a month in vintage

everything we’ve seen, styled, and swapped in the last thirty days

Hello darlings! Welcome back to Worn magazine. You may have noticed that we have been a touch M.I.A. these past few weeks, but rest assured we have not been lounging idly (well, not only). We have been hard at work making our first issue every bit as delicious as your vintage-loving heart could desire. And that, of course, means a month spent flitting between London’s finest secondhand happenings.

Frock Me! Vintage Fair

A couple of weeks ago, we squeezed ourselves onto the Circle line and made our way to Chelsea for Frock Me. Housed in Chelsea Town Hall — all gilded ceilings, parquet floors, and cherubs gazing down approvingly — entry set us back £6 (I think?) but the selection did not disappoint. We will admit the clothes were rather expensive, but for those who have saved their pennies (or pounds, in this case) it is a pilgrimage worth making. A word of advice: start at the back and work your way forward. I personally swanned home with a pair of freshwater pearl earrings set in 925 sterling silver for £15 and a £4 embroidered linen handkerchief I’m not sure I need, but all’s well that end’s well.

Rellik!

Worn’s debut print issue will feature an editorial in partnership with the grand dame of archival vintage, Rellik, a mere ten-minute stroll from Notting Hill and a favourite for Kate Moss since 1999. Following our interview with co-founder Fiona Stuart, a team of Worn girls gathered for a day of hard work (and a touch of dress-up). I arrived early to scout locations, though in truth, I was distracted by the surrounding antique shops. If you ever find yourself on Portobello Road on a Saturday, weaving through the throngs of market-goers, do yourself a favour and plot a course to Rellik for no tourists or trampling.

Loved Again London

Our debut print issue features an exclusive profile with the founder of Loved Again London, but before you devour that, let’s talk about last Saturday, when LAL welcomed back its disciples at The Columbia Hotel in Lancaster Gate. If Worn had a sister event, this would be it. The concept is simple: bring three pieces from your wardrobe that no longer spark joy, exchange them for credit, and shop the offerings of fellow swappers. I, for one, left with a pair of kitten heels I couldn’t have abandoned if I tried— very Amy Winehouse, says my dad, which is the highest compliment I could receive. Needless to say, I floated home. The next Loved Again London swap is yet to be announced, but follow them on Instagram for updates.

Portobello Road (Duh)

Speaking of Notting Hill, a monthly visit to the market is something of a non-negotiable. This time, I came home with a Royal Worcester cup and saucer, a matching bowl, and a milk jug — essentials for an English tea addict of the highest order and precisely the sort of thing I need to live a life as though sprung from the pages of Worn. Oh, and then there was the unexpected find: a Land Rover… door hanger? Wall hanger? Truthfully, I’ve no idea what it is, but it’s fabulous.

Photo Booth!

This one isn’t strictly vintage, but you’ll be glad we told you anyway. If you’ve ever stumbled across Booth by Bryant on Instagram and longed for something similar in London, Worn has unearthed not one but three. The first is in Coal Drops Yard, beside my college, Central Saint Martins, the second is in Waterstones’ Bloomsbury branch, and the third is in Old Spitalfields Market. At £7 a pop, it’s dear, but for a strip of perfectly imperfect portraits (and perhaps a feature in Worn’s pages) we’d argue it’s worth every penny. You’re welcome!

Xo

Gracie, Founder of Worn