Vintage threads find salvation in charity store campaign

LIKE denim shorts, plaid shirts and asymmetric mini-dresses, vintage clothing is a trend that refuses to die.

LIKE denim shorts, plaid shirts and asymmetric mini-dresses, vintage clothing is a trend that refuses to die.

There have been some recent casualties with the demise of vintage-inspired labels Mrs Press and Marnie Skillings, but the Salvation Army has stepped in to feed the hunger for 1950s frocks and 60s caftans.

"People are still excited by the thrill of op-shopping," says Neville Barrett, general manager of Salvos Stores. "It's becoming more about finding a unique piece to stand out from the crowd. Not everyone wants to look the same."

This month Barrett launches the Salvonista campaign, which takes an edited selection of vintage clothing to the streets of NSW, Queensland and the ACT in a solar-powered mobile boutique.

"In response to increased demand, Salvos Stores are now taking a special mobile store to the community," Barrett says. "This is a reminder of what we do with fashion."

Like other fashion retailers, the Salvation Army has faced online competition, with people who would once have made donations choosing to profit from eBay and other auction sites, but Barrett says opportunity shops are bouncing back.

"Over the last financial year Salvos Stores have reported a 7 per cent increase in sales, and this trend has continued into the new financial year," he says. "Initially we did experience a drop because of stores like eBay but many of those sites have changed from a focus on second-hand goods to discounted items. Some people also enjoy the physical experience of finding something unique."

Liberty and Somer Watson - the designers behind Watson x Watson, which made its debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia this year - are regulars, rummaging through the racks.

"Working in fashion we are blessed enough to have pretty incredible wardrobes, but there are only so many clothes that you can wear. So every six months I try to do a big throw-out and donation to the Salvos," Liberty says.

For location information on the mobile Salvos boutique visit salvonista.com.au.

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