ANTOINETTE SAYS....
Welcome to her site.
Sadly, both Marie Antoinette and Antoinette Gregory, founder of Antoinette's in the 1960's, are no longer with us.
Today you have to make do with cheery Brian Parsonage-Kelly, AKA Antoinette 4, the fourth proprietor to run Antoinette Costume Hire, in its history.
For the first 30 odd years, Antoinette's operated from Hamilton Road, on the Gipsy Hill / West Norwood / West Dulwich border, and in 2005 she upped her skirts and went to Forest Hill.
Summer 2008 saw yet another move. This was a space issue, as the Dartmouth Road shop was getting a little too bijou. On September the 13th (don't laugh), we opened at our new High Street Buildings premises, all Listed Grade II, original oak flooring, cornicing and a smattering of brass. This area is kind of Forest Hill, kind of Upper Sydenham, kind of half-way down Kirkdale - no-one really knows what to call it, but one thing we can call it is the historic heart of the neighbourhood, the original Sydenham High Street, with its best antiques shops and restaurants, all around us. Now even with a new Tesco's, right opposite.
To many customers we are the local "Fancy Dress" shop, but we are more, much more than that.
First of all, go into any typical Fancy Dress shop and you will probably find nothing we stock. Almost all our clothes are unique, vintage items and we are very proud to say they are all on hangers, not in bags!!!
Secondly, we don't sell anything. Actually, well, we do sell wigs, masks, stage make-up and the odd accessories, as well as an occasional modern dress or two that come to us via fashion shows, but mostly we are a hire shop.
Thirdly, if "Fancy Dress" is fancy and dressy, and not cheap and tacky, then perhaps it would be best to describe us as a vintage costumiers with a fancy dress heart!
Who are our customers?
We like to think that anyone who wishes to dress to impress is our customer. If you wish to stand out, if you want a real period costume, if you are going to a very glamorous function, we can help you.
We can also help you if you are a Fashion Stylist, Theatre Designer, Photographer, Film maker or harassed Drama Teacher.
On your visit to our shop don't be surprised to bump into any of the following;-
Mum, who has just been told tomorrow is "Victorian Day" at little Arabella's school.
Twinkle, a TV show's Runner, who is here to find a Roman Soldier's outfit for a comedy sketch.
Oliver, whose internet-ordered Fireman's outfit didn't turn up in the post.
Jen and Pen who are choosing matching outfits for their Civil Ceremony.
Ethel, who thought we would like the fur coat that has been in her wardrobe since the Blitz.
Jimmy and Jilly who are going to their first Murder Mystery Party and have to dress 1920's.
And Simon, who is buying an Adult Baby costume for his mate's Stag Night.
One of the fun things about a Dressing-up shop is that everyone comments on everyone else's outfit and if you were shy when you arrived, by the time you leave, you are laughing.
If you have never done it before, don't worry, Antoinette is always gentle with her clients.....