So, we've all tried vintage with varying degrees of success... but recently I have fallen in love so many of the pieces that find their way into the Bowerbird Vintage, run by the very talented Joanna, who somehow finds the most amazing pieces that anybody could do so much with.
Joanna took some of her precious time to answer a few questions for you all :)
Great!
So what is Bowerbird Vintage's style philosophy?
Well, the idea I guess is to provide fabulous, unique and affordable vintage to women who adore dressing up and who love the idea of owning a beautiful, wearable piece of history. The philosophy? Be creative and have fun with fashion!
What do you find to be the best way to wear a vintage piece?
I always say it’s best to mix vintage with contemporary pieces so you don’t end up looking like your Gran. So if you are going to wear a fabulous vintage dress, try and mix up with a studded belt, this seasons heels, or some really cool accessories.
I’m constantly taking little trips away both to country areas and other great cities like Melbourne and Brisbane to source vintage. I also get a lot of people contacting me with vintage they want to sell which often turns out to be the most amazing pieces belonging to their aunts or mothers from the 1950’s and 60’s. All perfectly preserved!
What would you say are the most sought for vintage pieces at the moment?
Definitely a vintage dress! Any style from the 40’s to the 80’s. Dresses are my biggest seller. Also, my Rescued by Bowerbird reworked vintage range is pretty popular. I deconstruct vintage pieces to make them more contemporary. I also embellish things with vintage trims etc! Oh, and handbags and little evening purses also fly out the door!
Designers are still influenced by a vintage aesthetic. Many of the top designers are taking inspiration from various decades each season. As long as fashion is still being referenced like this, I think it will always be popular in main stream fashion.
Also, women are much more comfortable these days wearing vintage. I think they like the authenticity of it and also the idea that vintage is good sense in that it is recycling and therefore ecologically sound.
Who is your favourite style icon?
Well, from the past Audrey Hepburn of course! But I’m influenced by so many others also…Edie Sedgwick, Jackie Onassis, a younger Marianne Faithful and Grace Kelly was a great beauty. Today, I love Dita Von Teese’s quirkiness, Eva Mendes always look a million bucks, Nicole Richie's relaxed elegance is cool and Victoria Beckham is high fashion perfection. So many!
What are Bowerbird Vintage's plans for 2010?
Well, I’d like to include more handmade accessories on the site. There are so many crafty, talented people out there doing wonderful stuff with beads and recycled materials.
What’s your biggest daily inspiration???
And here's something special for all of you lovely people :)
Until the end of February, Bowerbird Vintage is offering my readers 15% off storewide! Just type in the code 'shinebythree' in the discount field on the checkout page. Start hunting :D
Thank you so much, Joanna!
*love*
xx
