WW2 Items in Alfies

Inspired by a visit to the Imperial War Museum in London we thought it would be interesting to have a look around Alfies to find objects that are typical of the WW2 era.

Below are some amazing medals that were awarded to soldiers who fought in WW2. They usually state the country in which the soldier fought, this makes them very interesting collector's items. If they could talk they could surely tell some heartbreaking and fascinating stories.

WW2 medals from Janes Antiques

Also from Janes Antiques, a nice selection of some really well preserved photographs, one can't get much closer to history than that!

Photographs from Janes Antiques

It is hard to imagine what the British public felt when they were informed about their country and France being at war with Germany. We can get a good idea about the way people had to make do with much less - but somehow still managed to make themselves and their homes look immaculate.

Clothing items became much more tailored which was caused by the shortage of pretty much everything including fabrics. Designers didn't have much to work with which resulted in a more fitted look and more details were added to make up for the lack of pleats, which would have required more material.

A small snippet of fabric went a long way if added as a decorative pocket flap for example. One label/stamp to look out for is 'CC41' which stands for Civilian Clothing 1941, these items are very rare but you can find some true gems at Tin Tin Collectables:

Pretty blouse with 'CC41' label from Tin Tin Collectables

Original 'CC41' labelled socks from Tin Tin Collectables

Original 'CC41' labelled children's boots from Tin Tin Collectables

Just like food, clothing required tokens and if you wanted to get something very fancy this required the use of a large amount of tokens. No wonder most women perfected the art of making clothes out of fabrics or old dresses.

Should you have found a true vintage gem not in its best condition and don't possess the expertise to bring it back to its former glory, pay a visit to Empire Vintage, where the very skilled Julie Elgar will be happy to take on your project. While you are there why not have a rummage for another vintage bargain?

Lovely dressing corner in Empire Vintage

Should you be tempted to try your hand at sewing/mending yourself you might want to look at getting a vintage tailors dummy. They are not only useful for dressmaking but if you get a lovely vintage one they are great for adding a feminine touch to any space.

Why not use it to showcase your favourite vintage finds or projects? Stephen Lazarus has this beautiful vintage Singer model for sale at the moment:

Original Singer tailor's dummy at Stephen Lazarus

It is definitely hard to find 40's items, not only because they are so rare but also because that era was dominated by the war, thus design and style was not a very important factor. Saying that, people did make a point of dressing up when going for dinner (if they could afford it), it was important to look one's best when out in public.

We feel that back then ladies seemed to be a lot better at doing their hair, for modern women like us, all the gorgeous vintage hairstyles look masterpieces which we could never manage to create ourselves. Fret not - the ladies at Nina's Hair Parlour know all the secrets to turn anyone's bad hair day to one of vintage glamour.

Lovely 40's updo at Nina's Vintage Hair Parlour

And for those that are looking for a perfect gift but can't quite decide what to get, why not purchase some beautiful gift certificates that would put a smile on any vintage lover's face?

Alfies gift certificates are available in £10, £20 and £50 denominations

Jewellery

This weeks blog is highlighting some of the stunning jewellery in the market.

Stunning horseshoe shaped brooch with a minature portrait, pearl and snake with ruby eyes from Linda Antiques

Marked Stirling Silver Mexican Bracelet from Connie Speight



Carved Art Deco pink celluloid bangle and bakelite necklace, from The Originals



Stunning Georgian cuff from Gareth Brooks



Platinum ring with a 4ct emerald baguette and diamonds from Zeeba Jewels

Mothers Day at Alfies Antique Market Part 2

Continuing from last weeks blog we have even more fantastic items for all your lovely mothers this Sunday.

19th Century Handpainted bracelet set with cameos Peter and Naneen Brookes.

A selection of 4 Whitefriars glass duck ornaments from Robinson Antiques.

A cut steel mother of pearl brooch from Linda Antiques

Sapphire, diamond and white gold ladies wristwatch from Connie Speight

Lastly why not take your mum on a trip to Alfies this Saturday so she can pick out her own present? There is everything here under one roof and you can finish the day having some tea and cake at the Rooftop Restaurant.

Mothers' Day and Alfies Antique Market

We couldn't let you forget about Mothers' Day, although you are probably being reminded by every supermarket and card shop you pass! Alfies will be different though, we won't let you get your Mum some wilted flowers or a battered box of choccies. No! At Alfies we only have thoughtful, meaningful gifts that your Mum will absolutely love. Without a doubt an Alfies treasure will earn you enough brownie points for the year to come (not that you need any!)

Here are some ideas to give you a headstart, but there are many more on our Flickr pages

A French Limoges egg shaped box containing a scent bottle

from Hayman and Hayman

Silver Victorian 'Mother' Brooch
from Peter and Naneen Brooks

1940s French Croc Clutch Bag
from Tony Durante

Butterfly Print
from N & S Watches

Hopped-Up - An event not to be missed!

We are mad about vintage, not much of a surprise there, but we are also into art, style and fun. All of these can be found here at Alfies, but there is also a new exhibition in town that will guarantee to satisfy you vintage lovers' need for all of the above.

From tonight you can extend your visit at Alfies by taking a short bus ride to Camden to see a new exhibition. The work shown is (partly previously unpublished) photographs by Berlin based photographer David Biene, who has spent the majority of the past few years travelling around Europe attending so called 'weekenders'.

His book 'Hopped-Up' is a portrait of the European scene of the Hot Rodding culture. David Biene uses fine art photography and sophisticated face-to-face interviews to present all the different facets of this subculture and some of its protagonists. This book is about real people and about personalities. It is about true enthusiasm and passion, about sweat and fun, about friendship and individuality. As well as about style and photography.

If you would like to see stunning evidence of a very much alive subculture inspired by the past, enjoy some music from a long gone era and meet the photographer himself you should RSVP to info@proudgalleries.co.uk now. The private opening will be between 6:30pm and 8:30pm followed by live music and the chance to explore 'Hopped-Up' a bit deeper 'til late. Should you not be able to make it tonight don't fret, the exhibition is on until early April.

For those of you who would like to look the part but don't have the wardrobe yet we recommend a little shopping spree to Alfies beforehand where you will definitely be able to find some stunning outfits. And to finish off the look we suggest you get on the phone to Nina's Vintage Hair Parlour and book an appointment to get a sleek hairdo. Oh yes, it will be a long night, so be sure to grab a bite to eat from our Rooftop Restaurant! Right, all set, what's stopping you?

London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week starts tomorrow! Forget Spring/Summer, we are now looking ahead to Autumn/Winter 2010 & 11, and what better place to start than in London. It's as almost as if we never escaped from Winter's frosty grasp as we get out the brollies to escape the rain!

Nylon-Lady from Empire Vintage

Looking forward to create future fashion quite often starts by looking back. Stylists and fashion and accessory designers are always visiting Alfies for inspiration to find the best design to develop into something show-stoppingly new. From Edwardian bustles to 1940s Hollywood Glamour there is nothing like taking a step back to reflect before creating something new.

If you are looking to design and make something truly unique, be it vintage inspired or something totally different, Alfies has a whole range of dealers and stock to help you.

A Selection of Antique & Vintage Textiles from June Victor

Visit the second floor for a whole range of beautiful fabrics, textiles, trimmings, and accessories. June Victor and Persiflage both have a huge range of stunning fabrics, antique lace, and buttons along with many beautiful trimmings such as cape fasteners and tassles.

Colourful Trimmings from June Victor



Art Deco Trim from Nigel Martin


1950s Buttons from Persiflage

Nigel Martin also on the second floor has been providing fabric and trimmings to costumers, tv and theatre for many years. Make sure to stop by and pick up beautiful one-off lengths of trim and decorative pieces to give your design an added edge.

If the task of making your well thought out design is a little too much then why not bring your ideas to Julie at Empire Vintage or Zoe Lloyd who both excel in making and customising stunning clothes and costumes.

Zoe Lloyd's Studio at Alfies

Whether you are a budding designer, looking to customise, start from scratch, modify or just get some inspiration Alfies is the perfect place to start!

P.S Look out for Alfies Antique Market in FILE, the official guide to London Fashion Week!

Vintage Valentines Part 2

Here is a second blog post to help you find the perfect vintage Valentine's gift at Alfies!

Beautiful heart shaped mosaic brooch from The Originals

Silver Charm bracelet from Marie Antiques

1950s Red Lace Bra from The Girl Can't Help It



Victoria Double Heart Silver Brooch with Seed Pearls & Moonstone from Peter and Naneen Brookes

Super cute vintage Valentines cards from East West Antiques and Books



Unusual Welsh Love Spoon, traditionally made by young men for the objects of their affection. From The Originals

Gift Vouchers at Nina's Hair Parlour

Nina's Hair Parlour offers gift vouchers that can be used for a new haircut, one of their amazing classes or even for Issidora's Boudoir, where you can have a number of pampering treatments. If you book before Valentine's Day you get 10% discount!

Alfies is open on Saturday from 10am - 6pm, perfect for a spot of last minute shopping!

Vintage Valentine's at Alfies

This Valentine's Day Alfies is on hand to help inspire you with some wonderful gift ideas. Move away from those chocolates and step back from those roses. They've all been done before! You need something as original and unique as your loved one... Try these stunning pieces on for size:

Heart-shaped Stool

from Ian Broughton

Vintage Valentine's Cards

from Tin Tin Collectables

Limoges Heart Box and Scent Box

from Hayman & Hayman

1940s Ronson Table Lighter with Seascape Motif

from Tony Durante

Silver Heart-shaped Picture Frame, Birmingham 1896

from Goldsmith & Perris

French Art Nouveau 18ct Gold Heart Locket with Rose-cut Diamonds

from Pari's Jewellery

Or a trip to Alfies could be your Valentine's gift! Pop along the day before with your lucky partner and let them choose something from the 75 plus dealers, exploring the market hand in hand. Once you've found their perfect piece then head upstairs to the Rooftop Restaurant and enjoy a romantic lunch or afternoon tea with some delicious homemade food. Perfect!

For more inspiration check out our Valentine's page on Flickr

And of course there are always our beautiful gift certificates that would put a smile on anyone's face this Valentine's Day:

Mad Men Returns

Mad Men returns to our screens this year with Series 3! What better way to spend those cold dark evenings than watching a programme oozing fantastic 1960s style. From the ultra feminine ladies and slick suited men right through the the gorgeous set and interiors we will definitely be coveting everything Mad Men related!

Here is a little inspiration from Alfies if you are as obsessed with the glamour of Mad Men as us!

For the ultimate 1960s power office...

A sleek 1950s/60s rosewood Giancarlo Frattini desk. From Francesca Martire.

A black and gilt metal 1960s German desk lamp, £225. From Lorna Lee Leslie.

A beautiful 1960s rosewood Italian sideboard by F. Albini. From Modo Italia.

Let's face it, the big draw to Mad Men is the amazing outfits worn by the women in the show. They look so beautiful and well groomed, it puts us modern ladies to shame! But fear not, this look is very obtainable when you shop vintage!

The three main female characters in the show have their own unique style, Betty Draper (wife of the lead Don Draper) is a former model turned perfect housewife. Her style is very elegant - think full skirts, petticoats, silk scarves and beautiful cocktail dresses.

1950s Dark and pale pink tafetta cocktail dress with net underskirt from Deborah Woof Vintage

Second of these powerful ladies is Joan Holloway. Joan is the office manager of advertising agency Sterling Cooper and looks after all the secretaries in the office. Joan is a bold, strong character and is considered a "Queen Bee" in the office.

Joan has a classic hourglass figure and dresses to suit her shape. So her staples are figure hugging dresses, blouses and pencil skirts to suit her office job.

Kelly green bubble bottom cocktail dress from The Girl Can't Help It.

Lastly is Peggy Olsen, the youngest of the three. Peggy's style is more about growing up and maturing as she develops her place in Sterling Cooper. In the show we see her start as a secretary and work her way up to a copywriter, working in a male dominated industry.

She wears lots of plaid and textured fabrics also a longer length on skirts and dresses. She dresses to suit her character, she wants to be taken seriously!

Two piece belted grey circle skirt & blouse with black velvet trim from The Girl Can't Help It

These looks can be finished off with a period hairstyle from Nina's Hair Parlour. Whether is Betty's loose curls or Don's sleeked back look its all possible at Nina's, London's first vintage and retro hair parlour.