Vintage fashion has fast become a highly influential force in fashion trends, and is now undeniably part of the phenomenal social zeitgeist. Vintage Fashion not only represents classic style of by-gone eras, it is indeed loved by many as a portal for unique personal style as well as the great satisfaction of owning one-off, collectable pieces.  The versatility of Vintage means it can be perfect alternative to the high street just as much as a perfect combination with it and it also boasts ethical and sustainable credentials too.

Today, Vintage fashion needs to be wearable, trend setting and complimentary to our modern wardrobes.  With genuine, quality vintage fashion (no the “by the bagful” item found at some fairs) becoming increasingly rare and more and more difficult to obtain, buying vintage is not just an economic investment but ensures the consumer has a one of a kind piece, (which appeals in today's mass produced throwaway culture) as well the great satisfaction of owning one-off, collectable items.

AVFF has noticed this changing shift in the market and engaged with fans on twitter in a in-depth debate surrounding the subject of the changing face of Vintage. It threw up some interesting comments especially in relation to High-street retailers using the term “Vintage” in relation to reproduction or vintage “inspired” pieces:

The pinpoint question on whether the mainstream capitalization on the rising popularity of vintage is destroying the true term and definition of true ‘vintage’?  We posted a phone snap taken in high-street Oasis store to illustrate our point. Rebekah Musik (@Rebmusik) who runs an online boutique identified the oversized label photographed as somewhat of a oxymoron with the expressions ‘New Vintage’. Rebekah believes that ‘vintage sellers will have to work harder to educate their customers what proper vintage is’.  We agreed that knowledge is key and that it is surprising at what some of the younger generation deem as vintage… We had 16/17 year old girls declaring vintage to them is anything from the year 2000. The boundaries are definitely blurring and there is an ambiguity surrounding the term.

Is buying vintage inspired replicas “copycat” fashion on the high-street more accessible and less imitating for most?

..."with vintage, you are buying a little slice of history

…So much of the high street is influenced by vintage. But why buy a cheap imitiation, when you can have the real thing?”

- Nicky Burke (@curiouslondon)

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Anita's Birthday Vintage Fashion Fair Special 3rd July 2011

The 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London, W11


A very special fair indeed, as the lady behind the name, Anita, ("The Queen Bee of Vintage "- Time Out) also shared her Birthday on the same day. A petite but exclusive vintage fashion event of 26 exhibitors was held at the fantastic 20th century theatre in the heart of Notting Hill. An Aladdin's cave of delights attracting vintage dealers and vintage fans who look for exceptional quality vintage fashion and accessories.

THANK YOU

to all those who kindly attended and to our beauty sponsor Lipcote, and the vintage styling specialists Lipstick & Curls.

"See you at the next vintage fair 25th September at BAC, Battersea London!" - Love Anita x


Filmed and edited by Jessica Beckett & Elise Augustin