Imagine stepping back in time to the 1930s – what would your hair look like, your makeup, your wardrobe? I got to find out and do my own modern spin on between-the-wars glamour for the “1930s Vintage Glamour Day: Makeup, Fashion & Film” at the Egyptian Theatre.
The action-packed day started with 1930s makeup makeovers at a station for Bésame Cosmetics, a brand know for their beautiful vintage-recreation cosmetics. And if you wondered what some of the packaging of actual cosmetics items from the ‘30s looked like, Joan Renner of The Vintage Powder Room had an impressive display of makeup and hair styling accessories.
Over at the hair station, stylist Sandra D. was showing a crowd of lovely ladies how to do a pin-curl set. The event made for plenty of great people watching opportunities while shopping from Papermoon Vintage, and photo-taking ops, including the one here with me and the gang from the Art Deco Society, including Margot Gerber (right) who co-produced the day’s events. I did my best ’30s era look with side-pinned, curly hair, green eyeshadow and drop-waistband dress. Oh and in case you were in need of a refreshment, you could grab an old fashioned ice cream soda from C.K.Farnsworth!
The main events included a presentation on beauty trends and makeup products available in the 1930s by Gabriela A. Hernandez, CEO of Bésame Cosmetics and author of Classic Beauty: The History of Makeup. Think Max Factor Pan-Cake makeup and greasepaint ladies! Our cosmetics have come a long way! It was especially fascinating to hear of the makeup techniques that had to be used for film to compensate for the ultra bright lighting that was used – some so strong it even gave some actress permanent eye damage!
The presentation was followed by a fashion show of 1930s era fashions, flowing with long party frocks, fur stoles and delicate materials. We were surprised to learn each exquisite outfit was owned by the model who wore them and ever-dapper MC Nathan Smythe added to the fashion celebration with his playful commentary.
The fashion show was followed by a film screening of “VOGUES OF 1938,” a rarely seen Oscar-nominated, Technicolor film starring Warner Baxter and Joan Bennett that tells the story of a successful fashion designer, who’s life is turned upside down by a runaway bride who comes to him looking for a job, and possibly romance.
Following the film was a book signing in the lobby by 1930s-era actress Marsha Hunt with her book, “The Way We Wore: Styles of the 1930s and ’40s and Our World Since Then.” At age 96 Hunt looked beautiful and elegant and every bit the movie star – what an inspiration!
Be sure to look for more vintage events coming up at the Egyptian Theatre including Saturday, June 14 with presentation by Clever Vintage Clothing on Working Women’s Vintage Fashion followed by a screening of “The Best of Everything.”
Vintage style is where it’s at,
Kastle
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