FASHION FASHION
he credit crunch is transforming our
T
shopping demands. Fast fashion may
be cheap but lacks longevity, and
designer togs are often beyond our
means. So what’s the alternative?
Consider being a vintage vixen. Hollywood A-lister
Julia Roberts has taken to the red carpet in exquisite
vintage gowns to avoid the fashion faux pas of
bumping into a star in the same designer dress,
while Kate Moss regularly steps out in vintage gear.
Author Isabel Wolff cottoned on to the vintage
VINTAGE
trend years ago and is so obsessed with all things
retro-chic she’s written a new novel, A Vintage Affair,
based on a character who owns a vintage shop.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the idea that when
you’re buying a vintage garment you’re not just
FASHION
buying fabric and thread, you’re buying a piece of
someone’s past,” she says.
And Isabel isn’t alone. Charity shops are reporting a
massive surge in business since the beginning of the
credit crunch, with fashionistas desperate to fi nd a
FLING
bargain. So try taking a stylish step back in time and
wow in vintage.
WHY VINTAGE?
Isabel admits she’s been a vintage addict ever
GO BACK IN TIME TO CREATE
since her teens, when she bought a 20s black lace
fl apper dress. Her favourite fi nds include a Biba
YOUR VERY OWN TRENDS.
leopard print skirt bought for 50p and a 50s grey
dress inherited from her grandmother.
By Lisa Haynes
But besides the thrill of bagging a bargain
or heirloom freebie, Isabel says vintage has
fashionable charm in other ways.
38 | MARCH ISSUE
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