The fourth Annual Vintage Clothing & Accessories, Textiles & Jewelry Show & Sale, conducted by Vivien Cord, was attended by active crowds over the weekend of April 10 and 11. With 22 exhibitors on hand from as far away as Delaware, the eclectic mix of merchandise proved to be a crowd-pleaser.
Fashion statements made around the floor ranged from early military uniforms offered by the Duffle Bag, Patterson, N.Y., to tufted tutus and psychedelic dresses at Redinger’s, Litchfield, Conn.
Duffle Bag dealer Brian Benedict was busy making sales from his selection of merchandise that ranged from an early general’s cape from the Connecticut’s governor’s staff to a centennial Revolutionary War uniform. Sales were brisk for the dealer early in the show, so much so that he sold a pair of combat boots right off of his helper’s feet. Helper Sean Witshynsky, whose father is currently serving in the Middle East, took the loss of his footwear right in stride, finding another pair of boots from the dealer’s stock to put on his feet. According to Benedict, the boots were purchased by a theatrical outfit and “could be used in some movie or theatrical production.”
Dealer Karen Redinger was busy with clients and was seen making several sales, including some dresses in the Pucci style. The Litchfield dealer offers a little bit of everything, ranging from embroidered potholders to tufted felt ladies’ hats emblazoned with a perky daisies, and from Arts and Crafts-style textiles to funky shoes.
Copper and costume jewelry by makers such as Renoir, Rebajes and Matisse is very much in vogue these days, as witnessed at the stand of Vintage Couture Jewels, Easton, Conn. Sales were being made from the large selection. Crowds also flocked to Queen Ann’s Laces, Prospect, Conn., for its large selection of costume jewelry, and to Sandra McNeil, Onset, Mass., for her assortment of colorful floral pins.
Those heading to a sock-hop would have found the perfect dress at Vintage With A Twist, Bedford, N.Y., pleated, brightly colored and ready to wear. And those heading to the social gathering at the local ballroom could have been easily outfitted with gowns, shoes and a mink at Across The Pond, Hackettstown, N.J.
Headgear was also prevalent at Incogneeto, Somerville, N.J., where dealer Stacy LoAlbo was assisting customers with her large selection of vintage hats. LoAlbo was also available to sign copies of her book, Vintage Fashion Accessories .
Show manager Vivien Cord reported that the popular show has added a second date, November 20 and 21, with early buying scheduled for the previous Friday evening. For information, 914-273-4667 or www.CordShows.com .
