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The Antique Detective   The Antique Detective At vintage shops and shows - anything goes   By Anne Gilbert In the world of antiques, the new “buzz word” is vintage.   It covers a lot of categories from haute to hand-me-downs and would you believe, graffiti art?   It doesn't matter if the items are in Canada or the United States, certain rules apply. No matter how tacky or terrific they are they have to be in good shape. Even more important “vintage” shows and dealers seem to be changing the concept of traditional antique shows as a new generation of collectors enters the market place.   Another reason is the shortage of affordable, quality antiques made in the 19th century. New classifications have been emerging during the new century including arts and crafts and mid century modern. Blame it, or praise it, on the interest in vintage fashions that seriously began in the 1990s.   When Sotheby’s and William Doyle auctions pioneered the field in the 1990s, the emphasis was on celebrity owned or worn clothing and accessories. This shortly changed and separated into “celebrity” auctions and “vintage clothing” auctions. The designer and the era became important, especially when 50s, 60s and 70s pieces were for sale.   Another change is taking place with the vintage shows that may include Art Deco, 40s, mid century modern and 60s, 70s objects.   In America, Zita Waters Bell, antique show promoter, long known for her high-end Florida antique shows, has ventured into the trendy world of vintage. Last year, her first vintage show was a tryout that worked. In fact, it worked so well that in addition to her usual West Palm Beach antiques show she is doing two vintage shows, one November 20, the other next year. Both promise to be a mix of Art Deco, mid-century modern and sixties.   As I remember, “vintage” originally was a catch-all phrase for “second hand clothes,” of all eras, from 19th to late 20th centuries. Then it moved on to include all kinds of textiles from printed aprons and mass produced table linens from the 1930s, 40s to purses.   What drives this market? According to Waters-Bell, “For the very young adults the items are new, exciting and different.”   As she notes, “clothing and dress accessories were important. People wore hats and gloves. When they went out of fashion they weren't often discarded, but saved.   During the era of “cocktail hats” creations had veils, feathers and sequins. Collectors look for designer names such as Lily Dache’. They become decorative accessories on vintage hat stands.   There are specialized categories within the vintage fashion field that include children’s, bridal and western. In fact, many boutiques that specialize in new expensive children’s fashions, also carry vintage items. These are especially popular for christenings and other special occasions.   Because of the handmade details and stitching, they will be handed down for future generations. Prices are high, often several hundred dollars for a dress or boys clothing.   In the 1940s, the era of movie Westerns, shirts and other pieces of clothing were made in Western and cowboy styles. The same goes for printed table linens.   Vintage luggage by famous makers, such as Louis Vuitton , made into the 70s, is popular with collectors. Vintage prices in the hundreds are more affordable than contemporary pieces, costing in the thousands.   A new generation often uses them as coffee tables. Even fine leather luggage by unknown 20th century makers is being collected and used for travel or stacked as a group of end tables.   Also making an appearance in vintage shows and shops are ashtrays With smoking banned in restaurants and nightclubs, ashtrays have disappeared. Collectors look for examples from famous places like the New York Stork Club or by important manufacturers such as Lallique and Daum.   Though aluminum items from the 40s and 50s have currently faded from the vintage scene, they are destined to make a comeback as period collectibles.   “People look for things that are handmade and beautiful,” says Mary Massing, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., vintage dealer and a pioneer in the vintage clothing and textiles field.   She says many mass-produced printed textiles such as aprons and table cloths from the 1930s, 40s, are popular with young collectors.   “They are cheap and cheerful. Aprons go for around $10."   If you think graffiti is something you see on the walls of downtrodden neighbourhoods and the sides of trains, think again."   Done in small sizes, it is the newest art craze, with examples costing over $60,000. Basically, it is a form of images or lettering scratched, scrawled, painted, spray painted or marked in any matter on property.   Since the 1970s, graffiti has been a big part of the urban scene all over the world. The word itself comes from the Italian, “Graffiato” meaning to scratch. An artist's signature is called “tagging.”   By the end of the 20th century, certain graffiti artists became recognized, just as outsider artists were earlier in the century.   Examples are at the Vintage show. Furniture from the 40s to the 70s is more popular than ever with often unusual names and shapes. But they aren't cheap.   One thing can be said for vintage shows: There is something for every taste.   Photos: from Zita Waters Bell Vintage Show 1 - Graffiti art: Hallucination 177   2 - Assortment of vintage hats   3 - Collectible nightclub smoking memorabilia   Anne Gilbert has been self-syndicating her column "The Antique Detective" and special art and antique features since 1983. She has authored nine books on the subject. "The Antique Detective" appears in the Chicago Sun Times, Palm Beach Post, Patriot Ledger and many other newspapers. Over the years, she has appeared on network television and has also been an appraiser for major museums and private individuals.     Return to top of page   This Is Livin' Publishing © 2011 581 8th Line West, RR1 Hastings, ON, K0L 1Y0 Phone/Fax: 705-696-1833   webmaster