Ten years ago, vintage clothing might have been called old and stuffy. Today, everyone is into it. No one grasps that feeling better than the people from Vintage per Kilo. Right from the start, the event has been a great success. And it still is. Why wouldn't it? We think it's genius you can buy your vintage outfit not by piece, but by weight! Curious who is the creative mastermind of the concept? Let us introduce you to Serge, co-owner and founder of Vintage per Kilo.
Four years ago, Serge was interested in starting his own vintage clothing business. While he was trying to buy vintage, it struck him that he could only buy vintage if he had a lot of money to spend. Which he didn’t have, like almost no starting business does. He decided he wanted to do it different and bring back the love for vintage. So he got in his van and started to travel around Europe, hunting for vintage clothes. He collected as much as possible. Once he had enough, he organised his first vintage wholesale where people could buy vintage per kilo. His concept was unique compared to others, because of its low prices. Also the fact that people could handpick the items instead of buying a kilo vintage blindsided, was unique. The first sale in Amsterdam was a huge success. Serge decided to continue his business and now organizes monthly events.
Vintage per Kilo started out for people who couldn’t find what they were looking for in mainstream stores. It was meant for people who had their own style and looked a little eccentric. But times haves changed. While five years ago some people raised their eyebrows if they heard that someone was wearing vintage, nowadays the vintage dressed people are the trendsetters. Vintage is no longer liked by just a select group, but is liked more and more by everyone. Vintage per Kilo adjusted its collection to this trend, so besides selling unique vintage items they also sell second hand stuff. In the end Serge wants to show people what they can do with clothes. For instance, Serge himself also wears clothes originally meant for women. He likes to show others that it doesn't really matter for who the clothes were made. Fashion is about having a style that you like and feeling good about yourself.
also attending Vintage per Kilo, and is ran by Nadine Veldman.
Though her roots are in the Netherlands, Nadine’s hometown is Antwerp. During her studies she felt she was up for a new challenge, one in which she could express her love for fashion and vintage. So she started her own business in vintage earrings. The earrings she offers are especially rare because they are dead stock vintage. This means that they are original pieces from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, that have never been worn before.
One of the things Nadine loves about vintage is the search for hidden gems. Beautiful pieces are not just handed to you, but ones in a while you come across really rare items, with great quality. The vintage items are also inspiring; they show the different trends in fashion over the past years. Not everyone is a natural talent at vintage shopping, so here are some great tips from Nadine. Most important don’t give up check every item in the rack. Even though you might think that there is nothing there, you might find something unexpected. If you are in a lazy shopping mood, look for patterns and colours you like and check those items. And remember even the craziest items can look really great if you combine them with today’s clothes!
Vintage per Kilo is a monthly event organized in different cities in Belgium and the Netherlands. will take place in Antwerp, on the 23rd and 24th of July.
Text by Marian van Sprakelaar
Pics by Vintage per Kilo