Deborah Woolf Vintage Archive Opens

Deborah Woolf Vintage Archive has opened at Alfies Antiques Market.  The archive is a new resource for vintage clothing, accessories and props for fashion and costume designers, stylists and the general public.

Deborah Woolf Vintage Archive, First Floor at Alfies

As an addition to her established vintage boutique at 28 Church Street, Deborah Woolf's Vintage Archive houses a further collection of rare archive vintage stock for sale, with some stock available for hire to designers looking for inspiration.

Clothing and accessories range from 1880 - 1980

Deborah’s stock ranges from the 1880s to 1980s with a big emphasis on print. The collection includes rare British boutique designer clothing from the 1960s and 70s such as Jean Muir, Biba, Ossie Clark, John Bates plus Dior, YSL & Givenchy and others. Deborah also has an archive of children’s and baby wear, antique folk, ethnic and tribal clothing as well as props such as mannequins, suitcases, hatboxes and toys, which can also be hired for advertising and editorial shoots.

Emphasis on print and pattern

The Archive is open by appointment and is accessible 7 days a week and after hours. The Archive is in the ‘creative hub’ workshop area on the first floor, with it’s own access at 13 Church Street. The Archive studio will be open at times during Alfies normal opening hours but the full Archive service is only available by appointment with Deborah.

1960s Op Art cut out shift dress with 1960s domed straw hat

Deborah is great at interpreting a brief or mood board and has a vast fashion history knowledge. She worked for many years in film, TV and music videos as a TV and video Director, Designer and Producer, including 9 years at MTV creating award winning moving image campaigns, branding and identity for MTV UK.

1950s silk satin unlabelled evening gown believed to be a copy of a Dior dress.

The Archive offers privacy and discretion for clients. Deborah’s clients include luxury and high street fashion brands in UK, Europe and USA.  Her private clients include film & TV actors, musicians and celebrities.

Early 1970s 'Olympic Rings' hand screen printed chiffon gown by Cleonice Capece, Rome

Costume Designers have also sourced from Deborah for many films including Tim Burton’s ‘Dark Shadows’, Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Inglorious Basterds’, Richard Curtis’ ‘The Boat That Rocked’ and Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut ‘Quartet’.

John Bates own label 1970s cashmere and leather jacket, part of skirt suit.

Deborah has her main boutique across the road from Alfies at 28 Church Street which has a permanent collection of vintage clothing and accessories and is open Tuesdays to Saturday or by appointment at other times.

For appointments and enquiries, please email Deborah at: deborahwoolfvintage@gmail.com
You can also follow her on facebook and visit her website.

New Dealer: Next Time Around

Cerys Thomas of Next Time Around specialises in Post-War British boutique era clothing and accessories from the likes of Ossie Clark, Mary Quant, Bill Gibb, Mr Freedom, Foale & Tuffin, Gina Fratini and Thea Porter.

We asked Cerys a few questions....

Please tell us about yourself
I come from an antiques background - my Dad is an antiquarian book dealer, one of my brothers sells rare records and an uncle sells furniture. It was only natural I would end up in the trade eventually. I did a degree in fashion and have always loved clothes and history.

What interests you in vintage fashion?
Creating an identity for yourself - I am particularly drawn to post-war British fashion as it is an exciting time culturally with lots of innovations in style as well as in music, art , film, etc. To me they are interlinked and the fashion of the time is a good way to hold a piece of history.

Who is your style icon and why?
Too many to mention - for my personal style I love the look of Françoise Hardy.

Françoise Hardy

  
What is the oldest item you have for sale?
At the moment probably a 1930's embroidered top. I regularly acquire stock from France via my family there, usually items from the 1920's to 1950's so a little earlier than other items I have for sale.

1930's Embroidered top

What is your favourite item in the shop and why?
A 1970's Catherine Buckley maxi dress made from 1930's fabric. Buckley specialised in re-using jacquard fabrics from the turn of the century so her clothes are quite delicate and thus rare. She also dressed Joanna Lumley in The New Avenger TV series - interesting fact!

1970s Catherine Buckley maxi dress

Maxi dress label

Visit Next Time Around on the first floor, Stand F015.

The First Floor at Alfies...

What better way to spend a grey January day with a visit to Alfies? Whether you are looking for an Art Deco mirrored frame, a vintage advertising poster or just a beautiful decorative item, Alfies is the perfect place for some serious treasure hunting. Don't forget to visit the first floor, where you can find a breathtaking array of collectable gems...

For old paintings and drawings Michael Amey's unit is a must-visit 

Duncan Clarke, owner of Adire African Textiles, specialises in the handwoven textile traditions 

of West Africa. His indigo dyed fabrics are amazing! www.adireafricantextiles.com

Paul Homden's unit is a real treasure trove full of antique pieces. 

Liz Farrow has been selling vintage advertising posters since 1960. Her stock includes mainly British, French, Italian and Spanish posters from 1920s to 1930s on food and drink, travel, sport and smoking products. www.dodoposters.com 

If you love Italian 20th century design than Modo Italia is the perfect place to visit 

during a shopping spree in Alfies. www.modo-italia.co.uk

Robert McCoy and Peran Dachinger have been trading in oil paintings, drawings 

and water colours for many years.  

Louise Verber has a distinctive stand on the first floor where she sells 20th century furniture and design including Art Deco mirrored frames and French lighting. 

Andrew Martin, owner of Mirror Master, is one of our new dealers on the first floor. He specialises in Art Deco mirrors and small pieces of mirrored furniture. 

Paula and Ken - Travers Antiques - have been trading at Alfies for many years. Their stock includes 19th and 20th century decorative furniture, mirrors and lighting including Art Deco and industrial metal pieces. 

Gloria Sinclair has been in Alfies since 1978 dealing in English and continental porcelain, objects and jewellery.  Her collection of fine art and paintings are amazing as well! 

www.alfiesantiques.com 

Homes & Antiques Awards 2013

Alfies Antique Market has been shortlisted for Antique Centre of the Year in the Homes & Antiques Awards 2013.

The awards celebrate antique shops, vintage stores, and antiques centres all over the country and each shortlist has been compiled by leading experts and industry members from LAPADA, BADA and the Antiques Trade Gazette.

Now it's your chance to have a say in who should win each category!  Simply visit the Homes & Antiques website and cast you vote.

By voting you will also be entered into a draw to win a fantastic weekend away at London's Draycott Hotel.

Voting closes on the 28th February and the winners will be announced at the Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair in Battersea, London, on 25th April.

Every vote counts so please support Alfies and our knowledgable and diverse antique and vintage dealers! Click here to vote now.