Retro Fashion at Vintage Selection 35

It’s a new year, which means it’s time to look towards new trendsetting styles, but it is also a time to look back upon past fashion that has made its mark in previous decades. For those who are retro enthusiasts, Vintage Selection #35 is an event not to miss thanks to a wide selection of clothing and accessories.

The fair once again offers a “vintage haven” to fashionistas and aficionados alike from January 22 – 26 daily from 9 am – 8 pm at the Cavaniglia Pavilion of the Fortezza da Basso. Pets must be left at home, but the general public is entitled to a €2 discount off the €5 admission fee by clicking a link and downloading a voucher on the website.

Held twice yearly to showcase offerings of the season, Vintage Selection has registered an increase in its audience with almost 3,500 guests at the last edition.  At #35, there will be 50 vendors present to display their treasures from the past. The fair will be showcasing vintage clothing from designer wear to everyday attire in addition to non-garment items such as furniture, books, photos and tableware, all available for purchase. Aside from the chance to peruse through a wide variety of items that were fashionable and are once again trendy due to their timeless style and quality, there will be exhibitions that will give visitors a complete look into the culture of fashion through the decades.

On display will be designer clothing, a variety of jeans and military wear on racks and silk scarves, jewelry, designer handbags, hats, and sunglasses on rows of tables, with pieces going back to as early as the 1940s, to fast forward to the 1990s and the decades in between.  Exhibitors are bringing in the most sought after vintage finds, with a range of accessories from previous Chanel, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada and a variety of international collections. Big names in the vintage industry who will be present include (but are not limited) to A.N.G.E.L.O, Aloe & Wolf Vintage, Archivio Storico Vintage, PX Military Vintage, SP Vintage, Shabby Chic Vintage, Street Chic, Vintage Mercatino di Ninni, Fernanda Vintage, and others. Vintage Selection also will feature specialized sections where one can browse through racks of unique, brand-less garments that are one of a kind; some have been updated to provide a fresh, modern look.

Visitors can expect to find trendy Beverly Hills Blues bomber jackets in the baroque style that was popularized by 90’s hip hop, and this is the place to purchase a Versace evening dress that rivals the sumptuousness of old Hollywood. The men’s section has a variety of coats and hats, but husbands, fathers and beaus will also be impressed by the tie line-up that may comprise Moschino, Fendi, Gianni Versace, and Trussardi.

With great creativity, Vintage Selection continues to inspire and set a light on the sustainability movement by rejecting “fast fashion” by reselling and mending older styles to fit current demand from trends of the past. The current youthful generation has realized the impact humans have on the environment and have begun to take action in making changes in everyday life. This growing movement affected manufacturing at some big companies such as Patagonia, Nike, and MUD Jeans. Seeking sustainable fashion gives the wearer a unique look and individuality as well as a greater awareness of environmental concerns.

Today’s mainstream society will appreciate the fair and its lab of archives from previous editions of Vintage Selection. From clothing to accessories to even books and old photographs, those who appreciate the retro lifestyle will not want to miss attending this biannual event.  (tessa roth-cervantes)