New Vintage Book

Circa Vintage Clothing

Circa Vintage Clothing

Alumni
Lovely people,

I'm currently writing a book on vintage clothing: focusing on the Australian styles and marketplace but of course, there is much international influence.

Like me, I'm sure that many of you have a great library of books on the history of twentieth century dress and/or vintage fashion.

My question to you is this: is there anything that you would like to see in this sort of book that you haven't found already?

Some of the things that I'm covering: a guide to identification by eras, especially every day wear as the average collector isn't going to find too many Diors in the local market (damn shame, that). Mens wear. Accessories. Construction techniques, fabrics, detailing...labelling...sizing....

Any ideas? The VFG itself is a great resource but I figured it was about time to find out if there was anyone else a little frustrated with the limited scope of existing books. Basically I want to write something that empowers the average vintage lover walk into a shop and know what they're looking at.

Thank you for all comments.
(PS, Jonathan, can't wait to read your books, especially excited to hear you're writing about WW2, currently my favourite era).
 
I would love to see closeup pics or drawings of constuction detail.
So many times I see descriptions that say for example, set in sleeves, godets, finished edges, ect, ect, and me not knowing a lot about vintage still, it would be nice to actually see the type of detail they are talking about. Just a close up of the actual detail and a couple of words saying what it is would be really helpful.
Your book sounds like it would be interesting reading, any idea of a release date?

Kat
 
I think to have many color pictures of each era displaying different types of clothing. Tell what fashion details were introduced when..like the New Look.

I think so many of the books go into detail about the designer, but I am like you, I would like to see more about everyday clothes worn by the ordinary woman or man.

I agree on the construction detail aspect.
 
A great question actually, Nicole....

considering the phrase and belief, that 'its all in the detail'...the crucial component (i feel) by which quality was found in most garments, be they day wear or party wear...up to the, say, late 50's when mass production really took off.
Then shattered by the 60's (counter culture) revolution.....and detail was overlooked for quantity and value...thus not the detail..but the market and the daollar/pund etc...

the book l really value and return to again and again to salivate over is...the delicious (one of several on a 'detail' theme)



Modern Fashion in Detail (Paperback)
by Claire Wilcox (Author), Valerie D. Mendes (Author), Valerie Mendex (Author), Richard Davis (Photographer)

MODERN FASHION IN DETAIL

so echo my collegue that this would be a great them through the book...everyday garmentsshowing the detail, the crucial component to look for when buying...
 
I agree the visuals are terribly important. Also I love it when books go in depth and talk about the many styles that happened at once. For example the styles worn by working or middle class as opposed to the elite. So often vintage fashion books just focus on high end and famous designers.
---------------
Best of luck to you! Melody
 
Nicole,
Have you considered writing for a magazine as well? There are a lot of advantages. One is that it's a good way to decide how you want to organize and, unless you are starting as a professional writer (I didn't), it's a good way to refine your skills.

I've written a lot for Au Stitches with many sewing articles based on my vintage collection. The publisher/editor is Lynn Cook. She is a jewel and a delight to work with. She has great imagination and can think outside of the box when considering something new.

Eddi Franz does fashion illustrations and writes regularly for the magazine. Take a look at the magazine on the newstand.

Now that I've written this, I realize that you may have magazines that focus on vintage in Au.

If you would like to contact me for additional information, my e-mail address is [email protected]; also, I'll be going to Sydney in Nov.
claire
 
Sara,
I agree that I particularly like the Detail books from the V&A. What I particularly like is the line drawings of the garments.

When I was researching my Couture book, I did some of my research at the V&A and examined a few of the garments which have been photographed. The photo details and sketches allow them to describe garments which are not necessarily in the best condition or are difficult to display. It is also less stressful on the garments.

Claire
 
Thanks for the the info, Claire. I'd love to do lots of writing, however, my shop tends to keep me pretty busy...I'm hoping that once it's published, the book will open doors though, as I'd love to write more when I have the time and also, to give more talks on the subject.

Re: vintage magazines in Australia - oh, I wish! I'll check out the Au Stitches mag...it sounds great. Oh - and I love the V&A book! I love all of them, but the fashion in detail books are just fabulous.

Thank you to every one for your suggestions - love to hear any more that anyone has.
 
Nicole, I just wanted to say hello, another Australian woohoo and hooray! Would love to help with the book if you are interested, so hope we can speak soon, I will try to U2U you, but am still learning how that works! best wishes from Gayle (Queensland) :clapping:
 
Hi Gayle! *waves*

Yes, lovely to find a fellow Aussie - I've bought things off you through ebay, although not for a while. My user id there is kiss-me-deadly. I have no idea how U2U works either, but you're welcome to email me at [email protected]

Heh, this means we're likely to be here at the same time as well, as we're in (daylight saving not withstanding) the same timezone. Thanks for the offer re: book - I greatly respect your knowledge and would love to hear about how your study tour to Europe went?
 
Hey Nicole! thats amazing, of course I know your user name- It is a truly small world isn't it! I will send a 'proper' email thru tomorrow, and would love to talk about everything vintage and also of course, older historical clothing! Look forward to cathing up, and yes, within the same time zone! ;) best wishes Gayle x
 
When you click on the u2u below each memebers posting it will link you through to the vfg internal messaging service.

When you receive an u2u you will recieve an email telling you, though mine is always in my junk folder! ANd a message tot ell you a u2u has arrived will be ont he top of the page, right handside, where it sates your log in details dates etc.

l wills end you each a u2u so you can try it out!!

hth
sara x
 
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