With just a few more days until Christmas we are in the midst of the festive party season. New Year's Eve is just around the corner and there's no better time to dust of the memories of 2011 and look forward to all that 2012 has in store. Finding a fabulous party dress is the perfect way to start the new year in style. Thankfully Alfies has some expert vintage dealers on hand to help!
Alfies will be open right up until 4pm on Christmas Eve this year. We will then close for Christmas and will resume normal opening hours from Tuesday 3rd January 2012.
Merry Christmas from all at Alfies Antique Market x
On Thursday 8th December, we held our annual Christmas party and celebrated 35 years in business. If you were there, you will know what a great night it was, here are some pictures of the event...
Catriona played delightful 20's and 30's tunes on her gramophone
With Christmas fast approaching, we have entered into the festive spirit here at Alfies. The Christmas decorations are already up and the invites for our Christmas Shopping Party are out. Time to focus on finding the perfect presents for your loved ones. To help you find that special something, we've created the Alfies Christmas Gift Guide. This digital guide includes a stunning selection of gifts on offer from our dealers at Alfies. So come and join us 8th December for cocktails, canapes and Christmas shopping!
Join Alfies dealers on the Thursday 8th December as they celebrate 35 years in business. Come afterwork from 5pm-9pm and enjoy cocktails, canapes and festive entertainment as you shop for the perfect Christmas presents.
For more info about this exclusive event follow Alfies on facebook. 'Like us' to RSVP to the event and to receive your free invitation.
If you are not on facebook and would like to come along simply RSVP by emailing info@alfiesantiques.com or call 020 7724 6066. You can also pick up an invitation in store.
Melinda Colthurst is one of the new dealers that recently joined us at Alfies. Her unique collection of vintage Spanish costumes, ecclesiastical vestments and Victorian and Edwardian clothing are a perfect addition to our eclectic mix of shops here at Alfies.
An avid flamenco dancer herself, Melinda has an incredible wealth of knowledge about Spanish vintage costumes. Which means, that buying from her shop not only entails the item but a little history lesson free of charge.
With a wide range of Spanish dresses, matador jackets and mantilla combs, her stand offers much to inspire designers, costume makers and collectors.
Melinda also has an extraordinary collection fo ecclesiastical vestments and devotional items including crucifixes and Latin liturgical books.
Come and visit Melinda Colthurst on the first floor in Alfies Antique Market. Stand F015.
Anna and Mike of Velvet Atelier have recently joined Alfies. They stock the finest pre-1950's collection of clothing, limited designer pieces and they also have a vintage bridal section.
I asked Anna a few questions...
How did your interest in vintage fashion develop? When I was about 15 I loved unusual clothes and hated mass-produced items. I spent all my teenage years browsing in charity shops and developed my own style from there... Vintage comes with history!
Who is your style icon and why? I do not have a style icon, I love 1940's glamour, so if I had to choose it would have to be Elizabeth Taylor. She looked so much like my Mum.
What is your favourite piece? It has to be the 1940's bright green crepe dress. It is so amazing - I do not want to part with it!
The aforementioned dress was not available to photograph, so above is another favourite dress of Anna's.
What is the oldest item you have for sale? Probably the 1860's reception gown. We have about a hundred 1920's dresses!
Above: A bridal dress dating back to the late 1800's
What is your price range? Prices start from £40, with the 1950's dresses starting at the lower end of the price range. The majority of 1920's dresses are about £150 - £250.
And finally, tell us about the fabulous decor of your stand I'm a big fan of opera. I always wanted to have a shop with a similar feel. And here we go!
October and the beginning of autumn always get us very excited about cosy evenings at home curled up on the reading chair with a gripping book and a lovely cuppa... But the tenth month of the year also means we can finally get dressed up and celebrate the most fun holiday of Halloween! Woohoooooooooo!We had a look around Alfies to find some pieces that would inspire this year's costume choice and party decorations, enjoy!
French Art Nouveau paste and base metal bat buckle/brooch offered by Kieron Reilly
Victorian Whitby jet snake necklace offered by Gareth Brooks
Victorian Whitby jet necklaces and earrings offered by Gareth Brooks
A selection of cocktail shakers (1930's - 1950's) and 1920's chemists bottles (from the Royal Free dispensery) offered by Robinson Antiques
Catriona played delightful 20's and 30's tunes on her gramophone
A fun night was had by all, thank you to everyone who came!
Come and take a look at our Christmas tree next to Tin Tin Collectables - G38-42.
18k Gold Yellow Stag Brooch, offered by Gareth Brooks - G079/80.
French 1920s Onyx Diamond Cufflinks, offered by Kieron Reilly - G066-69
Black Flower Beaded Box Handbag offered by The Girl Can't Help It - G014-22.
For more info about this exclusive event follow Alfies on facebook. 'Like us' to RSVP to the event and to receive your free invitation.
The aforementioned dress was not available to photograph, so above is another favourite dress of Anna's.
Above: A bridal dress dating back to the late 1800's
French Art Nouveau paste and base metal bat buckle/brooch offered by Kieron Reilly
Victorian Whitby jet snake necklace offered by Gareth Brooks
Victorian Whitby jet necklaces and earrings offered by Gareth Brooks
A selection of cocktail shakers (1930's - 1950's) and 1920's chemists bottles (from the Royal Free dispensery) offered by Robinson Antiques
The delightful window display at The Girl Can't Help It
The delightful window display at The Girl Can't Help It
Inspiring shop decorations at The Girl Can't Help It
Inspiring shop decorations at The Girl Can't Help It
