'Fashion's Big Night Out'

Thursday night's Fashions Big Night Out' was fantastic in London's West end - EVERYTHING was open, and EVERYWHERE was serving Champagne, and chocolates / cakes / popcorn / Smoked ham (?!) / Sausgages (?!). The night was held by differing Vogue's across the world, from London to New York, Paris to Bejing, in honour of the launch night of the movie 'The September Issue' - A docu-movie chronicling Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour's preparations for the 2007 fall-fashion issue.

Above we have the lovely Tessa, one of the staff at Dover Street Market, 'throwing face' in vintage Velvet and Lace. DSM were celebrating not only 'Fashions Big Night Out', but Also the DSM 5th Birthday - A great night was had by all.

Labels II.

_Just a few more samples from our collection of beautiful garment labels.

'Country House Rescue'

A few days ago we mentioned our VA trip to north wales to not only film for the channel 4 show 'Country House Rescue' but also to source pieces to add to our own collections. Well, we said we'd show you the rooms where we had to source, and this is them - to say it was a challenge would be an understatement!

Non the less, we found some stunning pieces.
Stay tuned for more of what we found at a later date.

Daphne's Debut

Last Thursday night saw the launch party for Daphne Guinness’s new eponymous fragrance was held at Dover Street Market in Mayfair, London. The “Daphne” perfume is a collaboration between Guinness and Comme des Garcons and goes on sale worldwide September 18th. To start just 5,000 50ml bottles costing £90 will be released.

Guests at the launch party included not only our VA team but designers Anthony Price and Christopher Kane, model Jasmine Guinness, handbag designer Lulu Guinness, interior decorator Nicky Haslam, socialite-Chanel ambassador Poppy Delevigne, and many more.

Details II.

Here a just a few more lovely details from our current collection.

From top to bottom: 1992 Comme Des garcons offset 'torn floral' dress next to a 1990's silk ribbon dress by Issey Miyake, 1960's Christian Dior 'Crystal ball buttons' next to a 1970's Ossie clark 'Traffic Light' dress, the black wire darts of a 1990's Versace Atelier jacket next to a 1970's Yves Saint Laurent floral jacket print, the corsetry of a 1990's denim houndstooth Alaïa Biker jacket next to a 1960's orange and gold Chanel tweed 2 piece and finally a 1990's Pucci dress print next to the lace detail of a Victorian Opera coat.

VA Postcards Preview

To go along side the website and brand re-launch we have also been wokring away on shoots for promotional materials, above we have a selection of the new Vintage Academe postcards (From proofs to final prints) that arrived on our studio floor on Friday afternoon. Showcasing some of our favourite bits from the collection, from 1930's Schiaparelli's to 70's Ossie Clark - We hope you like!

A Change is Coming

The big switch over was last week, with the old website taken down, and the above holding page going in its place, in anticipation of the new website going up in mid September - Here at VA we cant wait to show you all what the last few months of re-designing has to show for itself!

In the mean time, check back here for regular updates by clicking anywhere on the holding page, or, contact us by clicking on the words 'contact' also on the holding page.

VA for Acne Paper

Great excitment at the VA in the last week, as we recieved the most incredible fashion story imagery taken in Paris using a large chunk of the VA's collection for the new 'spiritual' themed edition of the iconic Acne Paper. We cant put any of the imagery up here yet, niether can we say who the amazing model was, suffice to say, come mid October all will be revealed, in its full glory - stay tuned ;)

Labels I.

Here at the Academe it would be quite the understatement to say we have a 'thing' for labels. Those completely beautiful snippets of well designed, graphic, embroidered branding that have been tucked inside elegant garments for decades, whether still the same, or re-designed with time, they are eternal memoirs fashion's glamorous past.

Check back for more of our favourites in the next few weeks.

Our Trip to Wales . . .

_A few Weeks back the VA team travelled to 'Plas Teg', a Jacobean house in North Wales owned since 1986 by Cornelia Bayley to be filmed garment sourcing for an up coming edition of Channel 4's 'Country House Rescue'. We had a fantastic day (if completely knackering) - A huge thanks to the great team and Cornelia for being so incredibly welcoming.

Above are a few shots from our 'Famous 5' inspired day out, and stay tuned for shots inside the incredible room we 'sourced' in and the pieces collected from our amazing day out!

Details I.

Just a few little sneak peak details from our current collection.

Top to bottom: 1990's Alaïa star button, Pink leather and gold studded Versace Atelier pocket, 1990's Gaultier Bondage straps, 1930's Turquise Schiaparelli button, Black Victorian crystal and silk neckline, 1960's Miss Dior jumpsuit print, 1990's Thierry Mugler pocket detail, 1970's Yves Saint Laurent print, Lanvin Silver Leather neck line, 1960's pink and navy Chanel tweed