Out with the new, in with the old

Liverpool’s reputation as a fashion hot-spot is ever growing, but it isn’t only Liverpool One that is drawing in the crowds.

Over the past few years, vintage in Liverpool has become massively popular, and this weekend proved the popularity is ever-growing, as two vintage fashion fair’s took place in the city.

Liverpool’s Affordable Vintage Fair, a regular visitor to LJMU’s student union, and The New Village Fete at Heebie Jeebies, both set the trend for fashionista’s searching for a treasure, but it’s not only these that have Liverpool’s vintage scene thriving.

Bold Street, Renshaw Street, Hardman Street and Whitechapel are just a few of the Liverpool streets that house vintage fashion stores. Pop Boutique, Little Red Vintage, Grand Central, Raiders Vintage and Flashback Vintage are all fighters in the battle against conformity.

Lisa Savage from Just Vintage said:
“I think there are lots of different reasons why vintage is popular. Some people buy because it’s green, it’s recycling, it’s friendly to the environment, and if you want to look different, if you don’t want to look like anyone else on the high street. They are the two main reasons to buy vintage.”

She added:
“I think because of the universities, any major city, where you have such an eclective mix of people, and again students just want to look a bit different. And I think big cities are really great for vintage fashion.”

John Ward, a seller at Liverpool’s Affordable Vintage Fashion Fair said:
“I think vintage has been popular for the last two or three years, and obviously with things like the credit crunch and people being conscious of things costing a lot, with vintage you can’t go wrong.”

John showed off a faux leopard print coat which is particularly on trend at the moment, that he was selling for £20, and said, in comparison to the high street, his prices were much lower. He said “It’s a 1960’s coat, it’s 50 years old, and it’s £20. It’s got that sort of political correctness about it, that says it is recycling, and that’s why it’s popular.”

Lucy Baxter from Preserved Vintage in Grand Central said:
“Liverpool is a great place for vintage, everyone just wants something different and people here thrive off looking unique, and that’s why it’s good because vintage is one of a kind.”