I don’t call myself a vintage fashion lover, because vintage clothing is more than merely a fashion status. I’d classify myself as a vintage stylist, playing with treasures from my grandma’s closet.
Because vintage style never fades.
Because the moment of glory that a piece of vintage dress has ignited in the past has been preserved, or in fact been fermented just like a bottle of cognac to be at its finest form.
My obsession with vintage started fairly young when mom introduced me to her Chanel treasure troves in the 80s (to be precise, it’s me trying on mum’s jewelry when she wasn’t home!). And it has grown into an obsession since watching Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday whose timeless elegance has got me fascinated.
Since then I’ve always enjoyed imagining the stories behind a piece of clothing with history. Styling with vintage is a very expressive form of visual art. I love how unique and one-of-a-kind each piece is, back in the old days before mass production and fast food chain style fashion empires rule the world.
From the cobblestone alley of Pairs to the cafe-lined streets of Melbourne, I’ve traveled to a few places to bring rare pre-loved pieces home. Here’re some of my top vintage shopping destinations:
- Les 3 Marches de Catherine B Paris: Luxury vintage store off a hidden side street in St Germain Des Pres specialising in pre-loved Chanel and Hermes.
- Chapel Street Bazaar. Melbourne
- J’antiques, Nakameguro in Tokyo
- Haight Ashbury Vintage, San Francisco
- Beyond Retro Brick Lane, London
- Online: Vestiaire Collective and of course, the Lace n Ruffles Boutique
I’ve heard Berlin, Dallas and Glasgow are the other great cities to buy 1920s flapper dressess, 1950s Dior and 1970s maxi – these places all top my bucket list! So tell me fellow vintage-holic, do you have any recommendations for best cities and online stores to find pre-loved treasures? What is your most cherished piece of vintage buy?
Until next time, stay classy.
Lace n Ruffles Lookbook
Faux fur cape (1960s) | Frock Up Brisbane Fair
Yellow sundress (1970s) | Chapel Street Bazaar, Melbourne
Sunglasses (1970s) | Vestiaire Collective
Boot shoes | Anthropologie