Vintage Collective: Summer Fashion Show

It can be hard to know how to wear vintage.

As with all clothes, there are some outfits that on a hanger look beautiful, but put them on… And it’s a whole different story.

And there are those that look unattractive on a hanger and pop them on and they look stunning.

But vintage is a little bit different. You can play with it a bit more I think. You can wear it in the classic manner – a 1950s dress, pearls and heels – but some people find that too daunting and actually a single vintage piece can be better than an entire outfit.

And it doesn’t stop there – that suit that you think looks frumpy, separate it, wear the jacket with jeans and the the skirt with a t-shirt, you’ve made it a more accessible, and possibly more comfortable, look.

Personally, I’m not afraid of either. I love nothing more than swanning around in a 1970s maxi dress, complete with wedges, big hair, chandelier earrings and a whole pile of false lashes. I do however, like to mix and match and sometimes a cape over a pair of jeans and boots can look just as good as a twinset and pearls.

Recently the Vintage Collective held a fashion show in Salford, at the Creative Cafe. As you’d expect, with vintage traders such as Thrift Junkie, Mint Vintage, Vintage Belle and Black Rose Vintage and with Nikki Armstrong taking care of hair and make up, it was set to be a truly fabulous evening.

I was also set to be spoiled, as I took a seat on the front row (I don’t think I’ve ever been front row for anything) with my lovely little a cocktail, courtesy of sponsors Ever So Bazaar, ready to watch the parade of models strut their stuff down the summery catwalk.

I also discovered a little packet of sweeties on my chair.

Told you, spoilt.

As an opener to the night, partner in the Cafe, Eileen, treated us to her soulful voice, singing with both backing track and acapella. When we could finally move our senses back to the present, Gabrielle, owner of Vintage Belle began to introduce the models.

As expected there were some beautiful traditional looks, as we had the opportunity to ogle pieces from all of the Collective.

From this very summery 1950s piece, complete with petticoat and contrasting tone accessories….

… to this beautifully fitted number, which unsurprisingly was snapped up swiftly afterwards.

Personal favourites included this gorgeous, glittery blue shift dress, which just screamed Joan Holloway to me, and begged for a little boxy 1960s handbag and some gloves (both of which I just happen to have at home).

And this gorgeous crinoline 1960s number, that I just wish I had the legs for. Obviously this model has them in abundance. And I’m not jealous at all….. Honest….

And how I wished this yellow suited me! This would have been a perfect day to evening dress for the summer. Cute low heels during the day, big wedges or stillettoes for the evening to show off tanned legs. Sigh.

Thrift Junkie played with festival chic and adapted some vintage pieces to suit and there were more stunningly leggy models to make me envious.

For those of us who prefer to cover up a little bit more – and enjoy playing with more traditional vintage styles – we edged into the 1970s and flower power. Floral head bands, maxi skirts and sandals made me long for a big stage, some really good music and a tent.

And the gentlemen weren’t exempt. Liam modelled this nod to hippy chic with aplomb – unsurprisingly the ladies in the audience were very impressed.

He had also modelled a more sedate number earlier in the evening – and I must admit to having a soft spot for a man in a cardigan.

As we started to edge forward in time towards the 1980s, my envy knew no bounds. This denim jumpsuit, hugged fabulous curves perfectly.

And I do hope that she took that home with her.

The gents indulged a little too, I rather loved this outfit and I know one or two NQ chaps who would happily reach for their wallets.

We edged into glamour with a delicious green asymmetric dress…

I had to stop reaching for my purse immediately.

Finally, to prove that vintage truly does suit all ages, we had a mother son pairing, who were just beautiful and a divine young lady, showing us that Zandra Rhodes isn’t just for the rich and famous, but can be dressed down and look just as stunning.

Modelling over, we retreated to the boutique, where all the traders had set up rails, featuring both those outfits that had been modelled earlier in the evening and some little extra tidbits for us to ogle, try on an purchase.

It was crowded, busy and fun. People selected, tried on, purchased.

I too couldn’t help myself, purchasing a bag of goodies including, after years of looking, a yellow dress that suits me. What more could a girl ask?

Except of course matching shoes, handbag, gloves and hat…

But that’s for another time.

Thanks must go to Vintage Belle for the invitation to the event and covered the cost of our tickets.