Vintage Clothing Blog | Yarn Yarns | Buy and Rent Vintage Melbourne

29 Oct

The Wumpus

Who: Yasmine What: Black faux fur coat History of faux fur In a 1929 Vogue article on fur the writer states "This article is not for you if you are feeling economical or momentarily poor." The article goes on to advise never to scrimp on fur, as the fur you wear will reveal to everyone "the kind of woman you are and the kind of life you lead." From 1919 t0 1928 United States government imposed a ten percent tariff on real fur, leading to an increase in popularity of faux fur. Some manufacturers had so many orders that they were forced to shut down temporarily. The New York Times published a humour article telling the story of a fake fur manufacturer who created a coat based on an imaginary animal called the "Wumpus". He then launched a national advertising campaign to teach the public the origins of the Wumpus. In the 60s animal rights campaigning meant more and more people were choosing faux fur over real, not so much to save money but for the conservation of animals in the wild. This blog post referenced a Smithsonian mag article. Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/history-faux-fur-180953984/#164SBGz79CZyqwBc.99 Story behind the coat Written by Yasmine This faux fur coat belonged to my Tayta Siham when she was alive. Whenever I went to her house I would always wander upstairs into this 70s wonderland and marvel at all the gorgeous clothes and décor. Among them was this beautiful black fur coat. I would always want to try it on even though it was way too big for me. It made me feel like I was cuddling a big teddy bear, which was so comforting. One day my Tayta decided to pass it down to my mother who then passed it down to me when I was in my early 20s. It is one piece of clothing I will always treasure, it transports me back to a simpler time where anything was possible. I hope that anyone who gets to wear this beautiful jacket, feels the same way I did as a child. Magical. Yasmine is also an awesome jewellery designer. Check out her goodies on instagram: @winterberryboutique Cotton and Woolley xx Illustration by Yasmine's sister, Amira Hajar

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Post by Katherine Cotton

16 Jul

Made in Tassie

Who: Jenna aka The Ironic Minimalist What: 80s plaid wool blazer Where: Jenna has loaned this blazer to Yarn Yarns for people to hire. History behind the blazer Jenna, Cotton and Woolley all share Tasmanian backgrounds so they were delighted to discover this blazer was produced at Waverley Woollen Mills in Launceston. Waverley Mills was established in 1874 and is now Australia's oldest working textile mill. When Jenna bought the blazer she contacted Waverley Mills. They were able to work out exactly when it was produced and shared the following Instagram post: Story behind the coat I initially found this blazer at The Concious Closet Op Shop near the QV in Melbourne. I wandered in one day and saw it amongst the amazing vintage garments. As much as I loved it, I decided to come back in a few days when Fitted for Work was holding their $5 sale day. Once the $5 sale day rolled around and after I picked up some great bargains, I wandered back to The Conscious Closest (which is an op shop run by Fitted for Work). The blazer was still there, but now it was 50% off! I knew it was mine. I find the blazer very special to me as as it was made by Australia's oldest textile mill located in my home town of Launceston, Tasmania! It's not often you find a perfect condition piece made in your hometown! I wear this unique piece with jeans and turtle neck. I feel that it adds something different to my look and the padded shoulders give my outfit a slight 80's look, which I love! I have now found that this jacket is getting less love in my wardrobe, so I have passed it on to Yarn Yarns in hope that it will continue to be loved by some other special people Illustration inspired by the Waverley Mills logo on the blazer Blazer details: Customers can hire this blazer from Yarn Yarns for $25 for four days and $38 for eight days. Cotton and Woolley xx

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Post by Katherine Cotton

19 Jun

Sunday Best

Who: Sunday What: Green handmade coat Where: This coat is available to buy at Yarn Yarns History Behind the Coat This beautiful coat is home made. People rarely make garments at home nowadays as purchasing new clothing is so accessible to most of us. In this blog post we look into the history of the largest manufacturing business in the world - the creation, production and distribution of clothing. Up until the early 20th century clothes were made specifically for the person who would wear them and would last a very long time. Today we walk into a store, purchase a ready to wear garment, wear it a few times then throw it away. The industrial revolution in the 1700s saw textile production move from small cottage production to large scale factory settings. However piece work still had to be done by hand, until 1846 when the sewing machine was invented. Despite this progress in fashion production most people still preferred to have their clothes tailored. The late 19th century/early 20th century saw the introduction of the department store and with this came the birth of knock-offs. Marshall Fields' offered copied couture dresses for $25.00 (equivalent to $895 at today's prices) compared with $75.00 ($2684.00 at today's prices) for the upscale version. Nowadays not only are fabrics becoming thinner and less durable, they are also mostly made from polyester, which is basically plastic. Retail stores used to introduce new lines for each season (four times a year) now big brands introduce new designs every two weeks. Most women these days where an item of clothing two or three times before it is discarded. When looking for our next item of clothing we should keep in mind the damage the fashion industry has on the environment and the vast amount of second clothing already available to us. Story Behind the Coat Written by Sunday: I'm Sunday brown and I'm 14 years old in year 8. Growing up as a girl has been hard but also really cool. I have so many amazing intelligent women including {Sophie Wooley } around me showing me how to be a good person in the world. Although being a teenage girl is hard because of beauty standards and self insecurities. I've learnt how to have self worth and to recognise everyone is beautiful in there own way. I'm proud to say that I'm a feminist and an independent woman in this world. I love vintage clothing and was so excited to wear this coat with its beautiful buttons. I really like that it is handmade and to think of the person who made it. Did they copy it from a pattern? Did they come up with the design? Or were they inspired by a girl who was wearing a similar one? Did they make it for their own personal use, or for someone else? How long did it take them to make it? I like to imagine the answers to these questions. Illustration by Cotton Sunday is wearing: Green handmade coat available to buy at Yarn Yarns for $105 Green velvet dress available to rent at Yarn Yarns for four days $50, or eight days $75 Black lace up boots supplied by Honey From The Jar Vintage and available to buy at Yarn Yarns for $55 80s suede bag available to buy at Yarn Yarns for $25 Cotton and Woolley xx

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Post by Katherine Cotton

21 May

Sequins And Fur

Who: Modelled by Stella Coat owned by Tess Dress owned by Jodi Where: both the dress and coat are available to hire at Yarn Yarns History Behind The Dress This beautiful sequinned dress is Prada. Prada was founded by Mario and Martino Prada in 1913. It began as a leather goods shop specialising in trunks and handbags. Mario believed women had no place in business so he left Prada to his son. Fortunately his son had no interest in the business so Mario's daughter Luisa took over, running it for 20 years until her daughter Miucca succeeded her in 1978. Under Luisa and Miucca's direction Prada became one of the most recognisable fashion brands in the world, proving women definitely do have a place in business! Story Behind The Coat Tess was inspired to buy this coat by a friend of hers who had a very similar one. Even though it was a little too big it was so beautiful she had to have it. Lucky for us its poor fit on her means it now resides at Yarn Yarns. Other than buying clothes that are too big for her, Tess possesses another endearing quality where she is incapable of remembering the names of places, so whenever people ask her where she bought the coat, without fail Tess will say "what's it called again? You know... the shop at the end of my street." Illustration by Genevieve Lown Product details: Black sequinned Prada dress: rent for 4 days at $100, or 8 days at $130. Follow this link to hire it: https://shopyarnyarns.com.au/product/prada-black-sequinned-party-dress/ Grey wool coat with fur collar: rent for 4 days at $30, or 8 days at $45. Follow this link to hire it: https://shopyarnyarns.com.au/product/grey-wool-coat-with-fur-collar/ Round white clip on earrings available at Yarn Yarns for $15 Cotton and Woolley xx

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Post by Katherine Cotton

27 Feb

The Supremes’ Fashion

Who: Modelled by Sam, owned by Mara. What: 60's Metallic Pink Gold Gown Where: You can hire this dress from Yarn Yarns. $50 for four days, or $75 for eight days. History Behind the Garment This dress reminds us of something the members of sixties girl band The Supremes would wear. The Supremes started the trend of glamorous costumes in girl groups. Their sophisticated style has rarely been rivalled, even with today's hyper-invented stars. Before the 50s and 60s people used to buy an album based purely on the sound but with the increased popularity of tv, the look of pop musicians became almost as important. The Supremes wanted to create a signature style that set them apart from all other girl bands. They chose a sophisticated look which would appeal to a broad audience. At the time there were no female African-American fashion icons to aspire to, The Supremes were the first. Their style was idolised widely and set the trend for women in the music scene. Story Behind the Garment Mara bought this dress at the Conscious Closet. It was so glamorous she couldn't resist. It remained tucked away in her wardrobe till she was invited to a costume party with a broad theme. This was her chance... Mara didn't know what she was going as but she had to wear this dress. She decided to go as tinsel and paired the dress with a silver wig. Mara loves this dress but rarely finds an occasion to wear it. Till that day comes she is sharing it with Yarn Yarns so other people can enjoy it. Cotton and Woolley xx Illustration by Mara Lythgo Photography by Kathy Kennedy. Sam is also wearing: 1940s bed jacket, size 8. Rent for four days at $20, or eight days at $30 Oroton glo mesh bag. Rent for four days at $15, or eight days at $23 Gold Mossimo platform heels, size 10. Buy for $90, Rent for four days at $20, or eight days at $30.

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Post by Katherine Cotton

19 Feb

Hef or Doctor Who?

Who: Cotton What: 1970s/80s Daniel Schagen Men's Shirt Where: Buffalo Exchange, Los Angeles, US History Behind the Garment These days it is common for women to wear shirts and ties but it wasn’t always the case. Before the 20th century women were expected to wear restrictive clothing such as corsets and layers of dresses and underskirts. With the commencement of WWI more and more women were entering the workforce, calling for less restrictive and more casual clothing. The 1930s saw actresses such as Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich adorning masculine suits and bow ties in films. However trousers were still not considered socially acceptable and after WWII women went back to their traditional household roles and skirts. If women were to wear trousers they were under strict instructions from magazines such as Vogue to ensure they paired it appropriately in order to appear as feminine as possible. It wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s when laws were passed encouraging equal pay for women that fashion designers started introducing menswear inspired clothing for women again. It was around this time that Yves Saint-Laurent introduced the “smoking” tuxedo jacket, touted as an alternative to the little black dress. Menswear inspired fashion continues to grow. Nowadays there is increasing demand for actual menswear that is fitted to the female body. We are slowly moving towards the end of gender-specific clothing. Story Behind the Garment This is a true story.... I bought this shirt in an op shop in Los Angeles in 2011. I was looking for a costume to wear to a Halloween party and while sifting through all the usual array of oddities that you find at second hand stores I discovered a gas mask. I knew immediately what I was going as, “The Empty Child” from Doctor Who. He resembles a young boy from the 1940s in a gas mask who walks around cocking his head and saying “are you my mummy?” I brushed aside the niggling concern that I was in the United States where Doctor Who was not known, and even if someone did know it it was highly unlikely they were going to recognise this obscure character that only featured in two episodes. I hunted around the op shop collecting all I needed to complete my outfit, including the pictured shirt. The party I had been invited to was the Playboy Mansion Halloween party. Yep that famous mansion where the dressing gown clad Hugh Hefner dwelled with his bunnies. I had the good sense to realise that a girl dressed as a 1940s child in a gas mask would not be appropriate for a party where less is definitely seen as more. So instead of changing my costume idea I stubbornly stuck with it and decided to go to a house party with considerably fewer dressing gowns and bunnies. Predictably no one knew who I was meant to be and I ended up leaving early in a huff. I later learned that the Halloween playboy mansion party of 2011 was the year the vast majority of guests were struck with food poisoning. I may not have rubbed shoulders with the Bunnies and Hef but in a way this shirt helped me dodge a bullet. That's what I like to tell myself anyway. Woolley and Cotton xx We normally accompany the blog with an illustration but this week we thought a photo was more appropriate. Cotton in her Doctor Who Costume

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Post by Katherine Cotton

19 Feb

Old Soles

Who: Mara What: Shoes (era and brand unknown) Where: Nth Melbourne Market, Melbourne, Australia History Behind Shoes In 1991 some hikers discovered a man frozen in a glacier on the border between Austria and Italy. He was later named Otzi and determined to be over 5000 years old. One of the greatest aspects of this discovery was his perfectly preserved clothing and shoes. It was like taking a trip through time. Up until this moment we had only the vaguest notion of how stone aged people dressed. His shoes were of particular interest in that they were basically a couple of piles of straw on stiffened bear skin. However, when a Czech shoe expert made a replica pair he discovered they were more comfortable and capable than modern shoes. They had great grip, protected against blisters and were very warm. Nowadays we can purchase a pair of shoes for up to $3 million made entirely of rubies, topless shoes attached to the foot with adhesive pads, or heel-less thigh high PVC boots. In the 40,000 year history of shoes they have grown from solely practical purposes to highly varied wearable pieces of art. Story Behind These Shoes Based on a true story… Marisa was carrying the pictured shoes in her bag as she walked to the train station from work. At some point on this journey she dropped one of the precious pair. Marisa was devastated but this devastation turned to surprised jubilation twenty-four hours later when on the same walk she discovered her shoe blatantly sitting undisturbed on the pavement in the middle of the CBD. She was ecstatic! So much so she didn’t mind the curious looks thrown in her direction when she stopped in peak hour to scoop up a seemingly random abandoned shoe in an all too enthusiastic embrace. Woolley and Cotton xx Illustration by Haley Kigbo

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Post by Katherine Cotton

19 Feb

Green Sleeves

Who: Woolley What: Kimono Where: Vintage Lost and Found Market, Melbourne, Australia History behind the style The Samurai made the kimono famous in Japan during the Edo period (1603 – 1868). When the Shogun was overthrown in 1853 the Japanese ports were opened up for the first time to western culture, and only a decade or so later the kimono was gracing the shop windows of the most respected fashion establishments in London. It was around this time that the word “kimono” first came about to differentiate it from western clothing. It literally translates as “thing to wear.” Kimonos gained popularity in western culture in the 1970s with increased globalization and the hippie movement. People were adorning sandals from India, jewellery from Africa, and Kimonos from Japan. David Bowie also helped to popularise the kimono when he wore one on tour in 1973. There are arguments that wearing kimonos is cultural appropriation because people are wearing them without understanding the cultural significance of the piece but it can also be viewed as a cultural exchange if you appreciate and respect the history of the garment. Story Behind the Garment This is a true story…. Woolley stumbled across this kimono in an op shop and was instantly transported back to her childhood when her Mum wore a very similar kimono as a dressing gown. Woolley remembers sitting at the kitchen table, legs swinging, chin resting on the table-top as her mum danced around the room in the kimono making her breakfast. She remembers her wearing it when she tucked her into bed, or when she was furiously rummaging through her wardrobe looking for something to wear to dinner. But the memory that stood out the most to Woolley was when she had a cold. Her nose was running but alas there was nothing to blow it on, she was bringing her arm to her face to do one big wipe when her Mum stopped her and offered her the sleeve of her kimono, tenderly wrapping it around Woolley’s nose and telling her to blow. Woolley hesitated, looking incredulously at the kimono that she had always admired. Woolley couldn’t understand why anyone would deliberately mess up anything so beautiful and treasured, but she knew this simple gesture showed how much her mother loved her. She furiously blew into the sleeve, her Mum gently patting her on the head. Woolley’s Mum passed away a few years later but she is always reminded of this precious moment when she wears her kimono, and she knows what to use when there is a shortage of tissues. Woolley and Cotton xx Illustration by Ben Checkley

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Post by Katherine Cotton

19 Feb

No Hold Fool

Who: Claude What: 1980/90s kimono inspired jacket Where: Beacon's Closet, Brooklyn, US History Behind the Garment Throughout history fashion has progressed from simple and functional to wearable art. Claude’s garment is an example of clothing that is not necessarily practical, yet it’s a statement piece with its glittery pattern, shape and pleats which make it stand out from other black jackets. However, once upon a time some of us would not have been permitted to wear such garments. With the increased use of different materials, feathers, embellishments and trimmings fashion became more and more varied over time and by the fourteenth century laws were introduced to put limitations on what people wore in order to restrict and differentiate classes. These laws stated what materials and colours of fabric people could wear. For example people who earned twenty pounds a year were allowed to wear a satin doublet but not a satin gown (the same fabric from which Claude’s garment is made). If you were lucky enough to earn one hundred pounds a year you were permitted to wear as much satin as you pleased, however you were only allowed to wear velvet on doublets and even then they couldn’t be crimson or blue velvet. Thankfully these restrictions no longer exist, otherwise if Claude were a poor student she would be breaking the law by wearing this garment. Story Behind the Garment This is a true story written by Claude..... When I used to live in New York City I met a group of cool kids through a video clip set. One of them was Swedish and worked in fashion. He had the coolest and craziest style! We became close and I was very inspired by him, I would borrow his outfits all the time because I was too shy to buy anything similar. He always looked so fabulous! For Halloween in 2013 I decided to dress as Michael Jackson and once again borrowed one of his fabulous glittery embroidered jackets. I had so many compliments that I asked him if I could buy it. He firmly refused as it was one of his favourite jackets but instead he invited me to go with him to Beacon's Closet where he had purchased it. For those that don't know it is the Mecca of every fashionista fan of vintage in Brooklyn. You can sell your own articles as well. No matter the reason for your visit, you WILL find a treasure. So I went there in order to find a similar jacket but couldn’t. Disappointed I was leaving when I saw a rack with all the items that people had tried but weren’t sure of and would leave on “Hold” for the day. That's when I saw it, this amazing glittered kimono. Why would anyone have to think twice about purchasing it when for me it was love at first sight?! So I took it from the rack when no one was watching and went straight to the cashier to purchase it. My first fabulous purchase! Ever since I have been obsessed with kimonos, glitter and sequins, and have not been afraid to look too over the top again. Cotton and Woolley xx Illustration of Haley Kigbo

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Post by Katherine Cotton

19 Feb

Dance: Ten, Looks: Three

Who: Tahly What: Late 1940s/early 1950s dress coat Where: American Rag, Melbourne, Australia History Behind the Garment Dior introduced his “new look” in the late 1940s, designing garments with nipped in wastes in contrast with full swirling mid-calf skirts (the style the pictured coat was following). He was accentuating the “ideal” woman’s figure, the hourglass. A variety of body shapes have been admired throughout time. During the renaissance people showed a preference for big busts, round stomachs and full hips. It was thought that these features proved you lived a wealthy and healthy lifestyle. The Victorian era was when the hourglass figure first became popular, while the 1920s admired flat chested, boyish figures with short hair. So why did Dior and other designers decide to accentuate and popularise the hourglass figure that merely 8% of women possess? Perhaps it was due to the fact that during WWII women entered the work force but as soon as it ended they were expected to go back to performing their dutiful housewife tasks. Therefore what better way of cementing a woman’s place in the home than dressing them in clothes that coveted a figure most admired in the Victorian era, a time when women were seen and not heard. Whatever the reason it is sad that contemporary culture has dictated which body shape women should strive for, when at different periods of time they have all been admired. Story Behind the Garment Edith purchased this coat when she was working as a secretary in London in 1951. It was black, it was warm, it could be dressed up and down, it would match her hat and shoes, it would do. She couldn’t afford any other so this was the only coat she owned for the next eight years. Edith wore it to work, to the opera, out to dinner, to the park, and she loathed every minute of it. She could only see the worn holes around the cuffs, her inability to purchase anything else, the boredom. Forty years later Edith’s granddaughter Lucy discovered the coat entwined in laddered stockings in a box at the bottom of her wardrobe. Lucy admired the detailing – the beaded buttons, the scalloped collar, the tailored waste. She asked Edith if she would mind if she had it. Edith sniffed her assent wondering why anyone would possibly want to wear such a boring garment but as she watched Lucy twirl around the living room in the coat she remembered that she was wearing it when she received a letter accepting her into university; she was wearing it when she dropped her purse in the street, only to be picked up by a tall handsome man, the man who she was still with to this day; and she was wearing it when her doctor told her she was pregnant with her first daughter. Edith smiled and for the first time was grateful for her hoarding tendencies. Story Behind the Name Some of you may be wondering the meaning behind the name "Dance: Ten, Looks: three." It is the name of a song in the musical A Chorus Line. One of the dancers tells a story about how she never used to get any roles until one day she swipes her audition card and reads the comments: Dance - ten, looks - three. She then "enhances" her appearance, mainly her "tits and arse", and is a lot more successful with both men and her career from that day on. It's sad but probably true that many women feel the need to do this. Cotton and Woolley xx Illustration by Cotton Photography by Haley Kigbo

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Post by Katherine Cotton