Misbehaving Vintage was born from my love of vintage clothing and a drive to share the beauty of these garments with Australia and the rest of the world. The construction, design and fabrics of clothes made pre-1980 can’t be equalled by fashion today. The lovely touches from the bra strap holders of mid century dresses, bias-cuts of 1930s gowns and even the vibrant floral prints of the 1960s and 1970s aren’t seen in anything mass produced today. Couple this with the feeling of privilege I get from knowing that particular piece was made and loved by an unknown woman generations ago, makes vintage clothes unmatched and irresistible.
Of course, my obsession with “old things” and “old times” came long before I opened Misbehaving Vintage in 2017. Like most Australians bored on a Sunday afternoon, I found old movies – mostly male dominated westerns – on free to air tv. This spurred me on to find others, like one of my first loves, The Sound of Music, then anything with Marilyn Monroe and Debbie Reynolds, then literally anything made before 1965.
Eventually I landed on my favourite era of films, which coincidently became my favourite era of fashion, Pre-code, 1929 to 1934. In this short period, the subject matter was gritty, true to life and often featuring the lives of high society. These years gave actresses and their costume designers, epic roles and endless opportunities to shine. Australian, Orry Kelly, made his mark then, with extravagant tight-fitting evening gowns and stylish androgynous suits. The early 30s also featured the likes of Adrian, Walter Plunkett, Travis Banton, Irene and Howard Greer.
Although, I’d love to fill my shop with just early 1930s gowns, they are not the most practical outfit for everyday wear. Through Misbehaving Vintage, I have brought together classic pieces, that can be worn and loved today. From dresses, tops and bottoms, lingerie, jewellery and accessories, there’s something to tempt any lover of vintage pieces.
Outside of my vintage obsession, I am a regular old Aussie resident, devoted dachshund mother and aspiring baker who knows most Seinfeld episodes by heart.