I've collected vintage fashion, textiles, ceramics & antiques since a child. In my teens I sold my first treasured finds at regular Sunday stalls at the old Swiss Cottage market London, moving onto the original Camden Lock market in my 20s (at the same time as Wayne Hemingway, Joe Casely-Hayford amongst others). Forever collecting and selling I moved into film and TV, working many creative years on music videos, commercials, youth TV, music TV
branding and art-directing, including 9 years at MTV UK writing and directing award winning Image Campaigns, trailers and marketing campaigns.
what I love and collect
Vintage clothing, accessories & textiles with
unusual print design, quirky styling and detailing. Home-made objects & folk art.
I specialise in and personally collect striking costume jewellery from
the 50s, 60s and 70s in lucite, enamel and metals by top designers as
well as unsigned wonders of the period along with a large collection of
figural brooches, pendants and bracelets - as seen in the 60s and 70s
jewellery I supplied for sale at the V&A Museum shop to accompany
the V&A 'Cold War Modern' exhibition 2008-9. This followed the huge
success of the V&A's 2007-8 exhibition 'The Golden Age of Couture 1945-55'
where I was lucky enough to supply the V&A exhibition shop with
original vintage 1940s and 50s jewellery, bags, shoes, scarves and
magazines.
stylists, press and sourcing
We
work
with many stylists, fashion and costume designers - sourcing and
selling vintage to a brief as well as hiring for advertising campaigns. We pride ourselves
on being both very concientous about what we hire, out to avoid
duplication on shoots as well as being extremely discreet about our client list.
Personal
styling: I will source you a one-off clothing or accessory item or a
collection as well as spend quality time when looking for an outfit for
a special occasion. Deborah is very skilled (and patient!) in knowing
what will fit, suit or encouraging a little creativity in the way that
suits the client.
I also source stylish and distinct vintage interior design, set and shop display items for shops, film & TV projects and individuals as well as Art Directing for branding, photography and moving image.
Please email with enquiries.
vintage fashion fairs
I attend vintage fashion fairs in London when I can..but less so than I'd like or used to unfortunately, as very busy in the shop and with commissions. See Press & Fairs page for dates.
vintage fashion resources and costume hire
I hold a large selection of 1930s to 1980s fashion magazines and paper ephemera, especially 40s to 60s UK and US VOGUE, HARPERS BAZAAR plus stunning French fashion magazines from the 30s to 60s. Period men's and women's tailoring catalogues, needlecraft, dress patterns and tailoring books from the 20s to 80s.
Some are for sale and all are available for research by historians, designers, stylists and photographers at hourly rates. Stock list available on request. Please contact with any enquiries
Deborah Woolf Vintage is featured in the fashion industry's secret weapon - WGSN - leading global fashion trend forcasting and reporting site
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