Women's Vintage Collection Sale, September 5, Toronto

A frothy 1950s aqua cupcake dress, worn once to a theatre opening; a kelly-green 1960s sharkskin skirt suit, still carrying the sparkle of a wrap party; a silk 1980s striped cowl-neck gown from a DJ set in a Dundas vintage shop; and a nylon 1970s paisley nightgown that floated through my 40th birthday party.

For more than 20 years, these beloved garments have slept in my mother’s attic—lined up on rails, tucked into big bins, and waiting among pieces I had nearly forgotten I owned. Now it feels like time to send them back out into the world, where friends and local fashion lovers can give them new stories of their own.

I’m parting with my much-loved collection of more than 10 racks of women’s fashion from the 1950s through the 1980s: evening gowns, sparkly cocktail dresses, silk secretary dresses, polished 1960s society suits, frilly blouses, wiggle skirts, leather coats with fur collars, and charming hats—each one carrying a little personality, a little mystery, and an untold story.

They found their way to me over the years from Florida estate sales, thrift stores across Canada, generous donations, wrap sales, lucky rescues, and even a suitcase waiting by the side of the road.

Some have had their own little screen lives too, appearing in productions such as Pure Pwnage, L.A. Complex—where I asked for a 1970s cop-show feel for background players on the studio backlot--The Don Cherry movies, the Sonny Liston biopic Phantom Punch with Ving Rhames, Ponzi schemed dramedy web series Whatever Linda, and the musical comedy Fancy Dancing, among others.

Pre-pandemic pricing, for old time’s sake. Help me turn these treasures into plane tickets and join the fashion-savvy circle in my rolodex as you discover the next character waiting in the wings.

Perhaps for TIFF, the next CAFTCAD Awards, or some future evening that deserves a little old-school glamour?

Saturday, September 5th, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Etobicoke, Ontario—come find something with a past, and take it somewhere new.
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Email here for address info

Follow @josycostume on Instagram to see bts of sale items

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