I decided to Google Retro Metro the other day, as you do, (a bit like googling your own name) I came across a site called Yelp! Interesting....there were a number of reviews of our store, not many but a few, mostly favourable but some not, that's ok, an opinion is an opinion.

Reading these reviews got me thinking about some of the comments made here and I kind of felt compelled to write this blog, should anyone actually read it. I guess the purpose of this is to give some insight into the world of Retro Metro. Why we do what we do, how we do it and why we love it. Also to dispel myth and rumour and hopefully to provide an understanding of what Retro and Vintage fashion truely is.

The most important topic I'd like to clarify is the difference between Retro and Vintage.

Ok here it is! Retro Fashion is original clothing from the 1970's, '80's, and early 1990's i.e. it must be over 20 years old. (Retro is an abbreviated form of the word retrospective.) Vintage Fashion is original clothing from the early 1900's through to the 1960's i.e. it must be over 50 years old. Anything earlier than that would be considered Antique.

Having sorted that one out, I'd like to voice a personal peeve.

People, please stop slapping a "vintage" label on things that simply aren't, it is incorrect and misleading.

Enough said.

The second most important topic for discussion is the difference between second-hand, Retro & Vintage.

Your Antique Silky Oak chest of drawers, your 1950's teak sideboard, your Great-Grandfathers teaspoon collection worth $5000 are all second-hand, used and pre-loved.

There is no hiding the fact that retro and vintage clothing is "pre-loved" (most preferable term). Having said that, in the shop we have quite a number of garments that have in fact never been worn. NWT (new with tag). Pretty exciting stuff in my world. Back to the point.

Yes! This clothing has been worn before, but it is now a piece of fashion history. It has value for that reason alone, especially so if it is beautiful!

How should Retro and Vintage garments, accessories, etc. be valued?

Condition and quality first, rarity, collectability, desirability. Obviously designer retro and vintage will always fetch bigger price tags for those who love labels, but even handmade vintage garments depending on quality will also reflect a higher price tag due to beauty and rarity.

Within every fashion era there is both good and bad fashion. It takes a discerning eye to know the difference between fashion and that '70's show or the last costume party you went to. This also adds value.

This applies to all retro, vintage, antique and collectable items.

I am very lucky to work with someone who has an extensive knowledge of collecting esp. fashion, boasting over 25 years experience in fashion retail and all manner of collecting.

I am equally as lucky to work with an amazing seamstress and friend who repairs and restores all of the beautiful garments we have in our shop.

Not to mention my good fortune to have found an incredibly talented and loyal stylist, visual artist, friend and advocate for all things fashion based to be the face of Retro Metro.

Being passionate is a very enabling emotion. It also should command high standards.

Back tomorrow........