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My Vintage


  • New Website Coming Soon!!! - 03-02-2012

    Here at My Vintage we're working hard on designing a brand new website with loads of great new features and loads fabulous vintage finds!!!

    We are busily transferring our thousands of products to the new site but it will be hopefully live in the next 5-10 days.

    More details to follow.....

    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • 1950s Vintage Fashion - The Decade of Style - 28-01-2012
    The 1950's were exciting years in the world of fashion. Following a period of imposed frugality during the war, the media was highlighting glamour that had never been seen before so widely, and the effects that Hollywood would have on the way that women dressed during this period was to create an impact that no-one could have anticipated.




    The early fifties saw the introduction of more ladies into the workplace, and the styles that were created for day to day wear included suits with a tailored look, skirts that hugged waistlines, and blouses that were worn discreetly under tailored jackets that were pulled in at the waist to give a flattering and glamorous look that accentuated shape and style.

    The hourglass figure became the ideal as stylised by actresses like Marilyn Monroe, or took on the Audrey Hepburn demure and sophistication. Gone were the financial restraints of the war torn world, and the availability of materials was widened, meaning that the beginnings of mass production of affordable fashion was guaranteed to be a success.

    The Festival of Britain exhibition in 1951 was to exhibit fabrics that had never been used before in the western world and the beginnings of a new era that was to shape the fashion industry's future began from humble beginnings, though flourished because women were no longer thought of as housewives, and although many remained faithful to the society image of the mother in the home, a certain element of glamour became not only the norm, but an acceptable part of life for women all over the world.

    Higher standards of manufacture were employed by companies like Marks and Spencer whose trademark for producing quality items shone, and the high streets began to sport those designs that had otherwise been beyond the price bracket of ordinary people, many of whom had resorted to making their own clothing, simply because of lack of availability.

    Designers of the times such as Dior and Givenchy went away from the traditional towards new beginnings introducing shapes that emphasised the silhouette of a woman's shape, rather than boning clothing in the uncomfortable manner of the 40s, realising that women wanted glamour though also wanted functional clothing that was more comfortable and easier to wear.

    The world was looking at example, and nowhere was this more common than here in England where a man named Hartnell designed the clothing that would be worn by the young Princess Elizabeth who would be crowned in the early fifties and was appearing on television in homes all over the globe, influencing the way people perceived fashion available to the masses, whereas once it had only been available to those that could afford designs by Fashion houses like Christian Dior.

    The fifties brought a new prosperity to the world, and also the vision of Hollywood greats, and the availability of cinema as one of the most popular forms of entertainment, which would influence women worldwide to the glamorous looks and style of their favourite stars.

    Music was not exempt from it's followers either, and the rock 'n' roll era was to make a split in fashion styles, taking women away from the traditional to the Teddy Boy styles that went hand in hand with jiving and lindyhopping. Here, the sporting of pony tails became popular with younger women, and even though this style broke away from the neat hairstyles of the day, the clothing style for women was every bit as feminine and glamorous with full skirts, emphasised waistlines, and subtle colour to fabrics.

    With the availability of silks, cottons and natural fabrics, many home dressmakers were taking their ideals from magazines and media and translating these into creations, using the patterns supplied by the biggest manufacturers of dress patterns of the day, such as Vogue, Simplicity and Butterick, who had made the glamour styles available to those who wished to pursue the fashion style themselves without buying.

    The Chanel style of suit was to become a popularised style and one that was creatively changed and modified to suit either the tall lady or the shorter lady, using different lengths and fabrics to achieve a totally different look, while keeping the neckline and open front of jackets in the traditional Chanel style, braided at the edges with contrasting material and worn with lightweight sweaters and blouses.

    The shoes worn within this period of history by women of the time were elegant and were modelled on designs from Italy, dainty footed, and with heels that were slim, and even those breakaway girls that joined in with the rock 'n' roll crowd, sported the heels to complement their outfits, only turning to more casual shoes and bobby socks in the late fifties.

    This was a period that set up standards that would be followed by traditionalists for 20 years, and that set standards that are still perceived as glamorous to this day, when we are reminded of the stars of Hollywood and the impact that they had on society's perception of what women should look like, and what style declared femininity. Even the coats of the era were impressive styles that have been re-designed over the ages, though which have kept their standing as classical designs that work.




    Copyright 2012, My Vintage. May be reprinted in its entirety with full credit given to My Vintage and a link to www.myvintage.co.uk.


    Search for 1950s vintage clothing at My Vintage - 1950s Vintage Clothes
    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk


  • Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week! - 17-01-2012
    Hello and welcome to My Vintage and our weekly(ish) feature...

    Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week!

    Each week from our many new arrivals we will pick out featured items that you simply must have! From vintage dresses and vintage jumpsuits to designer vintage clothes and vintage suits and blazers and anything else in-between.

    Our featured item of this week (pictured below) is this fabulous Designer Vintage 1960s Gina Fratini China Blue Chiffon Shirred Maxi Dress Size 8/10












    Gina Fratini was renowned for her whimsical romantic pieces, and this gorgeous china blue maxi dress is no exception. Floor sweeping skirt with bottom tier and shirred full stretch bodice with skinny stretch sleeves and open neckline that is great either on or off the shoulders. Little navy blue ribbon tie finishes the piece beautifully. Back zip fastening and fully lined. Feels so soft and comfortable.
    Bust - 34" Waist - 30" Length - 58" (UK Size 8/10)
    Excellent vintage condition

    Remember all our vintage clothing, vintage accessories and vintage jewellery are one offs, so once they are gone, they are gone forever...so don't delay and miss out!!!

    Keep checking our blog and website for more fabulous and unique vintage finds from around the world!

    Lots more vintage dresses, designer vintage clothing, vintage playsuits, vintage jumpsuits and vintage accessories being added every day...So keep checking the site for those vintage gems!


    Coming Soon

    Lots of fabulous Vintage Dresses of Vintage Tops

    A wide range of Vintage Home-wares and Retro Home-wares

    Our stunning range of unique vintage gift boxes, retro gift boxes

    Re-worked vintage clothing from My Vintage including reworked vintage shorts, reworked vintage mini skirts and reworked vintage tops all in limited availability.

    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Frank Usher Designer Vintage Clothing Profile - 10-01-2012


    In 1944 Frank Usher was started up during wartime austerity and rationing. It was at a time that all manufacturers needed textile trading coupons to operate. So armed with both coupons and a ready made name of Frank Usher the company was formed.

    A first collection of tailor made dresses was produced and sold to a London department store. Success followed quickly as women loved the idea of buying a couture look at realistic prices - especially since Christian Dior had introduced his new look.

    Frank Usher opened their first west end showrooms in the mid fifties and started to create a solid UK and international business. The press too got the Frank Usher bug, and Vogue featured many dresses modelled by such luminaries of the day such as actress Kay Kendall and top model Barbara Goalen.

    During the sixties and seventies when swinging London was at its peak, the label was going from success to success. There is a film, made in the late sixties, called Blazes Away it usually comes round on the BBC at Christmas time and stars dame Maggie Smith. It is set in a couture boutique and Frank Usher designed the wardrobe for the entire film - its always wonderful to see the beautiful styles of that era.

    Vintage Frank Usher is always being featured in the press, and a recent article on Liberty's vintage department cited Frank Usher as being one of the most coveted collector's labels.


    Search for vintage Frank Usher clothing at My Vintage - Vintage Frank Usher Clothing

    My Vintage is the place for unique vintage clothing, designer vintage clothes, vintage accessories for men and women, hand picked from around the world!
    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Vintage Item of the Week - 05-01-2012
    Hello and welcome to My Vintage and our weekly(ish) feature...

    Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week!

    Each week from our many new arrivals we will pick out featured items that you simply must have! From vintage dresses and vintage jumpsuits to designer vintage clothes and vintage suits and blazers and anything else in-between.

    Our featured item of this week (pictured below) is this fabulous Designer Vintage 1980s Ralph Lauren Golden Leopard Print Shirt Dress Size 12/14/16/18














    This funky and bold leopard print frock is not for the feint hearted! Please note - this dress measures to fit upto a UK size 18 depending on fit, but it can be worn by smaller sizes. The model shown in a UK 10/12 and with the belt the dress looks great. Full button front with high collared neck. Little chest pocket with Ralph Lauren embroidery. Red edging here and there gives a kitsch contrast and gives scope to add some killer red heels! High quality cotton with a slight suede feel. Non stretch.

    Model is size 10 - dress unpinned. Accessories not included.

    Bust - 40" Waist - upto 38" Length - 45" (to fit UK Size 10/12/14/16/18)

    Excellent vintage condition


    Remember all our vintage clothing, vintage accessories and vintage jewellery are one offs, so once they are gone, they are gone forever...so don't delay and miss out!!!

    Keep checking our blog and website for more fabulous and unique vintage finds from around the world!

    Lots more vintage dresses, designer vintage clothing, vintage playsuits, vintage jumpsuits and vintage accessories being added every day...So keep checking the site for those vintage gems!


    Coming Soon

    Lots of fabulous Vintage Dresses of Vintage Tops

    A wide range of Vintage Home-wares and Retro Home-wares

    Our stunning range of unique vintage gift boxes, retro gift boxes

    Re-worked vintage clothing from My Vintage including reworked vintage shorts, reworked vintage mini skirts and reworked vintage tops all in limited availability.

    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Local Business Accelerator Finalists! - 18-12-2011
    Back in October, we heard about the brilliant Local Business Accelerator initiative, spearheaded by the brilliant Deborah Meaden, here she is to tell you more about it...



    Local newspapers are joining forces to find the nation?s most promising young businesses and help them accelerate their success with top professional advice from local business mentors and a substantial allocation of free advertising space in their local paper.

    So we decided to give and a go and apply..... little did we know that we'd get through to the final 5 businesses in the local area! As you can imagine we are thrilled and super proud to have got this far, and are really excited for the next stage of the journey...






     Next month all five businesses have been invited to sell ourselves to a panel including Mike Damms, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Aileen Evans, executive director of Hyndburn Enterprise Trust and the Lancashire Telegraph?s head of advertising Andy Phelan. 

    Once we have done our presentation and Q&A session, the rest is up to the judges! Two of the five will be selected as regional winners and one of those 2 will go through to the national stage too!
    So wish us luck, we would love to go as far as we can! We will of course update you with how we get on, and if any of you can provide testimonials or statements to help with our presentation then please let us know by dropping us an email.

    Thanks for your continued custom and support!


    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk


  • Giorgio Armani Designer Vintage Clothing Profile - 05-12-2011

    Giorgio Armani is the worlds richest fashion brand with sales in excess of $3 billion. Born July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Northern Italy, Armani has become one of the worlds most recognisable brands. He attended medical school for 2 years before joining the prestigious Italian department store, La Rinascente, as a window dresser.

    From the early 1960s until 1970 he joined Nina Cerruti as a designer, Armani then became freelance with his business partner Sergio Galeotti he then started his menswear label in 1974. He gradually adapted his designs for women and introduced his first ladies wear line in 1975.

    In the 1980s, the Armani "power suit" for men and women came to symbolise an era of international economic boom.  In 1982, Armani became the first fashion designer to appear on the cover of Time magazine since Christian Dior in the 1940s. He was one of the first designers to approach celebrities to wear his designs, these included Jackie O, Sofia Lauren, Mick Jagger, Michelle Pfeiffer and Jodie Foster.

     His range now encompasses everything from a number of separate Armani fashion labels, home-wares, eyewear and cosmetics. Armani has also designed for the theatre, for numerous sports teams and stars and also the Armani Lounge at Chelsea football club.




    Search for vintage Armani clothing at My Vintage - Vintage Giorgio Armani Clothing
    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Christmas Delivery Dates @ My Vintage - 30-11-2011
    To make sure you get you package in time for Christmas we have listed below the final delivery dates for guaranteed pre christmas delivery both in the UK and for our overseas customers.

    UK Delivery

    Economy Delivery - By 12 noon on Friday 16th December 2011
    Standard Delivery - By 12 noon on Tuesday 20th December 2011
    Next Day Delivery - By 12 noon on Thursday 22nd December 2011

    International Delivery

    12 noon Monday 5th December 2011 - (South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (including Japan), Australia and New Zealand)

    12 noon Friday 9th December 2011 - (Eastern Europe, USA and Canada)

    12 noon Monday 12th December 2011 (Western Europe)

    Orders will still be accepted after these dates but we cannot guarantee delivery in time for Christmas!

    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week - 27-11-2011
    Hello and welcome to My Vintage and our weekly feature...

    Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week!

    Each week from our many new arrivals we will pick out featured items that you simply must have! From vintage dresses and vintage jumpsuits to designer vintage clothes and vintage suits and blazers and anything else in-between.

    Our featured item of this week (pictured below) is this fabulous Designer Vintage 1970s Pierre Balmain Emerald Green Flocked Cocktail Dress Size 10/12













    This stunning dress from Pierre Balmain is made from a flocked faux silk fabric in gorgeous emerald green.V-neck with padded gathered shoulders and long sleeves with concealed button. Gathering at bust and tie waist creates a flattering shape, and the insert to front of skirt gives the illusion of layers. A beautiful piece from a highly desired and collectable label. Non stretch with back zip fastening.??Model is size 10 - dress unpinned. Accessories not included.

    Bust - 36" Waist - 30" Length - 44" (to fit UK Size 10/12)

    Excellent vintage condition


    Remember all our vintage clothing, vintage accessories and vintage jewellery are one offs, so once they are gone, they are gone forever...so don't delay and miss out!!!

    Keep checking our blog and website for more fabulous and unique vintage finds from around the world!

    Lots more vintage dresses, designer vintage clothing, vintage playsuits, vintage jumpsuits and vintage accessories being added every day...So keep checking the site for those vintage gems!


    Coming Soon

    Lots of fabulous Vintage Dresses of Vintage Tops


    Our stunning range of unique vintage gift boxes, retro gift boxes

    Re-worked vintage clothing from My Vintage including reworked vintage shorts, reworked vintage mini skirts and reworked vintage tops all in limited availability.

    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Mary Quant Designer Vintage Clothing Profile - 19-11-2011


    Responsible for the 'London Look' Mary Quant was the fashion designer and entrepreneur of the 1960s. She was the inventor of the min-skirt (along with Andre Courreges & John Bates) and hot pants. She proclaimed "good taste is death, vulgarity is life" and summarized the fashion of the 60's as "arrogant, aggressive and sexy." Although she is still designing today, she is largely known for her 60's creations. She was born in London, England on February 11th, 1934 and from 1950-1953 she attended Goldsmith's College of Art in London. After graduating, she worked for Erik, a London milliner.


    Meanwhile , Alexander Plunket-Greene and Quant had paired up with a friend named Archie McNair. When Greene, who later became her husband, inherited 5,000 pounds on his 21st birthday, the three decided to go into business together. They rented Markham House, a three-story building on King's Road in London's artist district, Chelsea. In Markham House, they opened a boutique on the first floor and a restaurant in the basement. They called the boutique Bazaar in 1955. Here she sold inexpensive, brightly coloured simple clothes which were immediate hits with young girls and boys. These included skinny rib jumpers, ready-to-wear short skirts and dresses, coloured tights, hipster belts, PVC garments and sleeveless crochet tops and hats. In 1957 she opened a second boutique. 


    In 1961 Mary Quant showed her first fur collection and launched her first wholesale company. In 1962 she presented her first collection for the American market. She also started to design for J.C. PENNEY of New York. Regardless of whether she invented these items, Mary Quant was one of their major popularisers, largely thanks to the fact that Bazaar was a popular haunt for the fashionable "Chelsea Set" of "Swinging London". By 1961, Quant had opened a second Bazaar in Knightsbridge and by 1965 she was exporting to the U.S.. To keep up with demand, Quant went into mass-production, setting up the Ginger Group in 1963. Struggling to make ends meet and suffering ridicule from the press and some passers-by, Quant persevered. In less than ten years, her clothing designs was world famous, selling in 150 shops in Britain, 320 stores in the United States, and throughout the world: France, Italy, Switzerland, Kenya, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and more. 


    From 1964-68 she designed for Butterick patterns. In 1965 she launched the mini-skirt in London. A fashion show was held aboard the royal yacht Queen Elizabeth and was a great hit. The same year, she took 30 outfits to the USA and the models in their thigh-high dresses stopped traffic on Broadway and in Times Square in New York. They were seen on American TV. She visited l2 cities in 14 days showing clothes to a non-stop dance routine with pop music accompaniment. 


    She soon had built up a million pound industry, selling to nearly all the countries in the Western world and Japan, designing 28 collections a year. In 1966 Mary Quant received the O.B.E. for her services to the fashion industry, and went to receive this honour from the Queen dressed in a mini-skirt. She published a book "Quant by Quant" in 1966. The same year, she introduced her famous and highly successful cosmetics line, with it's striking daisy logo. She also launched a footwear line. In 1967 she opened another boutique. 


    In 1970 she introduced hot pants, tight figure-revealing short shorts, made of knit or soft materials, worn with floor length maxi-coats allowed to swing open and knee high boots. These were an instant success. During the 70's and 80's Mary Quant continued to add to her product line, putting her Daisy logo on household furnishings, towels and sheets, knitwear, men's ties, eyewear, hats and even a mod version of the Barbie doll. 



    Search for vintage Mary Quant clothing at My Vintage - Vintage Mary Quant Clothing
    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Vintage Clothes Spotlight - Item of the Week - 13-11-2011
    Hello and welcome to My Vintage and our weekly feature...

    Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week!

    Each week from our many new arrivals we will pick out featured items that you simply must have! From vintage dresses and vintage jumpsuits to designer vintage clothes and vintage suits and blazers and anything else in-between.

    Our featured item of this week (pictured below) is this fabulous Designer Vintage 1960s Lanvin Chocolate Bold Print Mini Dress with Tie Belt Size 12/14






    One of the most collectible vintage labels around - Stunning and fun little dress from Lanvin Paris. In a delicious shade of choclate brown, with bold pint in caramel and strawberry tones. Split collar and buttons to front, with A-line shape and long sleeves with double button cuffs. Structured fabric with some slight stretch. Matching tie belt and belt loops. Pull on style. Perfect for year round wear.??

    Model is size 10 - dress unpinned. Accessories not included.

    Bust - 36" Waist - 33" Length - 37" (to fit UK Size 12/14)

    Excellent vintage condition




    Remember all our vintage clothing, vintage accessories and vintage jewellery are one offs, so once they are gone, they are gone forever...so don't delay and miss out!!!

    Keep checking our blog and website for more fabulous and unique vintage finds from around the world!

    Lots more vintage dresses, designer vintage clothing, vintage playsuits, vintage jumpsuits and vintage accessories being added every day...So keep checking the site for those vintage gems!


    Coming Soon

    Lots of fabulous Vintage Dresses of Vintage Tops


    Our stunning range of unique vintage gift boxes, retro gift boxes

    Re-worked vintage clothing from My Vintage including reworked vintage shorts, reworked vintage mini skirts and reworked vintage tops all in limited availability.

    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • My Vintage on Google+ - 08-11-2011
    My Vintage have just launched their page of Google+



    Add My Vintage to your circle by clicking HERE and be the first to hear about special promotions and new arrivals at My Vintage


    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Vintage Clothes Spotlight - Item of the Week - 02-11-2011
    Hello and welcome to My Vintage and our weekly feature...

    Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week!

    Each week from our many new arrivals we will pick out featured items that you simply must have! From vintage dresses and vintage jumpsuits to designer vintage clothes and vintage suits and blazers and anything else in-between.

    Our featured item of this week (pictured below) is this fabulous Designer Vintage 1980s Black Escada Velvet Bandeau Cocktail Dress Size 12/14













    We love this super vamp cocktail dress from the fabulous Escada. High neck with dramatic bow and velvet bandeau and pencil skirt. Deep peplum waist creates the structured shape. Buttons are a great detail at the back. Clings to the figure beautifully. Non stretch with back zip and button fastenings. Wear alone or with black tights for a great designer vintage look.
         Model is size 10 - dress unpinned. Accessories not included.
    Bust - 38" Waist - 33" Length - 36" (UK Size 12/14)
    Excellent vintage condition



    Remember all our vintage clothing, vintage accessories and vintage jewellery are one offs, so once they are gone, they are gone forever...so don't delay and miss out!!!

    Keep checking our blog and website for more fabulous and unique vintage finds from around the world!

    Lots more vintage dresses, designer vintage clothing, vintage playsuits, vintage jumpsuits and vintage accessories being added every day...So keep checking the site for those vintage gems!


    Coming Soon

    Re-worked vintage clothing from My Vintage including reworked vintage shorts, reworked vintage mini skirts and reworked vintage tops all in limited availability.

    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • New Range of Gorgeous Gift Boxes! - 27-10-2011
    If you're anything like us you will not be prepared for how close we really are to Christmas! 

    And we also know how it feels harder and harder each year to find high quality gifts that don't cost the earth but are really special and have the WOW factor for their lucky recipients! 

    So here are My Vintage, we have embraced this little problem and created a whole range of superb gift boxes that are great for any occasion!



    Subtly themed, our signature Britannia boxes are crammed full of high quality gifts that fit their quirky name perfectly... And as we appreciate that some of our customers want original vintage and some prefer more modern brand new items, we have covered all bases too!

    We have hand picked stunning items from a vast range of handbags, scarves, purses, brooches, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, trinkets, watches, cosmetics, beauty products, kitsch nik naks and more!




     
    There are brilliant retro boxes too that feature popular items like tote/shopper bags, wash bags, keyrings, necklaces, mugs and more from some of our favourite old skool films, cartoons and TV shows!
    Boxes range from only £15 to our luxury £60 range - so there really is something for everyone.

    Why not have a look now and see what gems you find, there is bound to be something perfect for you or for someone close...

    We'd also love to hear your comments on the new range and any suggestions you may have!

    Over and out
    MV
    x
    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week - 15-10-2011
    Hello and welcome to My Vintage and our weekly feature...

    Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week!

    Each week from our many new arrivals we will pick out featured items that you simply must have! From vintage dresses and vintage jumpsuits to designer vintage clothes and vintage suits and blazers and anything else in-between.

    Our featured item of this week (pictured below) is this fabulous Designer Vintage 1980s Emanuel Ungaro Thick Brown Structured Cocktail Dress Size 10



    A stunning and cleverly designed high end designer piece from Emanuel Ungaro. Made from a deep olive/brown woollen fabric that gives a structured edge to the look. V-neck with gathered shoulders and tapered sleeves. Huge front and back gathered sashes are the main focal point of this amazing dress. Finished with cute little side straps that hang to about 10". Knee length pencil skirt gives that sultry finish. Non stretch fully lined fabric. Side and back zip. Designer power dressing at it's best!


    Model is a size 10 - dress worn unpinned.

    Bust - 34" Waist - 30" Length - 38" (UK Size 10)

    Excellent vintage condition




    Remember all our vintage clothing, vintage accessories and vintage jewellery are one offs, so once they are gone, they are gone forever...so don't delay and miss out!!!

    Keep checking our blog and website for more fabulous and unique vintage finds from around the world!

    Lots more vintage dresses, designer vintage clothing, vintage playsuits, vintage jumpsuits and vintage accessories being added every day...So keep checking the site for those vintage gems!


    Coming Soon

    Re-worked vintage clothing from My Vintage including reworked vintage shorts, reworked vintage mini skirts and reworked vintage tops all in limited availability.




    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Designer Vintage Clothing Profile - YSL - 06-10-2011



    Yves Saint Laurent was born in Oran on August 1st 1936, then lived in French Algeria; he left for Paris after secondary school to pursue a fashion career and at 17 was hired as couturier Christian Dior's assistant. When Dior died four years later, he was named head of the House of Dior. In 1961, Saint Laurent opened his own fashion house and quickly emerged as one of the world's most influential and spectacular designers.


    In 1953, Saint Laurent submitted three sketches to a contest for young fashion designers, organised by the International Wool Secretariat. He won third place and was invited to attend the awards ceremony in Paris in December of that year. While he and his mother were in Paris, they met Michel de Brunhoff, editor-in-chief of the French edition of Vogue magazine. De Brunhoff, a considerate person known for encouraging new talent, was impressed by the sketches Saint Laurent brought with him and suggested he become a fashion designer. Saint Laurent would eventually consider a course of study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, the council which regulates the haute couture industry and provides training to its employees. Saint Laurent followed his advice and, leaving Oran for Paris after graduation, began his studies there and eventually graduated as a star pupil. Later that same year, he entered the International Wool Secretariat competition again and won, beating out his friend Fernando Sánchez and young German student Karl Lagerfeld. Shortly after his win, he brought a number of sketches to de Brunhoff who recognised close similarities to sketches he had been shown that morning by Christian Dior. Knowing that Dior had created the sketches that morning and that the young man could not have seen them, de Brunhoff sent him to Dior, who hired him on the spot.


    Although Dior recognised his talent immediately, Saint Laurent spent his first year at the House of Dior on mundane tasks, such as decorating the studio and designing accessories. Eventually, however, he was allowed to submit sketches for the couture collection; with every passing season, more of his sketches were accepted by Dior. In August 1957, Dior met with Saint Laurent's mother to tell her that he had chosen Saint Laurent to succeed him as designer. His mother later said that she had been confused by the remark, as Dior was only 52 years old at the time. Both she and her son were surprised when in October of that year Dior died at a health spa in northern Italy of a massive heart attack.


    Saint Laurent found himself at age 21 the head designer of the House of Dior. His spring 1958 collection almost certainly saved the enterprise from financial ruin; the straight line of his creations, a softer version of Dior's New Look, catapulted him to international stardom with what would later be known as the "trapeze dress." Others included in the collection were dresses with a narrow shoulder and flared gently at the bottom. At this time he shortened his surname to Saint Laurent because the international press found his hyphenated triple name difficult to spell.


    His fall 1958 collection was not greeted with the same level of approval as his first collection, and later collections for the House of Dior featuring hobble skirts and beatnik fashions were savaged by the press. In 1960, Saint Laurent found himself conscripted to serve in the French Army during the Algerian War of Independence. Alice Rawsthorn writes that there was speculation at the time that Marcel Boussac, the owner of the House of Dior and a powerful press baron, had put pressure on the government not to conscript Saint Laurent in 1958 and 1959 but reversed course and asked that the designer be conscripted after the disastrous 1960 season so that he could be replaced.


    In 1983, Saint Laurent became the first living fashion designer to be honoured by the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a solo exhibition. In 2001, he was awarded the rank of Commander of the Légion d'Honneur by French president Jacques Chirac. He retired in 2002 and became increasingly reclusive, living at his homes in Normandy and Morocco with his pet French Bulldog Moujik.


    He also created a foundation with Bergé in Paris to trace the history of the house of YSL, complete with 15,000 objects and 5,000 pieces of clothing.


    A favourite among his female clientele, Saint Laurent had numerous muses that inspired his work. Chief among these was the Somali supermodel Iman, whom he once described as his "dream woman." Other muses included Loulou de la Falaise, the daughter of a French marquis and an Anglo-Irish fashion model; Betty Catroux, the half-Brazilian daughter of an American diplomat and wife of a French decorator; Talitha Pol-Getty; French actress Catherine Deneuve; Nicole Dorier, a YSL top model in 1978?83, who became one of his assistants in organizing his runway shows and, later, the "memory" of his house when it became a museum; Guinean-born Senegalese supermodel Katoucha Niane; supermodel Laetitia Casta, who was the bride in his shows in 1997?2002.


    In 2007, he was awarded the rank of Grand officier de la Légion d'honneur by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.


    He died June 1, 2008 of brain cancer at his residence in Paris. According to The New York Times, a few days before he died, Saint Laurent and Bergé were joined in a same-sex civil union known as a Pacte civil de solidarité (PACS) in France. He was survived by his mother and sisters; his father had died in 1988.


    He was given a Catholic funeral at St. Roch Catholic Church in Paris. Yves' body was cremated and his ashes scattered in Marrakech, Morocco, in the Majorelle Garden, a botanical garden that he often visited to find inspiration and refuge. Bergé said at the funeral service: ?But I also know that I will never forget what I owe you and that one day I will join you under the Moroccan palms?. The funeral attendants included Empress Farah Pahlavi, Madame Chirac, and President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife at the time. Forbes rated Saint Laurent the top-earning dead celebrity in 2009.






    Search for vintage YSL clothing at My Vintage - Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Clothing
    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • MASSIVE VINTAGE SALE - 04-10-2011

    We're having a massive vintage sale!


    There is a whopping 20% OFF absolutely everything right now! And the minimum spend is only £30!

    The discount is automatically applied at the checkout so just sit back and enjoy some retail therapy!

    It's also a great time to buy a few early Christmas presents at a super bargain price!

    As always, if you have any questions or comments then we'd love to hear from you...
    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • New Retro Bags & Canvases Just Added! - 27-09-2011
    Hello & welcome to My Vintage...

    We have just taken delivery of some fantastic brand new retro bags, wall art canvases & retro jewellery.

    Retro wash bags, retro hand bags, retro tote/shopper bags and retro overnight bags from all your favourite tv and film characters from the 70s & 80s including... The Gremlins, The Goonies, The Flintstones, Danger Mouse, Rainbow and many many more!

    Also added some high quality retro wall art canvases in a range of sizes from the likes of Ferris Bueller, Thundercats, Penelope Pitstop, Yogi Bear and many more...





    Lots of fabulous and unique vintage items being added every day including vintage homewares, vintage jewellery, vintage accessories and vintage clothes...

    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Designer Vintage Clothing Profile - Pierre Balmain - 16-09-2011


    Pierre Balmain was born in St Jean de Maurienne, France in 1914. He owed much of his early training in fashion to the two greatest designers of the time - Edward Molyneux and Lucien Lelong - opening his own Haute Couture house immediately following the war, in the autumn of 1945, on the Rue Francois in Paris. Clients quickly flocked to Balmain, and were thrilled to discover the new image he had created for women. The Balmain woman had shed the last vestiges of wartime hardship with abundant insouciance and charm, and heralded a return to opulence in richly embroidered gowns and ensembles.

    In 1951 he opened branches in the United States selling ready-to-wear clothes. During the 1950s, Balmain popularised the stole for day as well as evening wear and created a vogue for sheath dresses beneath jackets. His talent as a designer lay in his ability to make simple, tailored suits as well as grand evening gowns, all with the same aesthetic of slender and elegant lines. Balmain also designed the iconic uniform of the Singapore Airlines Singapore Girl, loosely based on the traditional Indonesian kebaya.

    The 1960s were years of renewal for Pierre Balmain, who used fabrics sculpturally for the creation of uncluttered designs accenting pure structure and contrasts of cut and style. This was also a richly productive period in the field of costuming for stage and screen. In addition, Balmain designed personal wardrobes for numerous international stars, including Brigitte Bardot, Marlene Dietrich, and Katherine Hepburn - to name just a few. This period also marked Balmain's first meeting with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand, who chose him to be her personal couturier.

    The name Pierre Balmain stands for a unique concept of elegance, a clientele of royalty and film stars, and a fashion hallmark recognised throughout the world. The ready-to-wear division, founded in the 1970s, has gradually made an impact on the market and is now registering significantly satisfying results, with some 220 licenses worldwide.

    With the disappearance of Pierre Balmain in 1982, the torch was passed to Erik Mortensen - his personal assistant since 1951 and his closest collaborator - who maintained the House's traditions while developing and updating styles and designs in the spirit of its founder. In recognition of this achievement, Mortensen won the France Haute Couture Golden Thimble Awards for his Autumn-Winter 1983/1984 collection. Erik Mortensen then went onto his second French Haute Couture Golden Thimble Award, presented at the Palais Galleria on 31 July 1987, for his Autumn-Winter 1987/1988 collection. When Erik Mortensen left the House of Balmain in July 1990, he was replaced by youthful Herve-Pierre, who served as designer from 1990 through 1993 for both the Haute Couture and ready-to-wear collections.

    In january 1993, internationally renowned American designer Oscar de la Renta signed his first Haute Couture collection for Pierre Balmain and has now rejuvenated the line while respecting the colours, the fluidity and elegance of the "Jolie Madame" esprit.


    Keep a look out for more instalments from My Vintage profiling the greatest names in fashion history!
    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week! - 13-09-2011
    Hello and welcome to My Vintage and our weekly feature...

    Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week!

    Each week from our many new arrivals we will pick out featured items that you simply must have! From vintage dresses and vintage jumpsuits to designer vintage clothes and vintage suits and blazers and anything else in-between.

    Our featured item of this week (pictured below) is this fabulous Vintage 1960s Frank Usher Navy, Green and White Spotted Dress Size 14



    Cute and kitsch flapper shaped dress from early Frank Usher. In classic navy with emerald green and bright white spotted print. Mid length tube shape with kickflare pleated hem trim. Round neck with bow tie detail. Made from a luxurious non stretch silk cotton mix fabric - lightweight and easy to wear. Great with or without a belt.

    Model is size 10 - dress unpinned.

    Bust - 40" Waist - 34" Length - 42" (UK Size 14)

    Very good vintage condition




    Remember all our vintage clothing, vintage accessories and vintage jewellery are one offs, so once they are gone, they are gone forever...so dont delay and miss out!!!

    Keep checking our blog and website for more fabulous and unique vintage finds from around the world!

    Lots more vintage dresses, designer vintage clothing, vintage playsuits, vintage jumpsuits and vintage accessories being added every day...So keep checking the site for those vintage gems!


    Coming Soon

    Re-worked vintage clothing from My Vintage including reworked vintage shorts, reworked vintage mini skirts and reworked vintage tops all in limited availability.

    My Vintage

    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • My Vintage Autumn/Winter 2011/12 Trends Part 2 - 02-09-2011
    Vintage Clothing Trend Report Autumn/Winter 2011/12

    PART 2

    Here we have the second part of the hottest trends for the upcoming Autumn/Winter season...



    Guilded Goth

    It's dramatic. It's black. It means business. This new sexy gothic look is bound to hang around for some time. Think heavy lace and brocade in black, with gold or shimmer edging and detail. Large shoulders, corset tops, skinny trousers and ghostly silhouettes. This look is more temptress vampire than bride of Dracula so be careful not to overdo it! Dig out some of your old black pieces and mix up with some vintage lace and frills ? experimentation is key!


    Sixties Mod

    Grab your scooter, this stunning Twiggy-esque look is all about the simple lines of the mod styles. Forget flower power, delve into 60s vintage on trend by picking plain or block colours, with the iconic a-line shape and features like dagger collars and chunky buttons. Keep dresses super short or knee length and wear with boots or tights. Invest in a 60s vintage coat or vintage cape for full on chic. A pixie crop or beehive finishes the look perfectly!


    Polka Dots

    The cutesy spots have returned with a bang and whether you're rockabilly or glam rock, there's always room for some polka dots in your wardrobe! A vintage tea dress is the perfect basis for an outfit but keep your eyes peeled for vintage spotty separates like silk scarves, clutch bags, stretch belts, polka dot stockings and of course spotted lace panels on gorgeous vintage frocks.


    So there we have our lowdown on the fashion months ahead with a vintage clothing twist! And don't forget you can shop by trend at www.myvintage.co.uk all year round!

    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • My Vintage Autumn/Winter 2011/12 Trends Part 1 - 26-08-2011
    Vintage Clothing Trend Report Autumn/Winter 2011/12

    PART 1

    Here we have part 1 of the hottest trends for the upcoming Autumn/Winter season...


    We've had lots of fun scouring the AW catwalks and trend projections this month, and this next season is busrting with gorgeous ideas that are really fun to create. As always, we take a look at our favourite trends and give you some hints on how to create these looks the vintage clothing way...

    Clash Prints

    One of our favourites, this trend is set to run and run, opening a whole new chapter for the way we dress. Love that polka dot vintage top but want to wear your leopard print leggings? Got a gorgeous snakeskin vintage dress but fancy slipping on your new rose print heels? Well with Print Clash, there are no rules! The brighter and bolder the better, mixing florals, spots, animal prints, stripes and more! What combination will you come up with?


    Forties Glam

    One trend we're relishing this winter is the glorious forties. This super luxe look is all about drape, cut and showing off those curves. Classic 1940s vintage dresses are fitted at the top, often with buttons, and with gorgeous flattering mid length skirts, and bias cut evening gowns are even more glamorous. Also think accessories, feathers or flowers in the hair, fur capes and stoles, headscarves and gorgeous vintage shoes. Make every day a tea dance day this season!


    Jewel Tones

    This adds a gorgeous twist to the usual Christmas party frock, as well as adding some welcomed glamout to daytime dressing. Think jewel-toned colours like amber, emerald, ruby red, amethyst, sapphire and teal. For the office, team jewel tone vintage silk blouses with neat black pencil skirts. For date night go for jeans and a cute vintage jacket with some gorgeous jewel bright shoes. And of course you simply have to seek out a sexy jewwl tone vintage dress for the Christmas party ? whether it's a 70s chiffon maxi, a 60s micro mini, 80s clingy cocktail or a 50s wiggle dress.



    So there you have it - Keep a look out for part 2 were we bring you three more fabulous trends for Autumn/Winter 2011/2012.


    My Vintage



    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk

  • Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week! - 22-08-2011

    Hello and welcome to My Vintage and our weekly feature...


    Vintage Clothing Spotlight - Item of the Week!


    Each week from our many new arrivals we will pick out featured items that you simply must have! From vintage dresses and vintage jumpsuits to designer vintage clothes and vintage suits and blazers and anything else in-between.


    Our featured item of this week (pictured below) is this fabulous Vintage 1980s Escada Navy and Cream Nautical Jumpsuit Size 10/12






    Fantastic nautical style jumpsuit from the brilliant and collectable Escada. Deep French navy with cream collar trim and double breasted front with gold nautical anchor buttons. Fitted waist with belt loops and two side pockets. Padded shoulders. Slight marks in 2 places but very hard to spot. Non stretch silk feel fabric.

    Model is a size 10 - item worn unpinned.

    Bust - 36" Waist - 30" Length - 56" (UK Size 10/12)

    Very good vintage condition


    Click here to view on our site


    Remember all our vintage clothing, vintage accessories and vintage jewellery are one offs, so once they are gone, they are gone forever...so dont delay and miss out!!!


    Keep checking our blog and website for more fabulous and unique vintage finds from around the world!


    Lots more vintage dresses, designer vintage clothing, vintage playsuits, vintage jumpsuits and vintage accessories being added every day...So keep checking the site for those vintage gems!


    Coming Soon

    Re-worked vintage clothing from My Vintage including reworked vintage shorts, reworked vintage mini skirts and reworked vintage tops all in limited availability.

    My Vintage


    My Vintage http://www.myvintage.co.uk