Ella Mathews wears the Honey Dress from Darling Central. Photography by Leighton Hutchinson; Hair by Form Hair; MUA Diana Ransom. Shot on location at Rolfe Classic BMW.

‘Twins on the inside’—separated at birth but now re-united and having a ball—the Darling Sisters’ collection of clothing is living glamour. History brought to life. Wearable heritage.

Maria Ramsden and Leanne Dempsey’s ever-changing clothing line, housed in Darling Central, is no ordinary collection. ‘It’s a curated collection of exquisite vintage-style fashion that is worn, loved and interpreted by modern women,’ says Maria. ‘It’s historic style experiencing a new lease of life, combining modern fabrics, techniques and lifestyles to reinvent the classics of the past.’

Not too familiar with vintage and a bit wary perhaps? Or thinking vintage is just for diehard fans?

Well consider the stunning, lush red number worn by young model Ella Mathews, having a wonderful time lounging in a sexy BMW on a major photoshoot for Fashfest 2014, compliments of Rolfe Classic.

‘The “Honey Dress” is a true 1950s fit with a flattering cut for modern women with curves,’ says Maria. ‘It’s made from a stretch cotton blend satin and the bodice features inserts of shaped and gathered fabric to enhance the size and look of the bust. It has a nice sheen and wonderful stretch fit.’

The dress was lovingly sourced from Trashy Diva in New Orleans, owned by designer Candice Gwinn, who creates timeless and ageless pieces inspired by antique and vintage clothing, emphasising feminine styles that flatter a range of modern body shapes. Candice sells her high-quality garments in selected boutiques around the world and The Darling Sisters is the only Canberra retailer to offer the label.

And Maria and Leanne have sourced and established relationships with other niche suppliers across Australia and internationally, bringing Canberra fabulous, stunning vintage-inspired clothing.

But what is vintage-inspired? Isn’t a dress either vintage or new?

Maria explains that vintage is ‘the real thing … the original garment’. Vintage reproduction is a garment made exactly from the vintage pattern. Vintage-inspired garments are brand new. They take their inspiration from the stunning clothing of different eras but are adjusted to fit the modern woman.

‘The modern woman is a different shape,’ says Maria. ‘We have bigger shoulders from exercise and better nutrition and we don’t wear corsets or shape wear all day, every day, so our waists are bigger. Vintage-inspired pieces also take advantage of modern fabrics and so are more comfortable to wear.’

Maria Ramsden and Leanne Dempsey, proprietresses of Darling Central boutique.

The Darling Sisters actually started out selling true vintage, but found it depressing when many women couldn’t, well, squeeze themselves into, say, a 1950s dress. So they took a different direction and have never looked back.

Darling Central now specialises in selling accessible, ethical and wearable vintage glamour, stocking a wide range of sizes and shapes for women 22 to 50 years of age, mainly professionals seeking mid to high-range styles for daywear, workwear, swim and sportswear, and occasion wear.

Maria and Leanne will be at FASHFEST for the first time this year. They aren’t designers per se but were selected for the event because they’re curators—heritage professionals who have worked closely with original pieces in museum collections, have extensive knowledge of clothing and designs from days gone by and strong connections to small, reputable and ethical suppliers. It enables the darlings to bring the best-of-the-best to their beloved Canberra.

The Darling Sisters will showcase exquisite pieces on opening night, Wednesday 30 April. Guests will enjoy two collections, one specialising in vintage-inspired swimwear.

FASHFEST is on 30 April to 3 May, at the award-winning Canberra Airport. Tickets available exclusively through www.fashfest.com.au