Singapore Mod Swing 2016

Vintage Retro Mondrian 1960s Shift Dress Outfit

Vintage Retro Mondrian 1960s Shift Dress Outfit

A couple of months ago, while I was surfing Facebook on a dull evening at home, I chanced upon a page called "Singapore Mod Swing". The word "mod" and the ska music on the page piqued my interest, so I clicked on.

Soul Shakers

And then, a recruitment post for "floorshakers" for a "gnarly vintage experience" caught my eye. I took a chance and signed up for it.

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Vintage Retro Mondrian 1960s Shift Dress Outfit
Wearing: Retro style round blue sunnies (ASOS from years ago), white round earrings (had them for as long as I can remember)

Several weeks and numerous dance practice sessions later, I did my very first flashmob with Soul Shakers Singapura right in the middle of the busy Bussorah Street on a Friday Night. And then we did it again on the day of Singapore Mod Swing 2016. And again at the A-Go-Go Night at Kampong Gelam for the Singapore Heritage Fest 2016.

It has been such an exhilarating experience dancing with the team of bright and happy people of Soul Shakers Singapura! And of course, Singapore Mod Swing 2016 was an absolute blast. I had the best time dancing along to the bands and soaking in the 60's mod vibes surrounding me. Who knew that a 60's mod culture existed in Singapore!

Vintage Retro Mondrian 1960s Shift Dress Outfit
Bits and pieces from the event - 2 strips of Photo Booth printout via Kombi Rocks and Singapore Mod Swing 2016 memorabilia! I was also interviewed by Rinniey for the Singapore Mod Swing 2016 zine!

Outfit Details

Being a mod event, I took the chance to break out my handmade Mondrian shift dress and accessories that represent the swinging 60's. To be honest, this 60's YSL inspired Mondrian shift dress was not my first choice for the event. I made this little 60's inspired dress way back in 2013 (here) and it has slowly made it's way into my work wardrobe. I have this weird thing about separating my work from my weekend wardrobe. Putting a dress into the work wardrobe is almost like... a downgrade of its status. It's like saying, "hey, you're no longer pretty enough for the weekends. You're just good enough for wearing to work." Weird, I know, but that's how my brain works. Alas, I couldn't find the dress I was hoping to wear (I think it's at my parents' place), so I gave this dress another chance.

Vintage Retro 1960's Mondrian Mod Outfit
Wearing: Mondrian shift dress (handmade), vintage 60's purse (Granny's Day Out, *now closed*), white tights, retro style saddle shoes (DIY)

Vintage Retro Mondrian 1960s Shift Dress Outfit

What a pleasant surprise! I had more fun dressing up with this little 60's inspired number than I thought I would, and I'm reinstating its status in my weekend wardrobe for now. But that said, it's not part of my current weekend capsule wardrobe so it's just gonna stay in a corner of my closet for now.

Vintage Retro 1960's Mondrian Mod Outfit
Three things you need for the swinging 60's look - beehive, long (fake) lashes, and frosty pink lips

Oh, speaking of weekend wardrobes, I have included a tartan shift dress that I have recently made with a self-drafted pattern in my current capsule wardrobe. I can't wait to share the project with everyone soon! xxx G

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1960's Style Plaid Shift Dress (Self-drafted Pattern)

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1960's Crochet Twin Set (Vintage Pattern)