The London Vintage Fashion, Textiles & Accessories Fair

As a bona fide vintage fan and sometime purveyor, I'm almost ashamed to have only discovered the legendary London Vintage Fashion Fair earlier this year. Taking place every 4 - 5 weeks at the great Modernist Hammersmith Town Hall, The Vintage Fashion Fair is where celebrities, stylists and many of London's overpriced vintage boutiques go to get their vintage wares.

For a first timer the fair can be a little overwhelming, with dozens of knowledgeable sellers offering vintage fashion, accessories and textiles dating from Victorian times to the eighties and early nineties.

Prices, predictably, are not cheap, but then this is high-end vintage. An original full length seventies Janice Wainwright dress will set you back around £100, a vintage Yves Saint Laurent jacket around £250 and original costume jewellery by the likes of Kenneth Jay Lane and Givenchy starts at around £50.

My only criticism is the changing room situation. Although my reticence about stripping in front of dozens of other shoppers has decreased a little over years of buying at sample sales, the incongruity of trying on sixties Parisian couture in a town hall's toilets was not lost on me.

Nevertheless, this hallowed fair is definitely worth a visit. Even if only for a browse because its friendly, charming sellers and magical atmosphere make this much more than a vintage shopping trip, The Vintage Fashion Fair is an experience.

This is a great place to go if you want vintage fashion away from Brick Lane, as the fair is quite established and usually has some great finds if you know where to look. It's not the cheapest place to buy vintage, but it is usually of a high standard, so you end up saving time by not having to trawl through so many piles of junk. Some of the sellers really know what they're talking about and have beautiful clothes.
The reason I haven't given this five stars is that because due to the fact that it's indoors, it can feel a little crowded and chaotic, but as far as vintage fairs go it's comparativeley well organised, and the crowds are inevitable.

Get here if you want the very best vintage fashion stuff! There are at least 100 exhibitors from all over the UK and there is so much choice! You can buy Original Vintage Costume Jewellery, Frocks, Hats, Shoes, Coats, Fabric, Buttons, Buckles and Trims and all manner of fashion-related items from knowledgable and passionate traders. Prices go from the £1 absolute bargain to £500+ Haute Couture so there really is something for everyone. You will rub shoulders with stars, famous designers, fashion experts, students, collectors and fashionistas and lots of people just enjoying a fun day out! Do go along - you will be pleased you did!