Vivien of Holloway 1950’s Fashion – Mid Century Chic for the Modern Day Bride…

I am so thrilled this week to be inviting a new new Sponsor on board, creator of the most fabulous 1950’s style dresses, Vivien of Holloway.

Vivien of Holloway’s clothing is not simply retro fashion. It is closer in style to the couture pieces of the 1950s, the really high-end garments that were tailored to fit and flatter women’s figures.

A lot of time is spent by Vivien and her team, sourcing authentic prints, and vintage-perfect fabrics; and everything is made using genuine vintage patterns as a starting point, with Vivien working hard to adapt them slightly for modern figures and construction methods.

Vivien of Holloway’s 50’s style dresses sculpt the body, with very fitted waists that nip, well-cut skirts, and strategic boning to enhance the bust and torso. They flatter all shapes and sizes, but look especially spectacular on larger ladies.

Vivien of Holloway clothing draws inspiration from the 1940s to the 1960s, where women looked feminine and clothes fitted the body perfectly. It was the absolute heyday of clothing design as far as we’re concerned – from flattering cuts to interesting prints and fabulous detailing.

We’re all about glamour, every day!”

Love My Dress Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2010, Jazz Hans Photography

Vivien of Holloway... Vivien of Holloway...


Vivien is the owner, designer and brains behind Vivien of Holloway. Vivien began sewing her own clothes at the tender age of ten, and her clothes always had a very 1950s flavour. Devoted to the music and style of the Fifties, at thirteen, she started sneaking out at night to see local rock ‘n’ roll bands play, and by the age of 18 she had her own stall at Kensington market, selling her Savehandmade 1950s reproductions to fellow aficionados. As all her friends lived the lifestyle too, with flats full of mid-century furniture, driving 50s cars, and going dancing every night, she had a ready-made customer base. She was soon designing her own range, and  ten years ago, the Vivien of Holloway label was born.

The first shop was in an atmospheric, Camden motorcycle garage, but last year the brand expanded into its own boutique in its spiritual home of Holloway Road. The shop quickly became a key destination for any vintage-lovers visiting London as as well as the whole range of day-wear and special occasion collections, it contains all the limited edition fabrics and styles, and even has some of Vivien’s own vintage collection for sale.

 Photography below, Copyright (c) Malcolm Davis Photography

Vivien of Holloway... Vivien of Holloway...

Vivien is still very much hands-on in the business, designing everything, and cutting much of it. New styles are brought out regularly, with new fabrics being constantly introduced to existing styles.

The staff of the Holloway Road boutique are friendly and knowledgeable – always on hand to help with advice on sizing and styles – you almost get a mini style consultation to ensure you’re picking a look that will work wonders for you!

These gorgeous Vivien of Holloway Bridesmaids dresses made an appearance on the Love My Dress Wedding in October….

Photography below, Copyright (c) 2010, Emma Case

Vivien of Holloway...

Vivien of Holloway...

I asked Vivien why she thinks the 1950’s style is so popular with Brides…

“Women always want to look drop-dead gorgeous on their big day, and in our 1950s style gowns, it’s impossible not to! It doesn’t matter if you have an hourglass figure naturally, or if you need a helping hand, the gentle sculpting and strategic bodice boning, combined with a gorgeously full skirt creates a killer figure with a wasp waist and perfectly supported bust.

The past also contained so many examples of beautiful vintage hair and makeup, as well as a slightly rosy view of life… it makes sense to us that brides would want to recreate an idyllic past in their modern-day wedding…”

Bride Lucy looks amazing in her 1950’s style wedding dress of lace, created by Viven of Holloway wedding dress – the second dress she wore on her wedding day, to allow her to move freely on the dancefloor…

Photography below, Copyright (c) 2010, Emma Case

Vivien of Holloway...

Vivien of Holloway...

Vivien describe’s her signature style as ‘Mid-century chic’!

Even vintage style daywear looks fantastically glamorous, whether it’s our 1940s trousers and tops, Day dresses or tea dresses – they can be worn for the office, and out on the town afterwards. But Vivien of Holloway is especially known for our 50s style circle dresses – they look amazing on everyone, from swing dancers to blushing brides! We have so many amazing fabric choices too, from shining satin, novelty prints and shimmering overlaid luxury gowns, which are very popular with brides.”

Image below, Copyright (c) 2010, Olivia Brabbs

Vivien of Holloway...

Price Guide?

“Our gowns are ideal for those on a budget, who want all the exquisite glamour of 1950s couture without the hefty price tag. Our purse-friendly prices range from £79 for a silky acetate satin gown or 1940s style sarong, or £89 for a circle dress in tactile Duchesse satin. Bolero jackets cost just £25, and can be bought in matching or contrasting colours. Many choose to match their bolero to their belt or petticoat, both of which can be found at our boutique, of course! Our luxury range of gowns, with stunning lace or organza overlays are £98. Any of our plain or patterned dresses also make wonderful bridesmaids gowns!

We encourage any brides-to-be to come along to our Holloway Road shop and spend some time with us chatting to the staff, and trying on some different sizes and styles to get the perfect fit. We can even offer advice on what adjustments might be needed to ensure a gown that looks like it was made for you. We look forward to welcoming you soon!”

Vivien of Holloway... Vivien of Holloway...

I love!!!  And I’ll be ordering my Viven of Holloway Christmas party dress very soon 🙂

You can see more from Viviene of Holloway on the Love My Dress Wedding Blog here 🙂

Much love,

Annabel xXx

Annabel

Annabel View all Annabel's articles

Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.

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