Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly: ‘I don’t know when last I bought anything in a shopping mall.’
When Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly, a journalist and communications consultant, and a former editor of Elle and Visi magazines, and Leigh Ord, a teacher and charity fundraiser, decided to organise a vintage sale, they named it like the signature on an old postcard: “Vintage, With Love”.
The soon-to-come pop-up store delves into the vaults of friends’ and local fashioners’ cupboards, freeing distinctive pieces from Prada, Louis Vuitton and Oscar de la Renta, but also contemporary garments from Country Road or Woolworths, leather brogues or Dr Martens.
Vintage sales are not new: San Francisco, Oakland and Paris have regular vintage fashion expos and, since the TV series Mad Men appeared on our screens, with its impeccable 1960s aesthetics of tucked waists, empire lines, pussy bow blouses and scarves, vintage shops turned into treasure houses besieged by fashionistas, fashion purists and nostalgic men and women looking for clothes that hide in their ruffles and pleats stories of the past.
In a time when fast fashion feeds our cupboards with clothes that have little soul and built-in obsolescence, there is a consensus that vintage is better. Clothes were made with a certain savoir-faire, an attention to detail, patience and care, all working their magic one piece at a time. But, more than a nostalgic hunt, the impetus behind Vintage, With Love is that proceeds from the sales will go to charities. The event might also prove to be a healthier retail therapy, a great solution to wardrobe boredom and a stylish reminder that old might be the new new.
What was your first encounter with fashion?
Watching my mother getting dressed to go out at night when I was a child. I was entranced and am reminded of those moments every time I smell Coco Chanel.
What is vintage for you?
A special something someone else has grown tired of.
Any secret addresses in Johannesburg?
I don’t know when last I bought anything in a shopping mall. I mostly shop at vintage shops or trunk shows. I recently discovered Jaipur Rose, who comes to the Studio Space in the Zone in Rosebank four times a year. I also like Slick, which also shows at the Studio Space a few times a year.
Where do you shop for shoes and accessories?
My favourite bags are from Habits and African Queen. I find it increasingly difficult to find shoes I can afford and like in South Africa. There is a lack of variety and the quality is often bad. I don’t want to buy shoes made in China.
Where do you shop for vintage clothes?
Rags and Lace, Second Attitude, the Hospice Shop and Bounty Hunters are my favourites.
What is your most treasured vintage piece?
A pair of black leather stovepipes that I inherited from my mother. They’re falling apart now but they definitely started my love affair with leather.
What do you think are essential elements to a great wardrobe?
Brown leather shoes and brown leather bags.
What trend never dies?
Leather, denim and camouflage prints.
Which designer inspires you?
Internationally, Ralph Lauren and locally, Stefania Morland. She is in a league of her own.
In South Africa, who was or is iconic in fashion?
[Fashion designer] Marianne Fassler is iconic, in a unique eccentric way.
What comes next for Vintage, With Love?
To survive what started as an idea for a garage sale and that has grown into something so much bigger.
One movie that could define you?
Casablanca.
The obligatory cheesy question: cheese or chocolate?
Brie cheese.
Vintage, With Love will be held on May 11 and 12 at the Forum at the Campus on Main Road in Bryanston. Entrance is R50