An invitation to read a Vintage Story

I've been obsessed with vintage clothing since I was a teenager. Not only because vintage has more style than today's fashions (IMHO) and is generally better quality than contemporary clothing, but because it's got a story.

I have a brilliant blue winter coat with a tag labeled: “Made in East Berlin”. What was the wearer's life like behind the Iron Curtain? Did she see the wall come down? My favourite chambray shirt has an ink stain on the pocket where someone's pen leaked. What did they write with that pen? In 2008, before *everyone* was buying designer vintage, I found an Yves Saint Laurent clutch in Paris for only 80 euros and a Chanel blazer in London for just 90 pounds. What events did that purse and blazer attend? What conversations did they listen in on? There are more questions than answers, which gives my imagination free rein.

A couple of months ago, this love for vintage sparked an idea — I wanted to write stories (some true, most fiction) to spread the magic of vintage.

I pitched the idea to my dear friend Christina Florencio, who owns REVIVAL, a vintage shop with two Vancouver locations (one on Main Street, the other in Bentall Three). She was game. And A Vintage Story very quickly came together.

We selected a few vintage items (there's a lot to choose from... Christina has a knack for finding fashion gems), and I wrote a story to loop around their hangers.

The intention of this project:

✨to spread some delight with stories

✨to give visitors a reason to slow down and be present while shopping

✨to show that stories are everywhere

✨to illustrate how storytelling can be used as an immersive experience and a powerful marketing device for brands and businesses

Join me on Wednesday, October 1st from 5:00pm-6:30pm at REVIVAL- 2408 Main Street, Vancouver for the REVIVAL Salon, I will do a live reading of a selection of the stories. As a guest, you can choose an article of clothing and write your own story, bring your imagination. You'll leave with a refuelled imagination, and looking at the world with a little more curiosity.

We'd love to see you there! RSVP HERE - Sandra O’Connell