emmapeelpants

For someone so prolific and popular at the time, Gerald McCann's work still remains incredible rare. Perhaps because his speciality was wearable daywear with a clean, sportswear influenced line (which meant he was one of the most popular exports to the USA). This skirt suit is from the mid-Sixties and is a stunning example of McCann's signature loosely cut and tailored style, very few of which turn up today! The boxy jacket is softened by the rounded shoulders which give a great silhouette. The placement of the vertical pockets is also well done and a very classic example of British tailoring. The collar is intended to button and therefore stand up, but this button has gone walkabout at some point. The collar does look lovely down as well, but I'm sure a similar plain black button (or even a brooch) would do the trick because I love the way it looks when it's stood up like that!

Formed in 1965 by society friends Jane Lyle and Maggie Keswick, Annacat was the Biba of The Brompton Road. Although little is known about the origins of the boutique, it is easy to show the sense of fun and youthful enthusiasm which encapsulates the Boutique Movement through the designs of Annacat. There is a real sense of fun and decadence about their pieces, regularly trimmed in ostrich feathers, printed in feminine, swirling psychedelics and with historically influenced, sexy shapes. Their frocks also bore adorable, quirky names such as Spotted Dick, Buy British, Jane Eyre, Bathsheba, Miss Muffet and Milkmaid. Some of you may recognise this dress from my very own personal collection. I have the same design in pink, which was exhibited at the V&A for their Sixties exhibition, and have had to resist all natural temptation to keep it. Yes, ridiculous but can't a girl want her favourite dresses in every colour?? No? Ok, so here's a rare (and I mean that!) opportunity for you to own this Annacat design. Annacat is rare enough, but this is such an archetypal piece for them. Made in black moire velvet with white broderie trims down the bust and on the cuffs, it's the ultimate winter mod girl mini dress!

Beautifully straight cut super mini dress from around 1967 (the look is very summer of love and this was one of the mini-est years for skirts too!) by British Boutique label Miss Impact. I love the pale pink patterned with eastern-inspired gold motifs and heavy borders around the hem and the neckline. The shape of the neckline is incredibly flattering, and of course the straight trapeze type cut is also very forgiving and au courant. Just add some matching gold sandals and paint flowers on your face....

Having recently visited Liverpool and many important, and some less so, Beatles landmarks, I'm particularly loving the fact that this incredible mini dress was made by a Liverpool Boutique, Looking Glass Original. It has a very strong mod style to it, with a hint of the military styling which was becoming increasingly popular in both mens and womenswear at the time. The lovely rich mustard colour is very, very iconic shade of the time and its all very reminiscent of the colour season Emma Peel wardrobe. Sadly I just can't wear this colour, otherwise I'd be running around all over town in this beauty!