Vintage fashion at the Manhattan Vintage show!
40 Style photographer Denton Taylor visits the Manhattan Vintage show every half year and tries to capture some of the fabulous vintage looks on display. This year he shares a few of his reflections on the show as well.
Enjoy!
The Manhattan Vintage show, held twice a year in Chelsea, is something that my wife, Teresa, and I look forward to with great anticipation. It is a chance to see, touch, try, and of course buy, all kinds of fabulous garments and jewelry. Fashion history from the 1940s and every decade since is well represented, from the highest levels of couture design to unique garments made at home.
It reminds me why I love buying vintage and second hand clothing. Incredible fabrics coupled with quality of construction seldom seen these days, all curated by dealers with great taste (even if it’s not your taste), many who have spent their lives devoted to fashion. There is something for every eye and budget whether you are a specific collector or merely looking for a statement piece of clothing.
You never know who you will see at the show but it’s not uncommon to see well known designers seeking inspiration. I have seen both Jean Paul Gaultier and Mary McFadden there, and no doubt I have missed many more. Advanced Style star Lynn Dell is pictured above.
The show is held Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. Often I will go with an industry friend Friday and my wife Saturday. This year on Friday I went with my friend Ruthie Stephens, a British actress, singer and vintage lover who blogs at Ruthie Darling (pictured below).
A big decision for visitors is what to wear. Do you were pieces from your collection to show you are serious about vintage? Or do you dress down to make it easier to try stuff on. This year it was vintage. My friend Ruthie wore a beautiful Betsey Johnson overcoat with a red silk dress from the 1970s.
My wife (pictured below) wore a flowery 1980s silk blouse by Louis Feraud.
We always try and support the show by buying at least one piece. Then the question becomes, at least when your resources are limited as ours are, do you buy a single fairly expensive statement piece, or do you buy several lesser pieces? The past two shows we have ended up with ‘statements’ but it can go either way.
Thanks Denton for this lovely report!
For previous looks spotted at the Manhattan vintage show, check here.
Do you like shopping for vintage clothing? Which of the above looks is your favorite?
Photography by Denton Taylor
