Yep, this story starts here, at my 1989 debutante, with 'determined not to smile' pose from me as I endured getting my photo taken. But the story is not about me. It's about 'The Dress'.
Back in 1989, when my friend's mum offered to make my deb dress for me (thank-you Sheila!! And hi Kath :)), I did not head to the one and only sewing shop in town to look for patterns (Bargain Box - are they still around????). Oh no. I went straight to VHS and found my muse in the ever classy and totally classic 'Spaceballs The Movie'. Yep. Here is a picture of the dress that was the inspiration,
and for those may have forgotten the genius that was Spaceballs, here's the great scene where Princess Vespa turns Rambo because someone 'shot her hair'. Gold.
And this what my friend's mum, bless her, had to work with. I gave her the video and said "um...yeah....a dress like that. Please."
So during our Wooli holiday we went to our friend's 40th party. The theme was 1980s Prom. I was lucky that Mum had kept this dress, and I was even luckier that I still fit into it - woo hoo! And now, with the small knowledge I have about sewing, I realise was an amazingly awesome job Sheila did! Even having a close look at the dress, I've now realised that the whole thing was made with a standard sewing machine - no overlocker in evidence! And the finishing is just superb. So much hand-sewing. Amazing!!! Even though I was obviously very thankful to Sheila at the time I think it is a bit of a shame that it has taken me over 20 years to fully appreciate just how lucky I was and how much time must have gone into making the dress.
What is an 80s party without Blue Lagoons. The first ever alcoholic drink I bought in a club. Mmmmm...
Anyway, I definitely appreciated it this time round when I donned my pfouffy meringue-like dress with the V waist and faux-corset, for the 80s party. In fact, not only did I get to feel like a trashy princess (because hey, what's the point of dressing '80s' if you can't trash it up a bit), but apparently I was able to fulfill the '80s Madonna fantasy' that my husband never knew he had. Ha!
I'd like to say that he also fulfilled the 80s bogan fantasty that I never knew I had either, but frankly, that would be a lie...he he....Although I must admit the tight jeans, chucks and aviators were disturbingly appealing...
Lee was of course pumped to be able to go as a transformer - a vintage 80s one of course :P
And Kate looked ridiculously gorgeous with her crimped hair and flashdance outfit!
So I guess there's not much more to say other than 'thanks Sheila' for making the dress, and 'thanks mum', for saving it all these years. I honestly never imagined having the opportunity (or desire) to wear it again, but boy was it fun. And here is a 'before' and 'after' pic of how the dress has stood up over time.
I guess I'll put it back into the trunk now, because who knows - in another 15 years maybe Kate will want to wear it to her debutante....now that would be hellafunny!!!!!
15 comments:
Gorgeous dress. I still have my deb dress all wrapped up in dark tissue paper so it doesn't yellow.Don't know who I'm saving it for? I wore my Mum's to a school do when I was in Grade 8. Its pretty special.
OMG that's hilarious. I only just threw my deb dress out last year when I moved. I'd hung onto it since 1989.
ohhh, that's a great dress revival! fabulous!!
that's hilarious ... you totally rock that dress ... it's hard to do 80s well, but you managed to pull it off :)
fantastic dress Beck, what a great story, love it!:)))
Great story and so much fun!
I never did make my debut and after seeing what a fun-filled event it was for you, I really regret that I didn't make the effort. What a hoot. But that dress is simply divine and isn't it wonderful it was made by someone who put so much care and attention into it. You can't buy that sort of love. And all this created from a VHS!!
Moving on to the next century and that dress is still looking fabulous. Who's the rock chick wearing it? In fact the whole family looks pretty cool - it must have been a really special night.
Love this post and lucky you for being able to fit into a 20-year old dress! I know I don't :(
Well hello, first time at your blog & it's a great post. The dress has really held up well. I didn't do a deb ball, just school formals. My children played around in my wedding dress in the school holidays, after nearly 13 years, it's not too bad & i still love it!! What fun, flash back parties. Last one i went to was a 21st & my school uniform fitted, yes!! 4 children later, bit more of a squeeze. Love Posie
Great post Bec - hilarious and wonderful :-)
Oh Beck you did a great eighty revival, it brought lots of memories . heehe!But in France no deb ball or anything so I never had this priviledge only the wedding dress in the box:)
I loughed at Thea comment though!
x
Great story Bec! Love that not smiling look.
I LOVE it!!! I've had a really crap day at work, and this just made my week. :) And, you look even better in that dress now!
I totally adore this post Bec. How FANTASTIC do you look all Madonna-like with the Blue Lagoon.
HAHAHA, That's so awesome!!!! Totally my thing! I wish I could have come to the party actually :)
And the dress has totally stood up to time, but check yo'self sista! You're standing up to time even more, you hottie! ;)
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