Newsletters

February 2008

Every morning I drive past my local SPCA charity shop on my way to work, and there’s always some new interesting looking donation propped up against the door.  I am always tempted to stop and look although I know that I don’t need any more possessions in my life.  It’s just the allure of not knowing what you may find, what treasure you may discover.  I gather from comments I hear from my customers, that Victorian Gilt holds the same mystique.  You never know what may be discovered beneath the profusion of beads.  There could just lurk beneath that sparking diamante brooch, the one item that you certainly didn’t need but defiantly must have.  Long may it remain so for although the country may be experiencing a drought we are as usual swamped.

I have recently returned from an unplanned trip to London.  My lovely 94 year old, bridge playing, E Bay seller, wily and unconventional dad suddenly launched into some grand financial transactions. He started to behave like a young whiz international money broker, borrowing money and purchasing in rapid succession several stocks and shares. Dad has always wanted to be a millionaire but once he decided to take over Lloyds bank we became a trifle alarmed.  Hence my unexpected fortnight trip to England.  Once Dads illness was diagnosed and he was safely in hospital, I decided to make the most of remaining time.  

I managed to squeeze in a trip to the Victoria and Albert museum to see the amazing display of 1950’s couture gowns.  Some of them literally made you gasp in wonder at their richly embellished bodices and full skirts.  Dior caused a scandal when just after the Second World War he designed the New Look, with its hour glass figure.  The skirts sometimes contained over 40 yards and had fitted petticoats attached underneath.  This was at a time when the English public were still enduring clothing rationing.  The British Utility label with its straight skirts and tailored jackets were not allowed to have use more than 3 yards in the whole suit construction.  Men were not allowed to have cuffs on their trousers or double breasted jackets. You can imagine the initial shock that Paris caused but of course the rest of Europe soon fell in love with the new soft feminine styles, and as soon as rationing ceased every women wanted the extravagant New Look.  The V and A exhibition was formed from the donations of the Worlds most rich and famous.  The Queen and Princess Margaret, amongst other European royalty and American millionaires were persuaded to give to the collection.  What an amazing spectacle it is with its luxurious fabrics, embellishments and superbly cut garments.

 The interesting thing was that it made me realize what amazing garments I had been able to purchase over the years.  I have had at least one dress that was equal to anything I saw, and have had several lengths of unused luminous silks and patterned satins.  Sadly everything becomes harder to find but in the two weeks that I was there, I bought some wonderful ball gowns.  One collection of 5 dresses came from the estate of a former “Society Lady”.  They are mainly from the 1950’s and are exquisite.  My favourite is possibly a watermelon coloured silk chiffon cocktail dress with delicate raised berries around the neckline.  Then again there is a soft floor length gown with a cut out lace covered bodice.  Which shall I choose?  This estate also contained some beautiful and expensive bags, shoes and hats – so much to choose from and so little time!

I started the newsletter with reference to the ever changing charity shop stock, and finish it with the reminder that all my parcels are still arriving.  So literally every week there are new and exciting treasures to be found in our shop.

Last November we held a 3 day street market sale, with all the other shops in the area joining in on the Saturday.  This was enormously successful for both customers and traders, so the Market Road shops have decided to hold another one day sale on March 8^th.  The street will really come alive with bargains, food and busking.

As it is such a major logistical event for us we will make ours a two day sale - Friday 7^th and Saturday 8^th,.  The whole event was very well received last time as there were bargains for everyone.   Everything on the tables outside of the shops will sell for half of its marked price and Victorian Gilt will be offering a further 10% off all items inside the shop.  So it is a great opportunity to come and purchase that beautiful item you have been eyeing up!

My daughter Janette will be assisting in the shop for the next four months before she leaves to take up a teaching position in the Middle East.  She and I started the shop Victorian Gilt in Ponsonby over 23 years ago.  We had no money, scant business skills only passion and enthusiasm and the belief that we could do anything- it was an enormous step from my little Cook Street market stall with its rent of $25 a week!

After 13 years Janette decided to launch into a new career, but she brings a wealth of early experience to the business so can handle any of your queries with confidence.

We look forward to showing you our wonderful ball gowns and new collection of jewellery from my December trip and hopefully seeing you on market day.

Regards Gill Ward