Final note: as far as the makeup goes, think 1930s glamour with neo-bohemian dark, smouldering eyes, sharp cheekbones and bright red lips. It’s fabulous darlings!

For those who dare, 2008 is all about accentuated, sculptured shoulders. Short sleeves with round or pointed shoulders and clinched in waists, create a balanced silhouette. This vintage 80s oyster peplum dress fits in beautifully with this theme. Wear this dress with large, statement bangles and cuffs to bring this look bang up-to-date. Vintage oyster peplum dress available from Catwalk Creative (UK 10).

Knock 'em dead with this eye-catching ensemble.  Take one vintage blouse and mix it with contemporary accessories for a bang up-to-date look.  This blouse looks fabulous worn with contrasting red and a pair of 'killer' heels.  Blouse and vintage clutch bag are currently available from the Catwalk Creative online boutique: http://www.catwalkcreative.co.uk/

Go strut your stuff down at the disco in this eye-catching floral wonder by Jane Ashley. Team it with skinny jeans, platform sandals and bold, bright accessories. Can you show this vintage 80s jacket a good time? If so, check out it's vital statistics by viewing the Vintage Suits, Coats and Jackets department at Catwalk Creative http://www.catwalkcreative.co.uk.

Other items: Peep toe platform available from GoJane.com. Large hobo bag from wetseal.com. Black skinny jeans from Dorothy Perkins.  Costume jewellery available from rampage.com.

Inject some Parisian Chic into your life with this fabulous vintage dress by Cacharel.  It's been beautifully cut to give a softly tailored look. Wear it with shoes or boots and team it with a smart handbag. Very chic, very stylish. C'est magnifique! Currently available from Catwalk Creative: http://www.catwalkcreative.co.uk

(1941) Vivienne Westwood partnered with Malcolm McLaren, manager of the Sex Pistols, in 1969 to open their first shop, "Let It Rock," in London's Kings Road. Through the 1970s, their shop went through a number of name changes, but the focus was always on street culture, and as such was on the forefront of the punk movement. In 1974, their shop was called "Sex," and in 1976, "Seditonaries." By this time the punk movement was in full force, and although Westwood's designs were quite shocking, many of her ideas filtered down to mainstream fashion.

In 1981, Westwood began a new phase of her career. Her store was renamed World's End, a name it retains to this day. She had become increasingly interested in historical dress, and her first attempt at redefining an historical culture came with her acclaimed Pirate collection. This was followed by Savages, Hoboes and Witches. In 1985, she explored the Victorian crinoline in her Mini-Crini collection, and two years later she explored traditional British tailoring in Harris Tweed.

This interest in traditional British themes led her to the Anglomania collection of 1993, which included designs using a tartan that she designed. In the same year, the Red label was started as a younger, sassier version of her gold label. Today, Westwood continues to create clothes that are sexy, inventive and fresh.

Extract taken from the Label Resource Library at VFG Vintage Fashion Guild (www.vintagefashionguild.org)

 

(1932) Cacharel is Jean Louis Henri Bousquet who now goes by Jean Cacharel. Cacharel went to Paris from his native Nimes in the 1950s. He had studied to be a tailor, but found making women's clothing more to his liking. In the late 50s he started the Cacharel line, and began making the product for which the company became known - women's shirts. Along with designer Emmanuelle Khanh (who worked at Cacharel 1962-67), they developed what became THE shirt of the mid 60s - a closely fitted shirt that was based on the traditional man's shirt. In 1965, they began making these shirts from Liberty prints, and they were an immediate fashion hit.

In 2000, husband and wife design team Clements Ribeiro were hired as head designers for Cacharel, and in 2002, Celia Birtwell joined Cacharel as a fabric designer.

Taken from an extract from the Label Resource Library of the VFG Vintage Fashion Guild (www.vintage fashionguild.org).