Retro formalwear, be it from the 20s right up to the 50s, would be nothing without fantastic headgear. Vintage hair accessories and hats are difficult to source in decent condition, so retro reproductions are a great find.
Taissa Lada Designs handcraft a huge range of one off pieces of vintage inspired headwear, from pin-up style fascinators to more daring pieces that would fit in at any burlesque stage show. If you’re in need of some retro formal fashion these are a must have.
A couple of years back, Dualit introduced its retro DAB radio, which had the looks, but also carried a seriously hefty price tag. Thankfully, that price has been cut for the new Dualit Lite.
The look’s the same, even if some of the detailing is slightly different – a few extra knobs and a slightly larger overall shape seem to be the main cosmetic differences. Aside from that, there’s DAB and FM radio, a 6w speaker, kitchen timer, alarm clock, snooze button and battery/mains power.
And that price? A much more easier to swallow £85.
Find out more at the Dualit website
It looks like it fell from a late 60s design magazine, but this is actually cutting edge lighting – the Tom Dixon Mirror Ball Stand.
The latest addition to Dixon’s Mirror Ball collection (found in Heals and various high-end design stores), the Mirror Ball Stand is described as a ‘sculptural interior lighting tree’, with different-sized balls fixed to a stainless steel stand with industrial strength clamps (to keep everything in place).
Up to six balls can be fixed onto the stand, which is sized at 80 x 180cm. The Mirror Ball Stand is a new launch, so no price available as yet – although it should be available to buy later this year.
Fancy a pair of unique Adidas Stan Smith trainers? Well, that’s now within your grasp, thanks to Swedish firm Look Down, which offers a customisation service for the retro footwear.
Just think of a design you would like on your feet, then send it in. The company will produce a mock of your shoes for approval before putting in production. The design is created by hand using ‘specialised techniques and processes’, then coated with a protective layer to avoid wear and tear.
None of which comes cheap. Prices are vague (and based on the work involved in each pair), but expect to pay between 200 and 500 Euros, which includes the design fee, base shoe and contribution to shipping costs. But at least you’ll know those shoes are only ever going to appear on your feet.
Find out more at the Look Down website
Via Below The Clouds
Think the hoody is a creation of the modern age? Think again – it’s been staple wear on the university campus in the US for a good 50 years or so – and this Levi’s authentic 1960s hoody is typical of a vintage top.
Slightly different than the modern hoody, this one is more of a sports top, with a larger hood, central pocket and a university patch on the arm.
You can pick it up from the always-excellent Aero Leather Clothing store in a choice of sizes, priced at £70.
Find out more at the Aero Leather Clothing website
In the past, we have featured a pendant light and a house by Danish architect/designer Jørn Utzon (the man behind the Sydney Opera House). But he was also behind homeware too – like the Jørn Utzon Spring Glasses.
Dating back to 1949, it’s handmade from the ‘highest quality’ of glass and designed to emphasise ‘the space within’ (although that bulbous outer shape is the actual eye-catcher).
Stackable and dishwasher safe, the Spring Glass has been reissued as part of the Architect Made series in a two-piece set, retailing for £43.
Find out more at the Panik Design website
