Sydney’s Vintage Fashion Runway

Visit the Santa Monica, Ca. Civic Auditorium on February 2 & 3, 2008 for some of the best west coast vintage clothing and textile dealers as they gather for the Vintage Fashion Expo.  “Each Expo includes 75 to 100 dealers from across the country and the clothing, textiles, jewelry, and accessories they offer for sale cover a span of more than 125 years as diverse as the repressed Victorian era, the Roaring Twenties, the humorous platform-shoe/hip-hugging era of the 1970s and the more recent Retro Styles sought by today’s fashion-conscious teens and twenty-somethings.”The Shopping hours at all Expos run from 10:30 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and from 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays. Admission is $10. An Early Buying session runs from 9 to 10:30 am on Saturday and carries a $20 admission. Free Sunday return for all admissions.  Click here for a $2 off coupon on admission.I would love for some collectors who have attended the vintage fashion expo show previously comment on the quality, prices, show performance, overall rating.  Let’s hear from our viewers!

Fashion in the 1940’s

The American people were just recovering from the great depression, and World War II had already set in, Americans were rationing on the supplies of fabric, leather and metal.  The American fashion designers created brighter designs to help bring up the morale among the American people.  Not having the supply of French couture, Vogue & Harper’s Bazaar fashion magazine wrote columns regularly for the American people to discover fashion shows in New York and American designers.  Some of the designers that were unheard of before became well known during this time.The fashion from the 40’s, although rationed, has a major part on American Fashion History.  Today, clothing from the 40’s is some of the most sought after among vintage clothing collectors.Learn more about the 40’s fashion and see some examples of period clothing.

Mark your calendar for a special event coming up in May 2008.  It is no secret that Whitaker ~ Augusta Auction Company is America’s only auction house specializing exclusively in the sale of Couture & Vintage Clothing, Lace, Linens, Accessories, Textiles & fashion-related Ephemera and Objects.\r\nThe following are prime examples of some of the incredible quality vintage clothing the Whitaker’s Auction Company offers.Cut Velvet En Disposition Ballgown, c. 1840’s

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1950’s Red Ceil Chapman Dress

1860’s Orchid Wool Robe

Keep in mind those were samples from previous auctions, however, Whitaker will be hosting another spectacular auction on May 9 & 10, 2008, for their “Spring Auction”.  The auction company is located in New Hope, Pa.  Charles A. Whitaker & Karen Augusta, auction owners, also offer absentee bidders, phone bidding, and Internet Live Auction Service.  You will be given more details about this event here on the Fashion Runway, as the date approaches.

Have you ever wanted to trade places with someone?  Wouldn\’t be interesting to know what life was like where he/she lives?  Scenery, Traditional Customs, Food, Lifestyles in general, etc.  I would love to trade places with Nyna of Barkcloth Hawaii.  Okay like I must admit, not for just the vintage style barkcloth that she offers for sale.  But to live in Hawaii for a week! While browsing through Barkcloth Hawaii  I found that the store has been featured on HGTV’s Trading Spaces.   Nyna tells me that this year her store offers a fleece fabric and would be great to make a snuggle blanket.Can you imagine snuggling in such a beauty? She shared some of the hottest patterns with me, to share with you.  (I cannot believe there is a pattern that is not a hot item), but for time sake, let me share a few with you.  Check out this Retro Hawaiian, BeatnikThe Beatnik is great for furniture upholstery, drapes, pillows, bags.  Can\’t you see a vintage Eames Era Couch reupholstered in this fabric?This next one, Honolulu, I can see so many possibilities, such as if your a vintage clothing seller and you want a “retro” background for a  true classic retro look.  How about a solid vintage vinyl chair and add pillows? Shower curtain for an old black & white tile bath?Yes, I know it is cold outside right now, and you don\’t even want to think about the sun porch at the moment.  But oh how I have visions of antique white wicker table with-throw pillows for the chairs and a matching tablecloth covering the table.And for those of you that sew, and want to start your own Hawaiian wardrobe, Nyna offers some fantastic Hawaiian Barkcloth for apparel purposes.  Checkout this one with Hawaiian flowers and vintage classic automobiles.  A couple could get ready for the next Luau and make a Hawaiian shirt for him, and a Sarong dress to match for her. You would be the hit of the party!Just in case you are one of those people that have to “see” something in order to visual the possibilities of what “could be”.  Nyna has some pictures of past clients and how they have used their wonderful fabric.  I love the U shaped breakfast set! Barkcloth has been around since the 1940’s and was given that name because the texture is a little nubby like the bark of a tree. The nubby upholstery grade is identical to the original. Nyna carries fabrics that have the vintage designs, matching those of the 40’s, 50’s era.The Barkcloth of Hawaii Company has over 400 different fabrics and they come in several different weights used for either apparel, curtains or upholstery projects. The fabric patterns change over time so new patterns  come in and old favorites are gone forever.The Barkcloth Hawaii Company has been in online since 1998, small family owned and operated business.  Bringing you vintage style and retro patterns that you as a Baby Boomer might remember as a child. Do some decorating today!

Are you a Jazz music fan? Swing, Rockabilly? Do you want to listen to it live?  You can! Let me introduce you to the radio station KSDS 88.3 FM San Diego’s Jazz 88, DJ Ida Garcia. This may not be news to some of you if your in the San Diego, Ca. area, but Ida is live on Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, click here to listen during to Ida during those hours.Ida has been DJ\’ing for 12 years, with 10 of those years at Jazz88.3 with her Rug Cutters show.  When you listen you will hear, Swing, Big Band, Lounge and Boogie Woogie music.  What a treat! When asked who her music inspirations were in the music world, she named: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin.  There is a surprise!If you do live near the San Diego area, Ida also does DJ for Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversary’s, etc.  But of course I am sure if your not in the San Diego area and have the pocketbook she just might travel. With her years of experience it is bound to be a treat.

Just a little over a month, February 8 – 9, 2008, and you will have the great opportunity to visit the Manhattan Vintage Clothing show.  Featuring over 75 vintage clothing dealers from stores and boutiques all over the USA.  Take advantage of the expanded Metropolitan Pavilion, seems the host have rented more space to display their fine vintage!  A $20 bill will get you in the door to unlock vintage treasures.Here is some highlights of past shows.  This slide show displays some incredible vintage.  So if your in Manhattan or nearby for the second weekend of February you don\’t want to miss it!P.S. If your an exhibitor and want to share some insight on your exhibit feel free to contact me.

While operating my online vintage clothing store, from time to time I have the opportunity to meet some fascinating people. Recently I was introduced to Richard DuPuis, a fashion designer from years ago. Talking with Richard was like a trip down memory lane. He designed in California design houses and I think New York designers missed a real treat! Not too much information is easily attainable for the vintage fashion industry on the history of designers like Richard DuPuis, Jack Bryan and Miss Elliette. To learn about the history of some of these companies and what masterpieces Richard is creating today: Read More

Welcome to Sydney’s Vintage Fashion Runway, I am glad that your here.  You will often find vintage fashion news about my own store, and other vintage items offered across the Internet.  You will discover great sales, markets, fashion tips, etc. I will keep you informed of vintage news and updates, if you have some vintage fashion news, products to feature, etc., that you would like to share, please leave a comment.