What do you think when you hear the word ‘vintage’?
For some, it’s faded black and white photographs, 60’s wall
paper, flowered porcelain tea cups and high waist denim Levi shorts – stuff
that is old, classic but most of all, unique.
However, I’ve met people who think of charity shops and smelly,
old, second hand shoes. When questioned about it, their persistent argument seems
to consist of six words…“Someone could have died in it” – so....??? This is when a
frown occurs on my face, my eyes roll, my mouth opens and I say..” you just don’t
get it”.
This isn’t about being right or wrong, but in my opinion, a vintage
item tells a story, it’s a unique piece of history that’s waiting for someone
to continue its journey. I can’t help but feel privileged to be able to carry
on that journey.
I bought this 1970’s cheerleading jacket from Elysian Treasures, a shop in Hythe, Kent. It’s an original jacket from the Panthers team at Dunnville High School in America, once owned by a cheerleader named Debbie. Whenever I wear it (apart from it weighing me down!) I wonder who was Debbie? What was she like? – It makes me think about how clothes shape our identity. (Is that too deep to put on a blog?)
Anyway, for some great vintage buys I recommend - Beehive in
Greenwich and Rokit in Brick Lane. They’re full of character, bursting with
colourful fabrics and there are plenty of smelly old shoes to go around! Hmmm heaven.
