The ultimate fashionista city break
A vintage fashion masterclass, manicure, pink Champagne, afternoon tea – what else could you ask for from a super-stylish city getaway? And MyDaily was the first to check out the new Live a Little Vintage at Dukes Hotel in London.
Dukes Hotel
One of a string of events planned at the hotel, it's perfect for getting your own personal couture show with the girls – and fulfilling any dreams of being one of the fashion elite.
Run by vintage expert Tara Munro, who brings along her incredible collection of clothes from the past century, it's like being let loose in the best wardrobe you can imagine and told to play.
The stylish mood starts as soon as you step from the quiet streets of St James' into Dukes Hotel, which has been open for over 100 years, until you walk into the Penthouse, where the uniformed waiters press bubbly and Champagne truffles on you.
After an hour to chat and get a manicure or hand massage, Tara, who also runs a vintage shop and tours of Paris, talks through the pieces she's brought, giving you tips on how to recognise quality vintage, as well as the way the clothes reflect women's lives - from the waist-whittling corset built into a jacket from the 1900s to the Eighties don't-mess-with-me shoulder pads.
Next comes the really fun bit, where you can try on anything from the collection, including a stunning Twenties black evening dress. And if anything does take your fancy, Tara and bespoke tailor Alice Prier, her partner at Ooh la la! Vintage, can recreate the vintage styles in modern fabrics and fits.
Quick facts: Live a Little Vintage, including champagne reception, afternoon tea and vintage fashion masterclass in the Penthouse Suite costs £95 per person. The Live a Lot Vintage package costs £265 for all the above, a night in a Duchess room including glossy magazines and chocolate brownies, an Ooh La La! Vintage Secret diary full of London's secret shopping gems and a cocktail.
The events take place on Saturday November 6, 2010 and Saturday February 19, 2011. For bookings and more information, call 020 7491 4840 or email bookings@dukeshotel.com
