You can tell we are nearing Christmas as shops begin to stock up on little gift items that are generally fun, but ultimately useless. One such product with a retro angle is this set of Wind-Up Breakdancers.
The amusing plastic novelty items wind-up to do various breakdancing moves that you probably won’t have seen since the 1980s. If that isn’t enough to entertain you, the set also includes instructions on how do the moves yourself.
The breakdancers cost £10.95 from Pedlars.
Dolly dresses usually conjure up an image of 60s mod style, but the cutesy style predates the decade that made it most famous. This Applique Dress from Miss Selfridge pays homage to a thirties era style, with some modern twists.
From the high street shop's petites range, the dress uses a classic colour palette of cream and black to give a luxurious look. The deco style detailing at the collar, combined with flowing fabrics, an almost Grecian look and a high V neck give a chic retro feel, while the hemline is shortened for a modern take on the girly dolly dress.
It's available now from Miss Selfridge for £38.
So often across fashion trends, the focus shines so much on the ladies that menswear gets entirely forgotten. If you're finding retro gents apparel is lacking, unisex styles can be a treasure trove, especially in accessories.
These Aristocrat Eyeglasses are a great sixties/seventies look pair, with heavy frames and clean sharp lines. The squared shape gives them a sleek, masculine look, while gold accents and framing add the flashy seventies feel. They come fitted with clear non-prescription lenses, but might just be worth adding your prescription to for regular wear.
Get them from American Apparel for £60.
The original is near-impossible to find and to be honest, the reissue of the Eero Aarnio Cognac XO armchair isn't much easier to source either.
It's not actually a straight reissue of the 1966 Cognac V.S.O.P. chair (hence the slight name change), this version is bigger and 'more ergonomic', but still hads that distinctive fibreglass frame and some upholstery in a Tonus fabric in your choice of colour.
Of course it isn't cheap, with prices around the £4,000 mark, but there's no denying it's a head turner.
An interesting footwear reissue from Adidas – the Adidas Spezial trainers.
Originally from the 1970s, they were designed as a rather niche handball shoe, but have moved on to become a casual classic and a great all-rounder. This reissue is available in two colourways (one above, the other over the page), both with premium suede uppers, oval laces, gold Spezial detailing and a gum sole.
Limited numbers, they're yours for £55.
Ivan Black's Liquorice Loops is a little piece of art for your home that looks like it has come straight out of the sixties. Not only because of the look of the curved laminate pieces but also because it plays with kinetic art, which is seen as reaching its golden age in that era. It's constructed using a combination of magnets and ball bearings so that the loops will start moving with a slight blow onto the piece.
It measures 30cm high and costs £160. It's just one of the kinetic objects offered by Laikingland, so if you like this there's plenty more to explore.
Buy it from the Laikingland website
