When Kim Kardashian strutted down the red carpet at the Met Gala in May, clad in the iconic dress Marilyn Monroe had worn when she sang happy birthday to President John F. Kennedy in 1962, it was a call to brace ourselves for the onset of stunning vintage fashion that would once again take over Hollywood.
Albeit, not a new phenomenon, vintage pieces appear to be the go-to for summer and the fast-approaching fall season, as celebs seek to stand out for their various engagements in timeless garbs.
In June, Spiderman star Zendaya, who is renowned for her incredible fashion sense, stunned onlookers in a 1998 Bob Mackie gown for the Time 100 Gala. Tailored in teal and black with an A-line finish, the strapless dress and accompanying silver accessories were impeccable, beautifully highlighting Zendaya’s slender physique.
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Turning heads this season in a fall 1991 Claude Montana creation was actress Natalie Portman. She donned the orange skirt suit at the photo call for the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Love and Thunder. The suit’s color burned brightly with a unique design that made Portman even more dazzling.
The vintage trend also made it to the studios of Rockefeller Center in New York City. On her way to the set of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on June 13, Halsey lit up the streets in a multi-colored silk midi dress paired with black combat boots and an edgy updo. Turns out the funky dress is a standout piece from Roberto Cavalli’s spring 2001 collection.
As Hollywood’s style mavens embrace the vintage spell another year, lovers of all things classic and nostalgic are also lining up in states across the U.S to get their hands on timeless pieces; apparel and beyond.
During the peak of the summer season, the city of Pilsen experienced its first-ever Chicago Vintage Festival. The event which took place on July 9th and 10th on 19th Street, between South Blue Island Avenue and South Loomis Street, hosted more than 50 local vendors and is geared toward “providing a unique event that focuses on vintage and handmade vendors,” according to its website.
The festival, hosted by Pilsen Vintage and Print Depot, was free of cost and featured the likes of entertainers DJ Nando, Mosey, Pakito y Sus Discos, George Arthur Calendar, Mr. Bobby, Era District, DJ Light of Your Vida, and Auntie_Social.
By Friday, July 8, the organizers had reported an almost sold-out event with approximately 500 persons already registering for the festival. Volunteers at the event’s first staging were also welcomed with several perks including a tote bag, a gift card and first access to the vintage selection. A similar flea market was held on the same date in Illinois, on Manchester Road. Named Illinois Vintage Fest 8, the event was sold out and provided spots for 80 vendors.
In the coming weeks, patrons can look forward to additional opportunities to shop other vintage items as Illinois’ Wolff’s Flea Market returns for its 31st season at the Allstate Arena, Rosemont on Sunday, July 31.
On top of clothing, a wide variety of products are expected to be available including fresh produce, local honey, plants, books, records, musical instruments, movies, music, kitchenware, sports memorabilia, gifts, crafts, furniture, home and holiday decor, electronics, garden supplies, and tools.
When Wolff’s Flea Market wraps, Sunset Hill Farm will welcome the Indiana VNTG Fest on August 6th. The organizers have already begun listing the vendors on the festival’s Instagram page. Customers can look forward to offerings of antique jewelry, sports tees, vintage movies, games, and more. Performing live will be blues cover band, Street Pennies.
Patrons can visit the social media pages of both festivals, @illinoisvintagefest, and @indianavntgfest to learn how they can join in on the fun and benefit from what the vendors have to offer.
With over 50 days left until fall, the vintage trend is expected to continue. Thanks to the increase in festivals, online visibility and the promotion of the oldie but goodie culture on the red carpet, the vintage movement is sure to stay alive.
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