The term vintage was borrowed from wine making and evokes the art of fine living. Vintage fashion, introduced to the Oscars’ red carpet by Julia Roberts in 2001, has grown into a full-fledged, multi-generational trend. But what do the teenager on the look out for a worn leather jacket to match her jeans, the elegant beauty who adorns her curves with a suit from 1900, and the chic matron, proud of her 1957 Kelly bag have in common? The art of fine living. Vintage has become something of a statement for the (many) women and (fewer) men who want to set themselves apart from mass consumption and to revisit the history of elegance.
For me, 'Vintage' doesn't mean so much any more. There are so many 'Vintage' shops selling second hand clothes. I am really into second hand, but true vintage is your mum's Barbour from her twenties, your grandma's bag or ring or a silk Chanel scarf. These are truly valuable vintage items to me at least. When people add a vintage label and whack up the price, it annoys me. I love car boot sales and seeing the same thing for 50p at a boot sale and in a shop for £40 or more is increasingly frustrating. My best buy is still a neon pink, truly vintage Hermes clutch that I picked up for 20p at a Jumble Sale and its when you find a one off like that that vintage truly becomes valuable and worthwhile, as well of course as aesthetically pleasing!
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