About Top Notch Vintage - The Real Story
Welcome to Top Notch Vintage - Where a Lifetime of Vintage Passion Meets You
Hello! I'm absolutely delighted you've found your way to Top Notch Vintage. Based in beautiful Somerset, I've been living, breathing, and championing vintage fashion since the early 1980s - and I mean REALLY living it.
My Vintage Journey - From Art College to TV Stuff
Straight out of art college in the early 80s, I didn't just discover vintage clothing - I made it my entire life. While everyone else was wearing shoulder pads and neon, I was swanning about in Victorian bustles and 1950s circle skirts. Every. Single. Day. Victorian to 1960s pieces were my daily uniform, and I absolutely loved every minute of it.
This wasn't just a fashion statement - it was a way of life. I was so passionate about historical dress that I was featured in a book about English Eccentrics for wearing Victorian clothing daily. Eccentric? Maybe. Fabulous? Absolutely.
The Velvets - Building a Vintage Community
My love for period dress led me to organise costume events for over a decade. Our group grew to over 700 members who were affectionately known as 'The Velvets' - a proper community of vintage enthusiasts who understood that historical clothing wasn't just about dressing up, it was about bringing history to life.
Television and Media Recognition
My expertise and daily vintage lifestyle caught the attention of television producers. I appeared on 'The Clothes Show' multiple times, discussing vintage clothing with passion and authority. I also featured on 'The South Bank Show', 'Top Gear', and later 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is' when I launched the vintage market in Castle Cary.
These weren't just brief appearances - I was recognised as THE go-to expert on vintage clothing, someone who didn't just sell it but lived it authentically.
From London Art Director to Somerset Vintage Expert
After years working in London as an Art Director in magazine publishing and as a photographer, I'd amassed an incredible collection of original antique and vintage clothing. When I moved to Somerset, it felt like the perfect time to share this passion properly - and that's when Top Notch Vintage was born.
Four Decades of Vintage Expertise
Since the early 1980s, I've been:
- Living in vintage daily - I know how these clothes feel, move, and wear
- Studying construction techniques - I can spot original details and dating clues instantly
- Building networks - Four decades of sourcing means I know the best dealers, auction houses, and private collectors
- Authenticating pieces - My eye has been trained through decades of handling original garments
- Understanding history - Each era's social context, manufacturing methods, and style evolution
What This Means for You
When you shop with Top Notch Vintage, you're not just buying from someone who sells vintage - you're buying from someone who has lived it for over 40 years.
I've worn these clothes in all weather, to all occasions, and I understand not just their history but their practicality. When I describe condition, fit, or styling options, it comes from genuine experience.
What You'll Find Here
Men's Vintage: From Edwardian morning dress to 1960s mod suits, classic tweeds to military uniforms. Pieces I've sourced through decades of networking.
Women's Vintage: Victorian - 1920s gowns, 1940s day dresses, 1970s designer pieces - many from my personal collection or sourced through my established channels.
Theatrical & Costume: We work with film, television, and theatre productions. Having organised The Velvets' events for a decade, I understand what period accuracy really means.
Accessories & Jewellery: The perfect finishing touches, sourced with an eye trained by wearing vintage daily.
The Unusual: We love the outlandish! Stage gear, costume pieces, and statement items that make people stop and stare.
Why Choose Top Notch Vintage?
Unmatched Experience: 40+ years of living, wearing, and studying vintage clothing Media Recognition: Featured on major TV shows as a vintage expert Authentic Knowledge: Not just academic - I've worn these clothes and lived this lifestyle Proven Track Record: From The Velvets to television appearances to running vintage markets Personal Curation: Every piece is selected with decades of expertise behind it
Real Customer Reviews
"Stunning cape, excellent communication and fast shipping. Thank you so much!" - Daria Hlazatova ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Just as described if not MORE beautiful in person than already pictured, very kind seller that's good at responding to any questions." - tomsawyerhurst ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Absolutely stunning dress in immaculate condition. Great communication and lovely seller- a pleasure to shop with you- thank you so very much!! 6-stars:) Soooo lovely! Stellar condition on such a unique piece!! 6-star seller- A+ communication, lovely to work with and careful and quick shipping. A pleasure indeed! Thank you!" - Sparrowhawk ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Bigger Picture
I believe vintage fashion should be accessible to everyone who appreciates quality and craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a costume designer, or someone just discovering vintage for the first time, I'm here to share four decades of knowledge and passion.
Plus, buying vintage is brilliant for the planet - we're giving these beautiful garments new life instead of letting them gather dust or end up in landfill.
Get In Touch
Based in Somerset but shipping worldwide, I'm always happy to chat about specific pieces, share historical details, or help you understand what makes a garment special. With 40+ years of experience, there's probably nothing vintage-related I haven't seen!
Browse our collection, drop me a line with questions, or just say hello - I love meeting fellow vintage enthusiasts and sharing this incredible world of historical fashion.
Top Notch Vintage - Four Decades of Vintage Expertise, From The Velvets to You
Established 2010 | Somerset, UK | Worldwide Shipping