Hello and welcome to my world!
Circa Vintage is the story of a personal collection that grew to become a retail shop, then an online shop, a couple of books and events and is now shrinking back into where it began: as a passion for collecting historical fashion.
Based in Melbourne, Australia, I’ve been collecting since 1980.
I’m currently archiving my rather large collection of Australian fashion. Items are available for cultural institutions to borrow and exhibit: get in touch if you’d like to know more.
In some ways I miss having a brick and mortar vintage shop. Here’s an old pic of me with model Becky Lou, in a late ’30s dress that’s featured in my book “Style is Eternal”.
The shop opened in Fitzroy’s Gertrude Street in 2004 and eight years later, relocated to the city, with a salon on the first floor of the beautiful Art Deco building ‘Mitchell House’. For a while there was also a pop-up shop at Southland shopping centre.
A little about me: a qualified costume designer by trade, I’ve worked in costume and art direction in film and theatre, as well as many years in the fashion, telco and IT industries. I recently finished my Master’s degree in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies at Deakin University, and also hold a certificate in curating fashion and dress from the V&A.
My first book Love Vintage was published by Carter’s in 2009 and won a bronze medal in the International Independent Publisher’s Awards. It’s now sold out but try your local library as they may have a copy, or second hand bookshops. My second book Style is Eternal was published by Melbourne University Publishing and shows you how to make the most of your wardrobe, by personalising your style and dressing to please yourself using old-fashioned tried and true concepts.
I love to talk about my passion and you can book me for talks, workshops and other things: see here for a list of some of the ways I can be of service.
Hope you enjoy my site!
Nicole Jenkins
Becky Lou in ’60s diamante evening gown.
All original images and text (unless otherwise indicated) remain the property of Nicole Jenkins. Please request permission before using any images or text. Thank you.
