Fashion Shoot

Vintage is a much-abused phrase in fashion, often used to denote ‘inspired by’ another era, when the real deal is actually quality couture from a period. Making it pure Dirty Fabulous

Dirty Fabulous

Dirty Fabulous is an actual vintage clothing store. It specialises in occasion wear and bridal wear from the 20th Century, mainly beautiful mid-century American couture. Founded by two sisters, Kathy Sherry and Caroline Quinn, this year Dirty Fabulous celebrates its 10th birthday.

“We started the business because we loved American vintage,” Kathy told me many moons ago, when the sisters first opened in Dublin’s Baggot Street, and discerning fashion stylists flocked to their rails. A few years later, they relocated to 21 Wicklow Street, where they are today. Still bursting with stunning stock.

To help customers navigate, Kathy and Caroline run things on a strict appointment basis, so that one has total peace and comfort, and room to think, and move around, as one peruses their exquisite stock.

“We always wanted to have that old-world salon experience that you would have got in a boutique in the 1950s, when you would have had one-on-one treatment,” Kathy explains, adding, “We do appointments so that you can have that experience, and also because we do a lot of bridal, and that requires focus. You can book the appointment to just browse for an hour. There is no charge; no pressure to buy. We will leave you alone, if that is what you want.”

Kathy mentions bridal wear, and I can testify that while they do exquisite traditional white/ivory/cream dresses, Dirty Fabulous is a wonderful alternative for women looking for something less virginal and drama-seeking; unique and special.

They also are great at putting together stunning MOB (mother-of-the-bride) looks.

“It is nice to take time out for yourself,” Kathy says. “Older women especially appreciate the appointment setting, and not feeling rushed. A lot of vintage outfits are demure and beautifully tailored. Older customers like a bit of sleeve coverage and so on, and vintage dresses often do that.”

Dress prices range from €150 to €350; most being around €200. Bridal starts at €350 up to €1,500; most dresses being €600 to €800.

Unique-minded young women with debs/18ths/21sts on their minds also have found their way to Dirty Fabulous, as it is a treasure trove of feminine, exclusive dresses, and they appreciate the fun and fashion knowledge of the sisters and their store.

“We like to talk to our customers,” Kathy tells me. “All we want is for women to be brave, wear something fun, and something that makes them feel better about themselves. Happier. Good.”