Going Vintage

Lately I’ve been finding it harder and harder to splurge on new items. Be it due to an overall lack of originality or absurd price points, the truth is I haven’t been excited about ready-to-wear labels for quite some time now (apart from the occasional exception). When browsing visual repertoires on Pinterest, Instagram or Tumblr, what’s been capturing my attention is undoubtedly vintage garments. Be it by the unknown, almost mysterious story behind them, or the unique fit and fabrics, vintage pieces have an undeniable allure I can’t seem to avoid.

Come to think of it, my last 4 purchases were all vintage items; some of them when in Florence for Pitti and the others online at Broadway & Sons. Having worked in fashion for the last 10 years and being in contact with several brands and projects, I’ve reached a point where I value unique pieces and individuality above all. With a steady, filtered wardrobe where basics and time-tested essentials meet some more fashion-forward alternatives, there is hardly a “need” for new additions. 

Plus, with the impact new productions bear on the environment, vintage is provides the perfect choice to showcase personal style, without compromising on sustainability. In fact, pre-owned items are now being appointed as the next big thing in the Fashion Industry, one of the most polluting in the world. One of the most interesting aspects of vintage is just how comprehensive it is: from statement pieces which immediately state their origins, to everyday staples no one can figure out where you got them from, there is a wide range to choose from. Case at hand? The look above.

While not everything is vintage here, the core elements are: a camo army jackets and off-white Levi’s 501s. With a distinct patina and ripped seams from the original patches, one can easily perceive the jacket as vintage find, even with the amount of RTW labels trying to imitate them. On the other hand, from a distance, the white Levi’s look like a great pair of denim you could find from any new collection, be it mainstream labels or specialized Japanese suppliers. Apart from the natural wear and tear and a very particular straight fit, few other details give it away. 

Paired with a striped oxford button-down and black loafers, the white denim/camo combo is very hard to bear: there’s a unique nonchalance about it that makes it both cool and relaxed, yet polished enough for a number of occasions. Vintage camo army shirt jacket and Levi’s 501, striped oxford shirt by Our Legacy, black tasseled loafers by Lottusse, Croco belt by Wrong Weather, vintage Moroccan bracelet and watch by Baume & Mercier.

Model and styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira