A Vintage Voyage Around the Capital by Laura Louise Frampton
24-11-2006
Admittedly the High Street offers many benefits to us all, a selection of sizes, colours and shapes. But have you ever been to a party or a social gathering only to find someone else wearing your dress?? Oh the humiliation! That’s why I love the vintage trend, it’s a magical world of unique garments bursting with personality & soul!
Throughout London I visit a variety of stores for my regular vintage hit, including Circa in Fulham High Street, Marshmallow Mountain on Carnarby Street & Rokit off Covent Garden’s Neal Street. A smart organised shop, full of party frocks, chunky knits and an array of leather boots & coats for males and females alike. The magic jumps out from the over flowing row of belts, ties and braces in the centre of the store encouraging us all to keep our trousers up in true retro fashion!
With the likes of Kate & Sienna swooning the streets of London and New York, the trend in vintage fashion has grown immensely, providing the only downfall to my hobby… the rising price tags. However, you can overcome the expense of classic items by shopping at the markets of London; Camden Lock, Spitalfields and Portobello Market – all famous for their jewellery and second hand clothes. In addition offering a vast variety of stalls celebrating the decades of fashion with 60’s dresses, classic leather shoes/boots, unique coats and jewellery galore! My most recent purchase of gorgeous crème peep toes make me feel a million dollars but fortunately didn’t break the bank!
If you dream of a collaboration of era’s all under one roof The Vintage Fashion Fair is the place to go. Last held on October 1st at Earls Court, it was a splendid celebration of fashion history. You are free to riffle through the racks of clobber dating from the 1800’s to the 1980’s with designers and shops from all over Britain.
Biba Lives vintage range was the main attraction. They offered everything from everyday shoes and coats to unique cocktail dresses and evening gowns. I found true happiness with the purchase of a perfectly preserved 60’s vanity case -¦ which now sits proudly on my bedside table. Not only is this a classic touch to the room but it also provides a clever storage solution for all my vintage accessories, including 1970’s glass earrings, pearls and 1920’s lace gloves all purchased from the vast selection of stalls that were at my disposal.
With the rise in vintage trend it was imminent that ˜Beyond Retro, a favourite with east Londoners, would open its doors to a new Soho boutique. The crowds gathered on October 17th to catch a glimpse at the thousands of one-of-a-kind items, selected from around the world. The American clothing outlet offers an everlasting supply of items so take your pick from stacks of 50’s prom dresses, rock t-shirts, vintage denim, flight bags and more. A must for all retro lovers!
By Laura Louise Frampton
