Swagger Joint - exclusive to Pin-Up Parade

Welcome to Swagger Joint, Pin-Up Parade's very own line of dresses. They are designed by Helen, and are made in the UK from luxurious fabrics such as wool crepe, velvet, satin brocade and cotton with vintage-style print.

See the Accessories & Books for matching bags for the Olivia dresses.

Olivia by Swagger Joint, in Chinese satin brocade

Pin-Up Parade's own label, Swagger Joint, presents the Olivia dress.

This flattering, full-skirted 1950s dress is made from Chinese black satin brocade of dragons and peacocks. It has "kimono" sleeves and a high neckline with a full skirt. There are two concealed pockets at the front. The full skirt is lined with polycotton to give fullness and shape. It fastens with an invisible side-zip.

Extra photos: Skirt, back view, side view and the fabric swatch.

Sizes: XS to 3X in stock. 4X currently sold out. Please read the notes on fit.

Fit: The Olivia is true 1950s-style in length and comes to about mid-calf on someone of average height. These dresses run small. There is no stretch in the fabric, and because they are 1950's style with a lot of ease in the bust and a 9" difference between waist and bust, please go more on the waist size than the bust. You will probably need a larger size than you would normally wear - for example, if you measure 38" bust with a 30" waist, the XL will be the best to choose, based on the waist measurement. They can easily be adjusted for a perfect fit by a dress alterations shop. Please consult the size chart before ordering.

Care: these dresses can be machine washed at 30 degrees centigrade, although it's best to wash by hand the first time. Please take care with what you wash this dress with, to avoid any plucks and pulls with the brocade - the weave is quite delicate!

A matching handbag for this dress is also available.

Olivia by Swagger Joint, in red fan-print cotton

Pin-Up Parade's own label, Swagger Joint, presents the Olivia dress.

This flattering, full-skirted 1950s dress is made from 100% cotton in red, with a pattern of Japanese fans. It has "kimono" sleeves and a high neckline with a full skirt. There are two concealed pockets at the front. The full skirt is lined with polycotton to give fullness and shape. It fastens with an invisible side-zip.

Extra photos: Skirt, back view, Close-up of the bodice and a fabric swatch.

Sizes: XS to 4X in stock. Please read the notes on fit.

Fit: The Olivia is true 1950s-style in length and comes to about mid-calf on someone of average height. These dresses run small. There is no stretch in the fabric, and because they are 1950's style with a lot of ease in the bust and a 9" difference between waist and bust, please go more on the waist size than the bust. You will probably need a larger size than you would normally wear - for example, I measure 42" bust, 36" waist and whilst I can nearly squeeze into a 3X, the 4X fits perfectly because of my waist measurement. They can easily be adjusted for a perfect fit by a dress alterations shop. Please consult the size chart before ordering.

Care: these dresses can be machine washed at 30 degrees centigrade, although it's best to wash by hand the first time.

Please note: the side zips can be slightly stiff over the waist seam. If you find it sticks, run the zip up and down a few times.

A matching handbag for this dress is also available.

Olivia by Swagger Joint, in green/pink roses cotton

Pin-Up Parade's own label, Swagger Joint, presents the Olivia dress.

This flattering, full-skirted 1950s dress is made from 100% cotton in light green, with a pattern of pink roses. It has "kimono" sleeves and a high neckline with a full skirt. There are two concealed pockets at the front. The full skirt is lined with polycotton to give fullness and shape. It fastens with an invisible side-zip.

Extra photos: Fabric swatch, pockets and back view.

Sizes: XS to 4X in stock. Please read the notes on fit.

Fit: The Olivia is true 1950s-style in length and comes to about mid-calf on someone of average height. These dresses run small. There is no stretch in the fabric, and because they are 1950's style with a lot of ease in the bust and a 9" difference between waist and bust, please go more on the waist size than the bust. You will probably need a larger size than you would normally wear - for example, I measure 42" bust, 36" waist and whilst I can nearly squeeze into a 3X, the 4X fits perfectly because of my waist measurement. They can easily be adjusted for a perfect fit by a dress alterations shop. Please consult the size chart before ordering.

Care: these dresses can be machine washed at 30 degrees centigrade, although it's best to wash by hand the first time.

Please note: the side zip can be slightly stiff over the waist seam. If you find it sticks, run the zip up and down a few times.

Matching handbags for this dress is also available.

Viv by Swagger Joint

Exclusive to Pin-Up Parade

Named after Viv Nicholson, celebrity pools winner, who appeared on the cover of The Smiths' single "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" - there's nothing miserable about this fabulously spangly pencil dress made from bronze lurex with velvet collar and velvet covered buttons. The bodice of the dress is lined and it fastens with the three buttons at the front and a side zip. It features a belt made from the same fabric as the dress and comes with a spare button. Please note that you might find the side zip a little stiff to begin with.

Made in the UK. The dresses are made to a very high standard by a small, family-run dress-making company in the north of England, using years of experience to create the most authentic reproduction vintage clothing you'll find today.

Close up of the bodice and another close up.

In stock in sizes XS, S, M & 2X. If you're after a sold out size, please let me know - these dresses can be made to order. You can also have them made in a different fabric (price varies). Please refer to the size chart before ordering.

Avril by Swagger Joint

Exclusive to Pin-Up Parade

Named after Tiller Girl, actress and comedian Avril Angers, who appeared on the cover of The Smiths' single "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish", this is a fabulously luxurious circle dress made from 100% wool crepe. It has a wonderful sheen, a little stretch and drapes beautifully. The neckline has lovely 'tie' detail. The dress is lined throughout and it fastens with the side zip. It features a belt made from the same fabric as the dress. Please note that you might find the side zip a little stiff to begin with.

Dry clean only.

Read Gemma from Retro Chick's fab review of the Avril dress!

Close-up of the bodice. Extra photo showing fullness of the skirt and and another close up of the bodice.

I don't have any Avril dresses in stock at the moment, but if you'd like one, please let me know as I can get them made to order in 2 to 3 weeks. Pin-Up Parade's usual returns policy will still apply.

Please refer to the size chart before ordering. As the wool doesn't stretch, you may find that it's worth going up a size from what you would normally wear. eg. if you usually wear a 2X in Bettie Page Clothing you can fit into the 2X Avril, but the 3X Avril fits more comfortably.

Price: £135

Photography credits:

Olivia: modelled by Stephanie Jay, photography: Nick Halling.

Viv: main photo and first close up - modelled by Millie Dollar, by Inaglo Photography. Second close-up: modelled by Olivia Sparrow, by Eightball Photography.

Avril: main photo and first close up - modelled by Millie Dollar, by Inaglo Photography. Second close-up and seated photo: modelled by Olivia Sparrow, by Eightball Photography.