London Through a Fashion Time Capsule
Emma is vintage fashion shopping in London! Read on and enjoy!
Vintage shopping brings about the adrenaline rush and sense of creative opportunity I associate with sneaking items from my sister’s closet as a child. So, it seemed only fitting that I invite my sister to explore London’s vintage possibilities on a guided tour.
The Tour
We participated in the Voraciously Vintage Tour through Fashion Tours London, curated by Cindy Lawford. Voraciously Vintage caters to lovers of fashion from the 1920s through to the 1980s. The tour is a nostalgic journey with visits to some of London’s most iconic vintage clothing stores. Fashion Tours London also offers a range of other experiences, including tours of Savile Row, Marylebone, Brick Lane, and more.
History Lessons
We began our day in Notting Hill—the colorful bit of London immortalized by the 1999 film. Before meeting Cindy, I never questioned what else this neighborhood was famous for. She brimmed with enthusiasm as she shared facts about the market’s beginnings in the 19th century and the growth of “rag and bone” men during the 1940s. It’s been such a vital part of London that Cindy stated, “If we lose the market, we lose London.”
Fashion Friends
Having studied fashion history extensively, Cindy provided expertise on tailoring and British designers. She introduced us around the market. I often feel overwhelmed by the amount of clothes or crowds, but Cindy’s familiarity with various vendors helped take the experience to a more personal level. Once again, I felt the excitement of possibilities as we sorted through storied fashions—this time with permission.
Herbie Mershon made unique works of art by restoring rejected coats. In a vibrant shop, Karen sold dresses with magically intact ostrich feathers. Connie Sykes peered out from between magenta bangs and bifocals as she recounted her days owning a velvet factory and transitioning to vintage. Apparently, it’s not uncommon to see fashion deities like Kate Moss browsing these racks.
Designer Finds
Cindy is a deft guide to immersion in the world of vintage fashion, teaching about the history of different styles, their cultural significance, and how they’ve influenced modern fashion trends. We analyzed labels from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Angela Gore, and Ossie Clark—Cindy was able to recount the history of the houses and their various collaborations, trademarks, and scandals.
In a world where fast fashion dominates, taking the time to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage clothing is a breath of fresh air.
Taking It Home
Throughout the tour, we also found valuable tips and insights on how to incorporate vintage pieces into our current wardrobes. As conversation flowed with vendors, they talked about various means of upcycling and merging pieces from various eras. They often feature pieces from different time periods with similar patterns or silhouettes—showing how trends often come back around and are not isolated.
In a world where fast fashion dominates, taking the time to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage clothing is a breath of fresh air. The Voraciously Vintage Tour is an opportunity to see London and British fashion from a unique and personal angle. It also brings back the fading pastime of bonding over clothing. My sister and I are far too old to fight over shared sweaters, but we can still share a laugh about trying on skirts in open market stalls and falling in love with vintage lace we’d have no occasion to wear. If you don’t leave this London vintage shopping tour with a few designer staples, you’re sure to leave with timeless memories.
Words & Photos by Emma Voigt
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