Great Finds at The Toronto Vintage Clothing Show

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Vintage dress at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland
Vintage dress at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland

By Sharilene Rowland

On Sunday, March 23, 2014, I attended my first Toronto Vintage Clothing Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  The show was brought to Toronto by the organizers of the annual Vintage Clothing Show that has been running successfully in Ottawa for several years.

Vintage dress at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland
Vintage dress at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland

I arrived at 10:30 a.m. shortly after it had opened and by the large numbers of attendees already inside, it was obvious there are plenty of Vintage enthusiasts in Toronto. The large room was neatly filled with several vendors from all over Ontario and Quebec showcasing a large variety of clothing, jewelry and accessories from the late 1800s to the 1970s.

Hats at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland
Hats at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland

While walking around taking it all in, memories of years gone by came rushing back. There were things that reminded me of my grandmother, my mother and even myself from the 70s. So many memories made me smile and think, “Wow, I remember my grandmother wearing a beautiful dress just like this one!” The quality, the style, the colours were extraordinary and elegant.

Handbags at Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland
Handbags at Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland

The shoppers ranged in ages from 16 to 60, but I would say the majority of shoppers were in their 20s. Many attended the show dressed in vintage from head to toe including their clothing, accessories, hairstyles and makeup. I never saw so much red lipstick in one room. Everyone appeared to be having so much fun, caught up in the excitement of the hunt to find that one-of-a-kind vintage piece calling her name.

Visitors at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland
Visitors at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland

The qualities of the items were exquisite, stood the test of time and were being offered at attractive prices. This was definitely the place to come to purchase that outfit that no one else would likely have in their closet. I believe it is the uniqueness, the glitz and the glamour of vintage that attracts the younger generations. The older generations, such as myself, love all the memories of what fashion used to be, including its elegance and charm. Although our grandparents and parents used to show much less skin, the styles were still very feminine and sexy.

Jewelry at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland
Jewelry at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, photo Sharilene Rowland

Some of the vendors I visited included:

Mustang Sally Vintage
Attic Couture
Vintage Soul Geek
Trufaux Jewels
Maple Glen Antiques – Fine Vintage and Antique Linens
These lovely women from the Toronto Vintage Society were at the show promoting their group hoping to get new members. It sounds like a fun group and my friend and I are even considering joining so that we can go to parties and events and dress up. You can find them on Twitter @TO_VintageSoc.
Women from the Toronto Vintage Society
Members of the Toronto Vintage Society

By the number of shoppers who had turned up at this event, I would have to say that vintage has become more mainstream and it is here to stay.

The next Vintage Sale will be at Toronto’s Artscape Wychwood Barns this Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 601 Christie Street from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Admission is $8.

Take a step back in time; you never know what you may find!

 

2 COMMENTS

  1. Looks great! I am hoping I can check out the Vintage Sale at the Artscape Wychwood Barns this Sunday.

  2. Great post on the clothing show! Thanks for stopping by our Toronto Vintage Society booth too. I really hope that you do join us at one of our parties, as we would love to have you 🙂

    Liz

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