The Old Creates the New, Vintage is HOT in the fashion

As a designer, I rummage through selvage and second-hand stores frequently. I began doing this at the infamous Ragstock store of my college days. Vintage is HOT in the fashion and home decor scene with the younger generation continuing the tradition in search for that unique one-of-a-kind pieces. Paris has several boutiques I like but my heart stays true and steady for my favorite, Emmaüs of France, the French equivalent of The Salvation Army. As luck has it, I have a huge one near me which I go often to check out the goods. www.emmaus-france.org

For quite some time, I have been collecting inspirational vintage artifacts that I translate into today’s reality. Recently I stumbled across this link showing black and white captivating images of Australian criminals from the 1920’s. The amazingly sharp images gives a distinct idea of what is going through their mind while the photo was taken. All are posing in a casual stance as if they were at a family gathering giving it a surreal effect.

I have been studying these images for the past few days, finding some new secret I had not noticed the time before. These photos are rich in details: the clothing, hairdos, shoes, etc. Even more hypnotizing is the ambiance of how life was back then. Look at how almost every single one of them look very distinguished, hardly believing they are criminals.  How time has changed.

The Cary Grant of criminals.

How playful and carefree these women appear. I love it.

Very chic young ladies.

She looks so defiant and yet shy.

This is a very interesting image.  The stories that could be written from this one image are endless!

This image and the one directly below are the same person. I identified this after the 4th run through of these images.

I love the written note of how he refused to open his eyes. Very comical.