Fashion is taking turns that completely overturn its very definition; thus, we talk about trends, sustainable fashion, eco-friendly, and also the term vintage. From the simplest definition, the concept of vintage clothing involves garments and accessories that are at least twenty years old.
Additionally, these are usually high-quality garments, historic brands, and of course in excellent condition and preservation, with a quite high price, and they can even be handmade, making them custom pieces that are truly unique.
What makes it clear is that not everything old can be called vintage; thus, we find retro trends, which are more about new pieces but with designs inspired by specific moments in fashion that have left their mark. It's no coincidence that fashion is said to be cyclical or simply that it comes back.
Collecting Vintage Pajamas
The idea of investing in these unique pieces that also have good quality has actually become more of a strategy to always be in fashion with access to incredible brands. And clothing is beginning to be seen as a whole asset that is also negotiable; for example, some pieces from Chanel, Hermés, or Pierre Cardin, among others, tend to increase in value as the years go by.
Of course, the value is directly related to trends or related events, so a pajama worn by a movie star will have much more value than if it was simply a piece of haute couture. It would be interesting to know the price of a pajama of the playboy magnate, which was auctioned off in 2018.
As a curious fact, Hefner, in his later years, explained that it made no sense for him to leave pajamas in his closet, since he could afford to live his entire life in slippers, sleepwear, and with a pipe in hand. He was a true businessman, universally known, who also managed to conquer the erotic industry in the United States, as well as the female and corporate worlds.
Therefore, acquiring a vintage garment necessarily requires extensive knowledge about fashion, brands, and designers as well as their key figures, since it is very easy to buy a current original piece, but it really takes a lot of effort to find a garment from a designer from twenty, thirty, or fifty years ago.
Connoisseurs in Context
Some connoisseurs dedicate themselves exclusively to collecting haute couture clothing. Haute couture historically began with Charles Frederick Worth, an English gentleman who moved to Paris in 1845. The peak period of haute couture occurred in the 1940s. In this context, the 1940s have been considered the last decade in which elegance predominated, especially regarding men's fashion.
The most common factor was tradition, which prevailed in the taste of the majority of people, of course despite the existence of styles that were much more extravagant towards the middle of the decade. A series of major events managed to overshadow the first half of it, which ended with the Great Depression and at the same time the development of the Second World War.
Before the war, Paris and Italy were the true leaders in the fashion world, but this leadership ended by 1939, just as the war began; designers had to focus their creativity on robust and practical aspects, beyond serious considerations of style.
A great effort had to be made to save materials. Double-breasted coats were no longer made, and the lapels were made narrow to optimize. Suits became two-piece, vests were considered a true unnecessary extravagance in times of war. The pants lost the pleats, which were so popular in the previous decade, in addition to a narrower design. But even so, the spirit could not die; elegance above all was for gentlemen.
So, haute couture is, in short, design at a much higher level compared to made-to-measure fashion, made in a French maison. These are pieces with a true character of exclusivity made to measure, which represents a very large amount of work, potentially taking many hours of tailoring until the product is perfect.
Important Guidelines
When buying vintage haute couture clothing or garments of any kind, one not only seeks exclusivity but also intrinsic quality, meaning that increasingly more pieces with history are sought, such as the pajamas of magnate Hefner, from iconic fashion brands. In most cases, it goes far beyond the garment itself, as one invests in an essential part of the "history of fashion".
The quality of the product must be taken into great consideration; of course, before the 1960s the quality was extremely excellent, and it is evident that it may be difficult to find something so well made. Before 1920, it is very likely that the clothing is probably not so well preserved, so be careful with scams in this regard.
That is why it is essential to have a very clear understanding of what is being sought and a very clear basis of how much it can cost.
It will be very important to pay special attention to the details and conditions of the piece, ensuring that the item is in very good condition; finishing and tailoring details, such as being well cut, free from insect damage, the color or the print being well preserved, maintaining its brightness and saturation, and whether the embroidered details, buttons, and decorations on the piece are complete.
Naturally, these pieces are generally sought after by collectors, more as a complex and exquisite taste for owning something with these peculiarities. Many like to mix the old with the new because not all style can be in this vintage trend.
When It Comes to Pajamas
Perhaps for most people, wearing vintage pajamas may be too flamboyant or extravagant, but in short, it is about the ability to indulge in this kind of pleasure. The most important thing is that the use of pajamas has once again become an essential piece in the wardrobe of the modern man.
Investing in a quality pajama not only guarantees the image and style that a man who cares about every detail of himself should represent, but also the comfort and ease of sleeping that only a pajama can provide to achieve a full night's rest.
Choosing this perfect pajama can be simple or somewhat more complicated if you have no idea about the textiles that, together with the design, are not only elegant but also practical in fulfilling their purpose. Therefore, visit our website El Búho Nocturno where you can find many pajamas that will surely be to your liking.