Five Retro Throwbacks and Where to find them

From our vintage Holden at the ready, iconic blue jumpsuits at Reception or the photographic ceiling mosaics of the Gold Coast through the ages splashed on our walls – the 1950’s and 60’s was an era of inspiration for us.

And it seems we’re not alone!

If you need a little ‘Happy Days’ cheese in your life, here are five ways to enjoy a retro revival on the Gold Coast:

1) Look the part
Queen of classic style and Head Mistress of the Lindy Charm School, Chrissy Keepence hosts a bunch of workshops to bring out your inner vintage vixen or Pin Up princess. From retro hairstyles like the Barrel Set, Victory Roll or Pin Curl to timeless makeup and the perfect Pin Up posing techniques, she’ll have you looking and feeling the part in no time. Join a workshop, gather the girls (and guys) for a makeover day or arrange your own vintage styling and fashion shoot. Fun fun fun!

2) Get the wheels
Now that you look the part, it’s time to greet the world in style… in a beautifully restored 1960’s Mustang Convertible thanks to Mustang Tours Gold Coast. This baby could be all yours from as little as $120 per person for a half day tour! Ah, Yes please!

3) And the groovy moves
One of the regions fastest growing dance schools and located right on our doorstep, Swing On In dance school teach some of the best partner dances of the Big Band era including the Lindy Hop, Swing Dance, Charleston and Shim Sham. Now, that’s a party trick worth perfecting! With dance classes every Tuesday night in Mermaid Beach for beginners right up to the professionals, grab the squad and get your groove on!

4) Classic date night
What better way to soak up the balmy Gold Coast evenings than with a classic date night at Yatala Drive-In Movies…in your 1960’s Mustang Convertible of course! South East Queensland’s last open-air Drive-in motion picture theatre, the Yatala Drive-In has been dishing out Dagwood Dogs, Choc Tops and Hollywood’s favourite films since 1974!

5) Learn about Paula Stafford
Paula Stafford is one of the most famous Queensland fashion designers of the 20th century. She is best known for introducing Australia’s very first bikini to Gold Coast beaches in the 1950s! Her navel-exposing (gasp!) two piece swimsuits were revolutionary for their time and featured unusual fabrics, backless bikini tops and reversible garments. Now that’s a retro icon!

words by kobi facto