There is so much great vintage out there that is not wearable but there is just as much that is. Wearable Vintage Fashion by Jo Waterhouse and Clare Bridge examine more closely wearable vintage fashion from the 20s to the 80s. As stated in their introduction, their book aims to provide the beginner a foundation to work with. A foundation looking at basic pieces and popular trends that permeated each decade. With in depth looks at each respective decade, Waterhouse and Bridge allow you to train your eye by studying period originals as well as reproductions, and other garments that look the decade. What sets this work apart, I think, is the end of this work where actual vintage shoppers and wearers give you a peek into their style and wearable vintage.
Decade by decade, the owners of Second Hand Rose vintage shop, Waterhouse and Bridge have curated specific garments to assemble a typical, everyday look for each decade from pieces that can easily be found. Some of the pieces featured in this colorful work are full skirted 50s frocks, tailored 40s suits, and fun novelty accessories from the 30s. Also included are skirts, blouses, bags, and hats. Alongside originals, photographs of real people are included as well which only add to the “wearable” element which is frequent in this work. Overall, I think that there is some really nice variety throughout the work. The garments depicted in the pages range from very typical pieces to your more 'formal' pieces like evening and cocktail wear. Although images are helpful, advice is added as well in knowing how to put together the actual looks to achieve a period look. Advice includes makeup tips and ideas for making up a fully accessorized look. To help in that department, Waterhouse and Bridge have chosen specific icons for each decade and have recreated their looks. Chosen icons include Louise Brooks for the 20s to Carmen Miranda from the 40s. Blended with these typical wearable looks, other trends popular during each period have also been examined slightly to offer a more well -rounded look at each period. Omitted of course are the high fashion trends that, although they defined their respective decades, were not always worn by the masses. Personally, the omitting of these high fashion looks only makes this work stronger because it stays on target: wearable vintage.
The last section of this book is what truly defines it. Stories, photographs, and insight into the wardrobes of actual vintage wearers brings the idea of wearable vintage fashion to full fruition. What better way to grasp and be inspired to wear vintage other than by individuals wearing vintage? My only critique of this work is that the looks they recreate from their icons do not necessarily represent your typical wearable vintage. One such example would be Carmen Miranda's look which they recreated with a faux fruit hat. Personally, a fruit turban is not particularly an everyday piece. Overall, this is a nice book for any vintage lover. The images and examples, are, as a whole, excellent.
