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Style Profile: Fringe Vintage
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Looking for great vintage fashion finds in the Orlando area? Head to downtown historic Sanford and check out Fringe Vintage. I had the opportunity to talk with owners Kim Johnston and Alaya White, who find fashion more of an art and vintage a way of life.
When did Fringe first open?
Fringe Vintage opened November 2007 in Downtown Historic Sanford.
What is the difference between “vintage” and “retro”?
Vintage is era-specific. In other words, vintage is any object in which the era it was made is important to its style and form. It is usually 20 years or older. Antiques are 100 years or older. Therefore, vintage is usually from the 1920s to the 1980s.
And, retro is something newer made to look like or copy a style that is vintage. Retro is widely popular now, but the quality and nostalgia just isn’t there. There’s nothing like the real thing, baby!
Why buy vintage?
There are several reasons to buy vintage. One is the quality of vintage. Clothing and furniture were made to be passed down to future generations. Pick up a good piece of vintage clothing, and you will immediately see the difference in the way things were stitched. Another reason to buy vintage is the uniqueness of it. Fewer quantities were made; thus, you may just very well be the one and only one that owns it. Vintage is also environmentally friendly. The resources it took to make the garment have already been used; thus, you are recycling. Furthermore, buying a good vintage piece is an investment and a little part of history. Unlike, a lot of the new “retro” things out there that will probably fall apart in the near future, vintage was made to last, and since there are fewer of these items, and more people want them, they become valuable.
What items can people find at Fringe?
Fringe Vintage specializes in vintage clothing and accessories for the fellas and the ladies, funky, cutting-edge art and hand-crafted pieces from local designers, as well as antique and vintage furniture and housewares.
Most clothing is circa 1920s to 1980s. We’ve got everything from polyester to lace to denim to sequins to silk to taffeta to fringe to everything in between.
Resurface Furniture & Design is the neighbor and a spin-off from Fringe Vintage. It provides both retail and furniture repair and design services.
What is the most unique item you've sold?
Oh, so difficult to decide. All our items are unique.
I might have to say a 1930s delicate, sheer dressing gown with little perky red hearts was quite a find. Also, a turn of the century 1910s kimono was amazing; there was also a men’s 1950s smoking jacket, and a pair of men’s handmade alligator and ostrich shoes. I also think the large, colorful 1960s pachinko machine was a cool sale.
Other exquisite finds we currently have in our store are a 1920s pheasant tie & hat, the 1960s paper dresses (very collectible), a 1960s squash blossom necklace, a pair of 1920s spatz, the 1950s hair dryer chairs, a 1940s wire recorder, and a 1930s kit kayak (makes a great architectural statement when suspended from the ceiling)!
Are there any trends you've seen lately in purchases or especially popular items?
1970s Western shirts for men are hot ticket items. Also, cowboy boots for women. The 1980s was really big last year, but more recently what I like to call Bohemian-Chic is popular (basically anything fluid in form with bright colors and drapey silhouettes, usually from the 1960s and 70s). There’s also been an increased interest in pinup fashion from the 1940s and 1950s.
Small housewares like tea pots, lamps, ashtrays, radios, and clocks are selling well. And, mid century furniture from the 1950s and 60s are still hot. More recently, an interest in Art Deco furniture pieces from the 1920s through 40s has emerged.
I've heard you rent vintage clothing for events. Is this true?
Yep! ‘Tis true! Fringe Vintage buys, sells, rents and trades!
You’d think renting costumes would only come but once a year, but it’s actually a year round business. Lots of people have costume parties or events, and 60s and 70s and more recently 80s parties are quite popular. We also rent clothing and furniture for plays and movie sets or anyone else whom might need a little pizazz for an event.
Both models and photographers are greeted with open arms at Fringe Vintage. And, Kim is a great resource as a stylist for photo shoots. Clothing is often rented for editorial pieces.
Are there any upcoming special events you'd like to tell us about?
We’ve been doing pinup photography sessions. Each session includes professional hair and makeup, 2-3 unique styled looks and a unique, customized backdrop with real vintage and antiques. The photographer Barbee Cain is absolutely amazing! Each session lasts 4-6 hours from start to finish. The experience is both fun and incredibly memorable. 2 8x10 professional photos are included in the package along with a gallery of all the images professionally retouched. Cost is normally a $500+ value. But, there is an early summer special right now for $250. To book a consultation, call Kim at Fringe Vintage. Payments may be arranged and cash, check and credit are all accepted.
We’re also going to be part of an upcoming event in Orlando called the CherryBomb Ball. It’s a pinup party with vintage, pinup, rockabilly, and burlesque vendors. Entertainment will be provided and fun will be had! The party is Saturday, June 27th at 8pm inside the Discount Music Center at the intersection of John Young and LB McLeod in Orlando. Admission is FREE!!!
Also, look for our upcoming fashion shows and events on our website. www.fringevintage.com
Thanks for all the information! Sounds like you are worth the trip! Thanks for being amazing supporters of us at Fringe Vintage! Come see what's "new" and hot!
Fringe Vintage is located at 303 E. 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771. Contact them at 407-320-8016 or check them out at www.fringevintage.com.
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