Although most of my clothes are old, they don't quite fit into the 'vintage' category, and even if they did, no one would want to buy them if I were to hand them to a charity shop. My clothes are to the fashion world what the Trabant is to the world of cool cars. I think you get the picture.
Still, if you have interest in vintage clothes, whether for buying for yourself or a friend, or simply to gawk at, then you really ought to visit the unique
Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair that takes place on an almost regular basis at
The Urdang on Rosebery Avenue, opposite Sadler's Wells Theatre.
The fashion fair is an opportunity to browse and buy items from a wide selection of vintage clothes, shoes, handbags, hats, gloves, textiles & jewellery.
All the bits and bobs on sale span from the 1800s to the not-so-long-ago-actually-I-might-still-be-wearing-something-from-then 1980s.
There's a cafe serving refreshments and a dressing room where alterations can be made to your purchases, should they be a bit long in the leg or some such other area. Alterations are made by the lovely Lindsay, a highly skilled dressmaker with more than 25 years' experience. Lindsay's price list for alterations can be viewed
here.
Of course, you're not obliged to buy something. You're more than welcome to just browse and admire some fine garments and accessories from yesteryear – take Ma and Gran along and make it a nostalgic afternoon to remember.
The Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair opens its doors at 11am and keeps them that way (ie. open) until 4.30pm. Entry to the fair costs £4.
Enjoy a fun afternoon out. Find that special party frock. Be inspired by the styles of years gone by. And best of all, feel good that you're being friendly to the environment; after all, these exquisite vintage clothes are being recycled for other generations to enjoy.
