The Blue Mountains Gazette's review of my book launch at the Carrington Hotel

This really made me laugh and brought back memories of a great evening.

On page 2 of The Gazette:

"Puppy takes to catwalk"
Eight absolutely stunning vintage dresses that are part of the priceless Darnell Collection inherited by Blackheath's Charlotte Smith provided a thrilling, razzle dazzle treat for guests attending the book launch for Dreaming of Chanel on November 11.

Held inside the Art Deco grand ballroom of the Carrington Hotel, the launch also featured an 'in conversation' session between Charlotte Smith, who wrote the book, and Blackheath author Tara Moss, who recently penned The Blood Countess, which appropriately also has a fashion theme.

Sydney, the "cute little white dog"

The rare and exquisite vintage dresses wowed the audience and there was plenty of good humour shared by the two special guests too. At one stage arguably the most stunning dress, a rusty pink 1960s piece by Chanel, drew gasps from the crowd when a cute little white dog accompanying the model left its own little 'fashion statement' on the catwalk carpet.

"That wouldn't have minded the woman who wore this particular dress in the 60s", Charlotte said. "I'm sure she would have hired someone especially to walk alongside her to pick up any accessories left behind by the dog."

Of course, this was said as I was quickly scooping up the "statement" with my notes for the evening dressed in sequins and beads and tottering in Dolce & Gabana stilettos. I had to think quickly with the saying ringing in my ears - 'never work with children or animals'!

"THE PARTY DRESS" BY CHARLOTTE SMITH IN DECEMBER'S MADISON MAGAZINE - AUSTRALIA

Last chance to buy the December issue of Madison Magazine to read a story I wrote on "The Party Dress". Lots of Grant's beautiful illustrations are featured in the article.

Events in December 2010

I will be in Brisbane (with a few snazzy dresses featured in Dreaming of Chanel) on the 9th and 10th December:

9th: 6 for 6:30pm
Black Cat Books, 179 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington (07) 3367 8777
For info: info@blackcatbooks.com.au

10th: 11am
The Gallery at QUT (Botanic Gardens, Brisbane)
For more information please call The Gallery at QUT

I will also be a guest on ABC radio, 9th Dec, "Afternoons with Richard Fidler", 2pm

DREAMING OF CHANEL BOOK LAUNCH AT VAMPT VINTAGE DESIGN!

Sixteen dresses, featured in Dreaming of Chanel, went on display at Vampt Vintage Design in Sydney for 10 days. The exhibition was called "When Fashion Meets Furniture". Designer furniture from the mid 20th century came to life with designer fashion from The Darnell Collection. The result was spectacular!

CHARLOTTE'S INTERVIEW WITH FEMAIL.COM.AU!

Question: Can you talk about the Darnell Collection?
Charlotte Smith: The Darnell collection actually began almost 80 years ago when my American godmother, Doris Darnell, started wearing her mother and grandmother's clothes and people would see her wearing these clothes, which way back in the 1930's was quite an unusual thing to do and they would say "my mother, grandmother or aunt has something similar to that, would you like their clothes?" It started in a very innocent way and when the clothes were given to her, she'd ask them to perhaps tell a story about where the garment was worn or about the family. Doris Darnell always said she wasn't so much collecting clothes but she was treasuring garments that other people had treasured and tried to keep their story going. It wasn't until she was given the Victorian clothes, which are tiny, that it turned into a collection rather than things she could wear. Doris Darnell would still insist that she have a story to go with the garment and she would love really glamorous clothes. I have ended up with a massive collection of couture, evening and glamorous dresses and accessories, all with stories.  I inherited the collection seven years ago and when it arrived it was 1,200 kilograms of clothes, there were about 3,500 pieces. The collection contains everything you could ever imagine belonging in a woman's wardrobe such as hats, shoes, hat pins, jewerelly, wedding dresses, evening dresses- everything you could imagine! I also have men's and children's clothing. I'd say the collection is now close to 6,000 pieces, I practically have every major designer represented, except for a few from the early 1900's. All the big time designers including Chanel and Dior are represented.

What makes my collection so unique and rare is the fact that many of the things in the collection have come with documented stories, I either have photographs of the person wearing it or I have wonderful letters written to Doris by the donor, even personal letters that were handed to Doris along with the garment and accessory.


My collection is far beyond a collection of vintage clothing, it is a collection recording social history and the earliest piece is from 1730, which is a young woman's handbag embroidered in wool. The collection starts from about 1730 and then my garments started about 1820 and go all the way up to the most recent pieces given including 75 designer garments made in Merino Wool by Australians, these were donated by the AWI (Australian Wool Innervations). I also have pieces by Akira, Jayson Brunsdon, Josh Goot and Michelle Jank.
People realise this collection is actually one that is going to be kept private, in the sense that it can be used in many different ways, unlike museum collections which tend to get locked into this bureaucratic system of not being able to be seen, very often. The collection is a whole, it represents 24 different countries, around the world and I think there are almost 280 different donors, who have now given to the collection. I buy a tiny bit, I unfortunately don't have the budget, to buy much. I do buy clothes, which I wear. I don't like wearing outfits from the collection that have come in with a story as I feel that if I ruin the dress or something happens, it's such a big part of the collection as a whole. I buy very glamorous, slender hostess gowns that you see being worn in the 60's and 70's- I love that look. I have my favourite designers that whenever I see things, I try to wear them. I love Valentino and modern designer Roberto Cavalli. Most of the hostess gowns, that I have bought, have the most fabulous patterns in the fabric. A lot of the gowns have come from Italy, no-name designers but with beautiful fabrics. This collection is absolutely massive now and what's exciting about it is that it is so enormous that it covers so many different aspects of fashion, whether it's the mini-dress era or it's the Edwardian feathers and hats or lace from the mid-1800's, whatever you want to see, it's in the collection.

Question: How did the Doris Darnell collection inspire Dreaming of Chanel and Dreaming of Dior?
Charlotte Smith: It was mainly the stories behind the garments. Harper Collins approached me about writing the book and they said that they had been following my story for a year and they were sure my story about a woman who inherits 3,000 dresses, was a perfect story. When I was working with the editors and the publishers at Harper Collins, every time we'd go look at a dress, because we didn't know which angle to take, I'd say "I've got to tell you the story behind this dress!" Suddenly, they realised their were these wonderful little short stories that made the dress or accessory come alive and that's why we decided to write the stories behind the dresses. The reason we kept them as short stories was that each one is so unique and individual we wanted people to read that story, look at that dress and move onto another dress and story rather than combining it into a novel experience.

Question: Why do you think other females will love Dreaming of Chanel?
Charlotte Smith: It's the type of book that is very nostalgic, in a way. Every woman has had a dress, a pair of shoes or a garment that the minute they look at a photograph of them wearing it or when they see the piece in their wardrobe they have a flashback or poignant memories and it reminds them of something or somebody. I don't think I've ever met somebody who can't remember one single piece of clothing that didn't trigger this kind of memory. The idea with all the different decades, that we have represented in the book, is that it doesn't matter if you were living in that decade and can remember back or if you were much younger, you will still think 'wow, isn't that a romantic time'.  There is nothing earth shattering in the stories, they are just lovely reminisces about women who remember that special dress. Anybody can enjoy the book, you don't have to be a historian or wildly into vintage fashion which is why I think both the story and the illustration is so important, in this book.

Question: The collection would be like a dream come true for you!
Charlotte Smith: Yes! It is, when you think about it. I do have a very enviable opportunity because I have wonderful dresses that I have pulled from the collection, that didn't have stories with them that I wear or things that I buy. It is very exciting to think that if I ever need a piece of jewellery or a fantastic hat, I have these incredible opportunities to wear these things. Although, you have to realise we are looking at 6,000 pieces, many of which are very, very valuable in stories and maintenance, it's not all about jumping into a room and thinking 'what am I going to wear today?' I have learnt a huge amount about fashion history because of this; I now travel around the country and go overseas doing talks and participating in the fashion world. It is a dream.
Buy it now at Angus & Robertson
 

BOOK LAUNCH AT THE CARRINGTON!

AND I WAS THERE TO SIGN EACH AND EVERY COPY!

DREAMING OF CHANEL IS INTRODUCED AT THE CARRINGTON!

WITH OLIVIA, ANAIS AND SYDNEY

AND MY FRIEND, AUTHOR TARA MOSS

These beautiful photos were taken by my great friend Brigitte.

INSTYLE LOVES DREAMING OF CHANEL!

DREAMING OF CHANEL COMING TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINS TO SPEND AN EVENING WITH CHARLOTTE SMITH & TARA MOSS!

BOOKINGS IN ADVANCE

PHONE 9660 2333 OR 4787 6340

DREAMING OF CHANEL IN THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD!

DREAMING OF CHANEL's classic suit image by Grant Cowan scored the cover of the Sydney Morning Herald's ESSENTIAL and featured in 'Armchair Dressing: The Best New Fashion Books'.

Dreaming of Chanel Debuts on 1st November!

I Will Introduce My New Book, Dreaming of Chanel, at the Sydney Vintage Show on the 16th & 17th of October!!!!

16th & 17th of October

Join Me at the Show on the Sixteenth and Seventeenth of October!!  Dreaming of Chanel, Charlotte Smith's new book will be for sale for the first time in Australia at the Show. The book is due to be released into book stores on the 1st of November, but we have been lucky enough to secure some copies to sell at the show. Charlotte will be speaking about her new book at the show at 12.30pm on Sat 16th and then again on Sunday 17th at 2.30pm and will be available to sign copies after each talk.

Dreaming of Chanel Comes Alive Under the Mythical, Magical Wand of Illustrator, Grant Cowan!

Click Here to Visit Our Facebook Page!

Dreaming of Chanel

By Charlotte Smith

Illustrated by Grant Cowan

‘The gorgeous, expressive color sketches that adorn each page are only outdone by   the fabulous stories of the women who inspired them… This beautiful book will inspire those who love to dress with flair.’ -          Bookseller and Publisher

After the stunning success of Dreaming of Dior, Charlotte Smith offers another irresistible glimpse inside the wardrobe every women would love to own.

Inheriting a priceless vintage collection sounds like every woman’s dream come true.   But when Charlotte Smith discovered that her American godmother, Doris Darnell, had made her custodian of more than three thousand pieces dating from 1790 to 1995, including originals by Chanel and Dior, she was more than a little daunted.

From the moment Charlotte uncovered her first treasure, an exquisite 1920s evening dress, she was enchanted. But when she found her godmother’s book of stories, the true value of her inheritance hit home.  This wasn't a mere collection of beautiful things, it was a precious collection of women’s lives. Tiny glimpses of our  joys and disappointments, our entrances and exits, triumphant and tragic.

In Dreaming of Dior, Charlotte shared some of her treasures and the stories of the women who wore them for the first time.  Now, in Dreaming of Chanel with special appearances by Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Zandra Rhodes, Pucci, Akira and many more,  Charlotte offers another unforgettable glimpse inside the magic wardrobe every woman would love to own.

About the author: Charlotte Smith is the custodian of a priceless vintage clothing collection, The Darnell Collection, she inherited from her Quaker godmother, Doris Darnell. Born in Hong Kong and raised in the US, Charlotte has a degree in art history and has lived and worked in the US, England and France. She now lives in Australia.

About the illustrator: After studying fashion design Grant Cowan moved to London to further his career and has worked as an illustrator on magazines like Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Glamour and Red Magazine.

Charlotte will be available for interview 1st Nov, 2010

For further information or to request a review copy please contact: 

Jordan Weaver, Publicist , Dreaming of Chanel by Charlotte Smith and Grant Cowan

Tel: 02 9952 5020 Format: NSH

Fax: 02 9952 5666 ISBN: 9780732292072

E: jordan.weaver@harpercollins.com.au         Price: (Aust RRP): $35.00

www.harpercollins.com.au                             Publication Date: 1st Nov 2010

Also available:

Dreaming of Dior

by Charlotte Smith and Grant Cowan

Format: NSH

ISBN: 9780732290399

Price: $35.00

Publication date: 1st November 2009

EPub ISBN: 9780730400844

MY NEW BOOK DREAMING OF CHANEL GETS A GREAT REVIEW IN AUSTRALIAN BOOKSELLER AND PUBLISHER!!

DREAMING OF CHANEL, available from HarperCollins AU on the first of November, has gotten a four star review from Rebecca Butterworth!! Watch for it in bookstores and online! A PERFECT companion to my first book, DREAMING OF DIOR.

CLICK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR COPY!

Dreaming of Chanel by Charlotte Smith, Grant Cowan

Click to Preorder Dreaming of Chanel Now

Dreaming of Chanel by Charlotte Smith, Grant Cowan

INTRODUCING SYDNEY!!!!

Right off the cover of my new book, Dreaming of Chanel!!  

You will be seeing her often!

My Birthday Bash in Chic Maine!

Some birthdays will always be special and this was one of them. Olivia (my daughter) and I flew over to Maine, stopping in Phoenix, AZ to shop at the treasure trove Neiman Marcus Last Call store in the Arizona Mills outlet centre just a hop skip and jump from The Buttes Marriott Resort. (extra suitcase needed for all my purchases at BARGAIN prices – like the Manolo sandals with cherries on the toe and leaves on the laces which dramatically lace up the leg - $150 reduced from $750).

My week in Maine was a decadent mixture of summertime activities (like sunning in the hot Maine sun and long walks early in the morning – all I could hear was the gentle put-putting of the lobster boats heading out to sea), eating divine and luscious lobster, drinking fine California Pinot Noir, and shopping.

Found the most decadently sparkly 80s dress Alex in Dynasty would have fought me for, in a flea market in Brunswick. Should I mention it cost me $10! And then a pretty emerald green silk and white organdie 50s blouse from Encore (voted the best vintage shop in New England) in Portland. And... a few 70s treasures in one of the numerous recycled designer shops in town.

Of course, filling my days kept the anticipation for my birthday bash at bay. When the 24^th of June arrived I was ready. My party dress was chosen – a slinky, beaded Italian number, vintage of course (80s) and my new line green silk and beaded Karen Millen stilettos. My hair extra blonde for the big day, I thought I was prepared for everything. Definitely not when my stepmother and sister are planning the event with secret backup support from Fiona from HarperCollins and Grant – illustrator extraordinaire! (You'll have to buy the book to hear how they got involved!)

After hours keeping out of the way in my room, the moment has come for the party to start I am ushered in to the main part of the house were frantic decorating has gone on all afternoon. I walk into a Dreaming of Chanel fantasy land! Pink tablecloths, beautiful pastel summer flowers in vases dotted everywhere, mini Eiffel towers and the cake.... A quilted cream Chanel handbag sitting atop a pink base. Now, this handbag is a masterpiece – created by the pastry chef from the nearby lobster restaurant. See the photo! Another surprise was my present – there it was on the cake – a beautiful gold double 'C' Chanel brooch. How lucky am I – and its real Chanel – to go with my beautiful dusty pink Chanel suit I recently acquired.

So, here is a sneak preview of one of the illustrations in book two – Dreaming of Chanel – due out in late October in Australia and New Zealand.

My birthday was a fabulous success. Lots of champagne (Mumm from California), beautiful hors d'oeuvres, fresh lobster delivered by Gary the local lobster man, and of course cake! I went to bed one year older and a very happy girl.

Busy Working on My New Book, Dreaming of Chanel

My new book, Dreaming of Chanel, illustrated by Grant Cowan and published by Harper Collins Australia, is due on the market in October, 2010 in Australia.  In preparation, I have added this lovely and perfectly constructed 1960's Chanel original suit to The Darnell Collection.

Charlotte Smith

Harper Collins, Australia, Celebrates Their 2010 Authors and I Was There!!

My upcoming new book, Dreaming of Chanel, is on the Harper Collins Australia publication schedule for November, 2010

And the parties just keep going!

No sooner as I return from my whirlwind trip to the US to promote Dreaming of Dior for Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins Australia hosts a drinks for their 2010 authors. Of course, Dreaming of Chanel is this going on sale just in time Christmas. Held at the Sebel Hotel at Walsh Bay, our drinks party overlooks the harbour with brisk wind swaying the fancy motor boats closer to the pier. Lots of fabulously well-known authors are here including my childhood heroine, Darcy Bussell, the prima ballerina from London Ballet Company. My fantastic publisher, Fiona Henderson, introduces me to her. A real treat as not only is she lovely to look at but just a lovely person in general.

I meet and greet lots of terrific salespeople from Australia and New Zealand before nipping off with Grant, illustrator extraordinaire, for dinner at the hotel. We have an exciting year ahead of us. The book is well received!

(photo includes Tim, Fiona, Natalie and me and another dynamic player from HC – all team players in Dreaming of Chanel).