I just picked up this faaabulous book called 'The Great Aussie Fashion: Australian Fashion Designers 1984-1985 from Savers for $10 the other day. I actually saw it at an op-shop about a decade ago and stupidly didn't buy it as back then cool books like this were a dime a dozen. However as more and more people go op-shopping, these treasures are few and far between. Anyway, it's a very thick book and showcases so many fantastic Australian designers, and here is a gorgeous spread by Robyn Lambert for her Parakeet line. The first image is breathtaking. Enjoy!
You are SOOOO right! I used to go op-shopping so much in the '80s when I was a fashion student. We all did! My god, there was soooo much fantastic stuff available back then for next to nothing! I had a beautifully tailored 1940's tuxedo jacket that I wore all the time that cost $5, this amazing black wool coat with very faint silver checks woven into the fabric from 1962 that everyone now always thinks is Prada but I got in 1985 for about $10, and these gorgeous Harris Tweed jackets from the '60s that were $10 a piece. An American model friend of mine used to borrow them for shoots throughout the '90s and I STILL wear a few of them today!
ReplyDeleteSigh... you are sooo lucky to have gone op-shopping in the 80's - it would have been a goldmine back then as there was a slight stigma amongst the middle classes about going op-shopping, whereas now, everyone and their pet dog goes! Leaving no goodies for me! Hmph!!!
DeleteI NEED that guys beautiful white top with designs. So unique and WOW!!!
ReplyDeleteVery true, Maryanne! Back then it was only pretty much the art/fashion students and nannas who inhabited op-shops,(definitely NOT the Aussie middle class who just saw a bunch of old, musty stuff) but yes, they were an absolute treasure trove. There used to be this dusty old St.Vinnies near my Grandma's place in Chelsea, Victoria that was always so dark and empty but had THE most amazing stuff. I would stay with my Grandma during semester breaks and run riot. Now those places are so picked over (and so overpriced!) that I now save my sprees for the factory outlets overseas....still a bit of the thrill of the hunt but nowhere near as much fun as those old days.
ReplyDeleteYes I can't resist popping into an op-shop whenever I see one. But I often come out empty handed now. I hear the country ones are still treasure troves, and I still have yet to do that country road trip I've always wanted to do stopping over at op-shops along the way.
DeleteHave you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
ReplyDeleteI have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information.
I know my viewers would appreciate your work.
If you're even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.
My webpage; Wilson ()