Other People's Wardrobes - Amber

Photograph by Amy Kate Photography

For our second instalment of Other People's Wardrobe's, we get to rifle through the racks with Amber Davies - co-owner of The Vintage Vault Dept.! Before they set up their beautiful new store in Warkworth in an old BNZ building, they owned Viva La Vintage in Devonport and Amber kindly wrote us a guest vintage town blog post for the area which you can read here. Read on to find out about Amber's life long immersion in vintage and antiques!

---

What first sparked your interest in old things?
Visting my grandmothers antique store "Yvonne Sanders Antiques" in Epsom. From my earliest memories to today even, I am always intrigued and learn more with every visit. 

Tell us about your background in vintage clothing and collecting?
Coming from a family of collectors of both antiques, vintage and art my mother and I decided to open our first store Viva La Vintage in Devonport combining both vintage clothing and vintage furniture. From there it blossomed for five years until we made the move to Warkworth to open up our new business The Vintage Vault Dept. - a vintage collective of both vintage and vintage style in a old Art Deco bank building. ​

What was the first piece you remember buying?
The first vintage item I brought myself was a beautiful silk hand rolled vintage scarf from Driss at Tango in Auckland CBD. 

What do you love most about vintage clothing?
That unlike modern clothing it fits me and flatters me amazingly! And that no one else has the same thing!

Are there specific items/ eras that you concentrate on collecting?
Not really I collect all eras and mix it all up. It is simply just what I like!

Where is the best place to hunt for vintage bargains?
My shop!

Any tips for readers on what to look for when shopping for vintage fashion and accessories?
Rummage, rummage, rummage and try things on! Things always look a different hanging on hanger.

One piece you would save in a fire...
My 1940s maroon and black beaded collared jacket.

Best "collection" of items...
Definitely my vintage coat collection.

Item with the best provenance story...
My emerald and diamonds engagement ring by far!

Your guilty pleasure piece...
My real Chanel vintage gold earrings I brought in Paris.

Thing that doesn't fit but you love it anyway...
My Chanel black pencil skirt and black Versace leather skirt but they will fit again and I will never let go of them!

Favourite accessory...
My 1940s emerald green velvet beret instantly adds glamour to any outfit and any day!

Thank you Amber for letting us sneak a look inside your stunning shop and wardrobe! We thoroughly recommend a trip to Warkworth to visit The Vintage Vault Dept. located at 11 Neville St in Warkworth. Opening hours are Mon- Fri 10am- 5pm, Sat- 10-4:30pm and Sun 10:30- 4pm. 

Photograph by Amy Kate Photography