Revel in the beauty of a bygone age with Wed's guide to vintage gowns...

Vintage has never been so en vogue. As the zeitgeist struggles with modern day mayhem, we continue to be absorbed by the romantic nostalgia of a bygone era: the styles of simpler times where both moral and dress codes seemed effortless and more authentic are being borrowed to portray a personal affinity with a look, an idea and a generational movement.

Many a designer’s mood board is drawing from past times as today’s centre is proving so transiently tricky to pin down. Rather than making modern day material, fashion is reforming old styles with a contemporary twist for meaningful, majestic and inspired results.


photo Harrera Images

Bridal wear is no exception. The runways are awash with vintage gowns and many brides are opting for updated heirlooms, creative fusions of past and present, and modern couture accessorised with vintage pieces.

So if you’re wishing to lend a dash of vintage style to your frock or source antique items for your bridal look, we’ve gathered some wisdom from those in-the-know to help you get started…

Jamie Lagden runs antique jewellery and vintage dress specialist, Little Gems. A distant relative of Audrey Hepburn, Jamie was a trainee designer for Belinda Sassoon in Knightsbridge in the ‘70s. She is a keen advocate of vintage, explaining its core appeal: “Vintage clothing is all about you taking part in another age and persona to bring out the individual in you and bring the past back to life. We all say sometimes, ‘I wish I was born in that era’, well – we can wear the clothes!”


Anna D'Souza Designs

One of the major advantages of vintage is its bespoke factor. Marking a move away from homogenised fashions that clone looks for mass replicated style, Jamie highlights how “Vintage clothing can be very affordable, and often beautifully made with such exquisite detail. What’s more, you won’t see it on anyone else.”

Sourcing vintage can be problematic for the obvious reasons that the clothes are rare, old and often ill fitting. But if you scour the right places you can be rewarded with a quality article of genuine vintage style to wear, adapt or update as you please.

Wedding blogger Kat Williams of Rock ‘n’ Roll Bride offers up some top tips on sourcing vintage: “If you do go for genuine vintage, some pieces may be very delicate or a bit worn with age so be sure to thoroughly check the garment before you part with your cash.”


The Vintage Wedding Dress Company

However, do bear in mind that sizing may be an issue: “The key thing to remember when buying genuine vintage dresses is that the sizing often comes up very small,” says Kat. “There are specialists that can alter vintage dresses for you, but really, if you are larger than a size 10/12, you might find it difficult to find a genuine vintage dress.”

Truro-based dress designer Anna D’Souza is one such specialist who alters and repairs vintage gowns. “Some vintage dresses can also be restyled and made unique,” she comments. “It’s also worth remembering that vintage style dresses can be made from pre-loved dresses. Even ‘80s/’90s dresses which might not be loved and fashionable right now can be totally transformed.” This comes with the bonus of being an ethical choice for eco-conscious brides.



Luckily, the market has delivered a savvy solution for brides who simply can’t find the perfect vintage dress, as Kat reports: “There are many fabulous companies that specialise in vintage reproduction wedding dresses – modern dresses with a vintage look. Some of my favourites are Vivien of Holloway, Unique Vintage, Dolly Couture and Candy Anthony.”

Then there’s the bespoke route. Anna D’Souza runs a bespoke wedding dress service and many of her designs bear vintage influence. “My ideas sketchbook is currently full of ideas influenced by elegant ‘20s and ‘30s shapes, ‘50s styles which show off great shoes and some rather lovely vintage style lace samples,” she comments. The emphasis, however, is on each bride’s sense of individuality: “I use my clients’ ideas to make unique and personal designs which are both vintage inspired and contemporary.”


photo Harrera Images

By selecting a modern designer’s take on a treasured time as the foundations for your look, you can personalise and individualise for a unique bridal outfit.

“For a new twist, add flowers, fur and feathers,” suggests Jamie. “Alternatively, add an element of period charm with tailored velvet and silk, or frothy lace and feminine fashion. Add killer heels and you are brought up to date.”

Kat agrees: “Maybe add vintage jewellery and accessories to a modern dress for a vintage look. A birdcage veil, lace gloves, vintage-inspired shoes (try Emmy or Rachel Simpson) or a fur bolero are all great ways of adding a vintage vibe to your wedding day look.”


Emmy


Emmy

She reminds brides to finalise with head-to-toe consideration of the finishing touches: “Of course there's your hair and make-up. Check out The Hepburn Collection who specialise in fabulous vintage hair styles.”

Then simply perfect your pout and preferred pose for screen siren glamour and a timelessly elegant day…

Kat Williams is the writer and editor of the UK’s most popular wedding blog. For unique and unusual wedding inspiration, check out
www.rocknrollbride.com

Little Gems in Penzance and Truro stock a vast collection of modern designer vintage dresses alongside one of the largest collections of jewellery in the South West.
01736 351400 / 01872 272424

IDEAS DIRECTORY
Anna D’Souza Designs www.annadsouzadesigns.co.uk
Candy Anthony www.candyanthony.com
Days of Grace, Budleigh Salterton c/o Pirouette, Exeter
01392 432643 www.pirouettethecollection.com
Dolly Couture www.dollycouture.com
Elizabeth Avey www.elizabethavey.co.uk
Halfpenny London www.halfpennylondon.com
The Hepburn Collection www.hepburncollection.com
Love Miss Daisy www.lovemissdaisy.com 
Sarah Houston www.sarah-houston.com
Unique Vintage www.unique-vintage.com
The Vintage Wedding Dress Company www.thevintageweddingdresscompany.com
Vivien of Holloway www.vivienofholloway.com


Words Hannah May

Copyright WED Magazine 2011