I couldn’t resist but use Nathalie Doucet, my hotel roomie in Hyeres, and organiser of the Arts of Fashion competition, as a prime example of meticulous vintage pickings. At first glance, one might not immediately point out her two black dresses to be vintage. The first one is from the 1940’s but with the satin front panels would not look out of line with say a Martin Margiela collection. The second one from a later period has a curved subtle bubble hem and darts in the dress that is again could be mistaken for Balenciaga (Ghesquiere or Cristobal…). Nathalie bought them both in San Francisco where they weren’t dear at all. I think I’ll aspire to be a lot more discerning with the type of vintage I buy if the effects are as contemporary as these dresses. Not being able to afford high fashion yet being able to emulate it in a smart way is probably something I’ve banged on about enough times so thank you Nathalie for showing me a live example.
