When we travel, there’s always one woman whose style stands out. Whether it’s in Paris, Tokyo, Milan or the South of France, she’s impeccably dressed, and it’s not always new season.
The clothes aren’t off the racks. They aren’t from this season, or last. They’re collected, pieced together over years, across cities and through inherited pieces. Heirlooms worn with intention. Vintage styled with a modern touch. Her wardrobe isn’t a shopping habit, it’s more a labour of love.
For us, this became an emblem for our own style journey. Owning pieces that hold meaning, that have lived a life of their own before finding their way to us, is something we find endearing, and irreplaceable. That something, is vintage.
THE ART OF THE FIND
When you find vintage pieces that truly enhance your style, you’ll feel it instantly.
There’s a quiet confidence felt from within knowing the rarity of someone wearing the same item (in an era where everything feels replicated), is limited, and that’s assuring. The way you choose to then style those pieces becomes an extension of who you are; Intentional, personal and entirely your own.
Vintage has never been a form of passive shopping. It’s strategic and all encompassing. Whether it be online or in store, the thrill is all in the find. And that’s what makes it so rewarding.
Picture finding a circa 2002 Lagerfeld Chanel Cruise tweed jacket nestled in a quaint store in Paris. The rush alone is the reward. And the price? Oftentimes, even more rewarding.
Beyond the find itself, lies the history that comes with it.
THE DESIGNER’S FINGERPRINT
Each story that transcends from garment to owner feels powerful. It ultimately tells a story from a time where fashion wasn’t so fleeting. It also signals back to the construction process.
Older garments were crafted differently. The fabric, the weight, the finishings and the details. When you touch a vintage Dior from the 80’s, you can visibly see the difference in design. The quality of stitching was built to last, and the shaping is a document of the year it was created.
It too becomes a game of luck when you find the designer’s fingerprint. The almost invisible stitching on a 90s Dior. The weight of a Lagerfeld era Chanel tweed, and the interlocking CC hardware telling you exactly when and where it was made. Details like this were never made for marketing, they were signatures.
Designs were essentially made to last and savour, in a world where they’re now made to sell.
And then there’s the sustainability conversation, which vintage explains quietly. The most sustainable garment is simply the one already made. No new resources, no new waste. Just something beautiful that deserves another chance of life.
OUR EDIT
So what does intentional vintage shopping actually look like in practice?
Last weekend we attended Evoiia’s vintage pop up in Sydney for a second time this year. Chanel, Dior, Chloé and Valentino lining every rack – it was a frenzy, and we were absolutely here for it. Evoiia has quickly become one of our most trusted stores when it comes to collecting vintage. There’s a plethora of options sourced globally, meaning you’ll always find something unique and in excellent condition.
Amongst the chaos, we walked away with a 90’s Dior crochet, pearl button jacket, and leopard Fendi pants with a wonderfully tight fit (yes, leopard is certainly back). With this in mind, we always make sure the pieces we collect are in tune with our current wardrobe, particularly new season.
Here’s a subtle check list we use to help navigate the hard questions before purchasing;
- Condition first; always check for colour deterioration and wear
- Will it work with what you already own? The best pieces slide into a current wardrobe effortlessly
- Trust the try-on – you’ll know when it’s right
- Know your measurements (it changes everything)
- Research house codes and signatures to ensure authenticity and value
- Leave room to experiment. The best pieces are almost always outside of your comfort zone
Vintage isn’t a category. It’s a philosophy. And once it’s yours, everything else feels a little ordinary.
Yours truly,
TBD x
