Vintage Clothing

VINTAGE

clothing

STORY PATTY BEAL DETAIL PHOTOS CARLIN BEAL

Has anyone noticed that the word vintage has the word age in it? Was that a coincidence or on purpose? Maybe vint means something! One moment, I'm googling that.... It does! Besides meaning a card game, the wind and the process of making wine from fruit, it's Latin for "twenty" or 2 tens/decades. Of course, just like the Starbucks 20oz venti sized cup of Joe!

In keeping with our venti theme I researched about 20 articles and youtube videos looking for a consensus of what qualifies as vintage. Ironically, I found about 20 different answers. However, the vast majority stipulates that clothing from the 1920's through the 1980's are designated as vintage.

The internet vintage "experts" also note that the golden era of vintage is the 20's-60's.

While I have a heightened appreciation of historic fashion and design having worked in the rag trade for 30 years, I wouldn't consider myself a vintage expert or collector. So, armed with my newly acquired cyber education in all things vintage, I set out to find our local Northshore shop owners and vintage connoisseurs for their take on this fashion vibe that combines style, history, mystery and commerce.

Tucked away in its own little hamlet along the Trace in downtown Covington, Rosemary’s Closet is an eclectic and iconic vintage store gem. Stepping into longtime owner Elizabeth Williams’ shop is like going back in time. I found clothes and accessories dating back nine decades! I asked her, “Who buys vintage?” Thrilled that I asked, she quickly replied, “People who are creative, intelligent, and have a sense of humor.” Enjoying her response and candor, I asked how she acquired such an impressive assortment. Elizabeth reminisced about catching the collectors’ bug after her days shopping estate sales here on the Northshore and in New Orleans 25 years ago. “It’s the thrill of the hunt! You have to get it because you’ll never find it again. It’s a one of a kind.”

Having the feeling I could chat all day with Elizabeth in her quaint little boutique, I pulled myself away to call on a dear fashion friend, Lisa Galatoire, to pick her vintage connoisseur brain. I asked Lisa, “What attracts you to vintage clothing?”

With an elaborate wave of her hand she answered, “Oh I just love that era, the classy, elegant feeling of that time. I’m fascinated with the patterns, colors, the designs and the impeccable workmanship. It’s like art. You just don’t see exquisite details like that anymore. Like the buttons. The most beautiful buttons!” Mesmerized by her passion, I asked, “Who inspired your love for garments from the past?”

Her other arm swept across between us, “Oh dawlin’, my grandmother was a buyer for a classy ladies’ boutique in downtown New Orleans. I was her only granddaughter so she dressed me to the nine’s. And she never left the house without a full ensemble: the dress, the hat, the purse, the gloves. She was a class act. I remember like it was yesterday, sitting with her, looking through all her old photos in all her beautiful clothes. If only I had her clothes today, I’d wear them myself everyday of the week!”

Combining my information from the internet and my two distinguished guests, here are some qualities to look for when shopping for authentic vintage:

1. Labels – Fabric and often embroidered. Made in the USA.

2. Closures – 20’s-30’s: buttons, hooks or snaps on side seams. 40’s-50’s: metal zippers on side seams. 60’s: metal zippers in center back. 70’s: plastic zippers in center back.

3. Fabric – Quality, substantial weight. Early pieces were natural fabrics.

4. Detailing – Beading, for example, is elaborate and hand done. Not mass produced.

5. Custom fit – Inside seam work is not ‘pretty’ as it was more important to get a perfect fit.

6. Sizing – Runs small for size. A 6 is not a 6, more like a 2 or 4 by today’s standards.

7. Condition – The more pristine, the more valuable.