When it comes to Christmas, it's nice to put on something special, no matter what the occasion. But what can a girl do, when stunning vintage pieces are hard to come by? The answer lies with Vivien of Holloway, a British label started in 2000, which produces "beautiful dresses and separates with all the look and the charm of authentic vintage, but in a range of sizes to fit and flatter modern figures and ease of care to suit modern lifestyles." That's the ticket!
Vivien started sewing vintage-style clothes at just ten-years-old and opened her first shop, in London's much-missed Kensington Market, at the age of 18. Her hand-sewn reproductions of classic 1940s and 1950s styles sold like hot cakes, not least the 1950s Halterneck Circle Dress, a mainstay of her range until the present day.
Fast forward to the year 2000, and Vivien launched her eponymous brand, Vivien of Holloway, and then opened her current shop on – where else? – London's Holloway Road. Since then, Vivien's ever-widening London-made range of clothes, which features fabric entirely sourced in the capital, has gone from strength to strength. And no wonder, from tops and blouses, through dresses and skirts, to trousers and jackets, not to mention all the accessories you could want, Vivien and her loyal team have got practical, affordable vintage glamour all sewn up...
Vivien's Christmas crackers, and the good lady herself – clockwise from top left:
- 1950s Halterneck Luxury Dress in White Satin with Green Stars
- Vivien in her Holloway Road shop.
- Jezebel Pencil Dress in White Duchess
- 1950s Jeans in Red Denim
- Swagger Jacket in Brown Plaid
- Sarong Satin Dress in Red
By the way, if you love the photos in this post, take a look at Tony Nylons Photography, he's also available for private hire.
So have yourself a very glam, extremely merry Christmas, supporting a genuine British success story – cheers!
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