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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Lucianne Tonti

‘I just remember seeing the tag and being like “oh my God!”’: five designers on their best vintage finds

Australian fashion designer Bianca Spender with her favourite vintage find, a beaded batwing, ankle-length gown found in Brooklyn
Australian fashion designer Bianca Spender with her favourite vintage find, a beaded batwing, ankle-length gown found in Brooklyn. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The Guardian

A few weeks ago at a bar, the friend I was with found a tarnished 20c coin in a glomesh purse that belonged to her grandmother. “She believed keeping money on her would attract more money,” the friend explained as she slipped it back inside.

That vintage garments give us glimpses into past lives is one of the captivating things about them. Another is the quality that distinguishes them from garments made in the past two decades. The weight and feel of dense fabrics and luxurious details: glossy silks, thick cottons, tightly knitted wool, pockets, lining, glass beads, pearls and sequins.

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