Hat by Betsy Hatter. Picture: Denise Bradley

The best of Vintage Norwich came out in force for a glittering awards ceremony for Norwich Fashion Week. Emma Harrowing finds out who the winners were on the red carpet.

In fashion circles there is nothing quite like an awards ceremony.

We judge what outfits guests are wearing with a critical eye, we look for hair trends that we can copy at home (remember Helen Mirren’s candy-floss pink hair at the Baftas?) and we relish that sometimes celebrities get it wrong when it comes to style.

When it comes to the Vintage Norwich awards, however, most guests look impeccable.

The vintage scene in Norwich has spawned a generation of men and women who take advice from the glamorous Hollywood icons and of men and women from past generations in that maintaining a polished look is key.

Rather than follow faddy fashion trends, they dress in classic shapes that flatter their figure, favouring the nipped-in waists and full skirts over contemporary body con dresses, or putting on a three-piece suit rather than jeans and slouchy shirt.

And so the guests for the second Best of Vintage Norwich Awards held at Norwich Puppet Theatre turned out in their best attire, all vying for a place as the best in vintage.

The awards were organised by Gemma Seager, otherwise known as vintage fashion blogger Retro Chick and editor of website Vintage Norwich. Voting began a few months ago with the public voting for their favourite vintage boutique, club night or designer. The top three in each category then went back to public vote to find the winner.

Here’s who you voted for as this year’s winners:

Best Vintage Style Photographer: Joanna Millington

Her quirky take on wedding photography that really captures the essence of the Big Day has made Joanna one of the most well-known vintage style photographers in Norwich. She wins the award for the second year.

Best Non Fashion Retailer: Aladdin’s Cave

A treasure trove of vintage and antique fair, Aladdin’s Cave on Magdalen Street moved from Looses this year to set up a new shop near Anglia Square. The shop is, well, an Aladdin’s cave of furniture, trinkets, clothes and other second-hand paraphernalia. The shop wins the award for the second year running.

Best Vintage Event: Sheringham 1940s weekend

This event sees the North Norfolk Railway turned back to the days of the second world war. The weekend mixes the smell of steam with wartime rations (tea and Spam sandwiches), Jitterbug dancers, re-enactment groups and a collection of 1940s vehicles.

Best Vintage Style DJ: Earl Harlem

Dubbed as the purveyor of fine vintage character, DJ Earl Harlem wins the award for the second year in a row. Earl Harlem has a range of vintage personalities for every occasion, from Champagne Charlie to Arry Iggins – he is Norwich’s very own stylish Harry Enfield.

Best Bar or Café: Biddy’s Tea Room

The quaint tearoom on Lower Goat Lane has expanded over the past year so that more people can experience their decadent tea and cake. Now offering a takeaway service as well as a sit in the café, Biddy’s is quickly becoming one of the must-go-to places in the city.

Best Vintage Club Night: Bo Nanafana Social Club

It’s no surprise that Bo Nanafana won this accolade for the second year running – their club nights are always a sellout and people really go out of their way to dress up in whatever quirky theme the club thinks of next.

Best Vintage Hairdresser and Best Vintage Make-up Artist: Flamingo Amy

Known for her amazing vintage hair creations, Flamingo Amy has recently added vintage make-up artist to her repertoire. With a loyal following both in Norwich and London, these two awards are thoroughly deserved for someone who is so passionate about vintage style.

Best Vintage Fair: Norwich Original Fleamarket

It’s one of Norwich’s biggest and probably longest-running vintage fairs and for the first time this year the fair was part of Norwich Fashion Week. If you haven’t made it to this fair, it’s well worth a visit.

Best Vintage Clothing Retailer: Prim Vintage

Perhaps one of the more spaciously laid out vintage fashion boutiques in Norwich, Prim Vintage boasts vintage fashion for women and men (they have a whole floor dedicated to menswear). With window displays that really inspire and catch the eye, Prim wins the award for the second time.

Best Vintage Style Designer: Betsy Hatter

Her hat and headwear designs are loved by many in Norwich and it will be only a matter of time before this Norwich designer will be taking the rest of the UK by storm with her 1940s and ’50s-inspired millinery. Betsy Hatter designer Siofra Connor uses tradional hat-making techniques to make customised and off-the-shelf designs that will complete any outfit.

Get all the news from Norwich Fashion Week on our dedicated fashion week pages online edp4.co.uk/lifestyle/nfw-2013 and read your EDP all this week for reviews and pictures of the shows and events.