, at Alexandra Park Raceway this Sunday, will showcase the fashion of the past, with vintage textiles, clothing, jewellery, accessories, fabrics, fashion magazines and much more. Original pieces from the 1890s to the end of the 1970s will be on display and for sale over 35 stalls - making it bigger and better than last year's event.

Everyone knows the fashions of yesteryear have a massive influence on today's fashion and design, so this is an event not to be missed - expect to see everyone from fashion students to historians, costumers, collectors and probably some of New Zealand's best fashion designers, too.

The art of fashion - and the arrival of spring - is also being celebrated this week, with a new exhibition at the Flagstaff Gallery. The Devonport gallery has collaborated with Echo Designer Boutique to pull together a collection of fashion-inspired pieces by Flagstaff artists, including Tracey Williams' charming "ballgown and fashion frocks" series, Penny Stotter's cute Kiwi dolls and Rua collection and Ted Sherwan watercolours of 1950s stilettos, 1920s flapper girls and more. Models will also showcase garments from local labels, including Euphoria and Bittermoon, at the exhibition's opening evening tomorrow night. The exhibition runs until October 5.

When & where

The Auckland Vintage Textile Fair, Sunday September 13, 10am-5pm, Tasman Room, Alexandra Park Raceway.
Entry $5

The Art of Fashion Spring Show, Thursday September 10-Monday October 5, Flagstaff Gallery, 30 Victoria Rd, Devonport.
Ph (09) 445 1142