Spring-Fresh Vintage

March 14, 2008

The idea of searching for vintage fashion doesn't typically rouse notions of clean, bright, and easy. Sometimes only the die-hard devotee can stomach the olfactory nightmare that can be vintage shops (do the salespeople actually get used to the smell of musty polyester and mothballs?). By the time you've rummaged through enough dim and dusty racks to discover that ever-elusive designer dress (the one you convinced yourself existed in the first place), you're well overdue for some fresh air and a thorough handwashing.

Cats_meow1 Luckily, the vintage shopping experience is improving in great strides, and The Cat's Meow in Toronto is one of the best. The Avenue Road boutique features an impressive selection of vintage couture and designer wear, as well as fine costume jewelry and accessories. I finally had the opportunity to pop in to the shop last Christmas after repeatedly gushing over the loveliest, most feminine dresses showing in the window, and I was quite surprised to find it was a vintage shop. White and airy and impeccibly merchandised, this was different from any other second-hand shop I had seen (or smelled). Racks of beautifully detailed designer dresses, well cared-for in protective coverings, and a solid collection of hats, shoes, bags and jewelry can take you back 80 years or just 30.

A few particularly outstanding gems include a turn-of-the century French enameled powder case (in excellent condition for its age), complete with original makeup and handmade puffs, and a 1930s beaded couture gown that would put most modern-day replicas to shame with its delicate handwork and prototypical styling. For you label-lovers, here are some spectacular dresses available in shop or online now - (l-r) Oleg Cassini (Jacki O's designer), Pucci and Teal Traina:

What I love most about The Cat's Meow is its ability to transports us back to a time we think of as black and white, in its true, vibrant technicolour. Ahhhhhh.........