Every fashion trend is influenced by what has come before. The cyclical nature of fashion means that authentic vintage clothing can often be the pinnacle of being fashion forward in the modern day. As a man in his thirties, I have seen the regeneration of many trends… (Who knew the shell suit from the late eighties and early nineties would ever make a comeback?!!!).
Using vintage pieces sparingly, is the trick to keeping a modern and up to date twist on an era bygone, too much vintage and you can easily cross the line into costume!
But whether you are looking for a fantastic costume for this party season or for inspiration for your fashion choices, what you need is a guide through the world of vintage… And I may have just the fashion bible that you have been looking for.
The Vintage Fashion Bible by Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway is an authoritative style guide to vintage looks from the 1920s to the 1990s. It’s jam-packed full of photos, fashion information and details in an easy to reference decade by decade format.
This essential fashionista reading, delves into a lot of detail for menswear and womenswear, as well as offering tips for accessorising, footwear and practical hints for ‘Getting the look’ from renowned hair and make up artist Hannah Wing.
An excellent quality large hardback, this would make the perfect gift for anyone who takes care of their personal style, with a keen interest in fashion or history.
I found this book a fantastic read. Having worked in costume design and having my own intrinsic sense of style, as a resource for menswear this unlike anything I have read before, and goes to show that we can use style tips from the last 100 years to achieve our modern dapper looks.
Red or Dead founders, Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway have created a complete chronological look at 20th century fashion for men and women, as well as a practical guide to buying, styling and restoring vintage clothing.
Some of my favourite aspects of this book are the resources that range from catalogues, film posters, magazine articles and other contemporary advertising media, Which give a context behind why fashion was what it was. These original visuals show how fashion evolved and illustrate how we can use these ideas today.
I made several discoveries regarding tailoring and the styles that I choose to wear as a larger framed male. From double breasted jackets to to formalwear this fantastic style guide will point you in the right direction.
This is equally an interesting cover to cover read, as it is a resource that you will return to time and time again. The electric pink cover is not my favourite choice, as I think this could limit its appeal to the male market, but other than that I would love to receive this for Christmas.
This is a digestible and accessible book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It’s maybe a bit large for reading on the tube (as I did whilst reading it for review!) You will find yourself dipping into it time and again and hopefully find inspiration for your personal style.
The Vintage Fashion Bible is on sale now for an RRP of £25, and in this blogger’s opinion is worth every penny!
TIB 
This copy was sent for the purpose of review, but my opinions are my own and have not been influenced by any outside party.
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