Vintage - it’s an investment
Monday, April 5th, 2010Shopping for vintage clothing can add certain flair and Je nai se quoi to your wardrobe. Don’t get me started on jewelry, I’m an addict when it comes to costume pieces hailing from the 40’s to the 80’s. The more gold, the better. Lets just be careful how we pair such adornments, or we may end up looking like a Versace ad (for some of us, that’s a good thing). I prefer Grace Kelly.
How do you think I came up with creating garment bags in the first place? To protect the smashing vintage dresses worth saving for the long haul. After-all, most vintage clothing meets high and generally agreed standards of aesthetic quality. We must treat our clothing with the same respect.
Collecting has various psychological, aesthetic and financial components—all molded together in different ways in the mind of each collector. Some cast their eye on azul blue and it registers as an automatic “must-have.” Some associate themselves and the brand enforcing a need for the lifestyle, Gucci circa 1967 (Jackie O status).
Lets start with a little Vintage 101:
- Invest: vintage clothing is an investment, and the more you care for it and preserve it, the more it’s worth (keep telling that to the boyfriends, husbands, etc - they’ll get the picture)
- Elements of aesthetic appreciation and worth include an understanding of the historical context: who was the designer; for which historical figure; and for what historical occasion? Documentary provenance accompanying a piece of vintage clothing may greatly increase its market value.
- Vintage clothing may or may not have wearable value. I have a 1920’s original flapper dress that I’ve thought about wearing for Halloween. Keep in mind, beads and certain silks are very delicate. There is a very fine line. Being a garment that is unwearable does detract from its value.
- Protect it: Whether it’s in a garment bag, shoe bag or folded in a box. Take into consideration its environment and ensure that moths and dust mites don’t get hungry for an expensive lunch.
- Embrace it. Own it. and LOVE IT. vintage finds, are truly one of a kind.
Last, but not least - check out some of my favorite places to learn, acquire and purchase fabulous vintage finds…
Sasha Maks - best jewelry collection hands down in San Francisco
Rare Vintage in NYC 24 W 57 St. you have to visit to know they house the real deal.
Shrimpton Couture in Toronto - Cherie is the go to source, period!
Vintage Expo - the best place on earth (next to Disneyland of course)
Eco & Vintage go hand in hand - Zuburia does a wonderful job for the conscious consumer
Tags: garment bags, Shrimpton Couture, vintage, vintage clothing, vintage jewelry
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