Walking into Ivan Sayer’s house, last fall, was like walking into a museum of beautiful things.  As soon as we enter, an 18th Century garment hangs on a dress form, waiting repairs and restoration.  On the right, one of those electrical contraptions that look more like something The Gutai art group created rather than something so commonplace as a hair permer.  I am in awe.

Edie has in the past held vast collections of antiques: antique dresses, hats, buttons, and met Ivan Sayers during one of her educational trips to the Vancouver Museum, where he held the position of Costume Curator.  Here to discuss the upcoming Edie Hats event based on the Titanic, we get right to business.  “How about a fashion show based on the clothing they would have worn around the ship?”  He suggests, “On the Deck, In the Evening” He lists the necessary equipment to put on a fashion show with the fragile garments, specific measurements for tables, and dress racks, an area for the models to change.  Natalie, the event planner jots down her notes.  Meanwhile, I am free to look around:  I notice vintage Eaton’s catalogues, an entire library on fashion history, vintage mannequin heads, but you know the best parts are hidden away somewhere.  On the trunk serving as a coffee table, is a book about shoes, in which is featured many from his collection. He tells us that the trunk houses the vintage cheong sams from a worldly woman.  He shows us an antique milliner’s mirror, with movable attaching parts so that you may see the hat from all directions.  I am entranced. 

Natalie and I leave thinking Ivan Sayers is a fashion guru, and cannot wait for the show.

The event is taking place April 11, at Edie Hats. 

Coming soon: Local millinery company, Hatheads’ specially made Titanic inspired hats!