It's very strange seeing one's name under Cilla Black's on a wall.....

emmapeelpants

emmapeelpants

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It\'s very strange seeing one\'s name under Cilla Black\'s on a wall.....

Just got back from the V&A opening, very luvvy-darling-sweetie and I felt a little....lost, but I guess I expected that!

I saw Zandra Rhodes, Rita Tushingham, Molly Parkin, some other familiar faces but best, VERY best of all - Celia Birtwell was there. She's just so adorable, so tiny and cute - I didn't speak to her but I just wanted to go over and give her a hug she's so darned adorable!! I think I was one of the most vintage-y people there, genuine vintage that is - there were rather a lot of Topshop Celias walking around. One woman came swishing past in a Celia print Ossie I'd never seen before, I wanted to cut it off her!!

I actually squealed when I saw my first dress, 'Pussy Galore', on a mannequin near the entrance - I shall be going back to take photos, let's just say that they picked the best mannequin for the dress - it looked amazing!!! And just seeing my name next to all these frocks, and I felt so damn proud of them - up there with the best of the V&A and Marit Allen collections. On one wall is a 'The V&A would like to thank...' thing, and there's my name, right under Cilla Black - same column as Celia Birtwell too. I nearly fainted right there and then.

To top it all off, I got an invite this morning to the opening of the Bates exhibition in Bath - which means I'll be in the same room as Bates himself, I think I might actually faint at that one!!

Liz x
 
Liz, I can't wait for pictures!!!

I am so excited about this for you and wish I was there.
(if only all those dresses could talk)

maybe you can get a photo of you and Bates together :)
 
Love this! It must be so gratifying to see all your hard collecting paying off!

Oh, Liz, you absolutely *must* speak to Mr. Bates. It isn't often that one gets the chance to meet one of our all-time faves!

Lizzie
 
:headbang: that is so cool! Well done Liz!!

I am very excited, and am going to book tickets as soon as holiday is over. I can't even imagine how you would feel talking to Mr Bates but I really think it is something you must do as it's one of those once in a lifetime things!!

Now go back and get those photos, please :D
 
I was going to ask who is John Bates but I read the link you supplied and see he did Diana Riggs clothes for the Avengers. The label said he produced clothes under the label Jean Varon? So is anything with a Jean Varon label by Bates? I know I have seen that label before... in fact I am sure I have owned some of it...

Congrats on the exhibition and your entree into the British fashion world. Zandra Rhodes came to the Bata when I was there and she had lunch with me and the museum founder to discuss her new museum in London before it opened. SHe was so down to earth and charming that after about 3 minutes I forgot I was playing a scene from Abfab (having lunch with Zandra dahling...) and was just into talking with her. You have to get up the gumption to talk to these people because you won't always have that chance! So get out there and schmooz!
 
Please talk with Bates, Liz! A young woman who is such a sedulous admirer of his work is sure to be a delight for him.

How thrilling, to have part of your collection in the V & A!!!!! I think I would be able to die happy if I experienced such an honor myself!
 
It just wasn't one of those occasions where you're being introduced to people - there were too many people, largely hardcore fashionistas who all seemed to know each other. Zandra was ushered past me VERY quickly, just a whirl of pink and smiles. I'm hoping Bath might be a little calmer and it might be easier to try and talk with him, although what I'd say???....

All Jean Varon is Bates - except the late 70s/early 80s ones with Tom Bowker's name on. The one I lent is actually a Jean Varon (Pret a Porter - which someone in the know recently told me was just another swishy French affectation and only seems to be in the Sixties garments), but they haven't pointed this out. He didn't have a solo label until the early 70s.

Liz
 
Here's the Bath page about the upcoming exhibition:-

<a href="http://www.museumofcostume.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseAction=SM.nav&UUID=91D499BB-D56F-E4BD-53E000B6069B115F">link</a>

Liz
 
although what I'd say???....

"Hi, I'm Liz. I am a collector and the newest member of the Vintage Fashion Guild....it's nice to see you here"
 
<I>"Hi, I'm Liz. I am a collector and the newest member of the Vintage Fashion Guild....it's nice to see you here"</i>

I need you piped through an earpiece to help me speak! ;)

Liz
 
How exciting for your Liz!!! Can't wait to see your pics!

Have a big glass of champagne and get up the nerve to chat with Mr. Bates - it's one of those once in a lifetime things you know!!!

Best of luck and I know you will keep us all posted.
 
Hi Liz,

You really have to work up the courage and have a chat even if it is only for a few minutes. It's not often one gets to meet an idol.

It's interesting to find out about the Jean Varon house, as I too am pretty sure I have a couple of pieces around here.

He designed such wonderful clothes for Diana Rigg!

Enjoy yourself, have a couple of glasses of champagne or wine and just go over and schmooze some!
 
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