Vintage has been having a bit of a moment recently. With the likes of Christina Aguilera, Paloma Faith and Dita Von Teese leading the way, we women have been falling over ourselves to jump on this glamorous bandwagon. Vintage is an embrace of femininity, sensuality and glamour. For once, women have a trend that is as inclusive as it is gorgeous.
Vintage, in all its glorious variety, can be relied upon to flatter any figure and instil confidence in every woman.
So you’ve decided you like the sound of this Vintage thing. Maybe you’re keeping it subtle: a birdcage veil here, flash of red lipstick there. Maybe you’re going all out and your enduring hubby to be is being buttoned into his morning suit as we speak. But if there’s one occasion where you can afford to really rock vintage it’s your hen party.
What to wear?
Along with your birthday, your hen do is probably the only other excuse you get to devote an entire day, weekend, week to you and you alone so take advantage! If you’ve decided you’re going vintage then go all out. Make victory rolls compulsory for a 1950’s feel, flapper dresses obligatory for the 1920s and maxi dresses non-negotiable if it’s the ‘70s.
Look at pictures of your chosen decade for inspiration. You might even want to consider making an online mood board for your hens so everyone’s on the same page. If you’re hankering after some serious glamour then look to the sirens of the screen of the 1940s. Soft waves and slinky dresses give that air of refined sophistication and a simmering sensuality. Meanwhile the 60s were designed for rebels with micro miniskirts and knee high boots. Pick a decade that reflects you, you’ll appreciate the personal aspect and the memories will be timeless.
What to do?
The defining feature of your vintage hen do should be your choice of activity, matching this to your theme will be the cherry on top of a fabulous retro party. For the vintage minxes out there, why not consider a sultry Burlesque party? Unleash your inner vixen (and maybe learn something a little bit special for the wedding night) with a Polestars Burlesque Party. In a Polestars Burlesque Party you enjoy two hours of retro-sexy dancing taught by a professional Burlesque instructor complete with fluttery feather fans.
If you don’t feel like donning a corset and suspenders with mum around then how about a Fascinator Making Class? Spend 90 minutes crafting a gorgeous fascinator for each lady. You could make your own or you could designate a different person for everyone and then each make a fascinator for someone else that you feel reflects them – particularly good if you have hens who don’t know each other. Make the fascinators part of your outfit and you’ve got a gorgeous new accessory for the night out.
Finally, top off your delightful do with a vintage photo-shoot. You bring the smile, Polestars will sort the lippy. Grab all the ladies (plus a bottle of something fizzy) and get instant glamour with a vintage themed makeover before striking a pose in front of camera. The beautiful photos will not only make you feel and look gorgeous but will provide an amazing memento of your hen night for years to come.
Where to go?
The London vintage scene has exploded in recent years and your options of where to go are pretty much endless now. Burlesque shows are great for a bit of grown-up debauchery and places like Café de Paris, Proud and Madame Jojo’s offer a great selection of shows, cocktails and meals perfect for a hen party. Most places actively encourage burlesque, retro or formal attire so you can blend in or stand out as much as you want.
If you’ve timed your hen party carefully then you might be lucky enough that it coincides with the Goodwood Revival Festival or the Southbank Vintage Festival and you’ve got your activities sorted. If you’re not quite so lucky then don’t fear, there are still plenty of options for a bit of daytime vintage indulgence. High tea is a deliciously lady-like and delectably delicious activity for your retro hen party. And nowhere knows tea and scones like Soho’s Secret Tea Room, Vintage Pattisserie or Betty Blythe’s Tea Parlour. For a small corkage fee, you can even take your own bubbly along to Betty Blythe’s to really get the party started.
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