Photos by Kristeen Laut @kristeenxdisney
DISNEYLAND – If you are a vintage fashion fan Disneyland’s Dapper Day in Anaheim, CA, is an unequaled experience. It is a fanciful delight that bears witness to the growing resurgence of a return to refinement.
How do I know this?
My undeniable serendipitous luck of being invited for a getaway weekend to attend as a guest of a close friend and Disney fanatic, who knew my own obsession with all things classically “dapper.” That’s how it began.
As I walk into California Adventure, I feel a sense of surrealism. Lost in the thought that I am actually “here,” It is difficult for me to continue walking in a straight line when my attention is being split multiple times over. California Adventure is a nostalgic, romanticized version of the Golden Era of Hollywood. Between its forced perspective art deco sets, the swing of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman Big Band backgrounds, it is, for a classic movie fan such as myself, an adrenaline-fueled, overwhelmingly refreshing, assault to the senses. Without a doubt, these are the ideal grounds to hold an event such as Dapper Day.
Fans agree, one of the most memorable scenes in Cars was, of course, the incandescence of the neon lights. The mere thought that I could enjoy that particular immersive experience had me – and just about everybody else – carefree in delight. I’d watched a spattering of videos regarding California Adventure in the past, but nothing ever jointed enough to allow a coherent idea. However, the Art Déco entrance to the park provides clear indication that I was getting ready to walk into a world of nostalgic fantasy.
It’s dusk and we are quickly making our way to Cars Land in order to experience the Route 66 reflection of neon illumination. This is my first visit to Disneyland/California Adventure and while I am not exactly sure on what to expect, I am however, sure to not be disappointed… after all, it is Disney.
Cars Land delivers. Neon is something rarely seen (at least as it once was in its heyday) over the past 50 years or so. Although, it’s kitsch appeal is clear, for some odd reason it also still seemed to offer comfort. This is where we find adults whose awe matches that of their children, and I was no exception. After dinner at FLO’s and a round with the dancing cars, we spent the rest of the time exploring the park. Although portions of the Boardwalk were closed due to renovations I could still imagine the taffy pull in the window and hear the Atlantic surf.
I’ve spent the evening unable to quell my “out-loud” thoughts of sheer amazement and as we head back to the hotel in the wee hours, and jet lag kicks in .. .an exciting reminder jolts my inner child … I get to see the park in the daytime tomorrow!
Nerd.
The following day proves to be just as excitingly immersive as the night prior. The sky is blue, the temperature, in the low 80s and the sun is shining – not even Disney himself could create a more perfect day. There are new things to see today that were cloaked in darkness last night and I can’t help the thought there’s just not enough time. I mean, to really see it all, the tulip lamps, the tin roofs ceilings, the meticulous architecture – looks like I’ll just have to come back next year, I decisively reason.
Disneyland’s official Dapper Day is celebrated Sunday, April 23, however, a smattering of diehard devotees proudly appear with their wasp waists, swing skirts and bow ties today, leaning into the anticipation of the event to come.
And what better arena for the pageantry than the romanticized nostalgic magic of Disneyland. In 2016 an estimated 20-30,000 Dapper Day participants descended on Disney – a far cry from its first year’s turnout in 2011, of 100 persons – with a fan base spanning from the elderly to toddlers, and it seems the numbers continue to swell.
Since its inception, it has grown to include Disney World, Orlando, and Disneyland Paris. Twice a year, Disney is converged upon by aficionados of vintage fashion. A refreshing, whimsical, revelry of retro couture, full of personalized creativity, is celebrated amongst the polka-dots, pin curls and parasols.
Disney, without doubt, remains the ultimate immersive experience, and in this, we find our cares gently slip away – young and old alike without discrepancy – willingly step into the fantasy, as brief as it may be.
Dapper Day arrives and I feel underdressed. With that realization, I immediately give myself a second excuse to come back next year, as if it were all part of my dastardly plan.
Be well informed, this is not a costume party. This is a true organic coming together of classic lovers. It is the all-inclusive magic of vintage couture and culture, meticulous in nature, which coaxes all to walk taller regardless of frame. It has the ability to empower, add class, and gently coerce effortless alignment with the part.
If you have an eye of discernment, you will detect the invisible chords of connection between fans that require little explanation. Simply stated, it’s “understood,” the way one meets and reconvenes with an old friend from years past.
Ladies forgo their comfortable flats to complete their ensembles with T-strap heels. Men dress in long-sleeve buttoned shirts, suspended slacks and tailored suits regardless of the 83-degree weather, solidifying their unwavering commitment to the moment. Fascinators are pinned, delicate gloves are buttoned, and Easter Sunday big brimmed hats, displayed with prominence. Individuals are happily interrupted to stop for photos snapped by fellow fans and curious onlookers.
Authentic waves of giddiness, with new discoveries of must-have pieces, flutter through the air at the Dapper Day expo, held at the Disneyland hotel. Vintage boutiques the likes of Sidecca – ladies check out their website, you will wonder where they have been all your life; Unique Vintage – if you do not like Vintage, it is because you have not shopped at Unique Vintage; Vixen, with one of the best slogans “Good Things For Bad Girls” serving XS-4X ladies – Vixen makes curvaceous women love their curves, and provides niche elegance to discerning guests.
Marcel irons, wind tightened curls creating defined up-do’s with precision and men polish themselves with sharp hipster haircuts and straight razor shaves, bridging the old and new.
Stylish backdrops reflective of old Hollywood woo fans. Dandy Wellington and his Band provide swing music for attendees all too happy to connect, as an air of infectious unmasked joy engulfs the dance floor. Dita Von Teese “wows” in her classic second skin, pin-up girl attire, looking downright breathtakingly spectacular. Even my self-proclaimed guide, an undeniable Disney-aficionado, and force to be reckoned with in her own right, was softly swayed by the joyful atmosphere.
True Dapper fans find no fault in standing apart from the crowd, in fact, most revel in the thought, whether at an extravaganza or a flea market. They recognize one another, through minute details, unobserved or overlooked by most, and are quite comfortable in their exclusivity, of winged eyeliner, red lips, classic films and big bands.
So what coaxes people into participating in such a fete? What drives them to defy the logic of comfort, to travel from distant locations to enjoy partnerships of people they don’t know? Perhaps it is the same reasoning as in most visually fan-based events, an unspoken, innate comprehension of one another upon sight. A connection with the happiest parts in another because, in them, we see, a reflection and feel a resonation of the happiest parts of ourselves … at the happiest place on earth.
Feast your eyes via this official @DapperDay Instagram page.
Constance Cherise is a multi-passionate entrepreneur. She is a classic movie-lover, empowerment coach, foodie, Disco “everything” fanatic, aspiring writer and artist. She contributes a monthly column on classic films, A Class in … Class. You can contact her at constance.cherise@gmail.com.
