Retro and Vintage Homeware from Retropolitan

Regular readers of Catwalk Threads will recall a lovely 1950’s teacup and saucer-plate that I purchased as a gift for my mum this Mother’s Day. You can read about that here.  I was so delighted with my purchase (and so was my mum)!  that I just had to find out more about Lesley and her fabulous business, Retropolitan.

50's Teacup and Saucer-Plate

Lesley has the most amazing ‘eye’ for unique retro homeware so please treat yourself (or a loved one) to something amazing, collectable and totally yummy from her website. In addition to all the beautiful eye-candy on view, Lesley also offers customers a unique finders service, which helps you to create that certain look or piece that you’ve been wanting for a while.  Lesley’s aim is for all her clients to own a piece of history, whether it’s a breath-taking design piece, or a teapot that evokes a childhood memory. She looks far and wide to bring you the best of modern retro in a collection that spans over four decades of innovative design.

So, without further ado, here is the lovely lady herself, Lesley. Enjoy the interview and pick up some fabulous tips to begin your very own retro homeware collection today!  A very big ‘thank you‘ to Lesley for giving up her valuable time to answer questions for Catwalk Threads!

JUST FOR FUN:

What is your earliest fashion memory?

My Mum and her best mate (aunty Francis) used to make and sell very cool crocheted clothes in the 1970’s. She made me a fantastic silver flared trouser suit when I was about 7!

What is your most treasured possession?

I’m lucky I have lots of lovely things because of the business I’m in -  but really nothing overly treasured apart from friendships and family.

What kind of music do you listen to?

Pretty much everything apart from cheesy pop, metal and trance!! I’m liking  these funky Geordie lads at the moment: http://www.smooveandturrell.com/.

Favourite vintage era and why?

Oooh that is hard! I’d have to go for the 1960s – the decade when design and youth culture melted into a vibrant “modern” revolution. Britain was at the forefront of this explosion of style – so many designs have a cutting edge feel, even today.

Your perfect day would be . . . . . . ?

Outdoors in the sunshine pottering about with my husband, maybe a snoop round an antique fair followed by a party with all my mates involving some dancing!

How would your friends describe you?

Sociable, fun, a hoarder with lots of “stuff”.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS:

How do you go about finding these amazing pieces for your website?

From trade antique fairs and auctions to boot fairs and flea markets – the beauty of buying retro, there’s still plenty around – although it is getting much harder to find!!

Do you take your own photographs?  If so, what camera do you use?

Decorative Glass from Retropolitan

I do, I take everything in the garden with a white board background when the sun shines…nothing beats the natural light – I use a Canon EOS SLR.

Do you think there’s more interest in collecting pieces like this now than there was, say 10-15 years ago? If so, why do you think that is?

Definitely, 15 years ago, most of the retro pieces were still thought of and remembered as your Grandma’s!  Now you can see prices rising, pieces becoming much harder to find and antiques experts talking about this period as an area to invest in.  “Mid century modern” is without doubt the expensive antiques of the future. Also, collecting is more interesting now it’s harder to find the good stuff – which makes discovering it much more rewarding!

How do you go about promoting your business?

With my very limited marketing budgets the world of web 2.0 helps a small business like mine. Social networking sites like Twitter (where we met!) help spread the word, as does search engine optimisation.  I also try to keep the interiors press informed when I run new features. I try to encourage visitors to the site to join my mailing list – and I keep everyone informed when I post new stock and exhibit at fairs.

Do you work on your own or do you have you others working for you, with you?

Just me –  I share an office with another business and we share some back end resources like order fulfilment (although I have been known to send my husband to the post office also !!)

What does your typical working day involve?

From the Jasba N series in 1971: (WH013)

Well, I have another job in media, so my days can get quite busy!  A typical retropolitan day will involve some photography, some snooping around for stock and a good few hours in front of the laptop responding to emails and making sure retropolitan gets noticed on the world wide web.

What are your three favourite pieces right now, available from your online store?

I’m really into West German Ceramics – they are very hot in terms of areas to collect – I love the bold colours and mad “fat lava” glazes. This pair are a lovely example from the Jasba N series in 1971: (WH013).  I also really love the retro colours and shapes of Bitossi – an Italian ceramic manufacturer. This popular series from the 50’s -70’s is called Rimini Blu and is designed by Aldo Londi….again, it’s becoming very collectable. (WH042).  These are also a big favourite of mine, I usually have a few on my website and they look fabulous if you have a collection of them.. Really tall glass “Apothecary” bottles made in Italy in the 1970’s – they come in all shapes and colours. (WH014).

What advice would you give to a complete novice that wanted to start collecting genuine vintage/retro homeware pieces. Are there certain things to look out for or be aware of? What period is a good place to start?

Well, I say get stuck in and don’t worry too much about the period or whether it’s worth much….It’s all about what you like. If you compare the price to something quality made in the modern day and it seems reasonable by comparison– then you’re probably ok! I’d look for same age related wear (but not too much)…usually light scratching to the base is a good indication and be aware of eBay sellers claiming to know what the piece is, especially with glassware (most of them don’t and get it wrong!). If in doubt, there are lots of very knowledgeable people on online forums, who are usually very happy to give some advice.

In addition to your website, do you a bricks and mortar store?

Rimini Blu designed by Aldo Londi (WH042)

No I’d love a shop, but it’s so expensive in London and would be a bit worrying in the current climate!  Anyone can see my stock at my office and store room in West London by appointment, and I let people know on my mailing list when I’m at a fair.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Happy and still surrounded by beautiful, vintage homeware…(which of course will be worth much more money!!)

If you’d like to take advantage of Retropolitan’s unique finders service or require more information, please contact Lesley via the Retropolitan website.