/ 2 November 2012

For the love of vintage

Like new: A feast of cookware and crockery is on sale at Lulushop.
Like new: A feast of cookware and crockery is on sale at Lulushop.

“For 35 years I have been an avid collector of anything old, from retro to vintage,” says the site’s founder, 56-year-old Durbanite Irene Woodhams. “A time came when I no longer had the space for anything more.”

Woodhams was encouraged by her two sons to start Lulushop. Her ­older son, who is a photographer, introduced her to the world of blogging and helped her to design her online store.

Launched in April last year, Lulushop hawks everything from cookware to crockery, as well as many other non-kitchen items.

“Old items don’t need to be used for their original use,” says Woodhams, who is a kitchen designer. “Be imaginative, creative and find new ways to use them in your home.”

Her love for colour, texture, function and anything “with a past” determines what she sells.

Her products are sourced from anywhere and everywhere. “I have an eye for finding products in the most unexpected places,” Woodhams says.

One of the kitchen items on sale is CorningWare’s traditional blue cornflower pattern from the 1960s and 1970s, which is popular. CorningWare began the production of the blue cornflower range in 1957 and discontinued it in 1988.

Also available is a retro white enamel fondue set from the 1970s with white wooden fork handles.

If you are in the Durban area, you can buy Lulushop items at the I Heart Market, which is held on the first Saturday of every month, and at the Antiques & Collectables Fair at the Westville Village Market.

For more information visit lulushop.co.za