Basking in Reflected Glory

Charlie & I set out to Goodwood, for the Revival, dressed to the nines under uncertain and gloomy skies. I drove the long way there, via Midhurst, chasing the sun and hoping that the inclement weather would improve.

Luckily by the time we arrived the skies brightened.

The atmosphere was electric. Swing & jive on full tempo blasted out and biker boys, both greasers and teddy boys swarmed in groups. Outfits inspired by the 40’s & 50’s & 60’s eras abounded. Some original, others a modern take with a twist.

There were land army girls on leave, and shoe shine ladies too.

Charlie looked stunning in her period dress, recently purchased at Marmadukes in Midhurst. A jumble sale of a junk shop that requires tenacity to find the gorgeous items amongst a whole hill of stuff.

I watched, filled with amusement, as photographers; paparazzi style chased after her to get her photograph. Snaps taken perhaps they hoped she was someone famous. She certainly turned a few heads. In the brightening afternoon sun her dress shone.

This glamorous outfit made in heavy peach satin certainly made her stand out from the crowd, especially with her nipped in waist. It’s tiny!

Out the blue a lovely lady approached us: Sarah Bradley and told Charlie how beautiful she was dressed. Charlie was handed a certificate and asked to be photographed for the 'Best Dressed Competition.'

Neither of us knew what to expect but I made certain her photograph was taken by the accredited photographer. Little did I know until further investigation that she was photographed by Matt Hind!

Later that afternoon I can’t tell you how proud I felt as Charlie joined the line up for the Best Dressed at Goodwood in the Veuve Clicquot tent. I think I have inkling now of how mothers launching debutantes must have felt back in the 50’s…

Charlie was nervous, her hands shook visibly. She is not used to this level of attention. There was stiff competition. Women far more experienced won the day but this was Charlie first time dressed in period style. And somehow I don’t think it will be the last although she did discover the limitations this dress imposed on her body. One of the winners wore an original 1947 Dior outfit. Her lifestyle choice and she dresses like this every day!