The rebirth of vintage

Lena | September 16, 2009 | 0 Comments

oxfam-looks-good Sustainable Fashion is what the project is being branded as profits are going to fight world poverty. In my own fight to complete my wardrobe, I recently bought a floral print puffball skirt which looks perfect with a tight white vest top and pumps. Looking at the ensemble in the mirror, I realised something was missing. I decided that a denim shirt thrown on like a cardigan would complete the ensemble and typed ‘www.topshop.com’ into my web browser.

Then I had a brain wave. Ebay. I’d previously only used the online auction site to purchase cheap books and the odd DVD or Christmas present that needed to be shipped from the States (the lengths I went to for ex boyfriends…) but when I searched for vintage clothing I was staggered at how many incredible items appeared on my screen. As my heart pounded and my eyes widened, I questionedwhether I should in fact be left alone with a credit card and laptop as I scrolled through pages and pages of vintage splendour.

I decided to bid on a few items – what harm could it do? I selected an Eighties blue and white stripy nautical top to wear with leggings, a second-hand Nineties checked Indie slouch boyfriend shirt, an Eighties oversized cream cardigan with navy detailing as well as a quilted handbag with chain straps to be worn as a statement piece with black outfits or striking patterns. I won the lot for £30.

My quest for more items didn’t stop there – I found a whole page of vintage Dior silk scarves and bought one from the Seventies. I found pages of vintage Chanel items including a pair of huge gold dangling hoop earrings with the famous CC logo in the centre which I would have bid on if I could fork out the £300 price tag – the same goes for a vintage patent leather Versace handbag. I may need a block on my computer when my bank balance is healthier, however.

I spoke to one Ebay user, Kimberley, 21, who has been selling her vintage clothing both on Ebay and MySpace for the last couple of years. She told me that for her, selling her old items is merely to “make room for all the new stuff I keep buying”. But with a penchant for all things fashionable and unusual, she tells me that “Ebay is great for people like me. It gives me a chance to get rid of all my old clothing to people who will want and wear it as well as meaning I have money to buy all the clothes I want.”

Another friend whose bedroom can only be described as a shrine to Coco Chanel used Ebay to find her own vintage Chanel handbag. The item in question is undeniably divine – patent leather with that iconic chain mail strap and the logo in gold on the flap. “I love it. It’s genuine, from Italy and it’s old which makes it even better.” Selling vintage clothing and accessories has a certain charm that is completely unique.

Passing on something that you’ve worn and loved has a certain sentimental quality and ensures that the item will continue to be worn or used for years. And on the purchasing end, finding vintage clothing from a website or from a charity shop means that not only have you bought into a fashion statement but a piece of someone’s history at an exceptionally low price. So whether it’s an impulse buy on Ebay or an investment in Oxfam, the exchange of vintage clothing has become profitable: one woman’s indulgence is another woman’s benefit – and that goes for fighting world poverty or supplying that must have Twenties leather handbag and gold Chanel earrings. Now, where’s my laptop…