Falling into a routine of using the same old retailers and brands that you’re used to can become mundane. Of course, you’re always going to have your faves.
Using our artistic drive, we’ve created an editorial piece collaborating with some of our city’s hidden gems.
So you can step out of those comfort zones (or perhaps not so comforting) and get the latest in what’s trending.
The Editorial Spread
Last month we took a trip down memory lane with our Studio 54 inspired shoot. This month we kept the momentum going and went even further back… to the 1950s. And what better time frame is there when it comes to date night? With poodle skirts, greaser vibes and classic cars in mind, we created this blast from the past inspired date night that didn’t disappoint.
Blast From the Past
When thinking of date nights inspired by the past of the 50s, it was a no brainer that we located our date at Barrie Sunset Drive-in. Drive-ins were made popular in the 50s and it was the perfect setting for our blast from the past to come to life. Furthermore they still have many of their original aesthetic still in tact.
Of course our next move was to locate some incredible classic cars. Connecting with one of our local classic car clubs, we had a few car enthusiasts join us and offer up their pride and joys to create this blast from the past date.
The Cars
Starting with a 1957 red corvette, owned by Chris Spruce, who restored and did all the work himself, including replacing the engine. This car was in amazing condition and the attention to detail, thanks to the father son duo that put time in together, shows. Affectionately known as Hotwheel, restoring this 57 Corvette has brought Chris and his son closer together. Creating a bond they will have forever. After 15 years of owning the car he still gets that ‘feeling of new owner excitement.’
This 1960 blue corvette, beautifully named Barbs 60, was also an immaculate restoration. While the 1960s are a bit out of our blast from the past inspiration, this car not only fit into the theme perfectly, but also has a back-story full of inspiration. The car was purchased and restored by Ron Barkey and grandson Matt Barkey for Barbara Shekell-Barkey while she underwent treatments for cancer. The duo restored the car as a gift to uplift her spirits. And as she boasted to us with such excitement and appreciation, that mission was definitely accomplished. One of the favourites of the day, this car brought excitement to everyone involved, especially the boys.
Another favourite of the day, this red 1955 Chevrolet Grand AM, owned by Dave Lewis, was another complete restoration. Dave did all the work himself, which took 7 years to complete. Restoring everything, including the colour, it’s hard not to feel like you are in the actual past when sitting in this car.
In addition we also had a 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Convertible owned by Larry Shakleton, another car restoration enthusiast. This car is an original Canadian, with the original top still in tact. It has only ever gone through a frame off restoration 4 years ago with the original 45k on it. A rare condition and amazing find by Larry that any car enthusiast would appreciate.
The Date
In true 1950s date night fashion, we had our male take ‘his car’ in for a wash to look his best for the date. Connecting with Justin Rasmussen at Passion 4 Detailing, we had him come by to detail one of the cars. His is a company that began 10 years ago with a bucket of soap, a few towels, and a worn out 10 gallon shop vac. Since then they have been serving the New Tecumseth and Simcoe County area with the best ceramic coating, paint protection, and mobile auto detailing services that are available. Justin’s passion for detailing, and love of classic cars, made this pairing perfect. He even showed up in 50s greaser get up to look the part.
Speaking of fashion, what’s a date without a new outfit? Taking our female model to Stuff on Dunlop St Barrie, we thrifted the perfect 1950s inspired date night outfit. While the outfit we created is more modernized, it was a perfect look to capture this blast from the past date night. From a new dress and sweater, to the shoes, the overall look gave us those “summer night” vibes that can be found in your fave 1950s flicks.
Blast From the Past Date Night
Overall the blast from the past was brought to life with this fun and exciting date night. We made sure to get there early and enjoy the sun setting before letting our couple enjoy the show at Sunset drive-in; the perfect date night destination past and present.
Uncovering these local gems we discovered, by following our own shop local slogan, that this city has a small town feel with big city style… see you for the next one.
Written & Photographed By: Veronika Kovecses
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