Vintage is New Again ~ from the St. Louis Post Dispatch

joules

joules

VFG Member
I wouldn't call that cutting edge journalism! However its nice to get the boost...
I have the feeling we are coming to the end of the vintage fashion era (as we knew it). Most of the recent designer collections that I have looked up are almost purposefully avoiding references to vintage styles. I am sure vintage will continue on but just in a different way...
 
It is rather provincial, isn't it, though the Dada Ball, with guest Chloe Sevigny, coordinated by Cameron Silver, promises to be ipositively cutting edge.
In truth, the city has a vibrant cultural life, albeit one that flows at a stately pace.
The modern state of journalism, however, concerns me.

I think your observation about an epocal demarcation, is interesting.
 
Nice article, Joules--your mom was a sweetheart to send it to you (I get clippings all the time from my MIL, and I agree they're much lovelier to receive than email links!)

Though it's true that some of the observations made in the article are hardly news (such as that true vintage is usually much better quality than contemporary mass-produced knockoffs), it's interesting to speculate that as the "vintage fashion era", as Jonathan puts it, winds down, St Louis (and no doubt other more "provincial" parts of the country) are still warming to the trend!

I got a kick out of the notion that typical vintage shop prices for a good quality dress are $5 or $10. Are those ballpark prices way off, or do I need to book me a shopping trip in the midwest? :USING:
 
My mom sent me this article too! :)

I don't remember prices being this cheap the last time I shopped at a "real" (not "retro") vintage store in STL, but that was an awfully long time ago . . .

I've had a few folks from there contact me looking for dresses for the Dada Ball, but since I'm a bit short of fabulous designer gowns right now, no sales for me! :BAGUSE:
 
The beauty of vintage as fashion is that there are infinite ways to wear it and since "there is nothing new under the sun" (a direct quote from the head of my sculpture department back in the 70s when I was in art school). 100+ years of design will continue to inspire.

The vintage scene will continue to morph along with the fashion scene. Trends will come and go and there will always be new people "discovering" vintage. Hurrah for the newcomers!

Melody
 
"The mass market dress you buy for $50 today will be worth 50 cents at a yard sale, but the vintage dress you buy for the same price could sell for $5 or $10 at a vintage shop later."

I think he's talking about when you re-sell vintage back to a shop owner - that the piece keeps more of its value. That was my take on it, anyway.

It's not ground-breaking journalism, but I do appreciate seeing articles like this. They're obviously not targeted to a fashion-savvy audience who has heard all of this before, but it's still nice to think that a few more people will get the message to sink in that vintage has value.
 
Carrie, I agree. I like tangibles! In the newsprint version of the article, there are prices given for all the pictured garments, unlike online.
I firmly believe that a trip to St. Louis would yield some real gems, though with the increase in general interest articles such as this, everyone is going to think they have a little goldmine in their closets.
As Eileen says, I'm sure he meant those figures, as the price he would pay, as a buyer over the counter.

Great Moms think alike, right Amy? Is the Dada Ball an annual affair? I'm pretty much out of the Midwest loop, though maybe I need to get back in.

Hooray to that Melody. And more new readers for your book, "The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping"!
http://www.tangerineboutique.com/item/The_Little_Guide_to_Vintage_Shopping/523/c102
 
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