Wednesday 23 May 2012

Behind the scenes with Judy Berger


This weekend we are packing up our pampering kits and taking THE POWDER ROOM on tour to ...




We went behind the scene's at Judy's for a sneaky interview with the QUEEN of Vintage shopping 
herself Judy Berger.




Firstly thank you for creating these amazing fairs, we adore affordable Vintage and you really have filled a gap in our wardrobes over the years. So what was your inspiration?

Judy: Thank you girls! Well, it all started when i was in London, buying my first house. Money was particularly tight and I noticed that although there were plenty of brilliant places to get my vintage fix, none of them were that ‘affordable’ [with prices and items more suited to the antique rather than vintage that you can simply throw-on and look glam!] I popped-on my thinking cap, spoke to a few traders and asked them, if I can bring you customers, can you keep your prices low? Some said no but the majority said yes, and the Affordable Vintage Fair was born [with Leeds being our first!] We then went on to take the North, move to the midlands and then return to London, claiming Bethnal Green [back this Sunday 27th May] as our east-end home! The rest is history!


What is your top tip for sniffing out the best pieces at a Vintage fair?

Judy: Try things on – sizing shifts throughout the eras so always be sure to have a good try-on to avoid any disappointment. Talk to traders as they are experts in their field and are out to make loyal, returning customers [not one-off sales] – if there is something you’re searching for, be sure to have a natter! Finally, make a mental hit-list – it’s easy to get swept away in the glitz of it all but bear your key items in mind and you won’t leave disappointed!



Which decades are most popular at the moment?

Judy: 1960s and 1950s are always popular, but with summer about to hit us, we’re starting to see a fondness for a new decade – the 90s! A controversial one [is it vintage? Wayne Hemingway, founder of the Vintage Festival which we also curate every year, recently declared 1990 – 92 as vintage, causing a bit of a rumble in the community!] it is an eclectic decade [and not all bumbags and Sister Sister] Personally, we’re big fans of mixing your eras – time-travelling your look is a lot more fun!

1990's Chanel Champaign Image (not a shell suit in site) 


Which Designers are good to collect for clothes/ furniture?

Judy: We are big fans of the 60s classics like Biba, Quant, Ossie Clarke. There’s something so glamorous [and summery!] about 60s design and icons [Edie, Jean, Twiggy] that we’re constantly inspired. In terms of furnishings, we’re big fans of German pottery, the big guns like Ercol and G Plan, as well as anything kitsch! [we like to have as much fun with our homes as we do our wardrobes!]

Twiggy in Mary Quant - J'adore! 


Who inspires your look?
Judy: Bette Davis - I love how she can wear the most elegant outfit and, unlike other stars of her day, she makes them look so accessible. I love how she slings her fur coat around in ‘It’s all about eve’ and she makes the trouser suits look so feminine in ‘Now Voyager.’

Bette Davis looking swoontastic! 

How would you describe your style?

Judy: Trial and error!

What are your favourite cities to visit with the fair?

Judy: Oh gosh, we couldn’t choose, we love them all equally! Bethnal Green is always fun [this time we’ve got hula-hoopers, jugglers and 60s DJs – what’s not to love?] as well as border-hopping to Scotland – honestly, we couldn’t choose!


THIS WEEKEND we offer a side of pampering to go with your shopping!  



Choose From The Gorgeous Lookbooks
Speedy Hair £20
In a Jiffy Make-up £20
Both £30

Pretty Fingers
Busy Bee £20
Mini Bee (Under 12) £10

Beauty in a Flash
Luscious Lashes £10
Flicks & lips £5
Refresher £5

See you there 

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