The appreciation and acceptance of vintage clothing has increased significantly since the beginning of the 90’s. This enhancement in acceptance is due in part to making a bold statement of one’s own style and many celebrities such as Sharon Stone and Angelina Jolie have done it. After exploring numerous fashion stores, at last I came across the first vintage boutique in Florence, called Pitti Vintage located in Via Sdrucciolo Dei Pitti, 19/r. Graciela Avendano, who owns the store together with her husband Luigi, opened it in 2005. Originally from Mexico, she moved to New York City in 1997 to pursue a dream in fashion design. Ever since college, vintage clothing has been her zeal. “Unique style is what awakens my heart, my mind, my deep infatuation with vintage!” Graciela said enthusiastically. Her vision for this alluring passion started when she began collecting hats, like Coco Chanel once did, and when a friend took her through various vintage stores throughout the city.
As I mingled around the store I found that the admiration of the past and the talent of appreciated designers is what makes the vintage epoch inimitable. Graciela’s labor of love for vintage is highly expressed in the pieces she collects from various antique stores.
A river of gaudy dresses flows around the store. Like leaves in the air being carried by the wind, an outstanding selection of knit and evening dresses, from the 1930’s through the 1980’s, are swept away by many customers. Few dresses are stretched and hanging from the corners of the ceiling like luminous light bulbs. The spirit of the pink room is fulfilled with their artistic elegance. A set of lengthy skirts, painted on the hangers like masterpieces by Versace from the 1980’s range from 65 to 75 Euros. Trendy shoes peak from the corner of the vintage shelves and behind the bright garments. Designed by Prada and Ferragamo, they can be found in a diversion of colors.
In addition, jewelry boxes ornamented in many shades are displayed on a white shelf against the wall. White, shimmering pearls linger in a table covered with glass. In the room across, a heavenly view of Valentino’s dazzling jackets and Gaultier’s vivid coats rest alongside the red tinted walls. Last but not least, an assortment of ivory and white nightgowns from the 1960’s fills up the brown closet in a warm ambiance. Needless to say… Graciela’s outstanding collections left me breathless. “Prices range depending on a condition of the clothing. That’s the most important. Also, sometimes it depends on a brand, how unique the piece is, on material and the age”, says Graciela. Traditionally, artistic individuals have preferred vintage fashion because it proposes an enormous variety of imaginative trend. Many customers seen in the store are mostly tourists, residents, and students, both young and old.
For those who either can’t afford to buy something new and luxurious, the ones with curiosity in particular style period or whose style is lured by the vintage trend, Pitti Vintage is a place to explore. Exceptionally organized, creative and helpful with the clients, Graciela loves to keep the boutique neat and matches the clothes by the color and more often by the type. As we sit and chat, Graciela adds: “People don’t pay a lot of attention to the latest, young designers in Florence and I find it intensely discouraging. It saddens me that people lack the curiosity in something innovative and different.”
Last year, a young, inspiring Brazilian designer presented her fashion line, a mix of modern style with a splash of vintage. Also, an exhibition of photography was held at the store. Graciela adds “It is a corner for young designers and I welcome any person who would like to have an exhibition of a new fashion line, fashion show, photography, paintings and anyone with an inspiring and arty approach.”
After I ended my interview with this wonderful vintage collector, I said goodbye and as I walked back home vivid thoughts lurked in my head. Pitti Vintage, a pink, cozy boutique, with an interior as lively as the field of flowers on a windy day, will make you feel as if you have entered a new, mysterious and more interesting world: a world of past, present and future. It is joyful and full of memories, with a captivating aroma in the air and a warmer welcome at the door; this boutique will make you not wanting to leave.
For more information visit www.pittivintage.com or simply walk across the Ponte Vecchio and the sweet scent of vintage clothing will lead the way to this exceptional boutique.
By Me
I think that Zooey Claire Deschanel is a vintage icon. Her body, her skin, hair and eyes hide behind the style that has been living for decades and is never going out of fashion.
Fashion designer Chrissie Miller showing her weardrobe
Vintage sailor stripe top; sophomore zipper miniskirt; boots found in Paris
Sophomore cutout dress; Stella McCartney heels
Sophomore shoulder cutout dress; Arielle de Pinto long chain necklace; Vintage belt
Vintage Fendi dress; Vintage bag; Christian Louboutin booties
Vintage Shopping 101
Cameron Silver — the owner of celeb-fave vintage boutique Decades in L.A., and one of Rachel Zoe's best pals, drops some knowledge on shopping, old-school style.
Cameron Silver with Rachel Zoe and Christos Garkinos
Why go vintage?
"The irony is that vintage is actually what all of the new stuff in stores is made to look like anyway. In a world where everything's accessible and ubiquitous, vintage is the way to personalize your look. Plus, with vintage, you're pretty much guaranteed that your buy will last. Every decade has something to offer: A little black dress from the '50s or a great jersey oneshoulder disco dress from the '70s are signature looks that will last forever."
What's the best way for someone to wet their feet in vintage shopping?
"Costume jewelry. The nice thing about it is that there's very expensive collectible designer costume jewelry, but some of the cheap pieces are just as fabulous — even if they aren't by famous names. A pair of gorgeous chandelier earrings or a big over-the-top necklace can make something cheap look really cheerful and chic. And a nice, jeweled evening clutch is an affordable vintage must."
Where are the best places to get quality vintage goods?
"Look for estate sales or even yard sales. One of the best places to find vintage is at contemporary designer consignment stores. They don't really specialize in high-end vintage, but pieces can get mixed in that aren't necessarily desirable to the store's typical clientele. So keep your eyes open — you may spot a nice vintage Halston." What about tailoring? Is it more of a hassle with vintage items?
"A tailor is more important than your shrink! Finding a great one is a necessity for any fashionable woman. As far as alterations go, vintage isn't always more difficult. A vintage couture piece can certainly be tricky, but there are plenty of complicated modern pieces, too. A good tailor can alter any high-quality piece of clothing, whether it's 60 years or six days old."
What's the secret to being a successful vintage shopper?
"You have to take your emotions out of it. If something doesn't fit or if it's really damaged, I don't care how great it makes you feel, you have to leave it. The challenge with vintage is that it's an emotional way to shop because you're buying history. But you have to be realistic. Otherwise, you'll take it home and it'll sit in your closet. Think of it as treasure hunting: You have to explore a bit before you find the gems."
What are your tips for mixing the past with the present?
"I don't like head-to-toe vintage. It looks like a costume! It's easy to gravitate toward the more eccentric pieces, but it's best to limit yourself to one conversation piece at a time. Mix in that one item with your everyday clothing, and you're set. Coco Chanel famously said that you should take one item off before you leave the house. That is exactly how vintage is worn best."
Taken from Marie Clair : http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/articles/vintage-shopping-fashion?click=main_sr
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