It’s the fashion we never thought we’d see again, the petticoats and swing dresses that we thought were left behind with the mustard kitchens and flowered wall paper. But retro clothing is finding its way back into our wardrobes and has everyone falling in love all over again. This week, I caught up with classic clothing collector Kathryn Sandercock, the woman behind Smythesdale store Vintage Lady.
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What is it about vintage fashion that you love most?
I love this era of clothing because of the great designs and interesting fabrics. I love the look created by tight waists and full skirts that create that very feminine form. For older women who come into the shop, it is often a nostalgic experience as stories are told of frocks and memories from that era. And, for the younger women, there is an enjoyment in finding something unique, feminine and one-off. So the shop is an eclectic mix of vintage, retro and classic clothing – accessories like hats, gloves, silk scarves, bags and shoes, jewellery, some unique pieces of men’s clothing, old and new crochet knee rugs, old linen and aprons and the most beautiful range of little girl frocks styled from the 1950s with smocking and hand-embroidered work.
Why do you think the retro fashion influence has made a comeback in today’s fashion scene?
Simply because that era did have great designs and interesting fabrics. I think there is a want to reclaim and revalue something of the feminine and unique that has been lost in the mass-produced, often third world-made clothes of today.
What sort of items should people look when putting together the perfect vintage outfit?
There is something about a petticoat, a glove, a high heel and a hat that frame the outfit. Then it has to be a dress that shapes the curves and brings out that sensual femininity. This is what vintage is so good at doing for women and it makes them appreciate their beautiful bodies, no matter the size or shape.
In Smythesdale, you and your sister are known as the picker sisters. Where did this originate?
My sister has a shop, Kathabeas, which is two doors up from my shop and we started that business together seven years ago. It is just a gorgeous shop selling all types of furniture and lots of other interesting objects from a bygone era. We jokingly call ourselves the picker sisters of Smythesdale, because we share a love of finding and revaluing things from the past that have history and patina. We are great mates and joke that we are now playing shops for real – but this time she is not going to boss me around!
Vintage Lady, 37 Brooke Street, Smythesdale
