Vintage, Retro, Antique…..
What is the difference?
The hobby of collectibles is a world that is often fraught with intense opinions. Definitions and terms are no exception! There are so many different definitions that, at times it’s hard to keep it all straight. Some collectors will say that true "vintage” must have a designer label or at least be name branded. To this I say, BULL! Are my grandmother‘s hand embroidered tea towels considered just old because they were recycled from flour sacks? Is a beaded cashmere sweater from the closet of a 50’s teen girl anything less than vintage due to the lack of a tag? No. So, what does it mean if an item is “vintage”, “retro” or “antique”?
An “antique” or something that is “vintage” is an old, collectible item. But, what makes something collectible? An item’s beauty, rarity, condition, high degree of craftsmanship, and/or other unique features are what make these highly desirable and collectible. Some people would say that the item should be a certain age. In America, it’s believed that an item is “vintage” if it is 20 to 50 years old. An “antique” is considered 50 to 100 years old. In many European countries an “antique” is a 100 years old or older. However, Europe is older that America so they’ve had more time for their treasures to age. For the sake of argument this discussion will use the American dates.
While I agree that age is an important factor to consider when defining what is “vintage” or antique” it’s too broad of a definition. In fact, today’s vintage usually will become tomorrow’s antiques. However, age alone is not what makes these items special. There are other qualifying conditions. After all, if we take age alone into consideration, all those double knit career suits with giant shoulder pads from the 80’s would qualify. Let’s face it, nobody wants that!
The item should have an intrinsic value of timelessness. This is where the debate over what is and isn’t “vintage” becomes very impassioned. The reason being is, for each person that will be different. Everyone has different tastes and a different sense of style. However, we can all agree that each era had a defining look or feel. We can use this to help determine if the item in question has those same qualities. For example; let’s take a look at the 1959 Cadillac Convertible…..chrome trimmings,the iconic tailfins, 325 Horsepower engine and power everything! This car became the embodiment of that era. It’s popularity, strength, craftsmanship and style was iconic and even indicative of the populace during 1959. A classic was born and has now become an antique!
So, let’s now go back to my grandma’s tea towels from the 50’s.…..During the 1920’s cotton was enjoying a surge in popularity due to its price reduction. These cheaper prices meant a lot more companies were using cotton in the packaging of their products, particularly foodstuffs. Women of that time period were the mangers of the household and very frugal. These flour sacks were recycled. They were frequently embellished with embroidery and used to dry and protect fine china. When flour sack manufacturers realized the popularity of their fabric they started creating patterns and artistic prints. These too were eagerly recycled by the happy housewives.They became dresses, table linens, bedding and even appliance covers. Flour sacks became the must-have household accessory because, of its versatility. Once again; a popular idea or item has a lasting influence on the general public, making it “vintage”. This trend continued until about 1960 when a cheaper form of packing became available, namely the paper bag.
Today I enjoy embroidering my own tea towels. However, my handiwork is “retro” and not really vintage. “Retro” is short for retrospective. This refers to items that are new and mimic the style of a previous era. Or items that are more current than the era they are mimicking. My hand embroidered tea towels have that timelessness. Reproductions would fall into the category of “retro” as well. And there is nothing wrong with that! Many people argue that “retro” fashions are just as good, if not better than their authentic “vintage” counterparts. Also, “retro” fashions tend to allow for a wider variance in sizes and color that may not have been available during the height of a garment’s popularity. The ability to combine today’s fabrics with yesterday’s fashions equates to dress that has modern durability and classic elegance. Who doesn’t love that?
