By Natalie Lorenzo
Photos by the Author
According to the Cambridge Dictionary the word “vintage” has the meaning of “high quality and lasting value or showing the best and most typical characteristics of a particular type of thing, especially from the past.”
Vintage is used in numerous contexts however, it’s commonly found in describing different forms of fashion.
If you are an individual who loves not only vintage clothing but the vintage culture as a whole it was ideal for you to head down to Fortezza Da Basso on June 26th through the 28th, for the 34th edition of the Vintage Selection tradeshow.
This tradeshow originated by Stazione Leopolda srl, which is a company of Pitti Immagine that internationally promotes fashion and design in the industry. This well-known event is in conjunction with Pitti Filati, which allows annual visitors from all over the world along with fashion.
Back in 2003 was the start of this phenomenal event which has been put on ever since twice a year displaying the top vintage selections in all of Florence.
Each year there is a different theme that is displayed throughout the whole event, this years theme was “Back to the roots,” which was inspired by Pitti Filati Spazio Ricerca. When taking a step in the Fortezza Da Basso during these three days you can expect to feel you are back in the 1980’s with everything being displayed.
A variety of authentic, original pieces were being presented to the buyers and public. Channel, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuttion bags founded decades ago were held high on shelves while big fur and wool jackets hung below. The representation of different jean jackets and pants had been tucked neatly on the tables to complete the overall vintage look.
After walking through about half the vintage vendors you enter an open space where the backbone of the theme is being shown. Known as the Style Loops exhibition where mannequins are laid out as couples dressed up; the first mannequin is dressed up in very vintage clothing while the second is more recent. The look of denim on denim seemed to pop out within the exhibition.
One guy mannequin is dressed up in baggy dark denim jeans with having a big matching denim jacket and a flat tweed cap to complete his look. His partner dressed in more recent style wearing a long denim skirt with a short cut white denim jacket.
The idea of the Style Loops exhibition is to demonstrate how old vintage is still aspiring to this generations vintage.
If this type of event sparks your interest, plan on attending the next Vintage Selection which is being held in January 2020. The event has been growing every year with the attendance being at 3,400.
The high creative content in which the magic of the past vintage fashion collabing with nowadays vintage fashion is a MUST for fans of the vintage culture, and I promise, you won’t be disappointed.