INTERVIEW #46 1968 VINTAGE
Based in: Berlin, Germany
Founded in: 2021
Founded by: Jenny Zinnecker
Shop at: www.1968Vintage.com and on Etsy, shipping worldwide
Price range: from 6€ up to 400 € depends on the Brand and Year
Instagram: @vintage_1968_
What is 1968 Vintage and why did you start?
The idea to open my own Vintage Shop came to me very early in my life, even before I began my career in the fashion industry. It must have been around the year 2000. I had been collecting Vintage pieces all my life, and my passion to turn my idea into a reality continues to inspire me to this day. After 20 years of working in the fashion industry, I finally built up the courage to go after my dreams and open up my online store 1968 Vintage.
How and where do you source the products you sell?
I currently do not offer wholesale simply because I haven't found the right partnership who share my values. I source my products when travelling at home or abroad, from secondhand markets and charity shops, as well as Social Reform Shops, which help provide work for the underprivileged/misfortunate.
How is the secondhand and vintage scene in Germany?
The scene here is very varied. The 90s and 2000s market/trend is growing rapidly with the younger generation. The demand for ecoware and sustainability is increasing daily, and I am extremely happy to see this and support it wholeheartedly! The market for High End Vintage in Germany is very small as many are not willing/able to pay for the high price tag, therefore those High End
clothes tend to sell more abroad to foreign countries.
Where are your customers from?
My customers are worldwide. I was very pleased to sell a traditional white blouse to China and a 2000s Miss Sixty cardigan to Taiwan.
What have been and are the major challenges of starting your own business?
The biggest challenge was definitely to trust myself and go after my dreams.
What has been the largest gain?
The biggest win was definitely the spiritual/mental realization that I could actually do this, that I could be proud of myself - I couldn't do that before.
What do you think needs to change now in the fashion industry to make it more sustainable?
To be honest we all have to change our overconsumption. And we have to see if all these new materials (for example new sustainable fibres and fabrics etc) are really long lasting and are actually sustainable. We have to find more ways to recycle and keep items circulating rather than just wearing them a couple of times and then binning them to buy new ones. We will run out of raw materials.
What would you advise consumers to do who seek to create a sustainable closet and lifestyle?
To have a truly sustainable wardrobe, I would recommend the following:
- buy less
- buy vintage or secondhand (almost zero impact)
- wash your clothes less
- repair ripped/damaged clothes
- buy from sustainable labels
- when you want to get rid of them, take them to be recycled
What's the best thing about 1968 Vintage?
The best thing about 1968 Vintage is that the clothes continue to live on and be adored by others. They are not just 'thrown away' to landfill after one person no longer wants to wear it. You can find original, one-off beautiful pieces. I wish that everyone no matter their budget can find something on my site. My future goal is to offer sustainable labels on my site.
