Vintage originals versus reproductions - what's better? And does it really matter when you're being chased by zombies?

On the vintage fashion scene it's hotly debated. Is a true vintage fashionista selling out when she or he buys a reproduction? If that's correct than I'm going to hell because I'm a fan of both.


Original vintage really can't be beat for its beautiful, often delicate fabrics and amazing claps and patterns. Much true vintage will have covered fabric buttons, matching belts home sewn and amazing vintage quirks like old fabric scrap stuffing in the shoulder pads because stuffing was hard to get a hold of in parts of Australia.





ABOVE: Neck detail on a cream vintage dress from my collection. Would be useless in zpoc because of its light colour and sheerness. It's basically useless now for these reasons.

If you can find handmade vintage you know it's a one off and going to be sturdy edition to your wardrobe. Mass-produced vintage isn't even mass produced anymore, with few of these treasures surviving. And in terms of price, my experience is that a nice reproduction dress can cost as much, or more, than an original. Sadly, it can be hard to find in Australia because we are a relatively young country with a small population compared to America. Check out Paddington Antique Centre, the Valley markets and Annerly's op shops for a few finds. Some amazing, true quality vintage is available from Etsy and most sellers do post internationally. Check out these items from the lovely Fab Gabs Vintage:



ABOVE: A stunning 1950s checked dress - available at http://www.etsy.com/listing/46402844/vintage-1950s-checkmate-sexy-secretary. Photo by the talented Lulu from http://www.camerabandit.com/ The long sleeves and gingham wool will help protect from zombie bites but the length of the skirt could hinder a quick escape. I would suggest wearing only at sieges where you'll be defending from a secure position.



ABOVE: Fab Gabs items cover a large price range, with this item up for grabs for $20 US. Available at http://www.etsy.com/listing/52112749/fab-gabs-10-and-20-1970s-lavendar-lilac and photo once more by Lulu from http://www.camerabandit.com/ Remember that lilac won't look so great with blood stains if you get attacked by zombies, and bodily fluids from undeads could be hard to wash out.

Now are these awesome dresses zombie appropriate? Probably not. They don't provide the most warmth or flexibility but if they've lasted this long they should be pretty durable. They're also so attractive you might be able to fool fellow survivors into giving you vital food supplies with your 'come hither' looks.

Next post will focus on the reproductions argument.