image credit: Levi Strauss & Co
To celebrate the launch of W. Vintage, our handpicked vintage range we asked Watson & White’s Hannah and Kari about their love of vintage and to share with us the vintage pieces they keep in their wardrobe.
- Kari, when did you start wearing vintage?
As a teenager, I grew up in the Levi 501s era and loved customising clothes from a young age, my favourite thing was to visit the vintage stores in Belfast with my pocket money and buy ripped jeans and leather flying jackets. I carried on my bargain hunting at college, as a fashion student I loved finding cheap quirky dresses and coats to chop up or distress. I stopped wearing vintage for a long while but got back into it in my late thirties.
- How much do you wear?
Not that much as I prefer just to add touches here and there, I tend to wear vintage clothes on special occasions so look for evening gowns, but I love vintage jewellery and would wear that all the time. I also love a vintage pair of sunnies, especially bargain ones in charity shops!
- What is the oldest item in your wardrobe?
I have a pair of sunglasses that were my grandfathers, probably from the 1950s, and some of my mums 1960s handbags. My jewellery is the oldest, I have both my grandmothers’ antique rings I adore.
- Where do you shop for vintage?
Charity shops, vintage fairs (my daughter loves a kilo sale) and on eBay.
- What do you look out for/pitfalls to be aware of?
The sizing mainly, more often than not the sizes are tiny and don’t fit me – hence why I usually go for accessories.
- What’s your most treasured vintage item, and why?
I have a rose gold band that was my nana’s wedding ring, It’s so simple it’s as modern today as it was then. I also own a vintage backless black silk dress that is so flattering I will never give it up.
- What’s the one vintage item you wear the most?
Vintage Levi’s 501 Jeans – always.
- Do you wear vintage jewellery?
Yes it’s my favourite way to add a bit of uniqueness and depth to an outfit – I dress quite simply in plain colours and classic shapes, so a vintage watch, bag, sunnies or earrings will give an outfit a different look.
- What vintage item would you most love to own?
Anything Chanel, especially from Coco’s era.
- Whose vintage style do you admire?
Helena Christensen – I love her vintage look from her wardrobe to her quirky homes.
image credit: Instagram/HelenaChristensen