Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair is Britain’s largest vintage marketplace, and it’s coming to York on the 1st of July. Stocking vintage fashion, accessories and homewares from the 1930s onwards, the fair is a must for vintage fans new and old. We spoke to the founder and vintage fashionista, Judy Berger, to see what all the fuss is about.
What started your love affair with vintage fashion?
Ever since I was little, the notion of vintage, second-hand and reworking was something I was familiar with. As an art student in Leeds, we would go thrifting at the weekly markets, looking for cheap, one-off pieces [which were really hard to find!] Not only did I like the glamour of vintage, the fact that every piece has its own rites and story but also the fact that it couldn’t be copied [no awkward moment on the tube where you’re sat next to a carbon copy!] Moving down to London and working as a stylist and Selfridges personal shopper, we would attend vintage events that were good but expensive! Vintage veered towards the antique rather than the affordable when it came to pricing and that’s when inspiration struck!
As the traders at the fair are also trend-lead, what do you think of this summers fashion must-haves?
That’s a toughie – *looks outside window* what Summer!??
Geometric and print, colour matching and colour clashing, embellishment and lace – I’m thinking of having a very 60s summer [shift dresses aplenty!] An undeniable trend has to be the ‘90s [causing uproar in the scene as to whether it’s actually ‘vintage!’] Grunge, leather and tie-dye are all flying off the shelves! For those looking ahead to the Autumn [now is always a good time to invest!] it seems that Great Gatsby will be the trend, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
Where do you find some of the best pieces are originally sourced from?
Literally all over the world. Our traders are a real savvy bunch, sourcing things from all the four corners! House clearances, flash sales, auctions – all over! Some of the most interesting items come from those who have items in the family, who know the history of the pieces and the joy they bring. I remember a trader of ours who had sourced the most amazing period pieces from a lady in London [who was running out of room at home] Her grandma had been a couture designer for attendees of the Titanic! It’s stories like these that make you truly love vintage. Whenever shopping at the fairs, be sure to always ask about history – you’d be surprised at what you may find!
One of your mottoes seems to be ‘affordable’, a word that isn’t always associated with vintage pieces, is this an ethos you’ve always had towards clothing?
Certainly – affordable is what we’re all about! For our traders, the thrill isn’t in cashing-in on vintage, but seeing stock get a new lease of life, a second chance [whilst making sufficient profit to cover the hours spent sourcing and preparing the piece] It’s not about big bucks! Additionally, if you make something affordable, you help wear away exclusivity, open it up to a new market who may never have thought they could afford it before and make it accessible for all! One of my favourite elements of the fair is seeing first-time shoppers, those who may normally stick to the Highstreet who come along and realise vintage isn’t so scary after all!
You don’t just have fashion stalls at the Vintage Fairs, what have you found yourself finding the most interesting other than the fashion?
Where to begin – furniture, homewares, magazines, posters, CAKE – it’s a toss-up between furniture and cake! As well as vintage fashion, we clocked a long time ago that vintage furnishings were on the up; in times of recession, more and more shoppers are looking for pieces to invest in, something away from flat-pack with character and the longevity to last the years. Founding our sister venture, The Vintage Furniture Flea, in London in 2010, we’ve only seen it grow – from cocktail shakers to Ercol tables, it’s all about retro decor – designer Henry Holland even popped into the last one for a look and ended up buying a tapestry!
What do you feel the best era for fashion has been and why?
I’m favouring the 60s at the moment, though if each decade were a child then I’d hate to define a favourite! I love to mix it up, I am rarely spotted head to toe in vintage, I mix decades together, mix in some high street, designer or something someone has made for me. I don’t really ever wake up and say, ‘today I’m going to be 1940s.’ It’s more fun to hop the decades.
In fifty years what styles do you think will be remembered from today?
Now that’s a real thinker! If designers continue to nod to the past and vintage continues its reign, then I don’t think we will be remembered for one singular style, but the culmination of 80 years, all mixed into one. Imagine eight decades of trends, all put in a blender and that’s where we are today! Of course it’s difficult to know how we will be remembered without being able to look back – perhaps in 20 years, with a little distance, we will be able to pick out clear-cut trends that were ‘so 2010s.’
Who do you think the style icons of today are that will be remembered alongside the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy?
Again, that’s a real toughie as we borrow so many of our look from the past – there are the obvious candidates like Florence Welch who ooze old-world glamour but then again I think I’ll always remember those a little less in the spotlight like Chloe Sevigny & Carey Mulligan, those who bear the courage of their convictions and wear whatever they want and still look fab!
Women’s fashion often gets most of the attention but what do you think is most important for a man to look good?
I think ‘looking good’ is a little subjective, but taking an interest in your appearance and fashion – that I think is important. Vintage may have started as a predominantly female interest but men are now equally as involved. When push comes to shove, both sexes want the same thing; affordability, individuality, and something that makes them feel good. With street style taking place at the majority of our events, it is often the men who are the snappiest dressers! [Hats off chaps!]
What do you feel accounts for the growing popularity of Vintage in recent years?
Twofold, the recession – people need affordability and escapism [vintage caters for both]. Popular culture and new media –from the catwalks [no longer a privilege of the Front Row, but streamed online, on Twitter, in the glossies and made accessible to all] to Film and TV shows like Mad Men, Downton, Boardwalk and Gatsby. Vintage has never been more vogue.
And finally what is your favorite thing about York?
Bettys! No, we kid [although we do love Bettys!] With York as one of the first cities we ever visited [2006…i think?] we’ve really seen the vintage scene bloom! From niche to necessity, we now see families, grandparents, students, young couples, a whole plethora of people coming along to the fair! Unfortunately, with every good idea comes increased competition and York has been a little saturated with new vintage events of late. That said, our customers are loyal, they LOVE to shop and they come to stay all day [until the last rail is raided and the last scone is gone!] Staying power – that’s why we love York!
COMPETITION
Free on the July 1st? Getting pulled towards vintage but worried you’ve spent all your loan? Be in with a chance to win £50 to spend at the Fair by simply ‘liking’ the fanpage below!
https://www.facebook.com/YorkVintageFair
York’s Affordable Vintage Fair
Sunday 1st July
The Hospitium, Museum Gardens, York, YO30 7DR
10:30 – 4:30
Entry: £1.50/ £1 student card/ oap [under 12s go free]