OMG I love this show! When Mummy Ask told me about it, I squealed in delight! British TV is really getting this DIY clothing thing right, first the Great British Sewing Bee and now This Old Thing.
This Old Thing is a six part series hosted by Dawn O’Porter, who authored a book by the same name. She introduces vintage virgins to the possibilities of vintage fashion while dispensing fashion and shopping advice. Her crack team of experts guide you through upcyling, refashioning and basic alterations. It was originally aired on UK’s Channel 4 but the ABC are airing it now and the first episode is currently available on ABC iVeiw
It’s everything I could want in a show, vintage fashion, shopping and some sewing quick fixes. I swear you have to watch this! Dawn is quite clearly dressed in a 60’s/70’s aesthetic that suits her amazingly and is a joy to watch. I mean this whole show is an actual parade of clothing awesome. The point of the show seems to be an effort to show people that vintage isn’t scary and that it’s worth some tailoring or DIY effort to rescue a well made garment. Things of the past were often better made and of general good quality. Generous seam allowances were left by manufacturers and that extended a garments life because there was the option to let things in or take them out. It often centres on the fact that a vintage item is relatively unique, versus a popular mass produced item from a chain store (or the high street at the Brit’s say). It’s really spruking everything I would and I love to see someone igniting the passion for vintage in the fashion loving but second hand adverse.
I think the only down side is that here in Australia vintage is far less accessible, as mentioned by Kara when I interviewed her. There is less vintage and what you can find is pricey. There are plenty of markets that cater to vintage and there are certainly cool finds but it takes money and dedication. But don’t let that get you down! Aside from a serious desire for some eye popping vintage polyester, the show left me with a feeling of crazy excitement that I took with me on my latest op shop tour. Not only that, I’m pretty excited about them embracing altering, changing and refashioning. The techniques are great and even strong sewists may not have taken that route, I love that it gives you real ideas and not too much bland hem chopping. Just stop reading this and go watch it! It you are in Australia you can find it on ABC iView and they even have an app if you need it. GO, watch it and then tell me your thoughts! Yours in vintage love, S xxx
Even though I am evangelical, no one paid me or gave me stuff to do so. Just sharing the cool stuff!
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2 Comments
I loved the show, even though it did make me insanely jealous. I wish Australia had vintage shops like the ones shown. Also wish there was vintage in larger sizes. Have come across the odd item at an op shop, but sadly they are way too small.
(sorry late reply, but I only stumbled across you the other day)
Oh I know! I was so jelly myself! But it made me want to op shop that bit harder!