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Design Studio CC Media
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Disclaimer:
I do not proclaim to be an authority on any of the subjects
I write about. I merely share my experiences with
those who wish to learn from it, or just read about it.
Please
contact us should you have additional information or
information that proves otherwise.
 Fashion
is
all
about the
NEW, and
the
unexpected…
... but we often find
ourselves looking to “the
old” and
“the
known” for
inspiration.
Introduction:
Not
so long as 30-40 years ago, wearing someone else’s
clothing, belonged to the poor. It was absolutely
unheard of, neighbouring on the reprehensible or even
disgraceful and pathetic. “Hand-me-downs” were a sign
of poverty, scorned like The Scarlet.
But
today, the rules have changed drastically. Wearing
items of clothing from the past no longer initiates a
raised eyebrow of disapproval or pity. It raises
endorsement, maybe even a bit of envy. Today, it is
almost “posh” to wear “vintage”.
What is
“vintage”?
When is it vintage? Why wear vintage?
Down vintage lane
By definition:
“vin.tage (vin’tij)-adj.
1. a) of a good vintage
or period; choice [vintage wine] b) representative
of the best
2. representative or
dating from a period long past [Vintage clothes].
Vintage
– a voguish alias for “secondhand”, “used” or sometimes
“retro” – simply refers to clothes and accessories that
were made in the past.
If
you are searching for a common thread in fashion, that
usually ends up pointing to a specific trend or a
designer’s signature: either full length gowns or tiny
waists, lengthening or receding hemlines, military-style
coats or Western-inspired pants; thin ties, baggy
trousers or wide lapels, chances are that you might not
find it where you expect it.
Fashion today, is no longer about one style or one
designer’s signature; it’s about hundreds of styles and
thousands of designers. It’s about a delicate blend of
elegance and effortlessness, a combination of the old
with the new, a little tradition mixed in with the
forward-thinking. And it’s about innovation and
individualism, about panache and fun, the result of
which not only works, but works well. It’s about
vintage…
What is “vintage”?
When is
it vintage?
Why wear vintage?
Down vintage lane
Setting time limits for
the definition of vintage can be quite challenging,
because everyone has a different opinion.
When
does something fall out of the realm of contemporary and
into the vintage arena? Is something ever too old to be
considered vintage, and if so, how old is too old? Some
insist that vintage refers to clothing and accessories
that are fifteen years old or more, or that were made
before the 1990’s, and after the 1930’s. Others
consider vintage to be anything made between the late
1880’s and early 1950’s. Others still are adamant that
it is anything made prior to the 1960’s, when wearing
old clothes became a fashion statement an not a mark of
poverty.
And then there are, of
course, the purists who argue that vintage is anything
that is not on the department store rack today.
Most
vintage dealers and collectors agree, however, that
vintage refers to the range of clothing and accessories
made from the late 1920’s (anything prior to that is
more akin to “costue” or “antique” than “vintage”)
through the mid 70’s. Anything made after that would
simply be too new. Some time needs to pass before
the qualities of a piece can properly be determined and assessed; and only with distance can
fabrication, style, quality and durability shine through
and be appreciated.
Only then it is vintage…
Vintage has become so popular that the millenium’s top
fashion designers – from John Galliano, to Calvin Klein,
and even myself - are rummaging through the recesses of
time and antiquated trends to find inspiration.
So
why is fashion by definition dedicated to all that is
new, different, and unexpected, turning to the past for
identity? And why are so many of today’s fashion icons
engaging in the hunt for vintage?
What is “vintage”?
When is it vintage?
Why wear
vintage?
Down vintage lane
-
The
thrill of the hunt and of the unexpected.......
-
The
variety of styles and sizes.......
-
The
quality of fabrics and craftsmanship.......
-
Knowing that what you have is
authentic or that it’s an original.......
-
The fun of recreating/rinventing old looks mixed
with modern pieces.......
-
The satisfaction of finding a
bargain – getting the best for less.......
What is “vintage”?
When
is it vintage?
Why
wear vintage?
Down
vintage lane
When I was still a
student at the International Academy of fashion, I
designed and made a fully lined black pencil skirt, all
fabrics included, custom-made for R27-00. A few days
ago, I received an e-mail from the client, informing me
that she sold this skirt to an enthusiastic buyer for a
whopping R390-00!
Soon it will also be
seen as “vintage”…
J
Me Julia Roberts, who
won Best Actress for her role in Erin Brokovich at the
OSCAR’s in 2001, wore a vintage black velvet Valentino
couture column gown with a tulle train and white line
accents. This changed “vintage” perceptions
extraordinarily.
If you’d like your own original
Simon Rademan gown made (bridal or evening), that may one day
become a “vintage” investment,
contact us.
Sources:
“Wearing
vintage” by Catherine Bardey
Google.com
Wikipedia.org
Eternal nothingness is fine
if you happen to be dressed for it.” - Woody Allen
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