A Beginner’s Guide to Vintage Dressing

Editorial

Blame it on nostalgia for a simpler past. Blame it on the fashion rain clouds of the present. Oh, blame it on the bossa nova if you must. The fact is, vintage and vintage-inspired clothes have begun to colonise the backs of modern men and women.

Personally, I couldn't be happier. For years, my preferred inspiration for attire was a hooker from 1964; I bought many of my items from rockabilly stores like Faster Pussycat (02 9519 1744. in Sydney and in 03 9416 0230 Melbourne) or online at Australian business Pinup Boutique. Both of these stores, by-the-bye, cater to the mid-century needs of both bodgies and widgies. I still adore a full-skirted polka dot number I purchased from this UK girls-only designer; Miss Vivien of Holloway has an Australian agent whom you may email for a peek at pettiskirt perfection at Christine@vivienofholloway.com.

Now, of course, late fifties and early sixties glamour is everywhere. Even chains like Dangerfield have a "Revival" line for ladies. I've sorted through these and they appear to be just as well made and conceived as more expensive items from the US such as Stop Staring or Bettie Page.  And, to be honest, they're currently a heckuva a lot nicer than the current disappointing range at my mainstay for years Route 66.

Naturally, as an utter snot, I decided to choose a less popular mode of dress. Further, I turned forty and decided it time to stop turning tricks with my wardrobe. These days, I'm edging into a more Mildred Pierce led style with a touch of nineteen-forties. Victory dames who prefer the more modest lines of the post-war era can find repro-items in Sydney's lovely Retrospect'd (Ph 02 9517 1387, they do mail order.)

As is the case with many women, I find the care taken with items, particularly such as those as you'll see in original gems at the extraordinary Melbourne clothing store Circa (ph 03 9419 8899), flatters my form far better than the tawdry little rags of the present. Many gents, I know, feel similarly and choose the confident drape of original items. Of course, outside of eBay, it's not so easy for the dapper chap to find his glad rags. However, one-off events such as the Sydney Vintage Show on October 14-16 are parfait for the contemporary dandy. Certainly, designers like Arthur Galan, Jack London, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and Calibre are incorporating an old-school feel into their newer dude threads.

For vintage swimwear, lads, again, it's time to roll the dice at online auction houses. Or, do try a look at Glamor Surf.  Ladies, however, could do no better than the lovely My Sister Pat in Ballarat (Ph 0419 518 850).

As you explore a century of attire and move between the decades to evolve your style, you may very well find that a tailor or dressmaker is the only fit. Honestly, I've been surprised at the relatively modest costs of made-to-measure garments. Just don't hog my gal Peta Pledger. She's working on making me look exactly like Joan Crawford.

Helen Razer, Citysearch