For author Charlotte Smith, this was her reality. Her fabulous, vintage-loving, generous godmother decided to leave to her her vast collection of vintage clothing (over 5000 pieces) and unable and unwilling to sell or separate the pieces, Smith has instead written books about the clothing. Or more particularly - stories about the women who wore the actual clothes. Her second book ‘Dreaming of Chanel’ has just been launched and is full of beautiful imagery and intriguing tales.

Your reaction when you found out what you would be receiving?


I heard through the grapevine that Doris, my godmother, was thinking of bequeathing me her collection and at the time I had no idea what was in the collection and had no idea how vast it was and how many gorgeous designer and couture garments, hats, shoes and handbags were included. I also remember thinking 'what on earth am I going to do with it'!


Have you always loved clothes/ fashion/ vintage?


I have always loved clothes and fashion. It was heaven. But as for vintage fashions, to me they were just second hand clothes and I couldn't understand the fascination with them let alone wearing them.
I think my godmother saw something in me I didn't realise was there. By giving me her collection she knew I would honour her hopes of turning it into something, but never in her wildest dreams did she think her collection would become my career.


Do you wear pieces from the collection or is it all stored?


I always wear a mix of vintage and new and enjoy creating unique and one-off outfits with what I have in my wardrobe. I have 2 vintage collections: one is the vast one (over 5000 items) stored in Sydney in a storage unit and the other (around 300 items) is hanging in my huge walk in wardrobe at home. The pieces I wear that are at home are the ones I have bought, either from auctions in the US or from vintage shops I find on my travels around the world.

‘Dreaming of Chanel’ is available in bookstores now.