FAQs

What is vintage clothing?

Vintage is a word that came from wine terminology. Originally in French and later in English, it was used to denote a year or place in which wine, especially wine of high quality, was produced. In general, vintage is something from the past of high quality and long-lasting value, especially something representing the best of its kind.

The word ‘vintage’ in fashion refers to clothing between 20 and 100 years old. The clothing can be used, new (referred to as deadstock), manufactured or handmade. Clothing 100 years old or more is classified as antique.

What is deadstock?

Deadstock refers to clothing that was withdrawn from sale and stored without having been sold to a customer. Deadstock clothing usually has original tags and labels still attached and is very desirable. The repurposing of deadstock in new products is one way to improve sustainability in the fashion industry.

What is retro clothing?

Retro is short for restrospective. It refers to clothing that imitates the style of a previous era but has not been made in that time period. It is similar to reproduction or repro clothing which is a newly made copy of an older garment.

Why buy vintage from Strawberry Fields Vintage?

Every Strawberry Fields Vintage garment is hand-picked by me. I scour the runway shows & read fashion forecasts to help me predict the must have items for upcoming seasons. I am obsessed with streetstyle photography and love researching and learning about current trends. All of this informs my weekly selections for Strawberry Fields Vintage and ensures that even though the garments are vintage and second hand, they are very much on trend.

I assess the quality and condition of every piece so that all Strawberry Fields Vintage stock is of the highest standard. Lightly soiled garments are laundered on a cool wash using ecologically sound cleaning products and heavier soiled garments are hand washed. Delicate pieces made from silk or wool are also hand washed.

Any flaws are repaired and only pieces that meet my very high standards (typical virgo!) are sold.

Is vintage clothing second hand?

Generally vintage clothing is second hand. With the exception of ‘deadstock’ (explained above), everything you purchase that has been pre-owned is second hand. What I believe sets second hand vintage clothing above modern and contemporary second hand clothing is that, even though the clothes are older, they are generally of a higher quality. These clothes were made to last.