View Santa Monica and San Francisco Vintage Fashion Expo Floorplans

Q Why do today’s fashion designers attend and shop at vintage fashion shows?

A These creative individuals are always looking for new and different ideas and inspirations – even if some of these may be recycled from many years ago, or even used in a very different way. Sometimes a very old piece of trim may become the focus of a new print or fabric design. Or possibly, an old piece of jewelry might be the basis for some outstanding buttons or belt of a modern-day designer attire.


Q How do we recognize “vintage” and how do we make use of it?

A The phrase “Vintage Fashions” means different things to different people. For some it is defined by fashion periods – which in turn may be defined by the silhouette or dress outline. For others it may be limited to certain time periods. And some will argue whether 10 or 20 year old items are truly vintage. Still others will claim it is partly the label (especially if a couture designer label) and partly the age of the item. There is no hard and fast definition.
Uses equally differ as much. The end use may be for period dance, reenactment, or film, or stage. Or one may simply choose to make a unique fashion statement by wearing something different or by mixing different time periods of dress. There are as many different ideas about use as there are shoppers for vintage fashion items.


Q Why do some Exhibitors focus on certain fashion eras (i.e. Victorian or Retro) while others seem not to have such a specialization?

A It most certainly is a mixture of that dealer’s own love of a particular fashion era plus the reality of what she or he is able to find as they search for vintage items to bring to you, the customer.


Q Why is space in your shows always in such demand?

A For twenty years we have excelled in having a show which is fun for dealers and patrons and which treats both groups to a well-run Expo which attracts outstanding dealers with truly unique offerings. While we welcome back our returning exhibitors, we also are very pleased often to have dealers new to our shows and from out of our immediate area or state.