SECTION SEWN: VINTAGE MENSWEAR

Vintage Menswear: A Collection from The Vintage Showroom by Douglas Gunn & Roy Luckett
Vintage Menswear: A Collection from The Vintage Showroom by Douglas Gunn & Roy Luckett

Curated by Douglas Gunn and Roy Luckett, proprietors of Seven Dials’ Vintage Showroom, this book is an essential purchase for any vintage #menswear and outerwear enthusiast. The book collates an impressive collection of early to mid-twentieth century garb divided into three sections: Sports & Leisure, Military, and Workwear.

There are some amazing pieces here to peruse and they’re all taken from the authors’ vast archive of vintage garments situated in their Notting Hill and Covent Garden showrooms. The pair started the Vintage Showroom in 2007 and it now provides an indispensable resource for fashion designers, stylists, and other creative teams.

RAF Mountain Rescue Service Cold Weather Parka
RAF Mountain Rescue Service Cold Weather Parka
Globe Manufacturing Fireman’s Jacket
Globe Manufacturing Fireman’s Jacket
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Indian Army Paratrooper’s Smock
Indian Army Paratrooper’s Smock

Any Cabourn enthusiasts will spot many garments here referenced by Nigel (some faithfully reproduced). Snow smocks, RAF Parkas, and Fireman coats are all here and even the inspiration behind Nigel’s Viberg ‘Arrow’ boots gets a fascinating spread which details the meaning of the arrow (an icon used to denote ‘Government Property’).

Broad Arrow Prisoner’s Trousers and Boots
Broad Arrow Prisoner’s Trousers and Boots
Belstaff Trailmaster Motorcycle Jacket
Belstaff Trailmaster Motorcycle Jacket
Detail from a Bespoke Tweed Jacket and Waistcoat
Detail from a Bespoke Tweed Jacket and Waistcoat
Handmade Peasant’s Boro Jacket. I particularly liked this as it reminded me of the kind of fabric Post O’alls often use
Handmade Peasant’s Boro Jacket. I particularly liked this as it reminded me of the kind of fabric Post O’alls often use

Every item featured is outlined and detailed and most feature a brief historical background and raison d’être. It’s the visual reference that’s the main draw though. Every garment is lovingly documented with nice large imagery to pore over and examine. A highly recommended read.

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