A Century of Glamour: Sydney Fair Celebrates 100 Years of Art Deco Elegance

31 May 2025

Lisa Maree Williams/The Guardian

Sydney recently played host to a glamorous celebration of one of the most influential design movements in history Art Deco. The Sydney Fair, held at the historic Randwick Racecourse, commemorated 100 years of Art Deco with a spectacular runway event that transported attendees back to the elegance of the 1920s and 1930s. This immersive showcase combined fashion, design history, and cultural appreciation, drawing collectors, historians, stylists, and vintage fashion lovers from across the country.

The runway show wasn’t just about fashion, it was a visual timeline of the evolution of design, taste, and self-expression during the early 20th century. At the heart of the event was Inger Sheil, a museum curator and the evening’s master of ceremonies, who guided the audience through the cultural and historical context behind each look. Sheil provided insightful commentary on how Art Deco emerged as a forward-looking response to post-World War I modernity, yet retained visual inspiration from ancient cultures like Egypt, Persia, and Greece.

One of the most eye-catching pieces of the show was a stunning 1920s American velvet flapper cape, rich in texture and sparkle with intricate rhinestone embellishments. Sheil modeled the cape herself and used it to demonstrate the dramatic departure in women’s fashion from the corseted, restrictive garments of the 1910s. The flowing, freer silhouettes of the 1920s represented more than style, they reflected a cultural shift toward independence, movement, and liberation.

A standout accessory was a pearl-drop tiara that shimmered with international influence. This piece was notably inspired by the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, which triggered a wave of Egyptomania that found its way into fashion and interior design during the decade. Model Minzhi Huang wore the tiara with grace, echoing the exoticism and luxury that characterized Art Deco jewelry.

Other notable garments included a French “sugar-frosted” flapper dress, an iconic term for the sparkle and texture created by dense beading. The dress glistened under the lights, emphasizing the theatricality and daring of 1920s evening wear. According to Sheil, this dress also symbolized the increasing accessibility of glamour and the growing influence of Hollywood cinema on global fashion.

The transition into the 1930s was marked by more tailored, body-hugging pieces like the black and gold brocade evening coat featuring elaborate elephant motifs, worn by Paola Soffiato. Soffiato later modeled a black 1930s evening gown with a plunging neckline and a form-fitting silhouette, paired with an original bandeau adorned with vintage gelatin sequins that shimmered with every step. The attention to detail and craftsmanship was evident, particularly in the curved shaping of sleeves and silhouettes that celebrated the natural lines of the body.

Vintage enthusiast Mouna Stone appeared in a scarlet 1930s gown with matching lace gloves and a Juliet cap, evoking the drama and luxury of pre-war fashion. Her outfit was a nod to the jewel tones that dominated formalwear in that era, deep reds, emerald greens, and purples that radiated opulence.

Behind the scenes, the dedication of vintage collectors and stylists brought authenticity to the runway. The models, many of whom were collectors themselves, styled their own hair and makeup to mirror the trends of the times. Lena Slater of Coutura Vintage in Goulburn provided the ensembles, while the accessories came from Sydney’s Antiques Art Design.

The Sydney Fair proved not only to be a nostalgic experience but a celebration of timeless beauty and cultural resilience. A similar event is scheduled at the Melbourne Fair in July, promising another opportunity to revel in the magic of Art Deco.