I interviewed VV Brown once upon a time. She was launching her first album and I’d been commissioned by Rococo magazine – a ‘freemium’ which is now sadly defunct – to speak to the singer pre-cover shoot in a draughty London studio.
Back then VV Vintage was just a twinkle in her eye. To be perfectly honest I’d forgotten all about her entrepreneurial aspirations until a press release dropped into my inbox this morning.
VV and her creative partner Lola have finally launched their sustainable fashion site, VVV. They’ve been busy cherry picking special retro items and tweaking them to create inimitable pieces, and the result is a collection which might just revive the reputation of vintage.
When I first moved to London and was living in a small shared house in Bethnal Green I trawled the cluster of vintage stores around Brick Lane on a weekly basis. But the gems become fewer and further between until eventually I ended up with a closet full of shiny shoulder-padded jumpsuits and 80s party dresses. I know this is the experience of many fellow vintage fans. It’s also the reason there’s a distinct ‘vintage is dead’ backlash going on at the moment. But I still harbour hope, because nothing beats a truly amazing one-off find.
Enter VVV…
For the eccentric, eclectic, experimental and unique fashion girl there’s so much to be excited about here – from the simple bodycon dress with plumes of feathers sprouting from the shoulders to the iconic, painted stars and stripes jacket. And the prices are reasonable too.
There are two vintage pieces that I’m still in love with: a sunflower print playsuit (far and away the most flattering thing in my wardrobe) and a photographic poppy print kimono maxi dress (the most complimented item I own). Now, thanks to VVV, the faith that I might find another has been restored.
P.S Look out for the Ashish pieces. Considering VV Brown’s close relationship with the designer I’m going to say these were probably pre-owned by the singer herself.
Click the images to scroll the gallery.
Visit my Portfolio section to read the interview in full.
