Oh how I love Instagram – there’s just so much beauty to behold every time I log into the app. Here are a few of my favourite vintage/historical fashion and style Instagram accounts, should you share my interest in all things old and pretty! From the 1700s to the 1940s, there’s something for every vintage/historical fashion lovers out there on Instagram – all you need to do is look! You’ll note that I labelled this post “part I” – that is because I follow so, so many vintage fashion lovers on Instagram that I simply couldn’t hope to share all of them in a single post! Be sure to check back in the future for part II!
How is it possible to be this talented? Christine is, in her own words, a “historical costumer, board certified doctor, dedicated gamer, mother, wife, seamstress, and embroiderer.” The costumes she creates are absolutely breathtaking, and her embroidery is beyond beautiful. There is so much detail in every gown, it’s unbelievable that she’s able to create all these stunning works of art while living such a full and busy life. I’m thoroughly gobsmacked.
Stasia is a Polish-born, Tokyo-based, licensed and certified kimono stylist and educator who is fluent in Japanese and has dedicated herself to preserving and promoting the centuries-old tradition of kimono styling. She leads lectures on Japanese fashion history, looking at elements such as different styles of obi and kimono, and has an extensive collection of vintage kimono and related pieces. Her company inkimono offers kimono styling and photography sessions designed to provide a more in-depth alternative to mass market kimono rental services that don’t give tourists much insight into Japanese culture or traditions.
When it comes to vintage style influencers, we can’t forget the men! Dandy Wellington is a bandleader and vintage style activists who challenges style, fashion, culture and historical norms and assumptions. His video on how to tie a proper bow tie is a must-watch for any gentlemen who aspire to up their style game. Wellington is also a master of mixing vintage and modern fashions, which is a technique that can make vintage style more accessible while expanding closet horizons and providing even more opportunities for self-expression through personal style.
Abby Cox is part of the team behind vintage reproduction shoe makers American Duchess, and she is both a collector and maker of vintage fashion. Like me, Abby once worked as a historical interpretor, and she has a real passion for vintage fashion. Abby collects Victorian fashion, and her unboxings on Youtube videos and Instagram give viewers a chance to see actual historical items up close and personal.
Bianca is a cat-loving, fantasy-writing, super-thrifting vintage fashion maven – which makes her pretty darn cool in my humble opinion. She makes very thorough, informative videos outlining the sewing, thrifting, collecting and maintenance of her stunning vintage closet, and her hair and makeup are just to die for. She also does extremely stylish yet ridiculously nerdy look book videos, like her recent Bladerunner inspired video, or her Star Wars-but-make-it-vintage video. I’m obsessed.
Even if you don’t plan to ever wear, make or purchase vintage fashion, these talented individuals create and style such beautiful outfits that they really are worth checking out, even if only to admire colourful, lovely things on imaginative, creative people.
Are you interested at all in vintage or historical fashion?