Five O’Clock Tea

The sixties were a strongly dichotomous era.

On the one hand, they conjure up images of happy housewives in polka-dot aprons feeding throngs of cherubic children and ruggedly handsome husbands.

On the other hand, they evoke a not so distant alternative universe in which society exerted immense pressure on those very women to ensure their conformity to an unforgiving cookie-cutter version of femininity, which involved little beyond casseroles and hair rollers.

Thanks to Betty Friedan and her bra-burning friends, we can now vote and drink beer in sweatpants without being ostracised, but the glam of the post-war era still has a certain appeal.

Inspired by the S/S 2013 catwalk shows of Moschino, Louis Vuitton and Holly Fulton, The Tab brings you a 50s & 60s themed photoshoot, which aims the combine the best of both worlds – the feminine allure of the past and the headstrong independence of 21st century women.

Well, that… and cake!

Eloise wears vintage Chanel jacket, H&M dress, vintage Hermes scarf, vintage jewellery

Sophie wears vintage Chanel jacket, H&M dress, vintage Chanel pearls and Ad Hoc pearls

Eloise wears Marc Jacobs shirt, H&M skirt, Topshop tights, Kurt Geiger pumps, J Crew headband, Ad Hoc pearls, Portobello market bracelet

Eloise wears H&M blazer, vintage Emporio Armani top, Zara skirt, Next heels, vintage heirloom pearls

Sophie wears Cos jumper, Forever 21 shirt, H&M skirt, River Island pumps, Forever 21 headband, vintage Chanel necklace, miscellaneous bangles

Sophie wears Kenzo jumper, Topshop shirt, Luella skirt, Tophop bow tie

Eloise wears Camden Stable Market faux fur shrug, vintage Emporio Armarni top, Zara skirt, Next heels, Romwe.com choker, Portobello market jewellery

Sophie wears vintage faux fur coat, Rare dress, Carvela heels, miscellaneous bangles

Fashion styling Sabina Trojanova & Emma Wong

Photography Saloni Miglani & Emma Wong

Models Sophie Wheale & Eloise Broadley

Location with special thanks to ‘Drink, Shop & Do’