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With its intricately ornate carved ceilings, striking period paintings, and delicate crystal chandeliers, there really couldn’t have been a more perfect backdrop for the Frock Me! vintage fashion fair than Chelsea Town Hall.
Strolling down the Kings Road, brushing shoulders with London’s most stylish it was impossible not to be transported back to the 1960s; when Mary Quant was queen of the Kings Road and the miniskirt ruled. Unfortunately now the magic has somewhat dissolved as you are met with the obligatory McDonald’s restaurant and well known – all be it high end – high street stores, but still the sense of what once was is still in the Chelsea air.
Now for those of you who aren’t already familiar with the Frock Me! movement, let me bring you up to speed. Frock Me! prides itself on being the original London vintage fashion fair created by Matthew Adams, whose vintage obsession started way back in 1979 at the old Swiss Cottage Market in North London. By 1981, Adams was at the helm of the successful Stables Market in Camden Lock and carving his career as an extraordinary vintage fashion seller and organiser. In 1997 he launched the ‘Adams Kensington Decorative Arts and Vintage Fashion Fair’ – the first ever vintage fashion fair in London – and now after 16 years, a move to Chelsea, and a new name, Frock Me! is the longest running and most well established event of its kind.
When I entered into the grand town hall my eyes were met with a mesmerising horde of old fashioned treasures – like an Aladdin’s cave, every nook and cranny was filled with the most beautiful historical pieces. From timeless Chanel classics that had been lovingly preserved to vintage trinkets and Hermes scarves, Chelsea Town Hall had been transformed into a seriously high class thrift shop for all to enjoy.
With swing music filling the hall and the unmistakable smell of vintage permeating the air, the atmosphere was second to none. Each stool owners raw passion for vintage was clear for anyone to see as they spoke animatedly about their stunning bespoke finds. Whether your budget is large or small the fair needn’t break the bank, with rails offering items at £10 a piece and baskets of beautiful scarves for as little as £5 each. I was on my best behaviour only allowing myself a stunning vintage Kangol turban, a floral sky blue scarf, and a large cameo brooch. All coming in at a thrifty £44!
I can’t commend Frock Me! highly enough for their unique events. So please, if your tired of the high street and eBay just isn’t quite cutting it, get yourself down to Chelsea Town Hall for a unique vintage shopping experience that you’ll never forget. Visit the Frock Me! website for all the upcoming dates and any extra information you’ll need.
See you there old chum!
By Jenna Jones
