Rise in vintage

YORK’S GROWING VINTAGE FASHION SCENE

The Vintage Comeback

By Paisley Chalk

From Coney Street to Coppergate, is York’s well known high street slowly taking a vintage turn? To grasp an understanding of the growing vintage fashion scene, Gabriel Whalley a 19 year old retail worker at York Coppergates Topman store, knows his stuff about the vintage world, giving us an insight on Blue Rinse vintage fashion which has recently made a statement in Topman stores. Gabriel is also giving advice on the best vintage stores to shop at in York. If you are interested in finding out more on some valiant, vintage visions then get ready to have your mind opened wider to some eye opening vintage shops in the small City Of York.

THE POWER OF VINTAGE

Blue rinse was first established in Yorkshire in 1997 and this vintage company is now one of the largest vintage wholesalers in the UK. The main value of Blue Rinse is to be a vintage, used, recycled and lastly, reworked clothing company with an ethical and forward thinking approach to business. The main stores are located in Manchester and Leeds, however Topman in York now has it’s own handy section. ‘’The Blue Rinse stores are bursting at the seams, with handpicked gems from all around the world,’’ Gabriel remarks.

Topman isn’t the only store that stocks Blue Rinse, Urban Outfitters stores across Europe have a ‘Re-made in England’ range. For those who are largely interested in Blue Rinse, an online large store is easily accessible on EBay. Thus the market will always be provided for, whether this be someone looking to sell vintage items further on, a multinational retailer like Topman, or just someone who’s looking to extend their collection, Blue Rinse has an item suitable for everybody.

We have something for everybody.

York Coppergates Topman first launched the range in 2018, Gabriel stated that it is currently on the rise in Yorks Topman store and is selling exceptionally better than predicted. ‘’Although Topman York provide an excellent range of clothing for local shoppers, the closest independent Blue Rinse store is situated Leeds centre.’’

Gabriel made a confident point that ‘’You can literally get your hands on anything in the Leeds store, it’s a place of wonder some would say,’’adding that York’s store can still provide a variation of suitable vintage pieces.

THE POWER OF GUIDANCE

Gabriel Whalley, merchandiser of Blue Rinse.

*Expressions* 12 Walmgate- ‘’Their clothes are a lot more affordable, they also always have a heap ton of stock, so it’s likely you’ll find what you’re looking for in Expressions without doubt.’’ Gabriel advises Perhaps you’re a student looking to pimp out your wardrobe in a less expensive way and get more for your money when the next student loan drops? You should certainly make your down to Walmgate and check out some hot bargains.

*Chinese Laundry* 51 Goodramgate- Gabriel laughed ‘’This is pretty much your safest bet for absolutely everything, and is one of the first vintage stores I started shopping at, but don’t forget to check out Blue Rinse Topman for greatly priced affordable vintage pieces.’’

The location of each of these shops is particularly handy, whether you already live in York, have just moved to the city or visiting the city as a tourist, these shops are all based in the centre where the heart of York’s shopping is situated, therefore you are unlikely to struggle finding these hidden gems, and are guaranteed to enjoy your vintage hunting.

Gabriel expressed that the vintage stand located in Topman is somewhat a hidden gem. By all means the clothing is still selling well, but ‘’it is not yet getting the attention it yet deserves.’’ He explains that this is may be due to the fact that many locals are still very oblivious to the Blue Rinse launch. But every week new pieces are always getting sent in and they are certainly not to be missed due to these being one-off items which could be exactly what you are looking for. Many women now also purchase Blue Rinse items from Topman, increasingly driving more sales showing the real popularity and high demand for vintage pieces.

Gabriel is massively keen in regards to the large rise of York’s vintage fashion scene, therefore he agrees to share his top tips when on the search for vintage pieces, saying that he finds that the locals especially don’t look hard enough for vintage pieces and presume that the shops are all high-street without looking any further. Gabriel goes on to share with us his favourite vintage fashion shops in York which you shouldn’t miss out on, and should definitely visit if you are on the hunt for special vintage pieces.

*Dog And Bone Vintage* 28 Castlegate- ‘’A pretty good vintage store, which always has a variety of cool stuff in terms of clothing, they are also always selling other goodies, such as board games and even household items that are pretty edgy!’’ Gabriel remarked.

He also states that although this is one of his go-to vintage shops. If you are a student this shop is more along the pricey side, but the products sold are always a great standard of quality and you will be buying clothes and any other items which will last you for a very long time. So if you’re looking for that special statement vintage piece to show off, this may be the route for you.

Gabriel states that he prefers to shop in city centres as he gets to try the clothes on in store, rather than using the option of browsing online, as the luxury of ‘try before you buy’ is taken away. Gabriel says this takes away disappointment for when clothes bought online arrive and are not satisfactory to the needs of the buyer.

Gabriel remarks that York can be a hard place to shop if you don’t quite know what pieces you are searching for. Now you are aware of the hidden vintage gems Of York and the new introduction of Blue rinse, you can confidently check out and weigh up your vintage options and help the rise of vintage fashion commence.