If you wander around the back of Parnell's Foundation Precinct, climb a stairwell and wend your way through a textile showroom, you'll find a hidden gem - a space akin to the most fabulous 1950s dressing room. A fantasy closet, draped with immaculately kept wedding dresses and 1950s prom dresses, shiny costume jewellery and perfectly-prim handbags, ladylike shoes, and dainty hats and gloves.
Daisy's Vintage Dresses and Linen Closet is run by 20-year-old Daisy Heald-Stewart, who also works in the D & F textile and wallpaper showroom where her boutique sits. Having managed the showroom, a family business, while her mother was unwell, Daisy has since developed her own space, initially only to store her growing vintage collection, subsequently to showcase and sell her pieces.
The dresses and accessories, primarily from the US, sit alongside monogrammed linen, locally made cushions, beautiful vintage saris, vintage-styled rag dolls, children's books and clothing, and a flower stall by Poppy's Flowers - her aunt's business.
Aunt, mother, daughter - creativity has always surrounded Daisy. Her grandmother, a big inspiration, was also an artist, with work in the British National Art Collection, and family friends include former designer Patrick Steele, who last year gifted Daisy his mother's vintage Dior coat, and artist Misery, who illustrated her shop signage.
• Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Saturday's to come. First floor, The Foundation Precinct, 8 George St, Parnell. Ph (09) 303 3545
