Time for this week’s edition of Fresh Vintage, where VFG members offer an early look at their newest goodies! Showing you a few highlights here – for more, head for this week’s thread in the public forums .
Hover over each image to get more information. Click on “+” to enlarge or anywhere else on the photo to be forwarded to the item listing.
This week’s Fresh Vintage from VFG members goes from the sublime… to the sublime! Be sure to see all the latest finds in the forums.
Top row: Antique 18K Gold & 12.60 Carat Blue Moonstone Acorn Pendant from Marzilli Vintage; 1970s Novelty Print Blouse with Dagger Collar from StraylightVintage; 1960s Modern Sun Novelty Print Cover Up from The Vintage Merchant
Second row: 1950s Tapestry Kitten Bag from Metro Retro Vintage; 1950s White Chiffon Full Skirt Party Dress With Embellished Waist from CatseyeVintage; Early 2000s Norfolk Southern Railroad Print Silk Twill Scarf Made in Italy from My Vintage Clothes Line
Third Row: 1960s Bergère Dangling Triangle Earrings from denisebrain; Lot of 3 1980s Caftans from Poppy’s Vintage Clothing; 1950s Vanity Compact Purse in Glitter Lucite from Another Time Vintage Apparel
Here is a taste of this week’s Fresh Vintage. Take a moment to pick your jaw up off the ground at the sight of new member Black Lotus Vintage’s incredible 1950s cream satin evening gown—not that our other finds are so shabby!—and you will see more of our latest finds in the forums.
Top row: 1950s Slipper Satin Sweetheart Petal Bust Strapless Beaded Dress from Black Lotus Vintage; 1940s-50s Frances & Walter Nelkin Hat Dark Green Straw Wide Brim Hat from My Vintage Clothes Line; 1960s Sleeveless Blouse and Full Skirt Pattern by Gilbert Dauphin, Elle Va-Bien 1664 from Willynillyart
Bottom row: 1950s Salmon Pink & Black Mid-century Modern Print Cotton Pleated Full Skirt from denisebrain; 1950s Emma Domb Tulle Net Dress Embellished with Lace from CatseyeVintage; Vintage Pink Kitten & Cats Cotton Fabric 1.5 Yards – RJR Fabrics from Metro Retro Vintage
by Maggie Wilds
There is a phenomenon called Throwback Thursday on social media platforms. #TBT allows people a chance to post pics of last year’s vacation, their wedding, or lunch from just two days before. But for one longtime VFG member, #TBT on Instagram means digging out some tantalizing old photographs. There is that groovy store packed with 1940s’ and ‘50s’ Hawaiian and Western wear, 1930s’ gowns, embroidered silk from China. There are the hippie-painted walls. And now and then a rock star shows up. So I had to ask Marcia Specht about her history with vintage fashion. Let’s take a look at what Marcia had to share:
What hooked you on vintage?
I have always been interested in fashion, and I wanted to be a fashion designer or illustrator. I worked selling clothes during high school and college.
We’re busting our vintage buttons with fantastic vintage fresh this week in VFG member shops. See many more extraordinary items in the forums.
Top row, left to right: 1950s Modernist Dress w/ Fish Novelty Print – Jo Collins from Metro Retro Vintage; Extensively Carved Vintage Northwest Coast Tlingit Native American Cuff Bracelet from Marzilli Vintage; 1960s Black Cowl Neck Wiggle Empire Dress from The Vintage Merchant
2nd row: 1950s Schiaparelli Demi-Parure with Original Tag from denisebrain; 1980s Yellow Poplin Saint Germain Jumpsuit from Noble Vintage Clothier; 1940s three-piece playsuit pattern Simplicity 3673 from Willynillyart
3rd row: 1930s Fashion Originators Guild Label Cobalt Blue Silk Velvet Dress from My Vintage Clothesline; 1950s Party Dress with Organza Shawl from Poppy’s Vintage Clothing
Bottom row: Betsey Johnson Punk Label 1980s Minidress from Viva Vintage Clothing; 1940s Peacock Chenille Wrap Robe from CatseyeVintage; 1970s Authentic Patterns Men’s Western Shirt from TheSpectrum
by Maggie Wilds
When Carole Charlin introduced herself in the VFG Forums, she said she’d been a designer most of her life, following in the footsteps of her great-grandmother, who worked in Hollywood and made clothes for Shirley Temple.
So of course we have to know more.
Carole: My great-grandmother, Hazel Bryan, was born in 1888 and became an orphan when her mother died of tuberculosis. She had learned how to sew from her mother. As an adult, she moved to Hollywood, California, and was a 20th Century-Fox Film studio seamstress, making clothes for Shirley Temple in the 1930s. She taught my grandmother to sew, and as a team they made all the clothes I wore as a child. so following in their footsteps, I learned to sew and consider myself a professional-caliber seamstress, proud to continue the family line. Hazel was amazing; she could craft just about anything. She could knit, do needlepoint, and even make hats. I have a few remnants of her artistry, but the things I’ve lost haunt me.
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Want to get Fresh? Fresh Vintage that is! Here are some of the choices fresh to our members’ shops this week, and click to view more in the public forums.
Top row, left to right: 1950s Wide Brim Straw Hat with Red Roses from My Vintage Clothes Line; 1930s Bohemian Czech Glass Fringe Necklace from Metro Retro Vintage; 1930s Printed Voile Day Dress from StraylightVintage
Second Row: 1950s Whiting & Davis bag from denisebrain; Chinese Hand Embroidered Silk Robe from Poppy’s Vintage Clothing; 1930s Floral Print Cotton Gauze Dress from Ian Drummond Vintage
Bottom Row: Signed Matl Sterling Silver Turquoise & Coral Bracelet from Marzilli Vintage; 1970s Mexican Tiered Ruffle Dress from Vintage Runway
Each week, the VFG brings you Fresh Vintage—items new in our members’ shops. Feast your eyes on just some of the vintage pieces available, and click to view more in the public forums.
Top row left to right: 1940s Dress & Coat Ensemble Navy Crepe from VintageDevotion; Georg Jensen #11 Sterling Silver Moonlight Blossom Bracelet With Chrysoprase from Marzilli Vintage; 1940s Nylon Robe/Dressing Gown Ecru Lace Trim from My Vintage Clothes Line.
Middle row: 1920s Off White Cotton Middy Sailer Top Gym Suit Blouse from Another Time Vintage Apparel; 1940s Black Cordé Bag with Celluloid Chain Link Handle from Metro Retro Vintage; 1950s Slim Skirt Dress Uncut Pattern 40 32 42 from TheSpectrum.
Bottom row: 1960s Barkcloth Hostess Set from Cats Like Us; 1940s Tropical Leaf Barkcloth 14 Yards from IanDrummondVintage; 1990s Guy Laroche Paris Dress White Cotton Sportswear Made in Italy from Poppy’s Vintage Clothing.
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It’s not too late to catch the final days of the show Jane Morgan: In My Style at The Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk, Maine. The show runs until May 21, 2022.
New VFG Member Bonnie Bien has curated the exhibition of performance gowns from the private collection of Jane Morgan. The thirty-some glamorous gowns, spanning the 1950s through the 1980s, include fashions by Kathryn Kuhn, Donald Brooks, Stephen Yearick, Ben Reig, Ruben Panis, Oleg Cassini, Monte Streitfield, Marion Wagner, Gunter Project 2, and Don Loper.
Catch a glimpse of these extraordinary dresses, and meet Bonnie and Jane (who is now 97) in this news feature: Legendary Performer Jane Morgan’s Glamorous Gowns on Display at Maine Museum.
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I hope you enjoy looking at new listings from the VFG’s professional sellers as much as we enjoy sharing them. We’ve got a fabulous new batch again this week!
Let’s start with a pair of amazing late 80s to early 90s heels by Colin Stuart. Denim. Yes, denim. Follow the linked photo to Karen’s Fashion Backward shop on Poshmark for details. “”:https://poshmark.com/listing/Vintage-COLIN-STUART-strappy-denim-flower-trimmed-platform-sandals-Size-7-627fcece162958bef90d1f81
This 60s shift dress by Cover Girl of Miami is new in Vintage Runway’s Etsy shop. Lots of cute details o this one! “”:/
Metro Retro Vintage describes this 40s cream wool skirt suit as sleek and glam. We call it gorgeous. See more at her website “”:https://www.metroretrovintage.com/products/vintage-40s-ladies-nipped-waist-suit-2-piece-wool-jacket-skirt-s
For the DIYer in all of us, an unfinished 1920s cloche hat at a very friendly price. Snap it up at Joyatri’s Etsy shop. “”:https://www.etsy.com/listing/1217668952/vintage-1920s-unfinished-cloche-hat
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It’s time for another edition of Fresh Vintage, where you have the chance to get ahead of the crowd by sampling the newest listings of VFG’s professional sellers! As usual, we have wonderful things to show you.
First up, this outstanding 50s formal with black lace applique applied dramatically to a white skirt. New at Poppys Vintage Clothing’s website! “”:https://www.poppysvintageclothing.com/collections/latest-arrivals/products/vintage-1950s-formal-dress-silk-w-black-lace-applique-sz-s-m
Speaking of gorgeous dresses, how about this 1920s silk rose print dress from Vintage Runway’s Etsy shop? “”:/
Joyatri is offering this lovely silk paisley block printed scarf in her Etsy shop. “”:https://www.etsy.com/listing/1228923547/vintage-1960s-india-silk-scarf-floral
Are you going to be a summer bride? VFG has you covered. Straylight Vintage recently listed this 50s classic tiered lace wedding dress in her Etsy shop. “”:/
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VFG members have been watching our first-ever fund raising auction on Instagram this week, but we’ve also been steadily listing new vintage fashion items. Have a look at some highlights of this week’s selections! Photos are clickable links.
First up, this spectacular 60s domed brooch – an Original by Robert – new in Denisebrain’s Etsy shop. “”:/
A 60s Shaheen screen-printed dress in pale pink paisley? Yes please! Check it out at Karen’s Fashion Backward shop on Etsy. “”:/
Marzilli Vintage always has wonderful estate and antique jewelry in their Etsy shop. Your editor’s favorite this week is this 14K gold watch chain that can also be worn as a collar necklace. “”:/
This floral print summer dress by Cabana is new at Metro Retro’s website – perfect for a garden party! “”:https://www.metroretrovintage.com/products/vintage-50s-60s-sleeveless-modernist-floral-dress-by-cabana-s-m
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The VFG’s fundraising auction ends soon!
On Tuesday, May 3 at 4:00 pm EDT, the Vintage Fashion Guild’s first ever Instagram auction will close. If you haven’t yet, look at just a few of the incredible lots generously donated by VFG members.
From Bonnie Cashin to Gunne Sax, Rudi Gernreich to Biba—there’s a lot (no pun intended) to see!
To bid, go to @vintagefashionguild on on the Instagram app. You can also use the desktop version of Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vintagefashionguild/).
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Last week in the VFG’s public forum series on fabric (Fabric Friday) we talked about a printing technique that is maybe not as useful to know as it is fun to know. Unless you work with quilts and day wear from the late 19th century, and to a lesser degree the first couple of decades of the 20th century, you are not so likely to run into …
Very popular in the last several decades of the 19th century, mill engravings were intricate prints made by hand engraving small steel rollers (“mills”), which would then be used to emboss larger copper rollers by repeating the pattern evenly over the entire roller. Copper was not as durable as steel, but steel was hard and difficult to engrave. When the copper roller became worn, the original steel pattern would be used again on the smoothed-off copper roller, or a new pattern would be used.
Intricate florals, and many whimsical patterns were made using this printing method. The number was staggering—as many as 300 prints might be produced by a single factory in one season.
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Happy Easter, Passover, Ramadan, or just Spring. I’m happy for Fresh Vintage, because I get to see the best new listings from multiple VFG members all in one convenient place. Click the title of this post if you would like to see all of this week’s offerings!
Denisebrain has three beaded 1960s handbags in three different colors, each listed in her Etsy shop. “”:https://www.etsy.com/shop/denisebrain?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&sort_order=date_desc§ion_id=15792575
New at Poppys Vintage Clothing – a 60s Mod coat from Mary Quant, under her Ginger Group label. “”:https://www.poppysvintageclothing.com/collections/latest-arrivals/products/vintage-1960s-mod-mary-quant-coat-ginger-group-magenta
This 30s vintage low crown fedora slouch hat was recently added at MagsRags Vintage. “”:https://magsrags.net/products/30s-vintage-fedora-slouch-hat-womens-dark-blue-stitched-crown
Vintage Runway is offering this 50s strapless tea length gown in her Etsy shop. “”:/
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Here in the U.S., income tax deadline day has come and gone. Whether you got a refund or had to write a check, it’s time to think about treating yourself to a vintage fashion treasure. For inspiration, have a look at this week’s new listings from VFG sellers.
This beautiful 1940s jacket by Lois Russell Hawaii is newly listed at MagsRags’s website.
“”:https://magsrags.net/products/fit-and-flare-jacket-vintage-40s-asian-style-embroidered-kimono-fabric-m-lois-russell-hawaii
Vintage Runway is offering these 50s catseye marbled glasses in her Etsy shop. “”:/
This rust orange 50s taffeta cocktail dress with jacket is so striking! New at PoppysVintageClothing.com “”:https://www.poppysvintageclothing.com/collections/latest-arrivals/products/vintage-1950s-cocktail-dress-w-jacket-orange-taffeta-size-s
And Noble Vintage Clothier has these cool Acme cowboy boots dating to the 1950s of 1960s. “”:https://www.noblevintageclothier.com/shop/1950s-60s-acme-western-cowboy-boots
Check out this Big Cats 60s wooden box bag on Viva Vintage’s website “”:https://www.vivavintageclothing.com/big-cats-decoupage-wooden-box-bag-1960s-handbag/
{…}The Vintage Fashion Guild turns 20 this year, and while its educational offerings grow, expenses grow too. Your support can help keep the VFG’s resources free to the public.
This year, for the first time, we are auctioning a collection of vintage fashion items donated by generous members of the VFG. All proceeds go to the VFG.
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Time for another edition of Fresh Vintage , where shoppers can get an early look at new listings from a variety of VFG seller members! Photos are clickable links.
A 40s celluloid & wood Western style brooch in Catseye Vintage’s Etsy shop. “”:https://www.etsy.com/listing/1209008301/vintage-40s-brooch-western-style-red
Poppys Vintage Clothing is offering this 50s Tori Richard dress at her website. “”:https://www.poppysvintageclothing.com/collections/latest-arrivals/products/vintage-1950s-hawaiian-dress-tori-richard-honolulu-size-m
New in Marzilli Vintage’s Etsy shop is this Victorian 14K Gold Talon & Ball Motif Pin With Turquoise. “”:/
Vintage Devotion just listed this 40s evening gown with shoulder drape and fuschia sequin trim in her Etsy shop. “”:/
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It’s another week filled with fabulous new listings from the VFG’s professional online sellers! Head to the forums for a complete look at all the possibilities, but in the meantime, enjoy this sampler.
In 1946, the deprivations of the war years were not far from anyone’s thoughts and budget. The power that women had gained in the past handful of years could still be felt in strong shoulders and trouser styles. Particularly in the hands of Parisian designers, there were styles presaging The New Look, including prints, colors, length, and extravagance. American designers devoted themselves to fashionable sportswear. Swimwear found fresh new directions.
I love the fashions of 1946. My appreciation doesn’t have so much to do with what was incubating in France. Instead, I am fascinated by the strength and freedom in women’s fashion, whether emanating from France or the U.S. It was the last hurrah of the war years styles, and in the best hands this fashion—on the verge of something very different—was fresh, modern and bold.
Pablo Picasso. Françoise with a Bow in Her Hair (Françoise au Noeud dans les Cheveux). June 14, 1946
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