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On Thursday June 23, 2016, more than 30 million people in the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. There are a lot of people unhappy with the decision, but if Britain believes it can stand on its own, we thought we ought to find out why. Starting today, BAZAAR.com will be bringing you the best of everything from across the pond (fashion, food, culture, etiquette and more) in what we have coined, #BritWeek.
"There is no place like London for vintage shopping," admits Jasmine Chess, owner of New York-based online retailer Vetta Vintage. It was after the part-time DJ decided "that everyone in New York was starting to look the same" that she began to scour vintage stores for unique pieces to express her own style. A later trip to London had her hooked, and now Chess flies across the Atlantic every three months for vintage buying trips.
Here, Chess reveals her favorite vintage destinations, detailing where to find rare hidden gems and what to look for in your next must-have investment piece.
Alfie's Market
At Alfie's Market you'll find a mixture of incredible antiques and extraordinary vintage clothing stalls. I've found the most amazing 1920s dresses in perfect condition. Think Downton Abbey.
Frock Me Vintage
Frock Me Vintage features curated dealers from all parts of London and bordering towns. Amazing finds from crochet dresses to couture Chanel, and mint condition couture. You may be on the hunt for that specific '90s Alaia dress, '80s Zandra Rhodes hand-painted gown, the perfect pair of Levi's or a worn-in biker jacket. Or you may just walk past a booth and find something that catches your eye. In any case, when you find it, take the time to try it on, look at the label, check the condition and ask the dealer or shop owner questions on its history to ensure authenticity.
Portobello Market
This weekly antique and vintage market, held every weekend in the heart of Notting Hill, is a staple for locals and tourists. You never know what you might find, anything from Chanel bags, furs, to 1940s dresses. It is best to go from stall to stall outside, but don't forget there are some amazing antique treasures inside–from jewelry, to art, to rare lusterware. When hunting vintage designer jewelry remember it is always stamped—unless it's a really early pre-1950s piece. The stamp is usually on the back side of the piece, identifying the designer, year and where it was made. When authenticating vintage Chanel jewelry, specifically, the stamp appears from the early 1950s to the present. The logo and stamp has changed through the decades, so keep an eye out. For earlier pieces, the Chanel name appears in capital letters. The manufacture year was added in the '80s, and the season number was added in the '90s. Today, Chanel jewelry features a two digit code for the year, where it was made as well as the season or collection, like C for Cruise.
Brighton Beach
There are a handful of vintage stores in Brighton, a very pretty, scenic beach town just a quick train ride out of London. Spend the entire day going from shop to shop–you'll discover everything from vintage Levi's to Ossie Clark gowns. Remember vintage clothing is an investment, so you need to treat it like one. Most pieces should be folded not hung. If they are hung, use padded hangers. Hand washing is best—or even soaking the garment in the bath in cool water with a small amount of soap. If you prefer dry cleaning, take your pieces to a professional that has cleaned vintage clothing before.
Vintage Fairs
Arguably the best place to scour incredible vintage is at a selection of pop-up fairs. Shows like East London Vintage Fair, Hammersmith Vintage, Clerkenwell Vintage Fair and Cabot Square offer an array of stalls, styles and a unique perspective on vintage. The thrill of what you might find is intoxicating–like a Chanel bag I scored for $300 dollars. When buying Chanel bags, look for a raised CC logo—the right C should overlap at the top of the left C. There is usually a hologram sticker inside the bag with an authenticity card. The serial numbers started in the early to mid '80s.
William Vintage
If you're looking for super high-end and impeccable couture and runway pieces, make an appointment at William Vintage. When buying vintage, it is important to always try everything on—sizing was very different back then. Remember you can always get these finds altered. Don't be afraid to make the piece your own and alter it for your specific body type.
