Vintage clothes are easy to love in theory but the reality can feel like hard work. Small sizes, lack of changing rooms, not knowing where to look…Enter Laura Von Behr. The savvy stylist does the hard work for you, sourcing beautiful vintage pieces and offering one-to-one consultations in her North London studio. Specialising in party dresses, Laura’s instagram feed is full of clients dripping in beautiful clothes – her steadily growing fanbase includes Dolly Alderton – here we find out how she does it:
Where’s home?
Canonbury, near Newington Green. I love the trees on Petherton Road, Clissold Park and definitely the pubs.
How did you get into the vintage clothes business?
I started out selling online and at fairs. About 6 months ago I decided to start taking appointments instead. It is a personal and relaxed way of shopping, especially when vintage can be overwhelming.
What do you look for in clothes?
I always look for natural fabrics, silk, cotton, wool. You can’t really get that quality on the high street, which led me to vintage.
What’s good about vintage as opposed to new?
Vintage is more sustainable. When you wear a vintage dress to a wedding, nobody else is going to be in the same. Garments were made with love and care when fashion wasn’t fast like it is today.
Vintage clothes are often tiny. How do you get around this problem?
I shop with a tape measure and consciously try and buy in a range of sizes. Antique dresses can be difficult to find with a wearable waist size, but other eras are easier to fit in to.
Any styling tips for vintage on how to achieve a contemporary feel and not looking fancy dress?
I tend to buy vintage with a nod to what’s on the catwalks. Personally I always like a little printed silk 80s dress for a party. A 30s slip dress with a velvet blazer or chunky knit for the winter and a Hungarian blouse on holiday with denim.
What does style mean to you?
Style to me is being confident in what you are wearing and doing something a bit different.
What’s the most precious thing in your wardrobe?
An antique silk kimono with tassels that I found in my Granny’s dressing up box. The lining is ripped to shreds but it is so beautiful.
What’s your favourite shopping street and why?
Camden passage for its antique shops and market.
Best place in London for a date?
What are you looking forward to in 2019?
I am looking forward to dressing more women!
Follow Laura on Instagram @lauravonbehrvintage. For appointments and more info go to www.lauravonbehr.com.
