The Darnell Collection: 300 Years of Stunning Fashion, Charlotte Smith, Australia: August 2017

My next book's cover. Starring Oscar de la Renta from 2012

I am very excited to announce my third book, One Enchanted Evening (Affirm Press, Melbourne) will be published on
November 1st 2017.

This book continues the series and adventures

Dreaming of Dior and Dreaming of Chanel

began and will again feature fabulous outfits from the collection and retell the wonderful stories of the women who wore them.

One hundred and twenty seven special occasion dresses will be included - each one meticulously illustrated in full colour by my friend and

fashion illustrator/artist, Grant Cowan.

I'll be posting a schedule of book launches around the country later on this year.

Looking forward to sharing these stores and signing my book.

A silk organza ball gown by Belleville Sassoon from the 50s

A 1950s silk ball gown by Joseph Whitehead

An unlabelled 80s silk organza ball gown

Pucci 1960s worn by Sheila Shay

Grant hard at work creating one of 127 illustrative masterpieces

The 1950s - the decade of the New Perfection in fashion

With a striking new silhouette introduced by Christian Dion in 1947, the full skirt and nipped in waist has become iconic to the 50s. Also in the 1950s, the long, lean look - the hourglass silhouette- was also introduced.

By 1952 everywomen dreamed of owning a Dior (hence the name of my first book, Dreaming of Dior).

The 'perfect' housewife greeted her husband looking immaculate from head to toe, the children were snuggly in bed and dinner was on the table.

Fifties fashion was from one extreme to the other: from haute couture ball gowns to novelty print rockabilly skirts and twinsets. Fashion catered to every social group who wanted to dress for every occasion.

Ballarat Heritage Weekend is an annual event. Every year, the theme changes and The Darnell Collection parades brings to life the era. Over twenty garments were accessories to perfection and models walked the catwalk while I narrated social and fashion history to give integrity to each outfit.

Crowds were enormous this year - all turning dressed in the best and in the best vintage to walk my special guests Tara Moss, Jacinta Tynan and Emma Birdsall model with local and out of state models including the Mayor of Ballarat, Samantha McIntosh.

It was an extraordinary weekend.

Thank you Ballarat Council for supporting such a unique and classy weekend

in your magnificent city.