History Channel Restoration?

foofoogal

foofoogal

Registered Guest
I am not a member of the VFG ( I am a general dealer) but a lover of vintage of all kinds. I love the fact that the VFG is a wealth of information on vintage clothing.

I watch the Restoration show religiously and every time I see old rusty things revived I always think why in the world do they not have a show like this for Vintage Clothing and Accessories.

I thought of this again when the wheat colored Herman Marcus maxi dress I was soaking today turned out to be a lovely buttery yellow. I am sure eventually the dirt that came out of that dress would of damaged it greatly.

I have practically begged them on Twitter History channel.
I don't want to be a part of actually restoring but I am sure there are many associated with the VFG that would be capable of this. I do believe many vintage lovers would love this show if it came about.

I have such a cute 1/2 of a dress from a teen turn of the century dress and would love to of seen it saved.

So would love to see this addressed possibly. A petition or letter to the show by someone?

Sandy
 
I think when they've tried it, it invariably ends up being about 'upcycling' (like the flash-in-the-pan one sponsored by Goodwill -- forgot the name).

The American Restoration show (if that's the one you mean) spun off from Pawn Stars, plus you have those two guys driving across country, hunting down oil cans and rusty spokes -- so anything with 'guy toys' has already proven to be a ratings winner, I'm guessing.
 
I must of missed the flash in the pan one.

Years ago I actually went on a TV show about antiques and won. It helped me get my start in 1996 as a dealer.
I just received my Antiques Trader magazine and there are 23 shows currently about antiques listed.
3 are on the History Channel.
Some are in the UK.
So evidently people are interested and investors are interested in interested people.

I could just see metal 50s purses, lucite ones, shoes, beaded dresses, Victorian dresses etc.
On the American Restoration people actually bring items to them and surely closets all over America have beautiful vintage dresses on wrong hangers etc.
I recently picked up a silk robe that soldiers sent home as it states Mother on it. It has lovely embroidery and some spots. I have no clue where to start. I also have a 1960s beaded dance dress with about 1 inch round where the beads are missing. I have watched videos nonstop and still cannot figure out how they put on bugle beads.
I am one of those people that love museums and such. With all the repurposing going on (and this is not about this) I think this show would expose people to the actually beauty and incredible artistry and workmanship of vintage and antique clothing. I would also think it would be a great thing for the Vintage Fashion Guild.
People who never gave a thought to vintage are now watching excitedly that pickers show.
I have done a few shows in the past and even other dealers thought I was silly to bring those old clothes.
Well...
 
Sounds good Sandy! Why not draft a professionally written proposal along with curriculum vitae and submit it to the producers of all these shows? Include some color slides of what you have, and a synopsis of what you can do, as well as a few episode mock-ups.

If you have an agent, they're more likely to take a look at a proposal over an unagented one. Lots of great ideas here -- it's worth a shot.
 
Thank you. I was hoping the VFG would approach this but if not when I get about a million extra seconds I may look into it. I did search out this company and it is owned by A and E Television.
I would like to see how to invest in it if it did happen first. I think big and think this could be a nice hit show.
 
I'm not sure there would be a lot of interest in a quality show that dealt with restoring vintage clothing and textiles. Restoring and repairing vintage is generally slow and tedious work, often times requiring prior skill and experience. The value in time and effort that it takes to restore a piece can far outweigh it's monetary worth. I just can't envision there being enough of a television audience to support such a show.

Maybe something vintage fashion oriented would work but I can't see it being anything like those picker, pawn road shows. I really don't see the vintage market lending it'self to the dynamic that makes those shows so popular.

Having said that, a clever producer might be able to spin something that would appeal to the general population. I just worry that it would end up being like the Thrift Store one Laura mentioned. Still, it's an interesting concept.

Melody
 
There has been a similar show to what you are describing in the UK by the BBC called Restoration Roadshow I haven't seen them do any clothing but I think they would take them. (Seeing as the other antiques / collectables progrommes have dabbled in them: Bargain Hunt, Antiques Roadshow, Put your Money where your Mouth is)
The closest example I have seen them do is re-create a missing two person cushion from the oldest known British motorcar using horsehair, ticking and leather. Some fixes are done at the event (gluing china etc) others like the cushion are taken away by the expert to be completed at their business. What's nice about the process was that we know how much the repair or replacement costs and the owner is advised whether it is worth doing or will increase the value of their item. Some are kept in the family, others sold on and they show this.
Possibly the first problem with this system though it that it would have to be an exceptional example/ rare/ valueable for the cost to be viable.
 
Many of these shows seem to be done in the UK first and then copied here.
The viability of the cost would be the same for the clothing I would think as the items on the current American Restoration show.
Many on that show do it for the sentimentality of an item. Not the monetary value.
Grandma's wedding dress?
Some years back I saw tons of people lined up at the Smithsonian with noses pressed against the glass for hours watching some lady stitch a flag back together.
It could be brought from place to place like Antiques Roadshow.
IMHO the rise in all vintage loving folks is the need for simpler times of quality made products and memories.
I really wonder sometimes in 20 years if people will even know quality goods.
Harris tweed for example...
 
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