Vintage clothes? We like to keep it in the family

Helen Dunk

22 July 2011

Oh hi - my colleagues and I just so happened to be hanging out on the roof of our Old Street offices having a cup of tea when you popped along.

OK, it's a staged photo. The reason? Lots of us Friends of the Earth people love our vintage clothes - good for the planet, fun to wear and full of style. And a few of us have turned up in togs that used to belong to our mums, grandmas or granddads in recent weeks.

We think it's great that our much-loved rellies take such good care of their clothes that we can still enjoy wearing them now - so to give three cheers to this inter-generational recycling we had a little photoshoot.

Here's what our models have to say about their keep-it-in-the-family vintage items:

Mel (wearing her grandmother's black floral dress):

"This dress was my grandma's from the 50s. I love the ladylike style and the fact that wearing it reminds me of her. And sharing the dress bridges the generation gap - she was about my age now when she stepped out in it. I've also been inspired to look after my own clothes more carefully so I can pass them on."

Venetia (wearing her grandmother-in-law's red and white tea dress):

"My vintage dress was passed down to me from my husband's French grandmother. She had it made for her and wore it in her 20s - I think she is now 85 so that's sixty five years ago! I love this dress because it has a history and a connection to the past. The fabric is beautiful and it is very well made - it's already passed the test of time. And happily, it's a perfect fit for me."

Kathryn (wearing her grandfather's blue cardigan):

"Wearing my grandpa's old cardigan is my favourite way to stay warm and cosy in winter. It's over 30 years old and reminds me of my lovely grandpa every time I pull it out of the cupboard. "

Helen (wearing my grandma Edith's green spotty skirt):

"My mum remembers my grandma shortening this cotton circle skirt in the 1950s so it didn't get in her way when she was out and about - and even used the off-cuts to make patchwork cushions. When my grandma passed it on to my mum, she wore it at art college in the 60s with a tasseled waistcoat - very groovy. Now I wear it, and love the fact this single item has had so much love and use. Now I just need to learn how to jive..."

Oh and we found some time to squeeze in a little gardening between takes, by the way...

Helen Dunk, Communications and Media Team