Do you ever have those dreams, those perfect dreams where you find yourself in a charity shop full of vintage couture that is all for sale for $1? Well I do. But for one woman, this dream pales in comparison to her reality. Meet Charlotte Smith, custodian of the Darnell Collection and author of the new book Dreaming of Dior. Charlotte inherited a collection of over 3000 pieces of vintage couture from her godmother a number of years ago. Not only was this a treasure trove of fashion, but of history, of women and of life. During her lifetime of collecting, Charlotte’s godmother Doris had painstakingly cataloged the stories of each garment as told to her by the original owners and their families. Dreaming of Dior shares that story with you, inspiring you to create your own suitably attired narrative.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Charlotte and seeing pieces from the collection of various occasions; it is truly heart stopping. So before you sit down to savour this delicious gem (not greedily devour it as I did in my eagerness – I’m a notorious speed reader), take a little time to relax and enjoy a moment of fantasy as I talked with Charlotte about her dreams of Dior.
This is the very first Super Kawaii Mama Podcast – so feel free to listen, download and take it to enjoy on your weekend road trip. Just click the link to listen.
Interview with Charlotte Smith Author of Dreaming of Dior for Super Kawaii Mama
























































I have that dream all the time. *sigh*
I think the podcast will be one to listen to later on my own. Mr Chick and I often listen in the car but he cares very little about pretty frocks!
Retro chick: Perhaps you can tie him up and make him listen?
Oh I loved it !!! Thank you xxx Amazon tells me I can’t get the book here till next April. Agh………….I want it now, now, now !!!
Jaede: Oh no! I’d offer to send you one, but postage is a killer internationally. Still if you are super keen, let me know and I’ll give you a quote on how much to send you a special copy.
It was wonderful to hear this interview!! I really loved it, even if I missed some things since English is not my native language..
I’d really love to see the book! Looks great! ?
Thank you!
Sistinas: I’m so pleased.
definitely a dream come true!!
I really enjoyed the interview, and that book is definitely going on my christmas wish list! I love those books that you can look through over and over again
It sounds like a fun book to sink the teeth into. Might pick it up someday.
Hear Mum Roar: It is less of s ink the teeth, than savour languidly with hot chocolate and marshmallows whilst wearing a lacy bed coat and feeling glam on a girls night in. You know the ones.
Ingrid: That was my feeling exactly. The sort of thing you can pick up over and over and enjoy in bite sized pieces.
Violetville: Oh I think you’ve got a pretty sweet deal yourself! Although how you can bear to part with some of your gems I have no idea!
I like the cover:)
Wow, I will absolutely get myself that book!
Ah what a dream! I will have to save this for when I get home and make a cup of white tea
Rebecca: You will LOVE this book, it is so completely up your alley and such a dream. Can I say that reading this made even ME want to dress better!

Renee: Ask Santa to pop it under your tree.
If it comes in pink: So do I, the cover is even flocked so that the black dress feels all velvety.
Can’t wait to check out the book – new site looks fantastic!
xx
http://www.friendinfashion.blogspot.com
I have been trying to contact you about this book but I keep getting incorrect code and my email won’t go though.
Jaede: It does that sometimes and I don’t know why. You can get me on skm at superkawaiimama dotcom dot au.
Hi,
Just wanted to say hi and introduce you to my new store in Sassafras, Vic called SANDRA V. I sell retro (mainly 50′s style) and rockabilly fashion for guys, gals and little tikes. I also sell the ‘Our Girls’ book in store.
Great website and love your tutes on You tube on hairstyles!
Have a great day!
Sandra
[...] as running a “Date your Vintage” roadshow. The delightful Charlotte Smith (author of Dreaming of Dior)will be showing you some of her favourite glamourous gowns from the marvellous “Darnell [...]
[...] will remember her covetable collection seen in her books “Dreaming of Dior ” and “Dreaming of Chanel”. Charlotte is hosting this exclusive VIP event to [...]