Vintage Fashion Faire Recap: Looks to Die For at the O’ Club

It was vintage heaven at the Alameda Point Vintage Fashion Faire, held for the first time at the O’ Club on Saturday April 16, 2011. Last Fall’s strong early buy was beat this spring by the determined shoppers at 10AM, when the buying frenzy began. The flow continued steadily throughout the day, filling up the show parking lot. Show Producer Sandra Michaan reported that most dealers were selling a wide range of merchandise and there was a a buzz of wonder throughout the day, as enthusiastic shoppers wandered from room to room snapping up vintage scores, buying bags full of quality merchandise. One happy customer e-mailed show management: “I really enjoyed it! I was there the ENTIRE time (10AM-4PM) unbelievable. :)” she said. The historic building was a perfect backdrop for the incredible vintage attire and accessories for sale.

Trappings of Time booth

Fantasy Jewels

The Garden Room - Connie Parente

Vintage finds can be wearable, fashionable and even inspirational if you know where to go for the best frocks and baubles. With over 50 top dealers, some who sell at the monthly Alameda Point Antiques Faire, there was plenty of vintage to choose from, and in every price range. All of the merchants brought a good range of clothing from every era, and most dealers brought smorgasbords of high and low, fancy and practical. There were the designer couture pieces like pricey Chanel and collectible Bakelite jewelry, but also to be found were pins, charms and chains starting at around $10. One of the show’s highlights was a couture collection of Violet Welles, writer of the TV show Dark Shadows, sold by dealer Sally Farrell in the main ballroom. She had dresses from Chanel, Geoffrey Beene, & Valentino to name just a few. These show-stoppers were on display along with original scripts from the TV show which is now being made into a major motion picture by Tim Burton & Johnny Depp.

Violet Welles couture collection

“Dark Shadows” writer Violet Welles collection

Sally Farrell’s “Dark Shadows” scripts on display

Jara Ra, who returned from fall’s Vintage Fashion Faire 2010 as bandleader with his band Blue Bone Express, played jazz standards on solo piano on the Main Ballroom’s elegant stage. The 40’s costume contest took place at 2PM which was MC’d by Sandra Michaan, along with celebrity guest judges Will “The Thrill” Viharo & his Tiki Goddess wife Monica Cortes-Viharo.

The Vintage Costume Contest with Sandra Michaan & Will “The Thrill” Viharo

Creator/host/programmer of long-running cult movie cabaret “Thrillville“, Will gave a run down of “fake” prizes that the hopefuls could win by entering the costume contest before Sandra announced the actual prizes — tickets to the Grand Lake Theater and the Alameda Point Antiques Faire.

Monica “Tiki Goddess” Viharo holds the clap-o-meter for the audience to judge

Monica was in charge of the audience clap-o-meter and it was a hit! The gourmet food was provided by Pacific Fine Food catering and their food booths looked as delicious as a vintage clothing booth, all dressed up with a mannequin head, baskets, roses and aprons. The creme brulee cart was a big crowd pleaser.

Holiday dress for the Fall Vintage Fashion Faire

The O’ Club vintage scene got a flurry of latecomers at the 3PM hour right before closing time at 4PM. The dealers reported once again strong sales and since this event was sold out since February, most want to renew their booths for the fall Alameda Point Vintage Fashion Faire, to be held on Saturday, October 22, 2011. Since there is a waiting list to sell at this event with limited space, the quality of vintage is assured. Don’t feel too bad if you missed this one, but save the date for the fall show: shop the top dealers all in the same place with looks to die for.

Looks to Die For...

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