Free Shipping, Free return and Money Back Guarantee: UK 🇬🇧

Vintage fashion show: A Timeless Celebration with memery

Vintage fashion show: A Timeless Celebration with memery

On a beautiful Saturday in May, Vintage Divine, my cherished vintage boutique in Aarhus, Denmark, came alive with timeless style and the charm of bygone eras. We hosted a truly magical vintage fashion show, celebrating women’s fashion from the early 1900s through to the 1960s — a journey through time told through authentic garments and vintage accessories.

Guests enjoying sparkling wine in the courtyard before the vintage fashion show at Vintage Divine in Aarhus, Denmark. The setting features a charming yellow and red half-timbered building, evoking a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere.

Guests began arriving and found their seats, ready for the show to begin.

The event took place in the sunlit courtyard behind the shop, which made for the perfect setting. It was a celebration of genuine vintage fashion — a story told through clothing and accessories that have stood the test of time. Every piece shown on the runway was an original vintage item, carefully chosen from my own collection. It featured everything from everyday outfits to elegant formal dresses, structured jackets, swimwear, lingerie, costume jewellery, vintage handbags, and classic hats.

 

Outdoor courtyard historical fashion show with guests seated on either side of a cobblestone aisle, woman in floral dress in front of vine-covered yellow wall and red wooden fence.

It was heart-warming to see so many people gathered in the courtyard — both familiar faces and new friends.

Naturally, all the outfits were paired with my own vintage-style Memery shoes, chosen to reflect the footwear of each decade. From sleek 1920s French-heeled Mary Janes to 1950s stilettos, each pair added the perfect finishing touch. These handcrafted beauties are more than just shoes — they’re wearable pieces of history.

Vintage-dressed women and elderly lady outside colorful historic boutique with green awnings, featuring bride in lace dress and 1940s-style fashion in a European street scene.

Just before the show began, the models stood outside the shop making their final adjustments.

All of the models were local women who generously volunteered to bring these looks to life. Their enthusiasm and grace gave each outfit a unique sparkle, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support. We were also lucky to have the talented photographer Tami Meijburg volunteer to capture the day — and the photos turned out absolutely stunning.

Woman in a floral vintage dress serving sparkling wine at a welcome table before the Vintage Divine fashion show in Aarhus, Denmark. The charming courtyard setting features cobblestone ground, yellow walls, and bottles of champagne next to fresh flowers

We set up a table with sparkling wine before the show, and the warm, sunny weather made it perfect for a little refreshment.

The event was free to attend, and we welcomed guests with a glass of bubbly to enjoy during the show. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, music, and shared nostalgia. After the final walk, the models and I raised a glass to toast a successful day before heading out to celebrate the evening.

Models in elegant vintage dresses enjoying champagne beside a table with flowers and bottles, set against traditional Danish architecture in Aarhus during a retro fashion show

Cheering after a successful show!

A Walk Through the Decades

1910s: Edwardian Elegance & The Dawn of Modern Fashion

We began the show with fashion from the 1900s–1910s, beautifully modelled by Anne. This era marked the move away from Victorian corsets, towards softer silhouettes and flowing fabrics.

Woman modeling vintage Victorian-style outfit at outdoor historical fashion event, surrounded by seated audience on cobblestone street in front of colorful timber-framed buildings.

Anne first wore a charming early 1900s everyday outfit: a green wool jacket, long brown skirt, black straw hat, and parasol — paired with my classic black Victoria boots, a true Edwardian style with block heels and lacing.

Woman walking on cobblestone runway in vintage 1910s-inspired cream outfit with floral embroidery, wide-brimmed hat, and parasol, during outdoor historical fashion show with seated audience and colorful timber buildings

In a second look from the 1910s, she wore looser, flowing garments with a lovely crochet bag. On her feet were the Yvonne shoes — a French-heeled Mary Jane pump, true to the time.

1920s: The Rise of Elegance and Rebellion

The Roaring Twenties brought freedom and flair. Model Kristina showcased this decade with drop-waist flapper dresses, cloche hats, beaded details, and of course, my 1920s-inspired Yvonne pumps.

She wore a lovely day dress with a dropped waist, cloche hat and the Yvonne pumps in black. 

Later she wore a glamorous flapper dress covered in beading, complete with a feathered headband, ready for a Gatsby-style soirée.

A standout piece was a delicate 1920s overlay blouse made of small ribbons, arranged in a beautiful art deco pattern — one of my personal favourites in the collection.

1930s: Grace and Glamour in Hard Times

The 1930s brought elegance despite the hardships. Siri walked gracefully in classic golden leather heels and Oxford pumps, reflecting the era’s sophisticated minimalism.

She wore a brown 1930s dress with a large polka-dot bow, a wide-brimmed hat, and my Marie oxford shoes. 

Another highlight was a stunning evening gown by Danish designer Holger Blom, paired with my gold 1930s-inspired sandals, Marlene.

For a casual look, Siri also wore a gymnastics suit from the 1930s Aarhus AGF team — complete with practical yet stylish Sidse wedge sandals.

1940s: Utility and Strength

The wartime 1940s brought functional fashion to the forefront. Astrid modelled a powerful everyday outfit with bold shoulder pads, a nod to the military-inspired fashion . She also wore a parachute-fabric ballgown and a Christian Dior–inspired “New Look” suit from 1947.

One standout jacket showed off the 1940s A-line silhouette, paired with seamed stockings and my Alma pumps.

The parachute gown, a brilliant red, was made from an actual WWII parachute, styled with a fur cape and my Susan gold peep-toes — a striking look of resilience and elegance.

Her final outfit, a beaded skirt suit in Dior’s New Look silhouette, was paired with my Esther pumps — a timeless 1940s classic.

1950s: Femininity Reimagined

The 1950s were all about glamour and curves, something Christinna showcased beautifully. Our runway came alive with full circle skirts, cinched waists, and vibrant colours. Paired with stilettos, peep-toes, saddle shoes, and dainty gloves, each look radiated femininity and joy.

Christinna wore a stunning red day dress with a full circle skirt and my Sidse wedge sandals in bright red.

Accessories like gloves, half-hats, and structured handbags completed each look.

She also modelled a classic 1950s swimsuit, topped off with a fabulous straw hat.

1960s: Mod Style & Bold Statements

Fashion took a turn in the 1960s — and Stinna captured the spirit perfectly. From Twiggy inspired tailoring to psychedelic prints and mod miniskirts, she brought energy and edge to the runway.

She first wore a colourful dress with a mod-style short skirt, paired with my Ruby low-heeled Mary Janes

Another look featured a shimmering metallic ensemble, finished with silver Helen T-straps. 

A Pierre Cardin space-age mod dress added a futuristic finale to this iconic decade.

A Show-Stopping Finale: 1950s Lace Wedding Dress

To close the show, we unveiled an original 1950s lace wedding dress — knee-length, with delicate floral lace, a fitted bodice and full skirt. It moved beautifully with every step and was paired with a vintage veil and my golden Marlene sandals. A timeless piece, perfect for any vintage-inspired bride.

This unforgettable afternoon reminded us all that vintage fashion — especially paired with the right shoes — still holds magic, power and elegance today. The day was filled with sunshine, smiling faces, and vintage treasures brought back to life.

We’re already dreaming about next year’s show and hope you’ll join us again to celebrate the glamour of the past!

 

Previous post

Other blog posts

The History of Two-Tone Spectators: A Vintage Icon

The History of Two-Tone Spectators: A Vintage Icon

By Ditte J

Two-tone spectator shoes may be a favourite among vintage fashion enthusiasts today, but their story spans nearly a century of social change, subcultural style, and gender-fluid fashion statements. In this...

Read more
Vintage Leather-Soled Dance Shoes: Essentials for Swing Dancers and Lindy Hoppers

Vintage Leather-Soled Dance Shoes: Essentials for Swing Dancers and Lindy Hoppers

By Ditte J

When it comes to swing dancing and Lindy Hop, your choice of footwear is just as important as your dance moves. These lively, joyful dance styles call for shoes that...

Read more