As a follow up to my visit to Japantown in San Francisco, I wanted to share what I found at the Vintage Fashion Expo after I left the Japan Center Mall.  At $12 to park and $10 to get in, the Expo wasn’t the cheapest ticket in town, but it was sure worth it.  

Vendors in head to toe 1920’s garb managed to infuse the shopping experience with all the glitzy nostalgia and charm of a speakeasy without becoming schmaltzy walking clichés.  There were plenty of shoes, hats, clothes, furs and jewelry ranging from 1800’s to the 1980’s and no shortage of vintage Chanel.  Below I’ve highlighted some of the most intriguing treasures at the Expo. 

Sherri Jennings Designs

This is another example of great things coming in small packages.  Sherri’s tiny booth housed some of the most exquisite, unapologetically big and bold costume jewelry of any vendor at the Expo.  I mean, it was difficult for me to tear myself away!  Sherri’s enduring love of old Hollywood glamour and fine arts education inform her opulent design choices, as well as her transatlantic lifestyle.  Based in Florence, Italy and Los Angeles, Sherri’s vintage-inspired statement jewelry is highly sought after in celebrity circles and has been worn by A-List fashionistas such as Jada Pinkett-Smith, Tyra Banks, Mary Kate Olsen, Jennifer Hudson and Kim Kardashian.  See Sherri’s gallery for stunning celebrity pictures. 

My fellow Texans, we’re in luck; Sherri’s designs can be found at Vintage Martini in Carrollton and Antique Land  in Plano. 

Vintage Lux

(HEADS UP: Vintage Lux will make its Dallas debut at the International Gem & Jewelry Show at  Dallas Market Center Oct. 7-9 2011)

First of all, I’ve never seen so much Chanel in my life!  Rachel Zoe, are you listening?  Second, I LOVED the crystal bow and pearl necklaces.  I really have no words for this collection.  You just gotta see it for yourself.

Foxy Couture

Not only was my visit to the Foxy Couture booth enjoyable, but also very informative.  Susan, aka the Fashion Historian, had some beautiful vintage 1970’s LV bags, one of which was a Speedy (arguably one of my favorite pieces made by the House).  As usual, my camera battery started dying toward the end of the evening.

Brief history lesson: In the 70’s, Louis Vuitton outsourced some of its production to The French Company, who under a license from LV, manufactured beautiful Louis Vuitton handbags bearing the iconic “LV” logo.  Some features of these authentic vintage bags, such as hardware and handle color, vary from their modern counterparts. 

I want little jewels of knowledge like this to become commonplace here on Thread Conscious.  Sincere thanks to Susan for sharing!
Aubergine Vintage Emporium And Café

I believe Aubergine Vintage Emporium was one of the most expansive – and inexpensive- booths at the Expo, with an impressive selection of men’s and women’s coats, sweaters, pants and shirts.  It even had vintage garter belts for the ladies!  Unfortunately, by the time I reached Aubergine, my camera battery had died!  My favorite items were the cute purses, all under $20 and the charming beaded sweaters, reminiscent of Fort Worth’s vintage hotspot Bess & Evie. 

Bonus: I ran into fellow fashion blogger Adelle McElveen of Fashionista Lab fame and she shared what she picked up for herself: A beautiful pink cocktail ring and a pair of hot Chanel sunglasses.  Score.

Fashionably Yours,

 Nik