1940s vintage-lover a real live Guernsey glamourpuss
Monday 9th May 2011 is Liberation Day in Guernsey and a chance for residents and visitors to the Island to once again celebrate freedom following WWII Occupation. It is also a chance to don your finest frock and revel in a bit of 1940s vintage style during a day of entertainment, commemorative church services, pageantry, music and dance for all the family.
Guernsey Liberation Day Calvalcade
For one Guernsey glamourpuss who regularly turns back the clock to this era with her dazzling retro dress designs, it’s an opportunity to shine.
A chance meeting with a dashing Hollywood film star inspired a lifelong love of all things 1940s for Annie Howland, known online as Miss Matilda.
She was eight–years–old when she met the iconic British actor James Mason, in a market square in Rome. The encounter marked the start of a love affair with the decade that led to her designing and making her own range of stunning dresses.
Miss Matilda
But it wasn’t just Tinseltown that provided her inspiration, it also came from closer to home.
‘My grandmother always had a fab wardrobe and I started dressing in her 40s dresses when I was 13 or 14.
‘I get my love of fashion from her. So James Mason and my grandmother shaped my life!’
She made her first dress at 14 and soon realised there were other women looking for well-made vintage inspired clothing. This eventually led to setting up her own website AbleGrable.com.
Nursing brought Annie to a life in Guernsey in 2002 and while she has to wear a uniform, she doesn’t let that cramp her style.
‘On a day-to-day basis I do try to maintain a 40s look, sometimes with a modern twist, but there are times when it’s not practical at all,’ she said.
Liberation Day is the perfect opportunity for Annie to indulge in all things 1940s – and she makes the most of it.
‘I felt like a movie star last year at the 65th Liberation Day celebrations. People were stopping me to take my picture,’ she said.
Find more information on events and activities during Guernsey Liberation Day 2011 on VisitGuernsey.com.
