Vintage Clothing - Purpose

Purpose

Although there has always been an appreciation for the superior quality, fabric and design that is found in vintage clothing - the awareness, demand and acceptance of this has increased dramatically since the early 1990s.

This increase in interest is due in part to increased visibility, as vintage clothing was increasingly worn by top models and celebrities, e.g. Julia Roberts, Renée Zellweger, Chloë Sevigny, Tatiana Sorokko, Kate Moss, and Dita von Teese.

There has also been an increasing interest in environmental sustainability in terms of reusing, recycling and repairing rather than throwing things away.

A resurgence of historically based sub-cultural groups like rockabilly and swing dancing has also played a part in the increased interest in vintage clothes.

Fashion design, throughout history has turned to previous eras for inspiration. Garments closely resembling original vintage (retro or antique) clothing are mass produced, for the most part, in China. An example of this is the simple slip dresses that emerged in the early 1990s, a style that resembles a 1930's design, but upon examination will show that it only superficially resembles the real thing. These styles are generally referred to as "vintage style", "vintage inspired" or "vintage reproductions". They serve as a convenient alternative to those who admire an old style but prefer a modern interpretation. Sellers claim consumer advantage in that, unlike the original garments, they are usually available in a range of sizes and perhaps, colours and/or fabrics, and can be sold much cheaper. However, as stated, these garments are mass produced, and do not have the fabric or quality of workmanship that is found in authentic vintage clothing. They really do not have a place in the vintage clothing market, since the items are not vintage, and are not unique, which is the mainstay of the industry. The sale of "vintage inspired" clothing is seen by some collectors as deceptive practice within the industry. The styles are made to look similar, but not only are they modern day and mass produced, they will not retain any value in the vintage clothing market. "Vintage inspired" garments do not have any of the merit that is embodied in authentic vintage clothing.

Vintage fashion design reflects the politics, art and culture of the time. If we go into an antique furniture dealer to browse, it gives us an idea of the different periods. If an antique dealer listed items as "antique inspired" or "French Colonial design", he/she would soon lose credibility as an antique dealer. Vintage clothing in recent years, for the first time, has been recognized as a tangible (hard) asset, which means that it has value. The asset purchased retains an immediate monetary value. The asset may well appreciate, hopefully at a rate faster than inflation. During periods of high and/or rising inflation, hard assets (including collectibles) tend to outperform financial assets, which often depreciate in value in the face of high inflation. The driving force during the price mark-up phase, when collectibles prices escalate rapidly over a period of years, is the level and direction of real interest rates. First oil, then labor costs, then general inflation, have started to awaken from their slumber. Now collectibles and other hard assets should begin to outperform financial assets, as they did in the prior inflationary wave of 1973-1981. Once the tide starts to come in, the trend should continue for years, not just for weeks or months, if history is any guide. Collectors of jewelry and vintage clothing can expect to have the wind at their backs in the years ahead.

The distinction to be made then, is that vintage clothing is an investment, and an asset. Therefore, the consumer has a right to know whether they are buying a reproduction or the real thing. And there can be no passing off the reproduction as the real thing, regardless of the language it is cloaked in.

Collectibles, e.g., fine antique furniture, vintage clothing, jewelry, Impressionist painting, are considered "hard assets", i.e., assets that have physical form. Other hard assets are gold and silver bullion; real estate; commodities like oil and copper. Financial assets represent the other main category of investment assets. Examples of financial assets are common stocks; bonds; mortgages; bank deposits.

Vintage styles and vintage inspired clothing have not legitimately earned the title "vintage", because quite simply, they are not vintage, and it is misleading to consumers. In essence, vintage clothing retains and increases in value due to the fact that it is genuinely from a past era. In addition, authentic garments are made one at a time, with enough attention to detail to create an item that has long lasting value. Therefore, those items have proven merit, which has stood the test of time. The only modern day clothing that fits into the category of "collectible clothing" are couture quality pieces that are very expensive and well made. There is a timelessness surrounding superior quality and design. It is most unfortunate that, along with the increased demand for vintage clothing, there has been a concurrent objective to mix it with the contemporary mass produced "vintage inspired" designs, in order to capitalize on the growth of interest in authentic vintage clothing. In essence, all clothing is vintage inspired, and always has been. It does not mean that it is vintage. The distinction needs to be made clear. Consumers are increasingly savvy to misleading advertising with regards to vintage clothing, including all manner of mass produced designer fakes and knock-offs within the fashion industry.