Julia Jones put the Jones in Mary Jones Vintage, a divorce lawyer that sources and sells vintage fashion. Based in Liverpool, stocked in Liberty of London and preparing for her first Salvo Fair in my Fair Fashion pop up, which opens in Henley tomorrow (23rd until the 25th June 2017).
I caught up with Julia before she exhibits her vintage finds for women and men, including a rare collection of Christian Dior hats. Kind of a genius business plan… who doesn’t want Dior after a divorce???
How did you get your start in vintage fashion?
I am a divorce lawyer by trade but have always loved fashion and bought and sold designer clothing on EBAY and the like. Some years ago a friend, Mary, approached me as she had been left an estate of vintage clothes which was too much for her to manage. I fell in love with vintage and Mary Jones Vintage was born. Mary retired a few years ago and I, as the Jones, carried on.
What should we look for from Mary Jones Vintage at SALVO 2017?
Passion for vintage! I hand pick all of the items I sell and pride myself on doing them justice in my display. I want to give these items a new life.
This is a sneak peak of my favourite piece on Julia’s Salvo stand so far. A 1970s Gina Fratini maxi dress. 
Is there a trend in the pieces you are currently sourcing?
In Liverpool at the moment vintage Kaftans and Kimonos are big. Vintage fur is always sought after, but generally people are looking for that unique piece that no one else has.
Do you find it hard to part with things once sold? Does a single piece stand out as the one that got away?
I am terrible for trying not to sell things. Because these items often have a history it is hard to part with them. I bought an Edwardian French crystal hair slide from a car boot sale a few years ago. It was exquisite. At that time I was doing some dressage to music on my horse and I sewed it into her tail as our music was Diamonds are a girls best friend. We won the competition but I forgot to take the slide out of her tail and she merrily galloped off into the muddy field with it on! Panic ensued but, after hours of searching, we did find it again. I subsequently sold it and have regretted it ever since.
What are the dos and don’ts people should be aware of when shopping for vintage fashion?
Do buy what you like. Don’t let anyone tell you, you look like your Granny in it.
What do you think of the eco-friendly side of buying reloved pieces?
I think this is particularly pertinent to vintage fur. I only sell vintage fur and believe very strongly that the quality of the fur and the standard of the craftsmanship was far higher. There is so much vintage fur available that there is no need to buy new.
If you buy carefully, vintage pieces can last a lifetime and cost a fraction of the price of lesser quality designer items.
How does wearing vintage fashion personally make you feel?
I am what is commonly known as a “fuller filly” so I struggle to get into most of the dresses. However I do indulge myself with hats, bags and jewellery!
See salvofair.com for more details and join me for a dose of Fair Fashion, the antidote to fast fashion festival style.
Follow Mary Jones Vintage on Instagram
©photographs Reclaimed Woman & courtesy of Mary Jones Vintage