If you dislike wearing the same rags as everyone else, vintage fashion is one way to go. Models and the fashion-forward pack are known for incorporating vintage into their look. It’s an affordable way to get the fashion edge and it has a refreshing recycling aspect.
Vintage PE
Vintage PE in Westbourne Road is where you’ll find a treasure trove of clothing, accessories, decor items and more. Owner Carmen Sporke has a knack for sourcing one-of-a-kind items in great nick. All clothes are laundered and other goodies cleaned to perfection.
“I’ve always been attracted to vintage items and was often told I dressed strangely!” Carmen says. She began trading in vintage handbags at markets in 2010, and would host fun shopping evenings at home for friends. In 2011 she opened a small shop, catering only for women, but soon outgrew it and moved to Westbourne Road.
“After four years I also outgrew that space. Five months ago I moved to a much bigger shop next door. I now sell ladies’ and gents’ clothing and accessories, vintage linen, kitchenalia, and small decor and furniture items. I also trade at festivals around the province.”
Carmen once had a foreign bride come to the shop to buy furs for her wedding. “She wanted fur capes for herself and three bridesmaids. I didn’t have enough in stock, but I put the word out and managed to source them all before the wedding.”
In December, Westbourne Road held a very successful street market and this brought many new customers to Carmen’s shop. And, on Human Rights Day on Monday, 21 March, she hosted The Little Vintage Fayre at which stallholders could sell their vintage, recycled and antique items.
“I love and treasure vintage items as each has a story of its own,” she says. “You’re never sure who has worn the piece or where it may have travelled to. The quality of vintage items is unmatched and you’ll always be wearing something unique.”
See for yourself:
083 238 5070
Words: Louise Liebenberg
Images: Mike Holmes
