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A goldmine of vintage treasures, at Forever Vintage, Penarth, you’ll always find something distinctive and a bit unusual.
FOREVER VINTAGE
With the rise of mass produced, throw-away high street fashion there’s been a growing interest and passion for vintage clothing. Forever Vintage began when owner Melanie Rhoden sold items in vintage fairs.
How long has the shop been open?
We opened in Penarth in May 2008. It’s located in a quaint part of town, in the Royal Victorian buildings. The old Victorian square offers a different and unique shopping experience.
What items do you stock?
The shop has often been described by customers as a real ‘treasure trove’. I aim to source and provide customers with vintage and antique clothes from bygone eras ranging from Victorian through to 1970’s. The most popular decades have been the 50’s and 60’s. We stock a range of accessories, from antique and vintage bags and purses, jewellery, hats and much more. The shop is also great for lovers of vintage linen, lace and haberdashery items and also collectables.
Where do you source your clothes?
I purchase items from the public, at auctions and have friends who source items for me. As well as a great range of original vintage clothing, local designer and dressmaker Annie Powell has teamed up with Forever Vintage to recreate vintage style dresses from vintage patterns and fabrics, as well as using new fabrics. Vintage style 1950’s dresses from classic Liberty fabrics are particularly popular.
Who are your customers?
They range from teenagers to ladies in their eighties. I have sold hats to women aged eighteen to eighty two, mini dresses to sixteen year olds and women in their forties as they look great over a pair of jeans. Customers return time and time again and bring their friends with them.
We have had customers looking for vintage items for theatre groups, and TV along with mums who are looking for clothing and accessories for their children for school plays or the prom. I have customers from all over Wales, and also many from London.
How about male customers?
Yes, men don’t miss out either. I have frequently been asked to stock ranges of vintage clothing for them too, so that is an area that I will also be expanding.
Do you offer customers other ways to shop at Forever Vintage?
We can open evenings for private bookings or parties of ten people or more. Women like the idea of the shop opening just for them and a group of friends for a different shopping experience and evening out. It’s great fun to spend time with friends dressing up in vintage clothes as well as purchasing any item they like.
Why is vintage so popular?
Women want something different. We don’t want to turn up at a party or evening out dressed the same as everyone else. Fabrics and patterns are often very different to those mass produced today. Customers love to know the history of the garment they are purchasing and the era that women had worn that particular piece.
Do you rent outfits?
We offer to rent dresses for very reasonable rates, which is an affordable option for outfits that will only be worn once to a special occasion or a party.
What do you think will be your best sellers this season?
For the festive season I believe that vintage party dresses and accessories will be the most sought after items. Women will be looking for that unique dress for the Christmas party or a great vintage bag or purse. We also offer a fantastic range of vintage jewellery and hand designed jewellery made from sterling silver and antique beads which are already selling well as gifts.
“Women will be looking for that unique dress for the Christmas party.”
Forever Vintage
12a Royal Buildings, Stanwell
Penarth CF64 3ED
07831 590518
m.rhoden@tiscali.co.uk
Website coming soon |
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