Vintage clothing is a fashion trend that’s picking up pace, with more and more stores opening up to stock vintage and second-hand clothes. ‘Frock Me!’ fair was set up solely because of vintage’s growing hype, and tours in Brighton and Chelsea each year.
Camden, being one of the central hubs of this trend, has about 10 individual stores and stalls that stock these items. Some even have swing dresses, petticoats and sequined turbans from as far back as the 1950’s.
Olivia James, 21, a fashion intern and self-confessed fashionesta said: “There’s a demand for this clothing, especially in this sort of area. It’s sort of like a re-usable fashion and loads of people really like it.”
The idea of the ‘recycled fashion’ is bringing back clothes and fashionable trends from the past. The 80’s being a popular choice as the era had many memorable pieces.
From things like Christmas jumpers to denim jackets and even high wasted jeans, there’s an array of items to yearn for. Even high street shops seem to be jumping on the vintage bandwagon by copying some of these iconic looks.
Maxine Seigali, 19, a student, said: “A lot of it is overpriced and people still seem to buy it. It’s because there’s this hype surrounding it but the idea of wearing someone’s clothes just creeps me out.”
To satisfy the demand and feed the hungry retro lovers, some outlets have adopted the ‘aged look’ for their clothing in a bid to sell them and pass them off as unique pieces.
‘Vintage Outlet’ located in Chalk Farm, recently came under fire after it was found out they were conning people into thinking their items were original and not imitations. The store had been reproducing popular items in masses and selling them individually in a bid to make them seem unique.
The outlet is now said to be closing down.
Josh Akua, 23, a stall owner, wasn’t very impressed: “I don’t see the point in creating clothes to look dated. Most people can tell they’re fake anyway and if you can’t, well that’s your own fault.”
One of the main perks of purchasing vintage clothes is that most items are one offs. They can be a statement piece or can highlight your individual style.
Sometimes the best and the cheapest items can be found in charity shops. Some may be opposed to the idea but most of the items found in vintage stores are more than likely to have started in a charity shop or car boot sale.
With a handful of charity shops located in Camden alone, it shouldn’t be too hard to grab a bargain. Or better yet, have a rummage through your grandparent’s wardrobe and start a new trend!