Photo: Kitty Gallannaugh Models: Samantha Hicks, Alicia Guseva & Sera Jyackaman. Make up & Hair: Laura Naish. Fashion Designer: Jennifer Lilly.
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MAGAZINE
A World of Vintage The trend for vintage is certanly not a fad. But why has it become so popular, and what effect has the global interest in this style for fashion and home had on the market? Johanna Bolhoven takes a look at the world of vintage.
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he vintage market is booming and, according to many, vintage has never been more in vogue – the Autumn Winter 2011 catwalks showcased elements of 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s fashion. But what do we define as vintage? Where does the appeal come from? And
how far does it reach? Typically, products produced before the 1920s are referred to as antique, and products from the 1920s to 1980s are considered vintage. This is not to be confused with retro, short for retrospective, or “vintage style”, both of which usually refer to products that simply imitate the style of a previous era. The Roberts Revival 250 Radio is an example of this;, it looks and feels like a 1950’s radio but is actually based on modern and digital technology. Much is written about what attracts people to genuine vintage pieces, whether it’s the desire to seek out individuality, the hunt for something
different from the usual high street offerings, or to own items that portray heritage, craftsmanship, style or simply “have a story to tell”. Steven Philip, of vintage boutique Rellik, sums up the sentiment well: ‘There is more body and soul in a vintage piece,’ he says. We can’t ignore the nostalgic worth of these products. Memories are important to each one of us and consumers will inevitably develop a strong emotional attachment with a product, brand or style that evokes a sense of “the good old days,” our childhood, or even granny’s secret recipes! Some argue that vintage has only become a significant trend since the
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