Must-Know About Vintage Fashion – Vintage Vs. Retro Vs. Antique

In this article, we’ll look in detail at the concept of ‘Vintage fashion’ – the origin of the term, definition, meaning, and its usage in fashion.

We’ll then explain the similarities and differences between vintage, retro, and antique fashion, and highlight popular fashion brands and celebrities known for promoting vintage clothes, footwear, and accessories.

We’ll show how vintage fashion plays an important role in sustainable fashion and conclude by showcasing popular clothes of the last century that are now classic vintage creations.




What is Vintage?

The term ‘Vintage’ originates from the Old French ‘vendange,’ describing the year a particular wine was bottled.

The term’s use in fashion gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century, coinciding with the rise of second-hand stores and a burgeoning appreciation for the styles of bygone eras.

In fashion, ‘Vintage’ describes genuine clothing, footwear, and accessories older than 20 years but not over 100.

Vintage Fashion Quote
Quote by Audrey Hepburn in a vintage dress.




Characteristics of Vintage Fashion?

In a 2017 Vogue article, Anna Wintour stated that:

“The ‘vintage’ tag can be appended to pieces of at least 20 years old and only if these articles showcase characteristics associated with that era”

Wintour continued stating that the term vintage clothing, when appended to haute couture and designer creations, implies collectability.

A 1960s Mary Quant miniskirt or 1980s Versace power suit are excellent examples of vintage fashion.

Apart from having the correct age, for an item to qualify as vintage, it must comprise stylistic elements relevant to the times it belongs.

For example, a dress made in 1985 that looks no different from one made in 2022 is, technically, vintage.

However, the dress is not vintage if it does not depict a particular fashion style and aesthetics relevant to the 80s decade.




Vintage vs. Retro vs. Antique Fashion

Vintage, antique, and retro fashion creations are valuable thanks to the age of manufacturing, craftsmanship, rarity, and the their cultural/historical.

However, despite being interchangeably used in the parlance of fashion, the terms vintage, antique, and retro have different meanings and thus, different pricing points.

Gucci Retro Collection Fall Winter 2020
Gucci FW20 Retro Collection.

Vintage vs. Antique

Vintage fashion describes authentic clothing, footwear, or accessories at least 20 years old but not over a century.

A 1960s Mary Quant miniskirt or 1980s Versace power suit are excellent examples of vintage fashion.

On the other hand, Antique fashion refers to genuine and age-verified garments, accessories, footwear, apparel, and artifacts older than 100 years.

Genuine and age-verified Edwardian gowns or 1920s flapper dresses are great examples of antique fashion.




Vintage vs. Retro

Again, for any garment, footwear, or accessory to be cataloged as Vintage fashion, it must be at least 20 years old but not over a century.

A 1960s Mary Quant miniskirt or 1980s Versace power suit are excellent examples of vintage fashion.

On the other hand, Retro fashion refers to clothing, shoes, and accessories inspired by fashion creations of previous decades but made within the last 20 years (contemporary copies).

Any modern iterations (after 2003) of 1950s poodle skirts, 1970s bell-bottom jeans, or 1980s fitness-mania suits are examples of retro fashion.

Brands Popular With Vintage Fashion Lovers

Chanel

Chanel’s iconic tweed suits and quilted handbags are featured prominently in vintage fashion auctions.

Dior

Dior’s “New Look,” vintage allure – an emblematic fashion design that defined the 1940s decade – is one of the most sought-after vintage fashion creations.

Saint Laurent

YSL’s Mondrian dress and Le Smoking tuxedo are two everlasting symbols of vintage fashion.

Gucci

Gucci’s signature Jackie bag continues to reinvigorate its past, exemplified by the reissue of vintage logos and signature items such as the

Levi’s

While not the most expected vintage fashion, Levi’s 501 jeans have served people for decades with their functional construct and timeless appeal.




Celebrities Championing Vintage Fashion

Zoë Kravitz

Renowned for mixing vintage YSL blazers and Chanel dresses.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Popular among vintage fashion lovers for her 1980s Manolo Blahniks, vintage Halston creations, and the vintage Norma Kamali dress she wore at the 2000 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards.

Kate Moss

A lover of Bohemian-style vintage dresses and 1970s fringed jackets.

Chloë Sevigny

Known for unique blends of modern footwear and accessories with vintage Chanel dresses and 1990s Comme des Garçons outfits.

Dita Von Teese

Famous for wearing outfits comprised of vintage corsets and skirts from the 1940s up to the 60s.




How Sustainable is Vintage Fashion?

Vintage fashion plays a huge role in the overall movement of sustainable fashion and here’s why.

Waste Reduction

By giving old garments and accessories new usage (a new life) Vintage fashion reduces waste.

Lowers Environmental Impact

As vintage fashion garments already exist, there’s no need for manufacturing new clothes, footwear, and accessories.

Quality Over Quantity

Given their timeless nature, vintage garments and accessories foster sustainability by reducing the need for periodic (fashion-trends-driven) replacements.

Most Popular Vintage Looks of the Last Century

Every decade produces several fashion styles and trends.

However, only a few become famous and influential enough to be cataloged as decade-defining styles and looks.

Here some of the most popular looks of the last 100 years that have now reached the status of vintage looks.

Outfits Popular in the 1920s

The 1920s Vintage Fashion
1920s vintage fashion – slip-over flapper vintage dresses, drop waists, strings of beads, T-strap shoes, and Mary Jane’s type of heels.




Outfits Popular in the 1930s

1930s Vintage Fashion
1930s vintage fashion – defined by Bolero jackets, fedoras, and new shoe styles such as Oxford, peep-toes, and slingbacks.




Outfits Popular in the 1940s

1940s Vintage Fashion
1940s vintage fashion – straight wool plaid and tweed skirts, brooches, platform shoes, and handbags made from rare animal skins.




Outfits Popular in the 1950s

1950s Vintage Fashion
1950s vintage fashion – shirtwaist dresses, petticoats, full skirts, twin sweater sets, garments with fur trim, ‘Wayfarer’ sunglasses, and strings of pearls.




Outfits Popular in the 1960s

1960s Vintage Fashion
1960s vintage fashion – inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy, Raquel Welch, Diana Ross, and Audrey Hepburn the decade experience a shift from Pillbox hats and box-jacket to flowing tops, bell-bottom jeans, and colorful garments influenced by Asian culture.




Outfits Popular in the 1970s

1970s Vintage Fashion
1970s vintage fashion – women’s looks were still influenced by the late 60s Boho-chic style paired with Birkin bags. and the emergence of rock-style jeans, high boots, platform shoes, and leather jackets.




Outfits Popular in the 1980s

1980s Vintage Fashion
1980s vintage fashion – power-suits, sweaters and blazers with shoulder pads, hip-hop style golden chains, Izod golf shirts, and stiletto heels.




Outfits Popular in the 1990s

1990s Vintage Fashion
1990s vintage fashion – Preppy style garments, oversized sweaters, baggy flannel shirts, leggings, and chokers.




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Conclusion

As this comprehensive examination shows, vintage fashion transcends mere clothing; it is an artifact, a cultural phenomenon, and a narrative that plays a pivotal role in the fashion lexicon.



source https://thevou.com/fashion/vintage/

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