Calling all vintage lovers! As part of our 60th Anniversary celebrations this year, it’s fair to say we are feeling rather nostalgic. Looking back over all the iconic fashion pieces from previous decades, it’s no wonder that style lovers are sussing out vintage Laura Ashley pieces to add to their wardrobes. Giving numerous talks on vintage, sharing her love of Laura Ashley and now working in one of our branches, we enlisted Style Me Vintage author Naomi Thompson to give us the low down on collecting vintage Laura Ashley…
‘Having worked as a fashion stylist with a passion for vintage, when my first book Style Me Vintage was published I soon entered the passionate world of vintage collecting. I am no academic (just a serious lover of the aesthetic) so I enjoy giving talks and advice on how to buy vintage or what to invest in. Good examples of iconic period clothing are now valuable commodities, just like any other antique or collectable.
Day to day I mainly concentrate on writing as well as working in a Laura Ashley store but I still keep an keen eye on what’s selling like hot cakes in the world of vintage fashion. This helps me keep abreast of market trends and it’s fun to see the emergence of a ‘new’ collectable label. Over the past year or so, I’ve noted a steady increase in demand for vintage Laura Ashley garments.
Why collect?
They have become increasingly collectable. This is reflected in the number of items for sale across different platforms and the prices they now command. Vintage Laura Ashley has consistently increased in both, so much so that I now use it as my number one vintage buying tip. To put it simply, well made items with an instantly recognisable design heritage will retain their wearability, value and levels of demand.
What’s back in fashion?
We are not just talking about the iconic 1970′s prairie dresses and Edwardian influenced romantic designs. I have seen some 1980′s garments go for £70 plus. The most popular from this category are the good 1950′s reproduction dresses – ideally with little or no sleeve, a scalloped neckline, incorporated bodice boning and a very full skirt. The hot frock of the moment though is the drop waist navy blue and white 1980′s sailor dress. Very Gatsby-esque and highly sort after.
What should I buying?
1980′s cotton frocks can still be found in charity shops and eBay is awash with items. My fellow LA collector Liz Tregenza recently found a 1970′s prairie dress in a charity shop, though this is rare.
The exciting part about collecting Laura Ashley is that it has gained momentum online but is still widely available at low prices in second hand shops and some vintage shops and fairs. I will always regret not following up an advertisement I once saw in a supermarket offering a whole collection for five pounds per piece! This won’t last forever as inevitably demand will overtake supply so now is the time to buy and sit on it.
- Choose prints over plain. Florals, paisley and polka dots all sell well.
- A novelty print will always top all of the above. A good example of a great LA archive print is the deer dress worn by Liz Tregenza to their press day (see above!)
- Cotton jumpsuits from the late 1980s and early 1990s are also highly sought after, especially the polka dot versions with the tie pockets.
- Mid length cotton skirts with pockets in a light cotton also remain popular as these are often worn with brogues for a neo vintage preppy look.
- Any items that still have their original accessories are not to be left behind either. These include belts, sashes and bolero jackets.
- Literally anything 1970s and before is worth purchasing if the price is under the £25 mark and it is in good condition.
The Laura Ashley A/W13 collection features a heavy nod towards all things equestrian. Current future collectables include the plum riding jacket (soon to hit stores!), this bodes well for the earlier full length riding coats with velvet collars and cuffs and other Edwardian influenced items. I recently purchased an early 1990′s version of said coat for the bargain price of £30 though I have seen them go for well over £100.
What to leave behind?
Hold fire on the spaghetti strap and cowl neck evening numbers from the mid 1990s onwards, unless you can get them for a couple of pounds. It’s a bit too early to say yet what will emerge as the collector’s favourites. Don’t buy anything damaged or altered – the current market is for perfect items only.
Top Tips Round-up…
- Go for the naturals fibres. Sturdy cottons, linens and silk will last.
- Know your labels. The Vintage Fashion Guild Label Resource can help with this. The label with no circle is the oldest. ‘Made in Wales’ also indicates an earlier piece.
- Ignore the ‘buy it now’ prices on eBay. These rarely reflect a brand’s current market value though they do indicate the currently most sought after items.
- Don’t buy modified garments. Shortening is a big no no. Don’t do it and don’t buy it.
- Invest in a copy of the Laura Ashley design and source book, or go and see the Laura Ashley retrospective, which will showcase over 70 Laura Ashley dresses in a special summer exhibition on display from 13 July to 26 August at the Bath Fashion Museum.’
We hope you enjoyed reading over Naomi’s expert vintage hunting tips, please do share with us in the comments if you own a pre-loved vintage piece of Laura Ashley…