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Vintage Fashion: A Closet Of Generational Gems

  • 4 minute read
Vintage Fashion: A Closet Of Generational Gems

By Claudia Cole

People would often describe me as an old soul. I’d like to think that was because I was wiser beyond my years, but my love for vintage clothes was more than apparent. Since I was young, I’ve been nostalgic for old trends and their ability to carry a whole era. Whether it was my mother’s timeless outfits, or the iconic styles featured on the big screen, I was obsessed. This is why my closet is full of generational gems.

As vintage shopping rises, it’s hard to imagine a time when pre-loved clothes were uncool. Back when I was growing up, everyone was familiar with hand-me-downs. Yet, the problem was, no one wanted them. Most people define hand-me-downs as receiving oversized, drabby clothes from relatives. That’s never been the case in my household.

In a home where possessions are carefully cared for, hand-me-downs are a privilege, not a burden.

Throughout my whole life, the women in my family have served as my biggest fashion inspiration. Firstly, there was grandmother and her closet full of bold colours. Next was my career-driven Auntie, a proud owner of many iconic power dressing suits. Above all, there’s my mother and her chameleon staples. She has the ability to adapt to each decade, with stylish outfits from the 80s and 90s to prove it. No wonder I’m obsessed with fashion!

My Mother wearing a white silk blouse
Mother (Late 80s)
My Mother, Grandmother, and Aunty (early 90s)
My Aunty (late 80s)
Aunty

Vintage Fashion Starts At Home

Beside my family’s fierce sense of fashion, my love for pre-loved clothing is sentimental. It’s a way for me to stay deeply connected to those I love the most.

I started collecting vintage gems at the age of 7. Back in 2004, my mother was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis) and had to have an emergency operation (one that saved her life). At that age, I couldn’t grasp my head around what was happening. All I knew was that my mother was beyond poorly and that she wouldn’t be home for a while to tuck me in at night. 

Despite the fear and constant tears, there was only one thing that brought me a sense of comfort. Surprisingly, it was her silk pyjama. The moment I put on the oversized two-piece set, I instantly felt at ease. Whether that was because of her deeply embedded scent or the memory of her wearing it, she felt close.

A Love Lost

It wasn’t until years later that I understood the meaning behind why. In 2013, my beautiful grandmother passed away. We were all devastated. Navigating a loss of a loved one is never easy, but I discovered a way to ease the pain.

In the process of gathering up my grandmother’s belonging, I came across her closet full of gems. There was an entire lifetime of memories. My mother and I spent the evening reminiscing as we tried on numerous outfits. Each one had a story attached, allowing us to relive the past. Once again, I instantly felt as ease, as if part of her was still with me. That’s when it all became clear.

Clothes are more than just meaningless pieces of fabric. It’s an armour of comfort, self-expression, and the backbone of every era.

Most people usually box or shelf the things they inherit, allowing it to collect dust over time. However, my grandmother used to find a use for everything. Therefore, I decided to give some of her clothes a new home. That way, I could keep her memory alive.

Since then, my appreciation for vintage fashion has grown even more. Not only is the quality better, but vintage fashion also possesses the sweet charm of the past. With styles and trends continuously making a comeback on the catwalk, nothing truly goes out of style.

To prove my point, here are some of my favourite vintage items.

My Grandmother's Fashionable Gems

My Grandmother (early 90s)
My Grandmother & Older Brother (Early 90s)
Me wearing my grandmothers dress
Me (Now)

Item: Blue and white stripe midi dress

My Grandmother (early 90s)
My Grandmother & older brother (early 90s)
Me wearing my grandmother's vintage scarf
Me (Now)

Items: Red tartan scarf &  velvet faux fur coat

My Grandmother wearing vintage fashion (late 80s)
My Grandmother (late 80s)
Me wearing vintage fashion
Me (Now)

Items: Two yellow print shirts from my grandmother’s extensive collection

We wearing vintage fashion (dotted dress)

Item: Dotted blue midi dress

Me wearing vintage fashion (Fleece jacket)

Items: Faux fur lined fleece jacket

Me wearing vintage fashion (white t-shirt)

Item: Jamaican patois white t-shirt

My Mother’s Fashionable Gems

My Mother wearing a mini black dress
Mother (late 90s)
Me wearing vintage fashion (Mini black dress)
Me (Now)

Item: Mini black dress with an adjustable neckline tie

My Mother wearing a denim shirt
My Mother (early 90s)
Me wearing vintage fashion (denim shirt)
Me (Now)

Items: Oversized denim shirt

My Mother wearing a black blazer
My mother (Late 80s)
Me wearing vintage fashion (black blazer)
Me (Now)

Items: Black shoulder-padded blazer & silk lace shorts

Me wearing vintage fashion (Mesh black dress)

Items: Black mesh mini dress

Me wearing vintage fashion (Floral shirt)

Item: Floral tie blouse

Items: Denim mini skirt

If there is one thing that vintage fashion has taught me, is that it starts at home.

You don’t have to scout for gems in overpriced boutiques in central London. Before your next second-hand shopping spree, take a glance into your relatives’ wardrobes. You’ll be surprised by what you find and the stories behind them.

What’s your favourite vintage gem? Let us know in the comments below or share with our Instagram @keiseimgz

Claudia Cole

Claudia Cole

Claudia is a film graduate and writer from London. While an enthusiast for books and all things screen related, she is a passionate advocate for mental health & wellbeing.

Claudia Cole

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4 comments
  1. mawiyah says:
    September 21, 2020 at 1:07 pm

    Oh wow!! Retro in effect ;). Timeless

    Reply
    1. Noemi Plaza says:
      January 26, 2021 at 4:52 pm

      I’m glad you like it!!

      Reply
  2. Pingback: Transform your Wardrobe With A Sustainable Makeover - KeiSei Magazine
  3. Angela Muhammad says:
    June 16, 2021 at 7:26 pm

    Hello Claudia,
    This is a lovely article. Lovely to see photos of retro clothing brought up to date. They look great. I will pass this on.

    Reply

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