Every autumn, fashionphiles turn to “the September issue” — the biggest edition of fashion mags such Vogue, Elle and Harper's Bazaar — to get inspired for the fall and winter season.

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So we thought, what if we made our own version of “the September issue” featuring some high-fashion looks from resellers that feature all vintage and secondhand?

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We put a call out, and rounded up some gorgeous collaborative projects that rival the editorial pages you might see rifling through Glamour. And our sartorial spread transforms into a dazzling catwalk of vintage fashion delivering looks so chic they’d grace the cover of any high-end magazine.

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So, what is it about September? It’s a transitional month that seamlessly connects summer and fall and gives rise to fresh fashion and decor trends. Shifting weather, the feeling of a new year and having to get a little cozier invites people to embrace the latest fall styles.

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This month is when some of the most prestigious fashion weeks worldwide happen in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Designers unveil their latest collections, effectively charting the course for trends for the entire next year. Magazines report on what’s hot as a result of those fashion weeks.

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Additionally, these fashion shows function as a central networking hub, uniting designers, buyers and retailers under one roof. The fervour ignited by these runway displays helps to shape consumer preferences and their purchasing choices.

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Vintage takes centre stage

Against this backdrop, vintage fashion remains on trend — and that trend is just gaining steam. This year, according to Fast Company, designer Diane von Furstenberg skipped her runway shows altogether and encouraged shoppers to drop by her shop in New York to pick up some secondhand designs.

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The global market value of secondhand and resale apparel reached US$177 billion in 2022, according to online secondhand fashion retailer thredUP, and it's expected to hit $350 billion by 2027.

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In a world where mass-produced fast fashion dominates, vintage garments stand as a testament to individuality. Each piece is a rarity, often impossible to replicate, making it a statement of personal style.

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But we understand that styling vintage pieces can pose a creative challenge, and can sometimes require a vivid imagination to seamlessly integrate them into contemporary life.

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That’s why we’ve curated our very own rendition of a “September issue” — a stunning collection of high-fashion visuals from select sellers with an editorial flair.

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In this narrative, we explore the high-fashion potential of vintage clothing and decor, a result of the symbiotic magic of creative collaboration among 13 resellers.

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Collaborating on vintage editorial

This includes the recent work of Rusty Bourbon Vintage owner Tabatha Paul and photographer Kyra McCarthy Photography, who came together to create their styled shoot called “Wes Anderson’s Bridesmaids.”

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Over a period of 3.5 years, Tabatha had collected three bright, solid-coloured 1970s maxi dresses, When she found the fourth, she knew she had a collection, and wanted to style them as bridal party dresses, but with a distinctly modern flair.

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“Something with a little bit of grit. And lots of quirkiness,” she says. As she was scrolling through Instagram, Tabatha stumbled upon a post by Kyra that was related to bridal.

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Instantly captivated, she messaged the photographer, sharing both a snapshot of her vintage collection and the burgeoning idea that had been taking shape in her mind.

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“And the two of us took it from there,” she says.

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The duo, along with a make-up artist, brought the retro bridesmaids vision to life in an empty tennis court.

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Collaborative efforts among designers, stylists, and artists allow these vintage pieces to be reborn, reimagined and repurposed into stunning, one-of-a-kind ensembles and rooms. The result is not just clothing; it’s wearable artistry that tells a story.

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Sometimes, all it takes is a touch of imagination and a bit of collaboration. Here's where retro meets runway — so get inspired!

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1. Rusty Bourbon Vintage

Draped in vibrant vintage bridesmaid dresses against the backdrop of an empty tennis court, models evoke scenes reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film, filled with colour and charm.

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Credits

Photography: Kyra McCarthy Photography ‍

Make-up: Tara Murphy MUA‍

Styling: Rusty Bourbon Vintage

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2. Space Vintage

With a model elegantly clad in delicate floral attire and adorned with intricate headgear, a rugged backdrop takes on an otherworldly allure.

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Credits

Photography: Zain Patel

Styling, Makeup, Hair, Creative Direction, Model: Tiana Smith

Wardrobe: Space Vintage

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3. Carmine & Hayworth

This photo shoot beautifully illustrates the gothic-style potential of vintage bridal or prom dresses.

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Credits

Photography: Poise Calamity Photography

Styling: Carmine & Hayworth Vintage

Model & Ink: Lord Ladybird

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4. Bü Vintage Shoppe

Carefully curated vintage garments in complementary colours shine in the city on this dark night.

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Credits

Photography: Grace's Visuals

Styling: Bü Vintage Shoppe

Models: Patti Falconer Agency

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5. Brass & Birch Vintage/Tori Birch Interiors

Old and new interior aesthetics blend seamlessly, crafting a cool, modern living space infused with a refreshing bring-the-outdoors-in twist.

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Credits

Photography: Trevor Cooper Photography

Styling: Tori Birch Interiors

Decor: Brass & Birch Vintage

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6. Smoke and Stone Vintage

With red cowboy boots, yellow flowers and a white chapel, this shoot offers creative inspiration for repurposing that ’70s transparent pink robe you thought you’d never wear.

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Credits

Photography: Trina Cary Photography

Styling: Smoke & Stone Vintage

Model: Courtney

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7. Vintage on the Fly

Elegant vintage decor stands out against a stark post-apocalyptic backdrop, as models don black attire to showcase their individual styles through distinctive accessories in this fashion film.

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Credits

Directors: Like.Lasagna/Meg Summers

Producer: Rysha Schuler/Sonder Media House

Make-up: Iris Valentine

Decor: Vintage on the Fly

Wardrobe: Eight i 3

Models: Alyssa Amazan, Angelina Nayyar, Destinee Cray, Marina Horacio, Taylor Tabrydorzek, Velisha Lubrin

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8. Venus Vestiaire

An all-pink ensemble beautifully complements the cool autumn atmosphere and slate-gray sky in this photo shoot.

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Credits

Photography: Venus Vestiaire

Styling: Venus Vestiaire

Model: Manda Deen

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9. Styles by Mariam

A vintage wedding dress, along with a striking red dress, enhance the beauty of an already stunning meadow.

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Credits

Photography: Memorable Treasures

Styling: Styles by Mariam Vintage

Make-up: Angela Mikhail

Florals & Set Design: Fairytales & Posies

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Credits

Photography: Memorable Treasures

Styling: Styles by Mariam Vintage

Model & Creative Director: Janielle McKoy

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10. Rani Retro/Pink Door Sunday

Effortlessly stylish, this vintage ensemble created by Shelly Kanyo at Pink Door Sunday and modelled by vintage seller Rani Retro beautifully complements the retro living room decor, crafting a captivating ambiance steeped in nostalgia.

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Credits

Photography: Juhee Anderson

Model: Rani Retro

Styling: Pink Door Sunday

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11. Alice & Irene Vintage

Vintage fashion, creative photography and retro furnishings merge to create some stylish scenes.

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Credits

Photography: Bailey Photographs

Styling: Alice & Irene Vintage

Venue: The Place Arcade Bar

Model: Kladi Mwansa

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Credits

Photography: Bailey Photographs

Styling: Alice & Irene Vintage

Venue: Studio on 13th

Model: Parker Kasko

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Credits

Photography: Juhee Anderson

Styling: Alice & Irene Vintage

Floral design and venue: Petal and Stem

Backdrop and textiles: The Lovli Co.

Hair: Not the Worst Hair Stylist

Model: Kimoya Edwards

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12. Filthy Rebena Vintage

Gathered at a “no trespassing” hangout, a crew of cool kids sporting retro clothing radiates an unmistakable early ’90s energy.

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Credits

Photography: Natalie Nguyen

Styling: Ramona Falk

Wardrobe: Filthy Rebena Vintage

Models: Dani Nelson, Adréanne Frontenac, Ramona Falk, Kyle Morton

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13. Lawless Vintage

From day to night: vintage looks in a retro bowling alley before vintage fashion hits the club floor in these shoots for EDify, a city magazine in Edmonton, Alta.

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Credits

Photographer: Aaron Pedersen

Creative Director: Kim Larsons

Venue: Plaza Bowling

Styling: Lawless Vintage

Make-up: Tiiu Vuorensola

Hair: Amy Laing & Edmund Mercredi

Models: Trevor Stride & Mode Models

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Credits

Photographer: Aaron Pedersen

Creative Director: Kim Larsons

Venue: 9910

Styling: Lawless Vintage

Make-up: Calvin Alexander

Hair: Amy Laing & Edmund Mercredi

Models: David Stone & Mode Models

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Which look is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!

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Karen Lloyd is a freelance writer and founder of Park Plaza Vintage in Saint John, New Brunswick.