After covering the event for the past 4 years, I’m very proud to be part of the 2017 Bal de la Jonquille committee! If you don’t know the event, let me just tell you that it’s one of the most prestigious balls in the country, and it’s the most successful annual cancer-related fundraising gala in Canada. Last year, it raised 1.6 million dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society, in one single night! If you want to know more, you can watch my segment on Breakfast Television right here… But this morning, my mission is to give some fashion and beauty ideas to those who will attend the ball on April 20th.
This year, the theme is IMAGINE : The Beatles & Beyond. This means that we are travelling to the swinging sixties, when The Beatles burst into the music scene and pretty much transformed the world! At the time, The Beatles symbolized freedom. Freedom from the old rules, freedom of expression and freedom from dress codes…
GOING SHORT
The first thing I think about is obviously the shorter hems. The mini-skirt was the biggest fashion statement that came with that freedom. This being said, we are talking about a ball, so if you decide to wear something short, it has to be super elegant!
YES TO EMBROIDERIES !
To achieve that, chosing an embroidered, sequinned or bejewelled piece can be an excellent option.
If you’re not sure about the short thing, you can always find a long dress that feature these amazing details! That’s definitely what I’m going to try to find for my own look… long and ornamented!
IN TECHNICOLOR
Colour was another of the big fashion revolutions in the sixties. Women started to embrace bold colours and patterns, including some pretty crazy psychedelic prints… which could be a very interesting path to follow for the ball!
IN BLOOM
Talking about prints… bright and big florals are also an amazing idea to stand out, while respecting this year’s theme!
BLACK & WHITE
Opposite to the colour overload that swept the sixties, the black & white trend was equally as important! But we are not talking classic black & white… during the sixties, it was all about the power of the graphic lines!
EVENING PANTS
The sixties also marked the rise of Yves Saint Laurent, with is artsy Mondrian dresses, his African-inspired looks and, of course, his women tuxedo. If you decide to go for pants instead of a dress, a tuxedo could be a killer option!
Here are a few more super chic 60’s pant looks that could definitely inspire you for the big night…
HAIR, MAKEUP & ACCESSORIES
Now that I’ve covered clothes, we have to look at beauty and accessories…
MAKEUP
When we think about beauty in the sixties, Twiggy automatically comes to mind! With her signature short hair and doll-like eyes, the English model was an extraordinary influence. If you dare going for a bold makeup look (which I strongly suggest), you can definitely try a graphic eyeliner, white eye shadow, spider lashes or even bedazzled eyes!
HAIR
If you have short hair, Twiggy’s side-parted pixie cut or adorable bob are perfect ideas. But if you have long hair, you can have a lot of fun too! I love the bun that cascades into curls or the gravity-defying chignon!
JEWELLERY
60’s jewellery is simple : go bold or go home! So dare to wear oversized earrings, statement necklaces and don’t hesitate to stack big bracelets. If you want to find the perfect vintage pieces, I strongly suggest that you browse Carole Tanenbaum‘s website. Her beautiful collection of vintage costume jewellery is one of the biggest in North America and she will be donating 20% of her sales for the ball to the Canadian Cancer Society (so don’t forget to mention why you are buying the piece for).
HEADWEAR
I’m finishing with a few amazing hats from the sixties. If you decide to wear a hat, it should definitely be a show-stopper!
ADDRESS BOOK
When you are looking for such specific looks, you have to go to the right places. Here are a few of my favourite stores to find amazing vintage pieces or just beautiful dresses and accessories that will work perfectly for this year’s theme…
E.R.A. VINTAGE WEAR
THE LITTLE SHOP
ÉDITIONS DE ROBES
HOLT RENFREW
THE BAY
1861 & BOUDOIR 1861
TRÈS CHIC STYLING
ATELIER PRIVÉ
LOUE1ROBE
LE CHÂTEAU
CAROLE TANENBAUM (accessories)
RITA TESOLIN (accessories)
Can’t wait to see what you’ll be wearing!
Lolitta xx
