A focus on... the 1960s

The 1960s was a colourful and innovative decade. Many different trends emerged during this period, from glamorous to boho, high fashion to ethnic style.

Fashions in the early years of the decade reflected the elegance of the First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy. In addition to the pillbox hat, women wore stiletto heeled shoes and suits with short boxy jackets, as well as over-sized buttons.

A subgroup of 1960s culture were the hippies, who were all about peace, love and freedom. Flowers were synonymous with hippy fashion. A lot of style inspiration was drawn from traditional clothing in Nepal, India, Bali, Morocco and African countries.

The fashion scene was dominated by iconic models such as Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton, for their ultra mod and glamorous look. They were the perfect ambassadors of the miniskirt - accredited to '60s designer Mary Quant. Actress and singer, Jane Birkin, was renowned for her signature effortless style which symbolised Sixties boho fashion.

We had a look around Vintage Modes and spotted lots of pieces from this era that are positively groovy!

Feathery white flower brooch, from Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

Metal flower brooch, from Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

Flower power style

French sunglasses, offered by Gillian Horsup

1960s sunglasses advert

Vintage sunglasses, offered by Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

Audrey Hepburn

White straw hat, from June Victor at Vintage Modes

Jane Birkin

1960s Stratton abstract design compact, from Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

The compact - an essential accessory!

1960s compact advert

Velvet robe, from June Victor at Vintage Modes

Jane Birkin 

Vintage gold tone brooch by Boucher, from Arabella Bianco

Vintage gold tone textured flower bracelet, from Arabella Bianco

1960s Gold accessories

1960s Gold accessories

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk

July's Birthstone: Ruby

The height of summer brings precious ruby to the fore; it is among the most highly prized of gemstones. Red is the colour of the ruby -  Yves Saint Laurent called red the ‘colour of love, battle, death, and warmth’. It is a stone of nobility, known to protect wearers from evils in the world.

Tiffany published poems for each birthstone month "of unknown author" in a pamphlet in 1870, this is July's.

The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.

You may not find this precious stone in Vintage Modes, but you will most certainly find an abundance of vibrant faux ruby costume jewellery! Below is a small example of the stunning pieces on offer at the moment..

Vintage gold plated ruby red rhinestone bracelet by Trifari, from Arabella Bianco

Art Deco glass necklace, from Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

Glass & gilt flower brooch, from Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

Gilt and glass flower brooch, from Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

Modernist ring, from Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

Glass and diamante, 1960s clip on earrings, from Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

Ruby red and aurora borealis necklace by Lilien Czech, from Arabella Bianco

Vintage ruby red glass and pale gold tone cufflinks, from Arabella Bianco

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk

Introducing Geeta Handa of C-ATOMIC!

We are pleased to announce a new addition to the team at Vintage Modes! British designer Geeta Handa of C-ATOMIC has created a beautiful display of individually designed vintage inspired dresses and accessories. Her influence for this collection mainly comes from the 1970s but does add a touch of the retro 50s and stylish 60s. The designs feature timeless silhouettes with an added ethnic touch to create the perfect balance between bohemian fashion and effortless chic.

Geeta also offers a bespoke couture dress making service to make you stand out from the crowd. Additionally, clients receive a fashion portrait sketched out by Geeta herself, which makes a perfect gift along with any purchase.

Personal favourites from the collection are the white chiffon dresses with floaty sleeves. These can be worn dressed up or down, and when paired with gladiator sandals and a fringe bag, would be perfect to wear to this season's festivals.

We asked Geeta a few questions...

What first interested you in vintage fashion?
The idea of a timeless classic piece that never goes out of style was the reason I first started designing.

Do you have a favourite fashion icon? 
1970s icon, Brigitte Bardot, influences my designs, with a piece in my collection even being named after her. 

How do you gather inspiration for your beautiful designs?
I like to travel in order to gain inspiration and have just come back from a trip to Paris. Indian Textiles and the British Raj Era also inspire this collection.

Below are a few designs from her current collection:

Geeta modelling one of her own designs

Gigi Galore off shoulder, raw silk top with gold and black printed pleat skirt

Stunning White Chiffon Dress

Bohemian Vintage Inspired Dress

Classic Vintage Style Dress

Bohemian Style with an Ethnic twist

Follow on instagram @c_atomicgeeta

Contact via www.c-atomicgeeta.com

Gmail: geetahanda.c@gmail.com

Mobile: +44 7061506777

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London.  Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk.

Vogue China

Vintage Modes had a 1950s rayon turban featured in Vogue China this month! Plus some spectacular 1960s plastic earrings from Gillian Horsup.  Love the colour scheme for this shoot.

 

In Vogue China, May 2013.
Styling : Ondine Azoulay. Photo : David Dunan.

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk

Sixties Beaded Mini Dress

This stunning lace mini dress is from the 1960s and is embellished with tiny black beads, £200.

 

All items posted are for sale. If you have any queries please leave a comment or visit us at Grays in Mayfair, London Alternatively you can call us on 020 7409 0400 or email info@vintagemodes.co.uk

Pair of 1960s Silver Boots

Fantastic pair of original 1960s silver boots, from June Victor at Vintage Modes. These were actually purchased from an ex-model who wore these in the 60s!