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It's called fashion, darling!

  • September 12th 2024
  • Category: Retirement Life

Stories shared by Audley homeowners

When you walk in to an Audley village you can expect to see statement outfits and a stunning selection of fashion donned by homeowners, including vintage pieces making a comeback from a previous decade. Why save it for best? The best is now.

Two homeowners living in Audley villages have kindly shared their fashion-inspired stories below.

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Stories shared by Audley homeowners

When you walk in to an Audley village you can expect to see statement outfits and a stunning selection of fashion donned by homeowners, including vintage pieces making a comeback from a previous decade. Why save it for best? The best is now.

Two homeowners living in Audley villages have kindly shared their fashion-inspired stories below.

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Thank you to Mrs Coz, a homeowner at Audley Redwood in Bristol, who kindly shared her fashion story with us.

From the age of 17, in 1970, I pored over the Biba Mail Order catalogues and ordered items which were just about affordable…..if I saved up. Maxi coats, maxi dresses, trouser suits, accessories and eventually cosmetics. 

My friend and I occasionally took the train up to London, simply to visit Biba in Kensington High Street. When they moved to Big Biba, taking over the former Derry and Toms department store, it was like walking into a wonderland. There was even a food hall with Biba branded food products including baked beans and pet food. The pinnacle though was dining in their Art Deco Rainbow Room. Bliss.

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Thank you to Mrs Coz, a homeowner at Audley Redwood in Bristol, who kindly shared her fashion story with us.

From the age of 17, in 1970, I pored over the Biba Mail Order catalogues and ordered items which were just about affordable…..if I saved up. Maxi coats, maxi dresses, trouser suits, accessories and eventually cosmetics. 

My friend and I occasionally took the train up to London, simply to visit Biba in Kensington High Street. When they moved to Big Biba, taking over the former Derry and Toms department store, it was like walking into a wonderland. There was even a food hall with Biba branded food products including baked beans and pet food. The pinnacle though was dining in their Art Deco Rainbow Room. Bliss.

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Owner at Audley Redwood in a Biba suit and hat at a wedding in 1972

My favourite purchase was a trouser suit with matching hat which I first wore to a friend’s wedding in 1972.

Somewhat stupidly, I gave the suit to charity many years ago but I did keep the hat….which still fits!

About 10 years ago, I met the designer, Barbara Hulaniki, at the Bath Fashion Museum, where she signed my photo. She commented what a shame that I hadn’t kept the complete outfit as it would now “be worth a fortune”!

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Owner at Audley Redwood in a Biba suit and hat at a wedding in 1972

My favourite purchase was a trouser suit with matching hat which I first wore to a friend’s wedding in 1972.

Somewhat stupidly, I gave the suit to charity many years ago but I did keep the hat….which still fits!

About 10 years ago, I met the designer, Barbara Hulaniki, at the Bath Fashion Museum, where she signed my photo. She commented what a shame that I hadn’t kept the complete outfit as it would now “be worth a fortune”!

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Owner at Audley Redwood with her granddaughter in Biba attire

I’m thrilled that my 18 year old grand-daughter is now a Biba aficionado and, earlier this year, we went to the Biba Exhibition in London together where I wore my Biba Hat! It had to be done. 

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Owner at Audley Redwood with her granddaughter in Biba attire

I’m thrilled that my 18 year old grand-daughter is now a Biba aficionado and, earlier this year, we went to the Biba Exhibition in London together where I wore my Biba Hat! It had to be done. 

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Fashion-inspired artwork by Michele Dias, owner at Cooper's Hill

Thank you to Michele Dias, a homeowner and artist living at Audley Cooper's Hill in Surrey, who kindly shared some beautiful fashion-inspired artworks with us.

I provide art classes to owners here.   
During the summer we had a couple of sessions which were inspired by Coco Chanel for clothing, and Dior for shoes.
Here are some examples of our work. You can see how much we enjoyed creating retro fashion designs.
 

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Fashion-inspired artwork by Michele Dias, owner at Cooper's Hill

Thank you to Michele Dias, a homeowner and artist living at Audley Cooper's Hill in Surrey, who kindly shared some beautiful fashion-inspired artworks with us.

I provide art classes to owners here.   
During the summer we had a couple of sessions which were inspired by Coco Chanel for clothing, and Dior for shoes.
Here are some examples of our work. You can see how much we enjoyed creating retro fashion designs.
 

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Fashion-inspired artwork

Open: 7
Fashion-inspired artwork by Michele Dias, owner at Cooper's Hill Fashion-inspired artwork by Michele Dias, owner at Cooper's Hill Fashion-inspired artwork by Michele Dias, owner at Cooper's Hill Fashion-inspired artwork by Michele Dias, owner at Cooper's Hill Fashion-inspired artwork by Michele Dias, owner at Cooper's Hill Fashion-inspired artwork by Michele Dias, owner at Cooper's Hill Fashion-inspired artwork by Michele Dias, owner at Cooper's Hill
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Owners, please share more stories

The Marketing team love to receive your stories, photos, videos, and creative artwork. If you'd like to see your story on the website or in the media, please email stories@audleyvillages.co.uk and the team will get it online. Showcasing the wonderful things you do is a great way to change perceptions of the beautiful villages we live in, and encourage more like-minded people to become your neighbours.

Email your story to Marketing