Vintage fashion fairs
Vintage, fashion and fair. Three words to get any self respecting style enthusiast excited indeed. So imagine combining these three words into a physical actuality. The result is almost too exciting for words. There are millions (this is a possible exaggeration) of these events running up and down the country and they are just the perfect place to pick up something truly amazing, or beautiful or well something so outrageously brilliant that you can’t do anything but wear it non stop for the next two weeks after you buy it just to justify to yourself that it was a good idea, it does look good and those people on the bus that were laughing definitely were not directing at you because you of course look nothing less than fantastic.
But wait! I hear you cry, don’t these events only take place in London? If you’re particularly wanton with your travel expenditure, happen to be in London when one of the events is going on, or, to point out the obvious are actually from London then yes, you could take a trip down to one of the many vintage fairs it has to offer and yes, I would thoroughly recommend the visit: particularly Frock Me in Chelsea and Brick Lane is always offers some treats. But for those slightly averse to travelling all the way to our fashion capital for a vintage fix then fear not because Judy Berger, renowned industry expert, founder of clothes swap company What’s Mine Is Yours and former Selfridges personal shopper has created just the place where everyone, from vintage virgins to vintage fanatics, can pick up a wonderful bargain sightly closer to home. I bring you the Affordable Vintage Fashion Fair, a travelling vintage circus of food, fun and fashion filled frolics.
I caught up with the lovely Judy to find out more about the project.
Hi Judy, first of all thank you for taking the time out to chat. So tell us more about the Affordable Vintage Fashion Fair, where did the idea come from?
I set the first fair up in London in 2005 during the first birthday celebrations of my clothes swap company www.whatsmineisyours.com. I was interested in fusing music, fashion and food with one event that would be popular for all ages and suit vintage virgins as well as vintage fanatics. I wanted to create a fair where people could pick up a bargain and buy good quality vintage without the airs and graces of other fairs I had visited.
What are your main inspirations?
Google! It’s amazing what you can find when you choose your key words carefully. I’m inspired by the people I see on the street or in market places, bingo halls, greasy spoons, trendy bars and gig nights around the north.
Vintage has seen a huge influx in popularity over the past few years. Is business still booming in these times of financial woe?
We’re always thinking of new and unique additions for the fairs. We started off with vintage tea parties and now pop the odd clothes swap, customising station or live signer into some of our events. It keeps people interested and adds to the atmosphere which makes it a good place to shop and a good day out. The York fair had a vintage picnic in the museum gardens and live music.
Where has the job taken you, any fantastic exotic locations to brag about?
Haa! Barnsley market? It’s not the Maldives but you can pick up a real bargain. I’d always travelled outside of the UK but now I’m on the road with the fairs I’m really enjoying seeing small UK towns and cities.
Something that has always interested me, where do you source items and stallholders?
My stall holders come from all over the UK and they usually contact me. If I’m visiting a new city and find a good vintage shop I may pop in and take their email for future fairs.
Is it hard finding stallholders to participate?
We’re the largest and longest running fair in the country so we’re pretty well known in the industry.
Do you have anything really fantastic stashed away? Rare designer pieces?
I do have a private collection. YSL clothes and bags, Gucci from the 70s and Givenchy cocktail dresses. They are all stored until I have somewhere to display them.
Finally, you were a personal shopper before you began trading vintage fashion, what are your top tips for finding something amazing amongst the crush?
I say start small. Look out for vintage leather gloves or a clutch. Once you find your feet go with gut instinct, if its something you really want then grab it as chances are it won’t be there when you return.
For more information and other event locations visit www.vintagefair.co.uk or join the specific Facebook groups.
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