Around the world in vintage: New York, 1890.

A trip to Boretski Gallery allows visitors to travel through time and place. For example, a pillbox hat doesn’t just takes us to the 1960’s, but it also takes us to Halston design studios throughout America. The blog series, “Around the World in Vintage”, will feature statement pieces from the Boretski Gallery collection that represent both a period of time in fashion history, as well as a place. Once a month a vintage piece with a story will be shared on the blog.

There is an evident evolution of a person’s sense of style throughout time, but a person’s style also changes and evolves based on their environment. In a city like New York we see people gravitating towards their all-black statement looks, verses the textured patterns or florals that make an appearance during a weekend in the countryside.

We look forward to sharing some of our favourite vintage pieces, fashion history facts, and the cities that inspire trends in style.

First stop: 1890’s in New York for the Holiday’s

The first stop on our road trip is New York for the holidays! Bundle up in big city glamour with rich cozy velvets, watch the lights reflect and glisten in lustrous satin, and let that jewelled holly brooch shine against the backdrop of your warmest wool outerwear.

Among the most glamorous of outerwear is the mantle; a cloak-like overcoat that drapes beautifully around the shoulders. Available in many materials, lengths and styles, you can choose the most elegant mantle to complement your perfect holiday dress.

Photograph by Christopher Gentile Photography. Styling assistance Leah Hamilton. Featured here a Mantelet with holiday accessories from Boretski Gallery.

For centuries the mantle has been around as an elegant way to keep warm. However, in the late 1800s, it became a sensation. Women began wearing them in all sorts of fun and exciting styles; some short, called mantelets (as seen above), some long and draping, and some with half sleeves called dolman mantles. All sorts of materials were used, velvet being a popular choice for the holiday season as a rich and luxurious material. With a mantle around your shoulders, keeping warm and looking fashionable in the big city winters becomes a cinch. Add a pair of satin gloves and a velvet hat and your glamorous holiday outfit is complete. 

We suggest taking your mantle for a spin to go for a snowy December stroll, to admire the holiday lights, or when bundling up to count down to the New Year. Warm and elegant wherever you go, we hope you enjoy the holiday season and spend some time with those you love. Enjoy the gift of coming together, and have a wonderful (and stylish) holiday from our family to yours. 

Author: Isabel Powers