AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD

AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD.

AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD

file0001209214386  ebook cover #1 (1)Two days ago I had the privilege of talking with two of the owners of vintage clothing stores in Melbourne who have been doing business for years there.  Both of these stores were included in my book’s reference section two years ago, but I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting these women in person until now.

Nicole Jenkins, owner of CIRCA, is a true ‘grande dame’ of the vintage trade and has written several books.  One was awarded a bronze medal by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  Trained as a costume designer, she really knows her stuff down to the most technical details.  I certainly learned new things during our short visit and her passion for the care and conservation of true vintage fashion items plus her wealth of knowledge earn my respect.  She has lovely items for sale, plus a huge inventory behind the scenes – ranging from 1820’s to the present day.  Well worth a visit.

“Annie” and her husband have operated RetroStar for eleven years and are real veterans among vintage-hunters.  They have a delightful collection of remodeled true vintage and original true vintage, plus a smattering of new merchandise.  Jewelry, accessories and clothing of all types – dresses galore.  I especially enjoyed their relatively new “Forties/Fifties Room” that is filled with gems from those decades, in beautiful condition.  No matter what you’re seeking, there’s sure to be something of interest.  They bring in large numbers of “new” items every month.  Don’t miss it – lots of fun.

So there – what a treat!  Just another of the “perks” of my sleuthing investigations . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION  – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

GREAT COLORS IN A TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-MADE DRESS FROM THE SIXTIES

GREAT COLORS IN A TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-MADE DRESS FROM THE SIXTIES.

GREAT COLORS IN A TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-MADE DRESS FROM THE SIXTIES

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA     Before leaving Melbourne the last time, I found this beauty hiding in plain sight.  The vivid psychedelic print jumped out at me, for sure!

It was custom-tailored and the fabric is marvelous.  One of the most beautiful, heavy nylons I’ve come across for a long time.  You wouldn’t believe how it feels.

In a straight, shirt-dress style – it could be belted.  The sleeves are bracelet length, but are slit from the cuff to the shoulder to show bare arms.  I’m going to enjoy this one!  Can’t wait to see what turns up next . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

NEW AUSSIE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESSY BLOUSE IN A RARE FABRIC . . .

NEW AUSSIE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S DRESSY BLOUSE IN A RARE FABRIC . . ..

NEW AUSSIE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESSY BLOUSE IN A RARE FABRIC . . .

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA      Gorgeous 1960’s blouse that was a surprise find.  Unusual in two ways – the fabric is TETORON.  Tetron was a synthetic invented in the late 1950’s with multiple uses, but Tetoron is a bit of a mystery.  It may be related to Tetron, but I can’t find that reference.  I may have a book at home.

Second, the Hibodress label is fascinating.  Established by Holocaust survivor Olga Horak and her husband in the early 1950’s it was popular in Australia for at least two decades.

This blouse is beautifully made, with covered buttons, a pretty paisley print and fabric that has a hand(feel) similar to silk or rayon.  I must look up more about the Tetoron fabric.

So iconic Sixties in many ways, and so beautiful! . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

ANOTHER AUSSIE LBD FIND – THIS TIME IT’S TRUE VINTAGE ’80’S DOES ’40’S

ANOTHER AUSSIE LBD FIND – THIS TIME IT'S TRUE VINTAGE '80'S DOES '40'S.

VINTAGE-HUNTING IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit a street market and found a great 1960’s dress that I’ll show on the blog soon.  There were a few other treasures there – notably some beautiful old furs with unusual features.  I didn’t need to add them to my collection (and, space is an issue when traveling) but I’m always interested in looking at examples of old pieces.

After that, I was privileged to be guided around downtown Melbourne and noticed several vintage-clothing shops.  Didn’t have much time to stop, but I did run in to SHAG – one of the stores which is included in my book’s reference section, but  which I had not visited personally since it’s my first trip down under.

So much fun to look at what’s on their racks and to meet the salesperson, Leah, to get an update on the business.  They now have a website and on-line store, which will be added to their info in the book (a real advantage of using a digital format, rather than print).

I also discovered, sadly, that Anonymous Posh has closed.  Sounds like it had a good run, though!

Such fun to poke around or true vintage fashion down here – it is different in interesting ways, but also the same. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

MORE “NEW” AUSSIE FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S GINGHAM DRESSES

MORE "NEW" AUSSIE FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S – 1970'S GINGHAM DRESSES.

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE AUSTRALIAN HANDBAGS – IN BLACK AND WHITE

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE AUSTRALIAN HANDBAGS – IN BLACK AND WHITE.