Feature Oh So Vintage!
Josephine Routledge has a look at vintage fashion Leeds has to offer
Feature: Oh So Vintage!
The latest trends in fashion have seen a huge rise in demand for vintage clothing. In the last three years vintage clothing has been embraced by the public and more vintage shops have opened to meet the needs. Vintage clothing is a seemingly cooler euphemism for new or second hand garments originating from a previous era. People are turning to vintage because they want to stand out from the crowd and wearing used, old clothes is now, essentially, ‘cool’.
Leeds is a fashion forward city and full of trend setters. You only have to walk up and down Briggate to spot a stream of fashion savvy individuals. Judging by the inspiring street fashion, it is obvious just by looking around that the vintage culture thrives in this vibrant city. The unique vintage look is contagious and it rebels against the boring mass produced selection that the high street has to offer. Vintage screams character, which Leeds has much in abundance, so it’s no surprise the city is home to a host of popular vintage boutiques.
The Leeds vintage scene provides an assortment of shops that cater for a wide range of tastes. From expensive traditional vintage frocks to cheap customized clothing. One of the oldest standing vintage shops in Leeds is Ryan Vintage. This modest bric-a-brac shop can be found hidden away in Lower Briggate. Inside this humble outlet is an Aladdin’s cave fit for any vintage hungry fan. But be warned as this is not so much a boutique but a vintage warehouse. There is an astounding amount of stock for both men and women from a range of eras, such as 50s dresses, fur coats, leather jackets, old cowboy boots and so on. This haven of vintage trinkets comes at a fair price and the limitless selection means you’re sure to find that unique one of a kind bargain.
163 Lower Briggate, LS1 6LY, 0113 244 3090
A few minutes’ walk away is Blue Rinse on Call Lane. This vintage boutique can be spotted from a mile. Its contemporary shop design shouts fashion, fashion, fashion for any passer-by. This retro get up sports a range of vintage clothing from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Aswell as providing authentic vintage clothing, Blue Rinse provides customized vintage which is designed by their in house designers. This provides a new alternate option in vintage Fashion. Anton Gill, manager of Blue Rinse says, “people are turning to vintage because they want to be individual. Here at Blue Rinse we offer a different alternative to vintage Fashion. Vintage clothes can often be unflattering when they are not fitted properly. Our customized range are made to fit and it is a play on modern meets vintage to follow current trends.” Blue Rinse also hold concessions in Urban Outfitters and Miss Selfridges.
9-11 Call Lane, LS1 7DH, 0113 245 1735, www.bluerinseleeds.co.uk
Tucked away on Central Road is another great vintage emporium, Pop Boutique. This quirky shop brings back to life retro clothes from the 60s, 70s and 80s. For a dose of northern soul, you can kit yourself out on Pop’s very own label. The Pop label sells a range of vintage inspired clothing such as flared cords, skinny jeans, retro style western & flannel shirts, knitwear and so on. The shop also has a special lounge area in the basement dedicated to original vintage shoes, boots and accessories.
12-16 Central Road, LS1 6DE, 01132 432264
If you’re more of a vintage traditionalist however, then make sure to visit Upstaged. This vintage boutique specializes in 30s, 40s and 50s fashion. They have a wide selection of authentic vintage party frocks and prom dresses, original vintage winter coats and vintage shoes. Bridgit Jenneison a shop assistant from Upstaged says “our biggest clientele is from vintage gatherings where people meet up to wear authentic garments from a certain era, such as a 40s tea party and so on”.
As well as selling vintage items, Upstaged also stock a colorful array of 40s and 50s inspired pin-up lingerie and corsetry. Upstaged also cater for pregnant woman as it is currently the only shop in the UK to sell genuine vintage maternity wear. So remember ladies, just because you’re pregnant, it doesn’t mean you can’t be fabulous in vintage!
5 Grand Arcade, LS1 6PG, 0113 243 5855, www.upstagedleeds.co.uk
Posted on Wednesday 12th May 2010
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Comment by Lj Cross
Posted on Tue 24th Aug 10 6:09 pm
i think leeds needs more vintage. cow is an excellent vintage chain i’d love to see get :)
