New Dealer: April Antiques

Stand F015 on the first floor has undergone a wonderful transformation. April Antiques have created a beautiful display of vintage and collectable pieces specialising in costume jewellery. Ranging from the 1930s up to the 1990s April has a large selection of jewellery by designers such as Chanel, Christan Dior, Christian Lacroix, Miriam Haskell, Stanley Hagler and YSL etc.

April Antiques

We asked April a few questions...

What first interested you in vintage costume jewellery?

I have always been a fan of Chanel and decided to look for more vintage pieces to collect. My collection then grew from this and I started collecting other designers such as YSL and Stanley Hagler. I prefer the quality and skill taken to make vintage jewellery to the modern pieces.

How did you start dealing in costume jewellery?

I first opened up an online business and opened in Alfies November 2014.

Do you have a favourite designer?

Yes, my favourite designer is Chanel, although Dior make beautiful pieces too.

Do you see any trends in costume jewellery.

Yes, at the moment there is a lot of interest in Stanley Hagler, once described as the "Picasso" of jewellery.

Do you have a personal favourite from your collection?

Yes my favourite is a beautiful necklace called Augustine by the Gripoix family who made pieces for Chanel. 

Necklace by the Gripoix Family

 

 Here a just a few from April's collection that she has to offer; 

Gold Buddha earrings. Gold plated with green glass.

Chalcedony glass bracelet. A beautifully ornate blue glass and gold plated bracelet, with faux pearls.

 Egyptian revival brooch. Stunning Neiger brooch with red bead glass. Czech.

A stunning vintage multi-coloured jewelled glass brooch, gold plated.

April Antiques 

Stand: F015 at Alfies Antique Market

Phone: 07429 103 678

Email: yuting19860118@hotmail.com

Website: http://aprilantique.com/

We would like to remind you all, the last day of trading at Alfies this year will be Wednesday 24 December 10am until 4pm. We will re-open in the New Year, Friday January 2, from 10am until 6pm as usual.

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and New Year!

Alfies Christmas Shopping Party 2014

Last week, December 4th, we celebrated the much anticipated annual Alfies Christmas Shopping Party. Everyone was in the festive mood and the hustle and bustle of customers emitted an air of excitement.

We would like to thank all our guests for attending and making it such a dynamic night, plus a special thanks to the dealers and everyone who provided their services:

Roof Top Kitchen
The RTK provided the scrumptious canapés and festive drinks which went down very well with everyone! You can check their specials on Facebook and take a look at the mouth watering delights they have on offer. The Roof Top Kitchen is located on the third floor of Alfies and is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am 'til 6pm.

Jason Lee Howlett - Musical Entertainment
Jason sang his way through vintage Christmas classics with a dash of Motown, his set was so energetic and lively he even managed to get everyone up and dancing toward the end of the night! Be sure to follow him on Instagram and Facebook!

Keely Hunter - Hat-Making Workshop  
Keely Hunter’s paper hat-making workshop went down a storm! Keely's work combines innovative techniques with unique materials to create hats that can only be defined as wearable modernity. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

St John's Hospice - Gift Wrapping Service
Big thanks to St John's Hospice who offered their services on the night. If you would like to make a donation, please click here.

Last but not least, special thanks to the tarot card reader who very kindly extended her reading slots due to popular demand!

Jason Lee Howlett with dealer Nadine Okker

The delicious canapés from the Roof Top Kitchen

Alfies guests

Dealers festive decorations

Customers and Wesley of W & L Antiques

Keely Hunter's hat-making workshop

Jason Lee Howlett

Guests in the Roof Top Kitchen

Liz of Dodo Posters

Dancing the night away!

Nursery Days, by Angela Lynne. Inspired Childrenswear from Tin Tin Collectables and June Victor.

Angela Lynne, an avid collector of children's clothes from the 1890s onward, has this week released a beautiful book inspired by the quality and craftsmanship of children's clothing from bygone eras. In particular the book focuses on the romance of what Lynne describes as the, "Christopher Robin (1920s) to Prince Charles (1950s) period," when muted colours and luxury materials were still heavily present in children's clothing shops, many of which have since ceased trading. Although her collection started with just clothing, it has since evolved into rattles, toys, books, cribs and prams; meaning she now has a permanently laid out day and night nursery, as well as a large clothes room at her grand home in Norfolk.

Angela's passion is such that she sketches as well as collects these adorable items, and as you will see in the book, her lovely illustrations could have stepped straight out of a Winnie the Poo book, featuring the aforementioned Christopher Robin.

An example of one of Angela Lynne's illustrations, on children's coats.

The children of this era, "had their hair cut at Harrods, the clothes they wore were of the most beautiful cut, colour and quality," describes Lynne.

Angela is a customer of our very own Tin Tin Collectables and June Victor at Alfies and has spent many years visiting Leslie and June's stands here, to add to her collection. Many of their items are featured in 'Nursery Days.'

You can find a copy of the book on Amazon.

The cover of 'Nursery Days' by Angela Lynne.

Boy's winter suit from the late 1940s.

Cream silk girl's dress, from the 1930s.

Girl's blue smock dress, from the 1930s.

Handmade Edwardian children's toys.

Handmade Edwardian children's toys.

1920s coat and matching hat in navy wool.
Pink cotton smocked dress, also from the 1920s.