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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.

Woman in 1920s vintage attire walking on cobblestone street during historical reenactment, wearing peach flapper dress, cloche hat, gloves, and holding a black velvet purse.

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

Woman in 1920s Gatsby-style flapper dress walking in outdoor fashion show, wearing red beaded dress, feathered headband, beaded necklace, and holding vintage handbag.

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

Woman in vintage 1920s fashion walking in outdoor heritage event, wearing peach flapper dress with brown textured overcoat, cloche hat, glasses, and holding a crocheted drawstring bag

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.

Woman in vintage 1930s brown dress and wide-brim hat walking on cobblestone path during historical fashion event, surrounded by spectators

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

Smiling woman in 1930s-style brown dress and vintage hat with floral details posing at outdoor fashion event, with seated audience in background
Woman in elegant vintage light blue 1930s gown with floral appliqué walking on cobblestone path at outdoor fashion event, surrounded by spectators

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

Outdoor fashion show in a historical European courtyard with a female model walking the runway surrounded by a seated and standing audience enjoying the event

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.

Vintage fashion show in a cobblestone courtyard with a model in a black coat and golden hat walking down an outdoor runway, surrounded by an attentive audience in a historic European setting

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

Model in elegant vintage red gown with fur stole walking a cobblestone runway during an outdoor fashion show in a historic European courtyard, surrounded by a captivated audience.

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.

Model walking outdoor runway in vintage-style tan skirt suit with pleated detailing, white floral hat, and burgundy accessories at a retro fashion show with seated audience

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.

Woman modeling 1950s-style red polka dot dress with cinched waist and red sandals on cobblestone runway during vintage outdoor fashion show, surrounded by seated spectators

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

Woman in retro black sheer polka dot dress with long opera gloves and vintage handbag walking runway during outdoor vintage fashion show, with seated crowd in background.

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

Confident woman modeling a retro-style blue and green patterned swimsuit with a wide-brimmed straw hat at an outdoor fashion show on a cobblestone street, surrounded by an applauding audience

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.

Fashion show featuring a woman with pink hair modeling a patterned red dress with red tights and cream shoes, holding a handbag, while audience members watch in a cozy courtyard with cobblestone flooring and a mustard yellow wall

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

Model with pink hair showcasing a sleeveless gold patterned mini dress with pink tights and silver heels during an outdoor fashion show, as seated spectators applaud on a cobblestone runway

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

Fashion model with short pink hair wearing a blue sleeveless dress, white tights, and black knee-high boots walking down an outdoor runway surrounded by seated spectators during a daytime fashion show

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.

"Bride wearing a vintage-style knee-length lace wedding dress with three-quarter sleeves, holding a white bouquet and walking down an outdoor cobblestone runway while guests applaud.
1950s vintage lace wedding dress with ivory leather heels at Vintage Divine fashion show in Aarhus, Denmark

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.

Group of models wearing vintage-style outfits and standing on an outdoor runway as an audience applauds during a fashion show in a sunlit courtyard
Audience seated outdoors clapping during a cultural or community event on a cobblestone street, featuring people of various ages dressed in casual and vintage attire
"Smiling woman with glasses speaking into a microphone while holding notes, presenting at an outdoor event near a red wooden fence and green foliage
People socializing in a charming cobblestone courtyard surrounded by traditional half-timbered yellow buildings during a cultural or community event

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

Group of women in vintage 1940s and 1950s-style dresses posing in front of a colorful historic storefront, showcasing retro fashion and classic hairstyles

 

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