Fans of the retro futuristic trend and of sci-fi-inspired fashion shouldn't miss the Vintage Selection fair that will take place during Pitti Filati at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence (23-27 January 2013).
This edition of the fair is indeed entitled “Missione Futuro” (Mission: The Future) and will offer visitors the chance to buy original pieces from the 1950s-60s revolving around themes such as science fiction, space and the future.
These are actually very contemporary trends: while the past keeps on inspiring many designers, the clean and pure lines of Space Age garments reappeared in many collections for the Spring/Summer 2013 season. Angelo Caroli from A.N.G.E.L.O.'s vintage store and archive is, as usual, among the main organisers of this event.
Where is the vintage market going at the moment in Italy?
Angelo Caroli: Just like fashion, the vintage market is going through constant evolutions and it's also expanding to other sectors that include not only garments or interior design elements, but also objects such as buttons, cases and trunks, so the choice is wider. The other interesting aspect is that there are quite a few people who are now specialised in these fields and sectors.
And what about vintage fashion?
Angelo Caroli: There are mainly two trends: luxurious vintage pieces, so expensive and unique designer garments, and extremely cheap second-hand garments and accessories. Obviously, those ones who invest into the first trend are mainly collectors who only look at specific garments and are not interested in buying more affordable pieces. Those who invest into the second trend buy more than one garment and play a lot with their creativity and style, mixing vintage with modern clothes from their wardrobes. I guess these are two aspects of the same coin, but their approach is equally exciting. Even though one of the best things from my point of view is looking at how people choose garments and accessories since, from their tastes and choices, it usually becomes clearer in advance what will be fashionable in future.
Your archive has been involved in recent fashion exhibitions and events, how many piees does it feature and who has usually access to it?
Angelo Caroli: The archive features roughly 80,000 pieces that can be hired or borrowed by stylists, magazines and designers. Fashion designers often come and visit it to take inspiration from rare pieces; they usually look at colours, details and patterns.
You have so far organised various vintage fairs during the Pitti events, was it difficult to be accepted in a wider and more professional context such as this one?
Angelo Caroli: It took me quite a few years to manage to organise events such as the Vintage Selection, but it was definitely worth it, because we always get an amazing space, the Stazione Leopolda, and a lot of visitors. There are two key vintage appointments in Italy, the Belgioioso Vintage Fair near Pavia, that usually takes place in Spring, and the Vintage Selection event in Florence during Pitti Filati. The former is more elegant and retro and takes place at the Belgioioso castle; the other is more trendy. As you may guess, they are aimed at vintage fans with different passions and tastes, but I can assure you they are both unmissable.
Vintage Selection 21 is at the Stazione Leopolda, Florence, Italy, from 23rd to 27th January 2013. Check out the news page on A.N.G.E.L.O.'s site to discover further vintage events and exhibitions organised in Italy.
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