Despite a weak economy, at least one little shop in Dublin keeps attracting business. Packed with vintage fashions from just about every decade since 1900, Jenny Vander, which has been operating since the 1970’s, is arguably Ireland's best vintage emporium.
And over the years, owner Gail Kinsella, has built a reputation for carrying an eclectic mix of clothing and accessories, gaining her a legion of fashionable fans. Georgina Heffernan caught up with the glamorous redhead to find out a little more.
Georgina Heffernan: When did you first become interested in vintage clothing?
Gail Kinsella: I come from a family of women who existed for glamour. I remember excursions to Dublin as a child, with my mother, where lunch was hastened to continue shopping. At home, we had a press filled with beautiful lace and brocade dresses that belonged to my mother. She was, and still is, an amazing dressmaker. I can see her old dresses now: the olive green halter neck embossed with dark gold dots and the most sumptuous chocolate lace 50’s dress. Without a doubt - I inherited my love of fashion from her.
As Ireland's oldest vintage store - can you tell me a little bit more about Jenny Vander?
Jenny Vander is in business since the 70’s and I am the third owner. Sometimes it’s like the shop has a personality, that it’s not just a shop that sells ball gowns and jewellery, because there is just a lovely feeling in the shop. People just love it so much and our regular customers really enjoy coming in to poke around and see what’s new.
What’s your favourite fashion period?
I find it very hard to pick my favorite style period, but its definately not the 70’s or the 80’s, although I do like the lovely crepe dresses made famous by Ossie Clarke, and I always buy them for the shop. There are elements of each period that I love. The Victorian jet embellished bodices and capes for which we are famous, the exquisite beadwork of the 20’s dresses and the soft silk velvets and the delicacy of the 30’s era. I suppose I don’t have the same passion for the 40’s although some of the little tea dresses have gorgeous printed fabric. I adore the 50’s because I love frou frou frills lace net tulle. I can’t get enough of it for my shop and my customers love it too.
What is your most treasured item of clothing?
Personally my weakness is shoes and coats. On the last count last count I had over 150 pairs of shoes and around 50 dressy coats; my excuse is I have two little girls and a son who will have a wife some day so. I have a lime green silk theatre coat by Oleg Cassini from the 50s and a black and copper beaded evening coat by Christian Dior. They would be my personal favorites amongst many.
Vintage seems to be back in style at the moment, which a slew of stores springing up all over Ireland. Why do you think that it continues to be so popular?
I suppose people think second hand and vintage during a recession and that’s why there are lots of vintage stores popping up everywhere. Vintage stores are so much more interesting than any chainstore. If you buy vintage you already have escaped from the 'sheep trend' proven by the fact that you have stepped outside and escaped the shopping centre mentality. If you buy vintage, you won’t meet someone in the same outfit .Vintage will always be popular as long as people want to be distinctively different.
What do you love most about your job?
Shopping is what I love most about my job and buying stock for the shop is heaven. My husband describes me as 'a crazy lady eyes blazing nostrils flaring like someone on hyper drive' when I am buying. I always have a list of 'wants' from customers and Marion (the manageress and my angel) so the 'wants' are my mission. Everything has to be examined carefully and once mission is accomplished, I slow down slightly. A buying trip is normally combined with a bit of time together with my husband Aidan, which is nice
What advice would you give first- time vintage shoppers?
My advice for first time vintage shoppers is this. Vintage shopping is the perfect way to experiment with your look. Dare to try something on that you’ve never tried before. Don’t shop to look like everyone else. You can change your outfit with a belt or a quirky handbag and it’s super easy ways to integrate vintage into your wardrobe!
Know yourself. Play up your assets. Ask the shop assistant for help after all they are experts at what they sell. For example 1940's style dresses catered more to voluptuous women. Think of what you can combine with your existing wardrobe. Be free with fashion!
Summer is here so, think bright colors and patterns. Everything comes back around and it comes around a little differently. So instead of buying the new trend at a chain store, you can get something from the original trend when it first became popular. And it’ll look cooler and you will know nobody has the exact item you have!
Jenny Vander, 50 Drury Street, Dublin 2. Open Mon-Wed Fri 10am-5.30pm, Thurs Sat 10am-6.30pm (01-6770406)
