Eco Fashion World

Photo courtesy of Mike Hilberger

If the word 'frock' doesn't freak you out a little bit there's a good chance you're open to a bit of classic, vintage shopping. I'm not talking everyday 'op-shopping'; I'm talking about seeking and carefully selecting timeless fashion pieces that have lasted the test of time. Well cut, good quality garments made to endure and unique, original pieces that simply aren't available elsewhere, are the bounty hunter's prize of a vintage shopper and are items you may expect to find at a good vintage outlet, website or fair.

Whilst it's true that for some people the term 'vintage clothing' is just a posh way of referring to 'pre-loved' or 'second-hand' clothing, generally it refers to clothes from a certain era (often post 1920s); like frocks from the 1950s and 60s.

If you're looking for vintage gloves, shoes, handbags, jackets, hats and frocks, (after you've raided your grandmother's wardrobe) the thriftiest option is certainly to check out your local op-shops/ charity stores/ second hand clothing stores. Local 'op-shops' have started to label 'vintage' and 'retro' racks to make your search easier – but it can still be quite a challenge to find good quality fashion amongst the donated items.

Around the capital cities of Australia, vintage markets are growing in popularity. The Sydney Vintage Clothing Fair and Brisbane Vintage Fashion Fair epitomise the trend. On a smaller scale, local 'Ladies Markets', such as the one in Mordialloc and St Kilda see women of all ages holding stalls selling gorgeous genuine vintage skirts and dresses through to pre-loved items of this year's fashion.

There are also shops that specialise in genuine vintage fashion. With stores on Crown Street, Surry Hills and the famous Bondi Beach, 'Grandma Takes a Trip' stocks a phenomenal range of garments from the 1920s through to the 1990s.

Or, if you're not located near a vintage fashion store or market, sites like Vintage Market have a great range of accessories and books. Similarly, further abroad, sites like Vintageous in the US stock some very classy dresses, suits, wedding dresses and accessories, and are also happy to post internationally.

If you're in the UK keep an eye out for events like the Affordable Vintage Fashion Fair which are popping up everywhere…so far there are 20 locations and counting…! The Affordable Vintage Fashion Fair site also lists a good range of boutiques where vintage fashion may be purchased online.

Photo courtesy of Mike Hilberger

Vintage fashionistas in the UK are also flocking to the increasingly popular Frock Me Vintage Fashion Fair in Chelsea which has seen the likes of Kylie Minogue and Kate Moss browsing through its vintage wares. Fashion students, designers and those in the know are drawing inspiration from by-gone eras to create unique outfits, with a touch of femininity, style and class. Of course, it doesn't hurt that these items were made to last well beyond the life-span of today's 'throw-away' range.

Vintage Fashion in Australia (and beyond) is certainly not just for the ladies! Combining contemporary fashion with a classic waist-coat or a reclaimed fedora is becoming an increasingly popular look amongst young Australian gents. The key for both guys and girls is to make sure the items fit well and you feel comfortable wearing them. Your local tailor/clothing alteration service comes in very handy in terms of adjusting vintage outfits to your particular body shape.

For Australians, subscribing to publications such as the very cute 'Peppermint Magazine', or countless Vintage Fashion blogs, will keep you informed of upcoming events. For those in the UK, sites such as Daisy Green will tell you what's happening.

So, if you long for the days when women swished around in dresses and skirts and everyone had a 'Sunday Best' outfit set aside for special occasions, when clothes were made with attention to detail and with the intention of lasting longer than just this season; if you want to complement your existing wardrobe with some classical items, or luxuriate in an outfit that was made for comfort when your Grandma was a girl, and if the word 'frock' doesn't freak you out at all… then vintage shopping is for you!

Comments (1)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form