Vintage is valuable
ANTIQUES FAIRE: YESTERYEAR’S FASHION, JEWELLERY, ACCESSORIES
Taking centre stage among all the antiques and collectables at the Spring National Antiques Faire in the Crystal Court of the Mall of Africa from September 27 to 29 is a focus on vintage fashion, jewellery and accessories .
With the Art Deco period coming into its own as it nears the 100-year mark, more and more collectors are looking for that unique jewellery piece, a 1920’s flapper dress and stole or are getting into the vintage design craze with a Louis Vuitton or Hermès bag, shoes or scarf.
Younger collectors are scouring second-hand shops for 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s inspirational buys. The oldest operational designer label is considered to be Hermès, started in 1837 and still renowned for timeless elegance and uncompromising production standards. For nearly 200 years, the expertise and consideration that goes into the design of haute couture accessories and garments has commanded the high prices and A-list clientele that have become synonymous with particular labels.
Audrey Hepburn and her beloved Louis Vuitton Monogram “Speedy”, Marlene Dietrich and her Christian Dior wardrobe for Hitchcock’s 1951 film Stage Fright and Princess Grace Kelly’s impromptu Hermès sling, when she tied her silk scarf around an injured arm in 1959, a precursor to the “Kelly” bag by Hermès officially named after the princess in 1977. Since then the craze to own a vintage bag, shoes or accessories from the houses of Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès continues unabated.
Big names like Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner will not step out the door without their favourite labels in pride of place. One would be forgiven for wondering where this leaves those of us who do not have over a million followers on Instagram! The answer is simple. Pre-loved.
With an almost non-existent carbon footprint, re-using or upcycling pre-loved items is a green choice that affords the discerning buyer the peace of mind that they can have their glitz, without the guilt.
It’s one thing to be seen sporting the latest Gucci or Chanel handbag and another to boast a vintage designer handbag no longer available in high-end boutiques.
One of the dealers focusing on designer items is Deborah Hall of Designer Collective DC who will be exhibiting at the National
Antiques & Décor Faire, complete with a set of vintage Louise Vuitton luggage and travel bags strapped to the roof of a classic 1950’s Morris Minor!
The highlight of the National Antiques & Decor Faire is the prestigious charity opening night on September 26 from 6.30pm. The cost to attend this event is R100 per person with the full amount going to the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company Teacher Training and Mentorship Programme to help young adults from disadvantaged communities find work in the music and education sectors. To book visit www.quicket.co.za.