Minneapolis Vintage Market
Yesterday, I attended the Minneapolis Vintage Market (MVM) at the Nilson Cultural Center part of the American Swedish Institute (ASI) at 2600 Park Ave. I drove around the parking lot and neighborhood multiple times looking for a parking space. After twenty minutes, a space opened up two blocks north of the Swan Turnblad mansion.
The crowds of people coming and going from the ASI made for fun people watching. Some were dressed casual for summer but, many had a heightened fashionable flair about them. I love crowds like this! I feel at home and truly get joy in seeing the individuality and art in the way others express through dress. This would be my first time attending the MVM, although it occurs monthly moving to different locations in the area and around the state.
Two large conference rooms hosted a multitude of vendors selling vintage household items, vinyl records and most of all clothing. The crowds were dense so, I decided to dip into openings in front of displays as people moved away, slowly progressing from vendor to vendor. Since I was moving with the crowd, I chose to go back around a second time, in hopes of seeing sections that were too crowded the first time I walked the rooms.
My favorite booth was The Dearheart Vintage booth by Anna Goranson and Amber Greene. Their selection of unique colorful finds from the 50s, 60s and 70s was outstanding.
(Right: Anna looking fabulous in a Vintage dress.)
What I love about vintage is the glimpse at years gone by through the art of fashion. The fabrics are time-pieces that although they are mimicked today, they are not quite the same. When shopping vintage, I truly can find a "one-of-a-kind" item because, it simply is no longer made the same way. I look over the seams and the hardware to make sure the fabric isn't going to fall apart and the structure is good. Sometimes, the threads are weak but, if it's a unique piece, a trip to the tailor to have the item's seams reinforced is well worth the investment.
My purchase of the day was a $12 beige 8" x 10" purse from the Glam Diggers booth. I have a black felt purse similar to this but, the beige option feels more summer-ish and easy for daytime use.
The next Minneapolis Vintage Market will be August 17th and 18th from 10am to 4pm in Bayfront Park in Duluth.
Happy Wardrobing!
Stylist Kathy
