Better known for his career in interior design and regular appearances in the backpages of Tatler, William Banks-Blaney has decided to share the secrets to timeless style with the rest of us. Essential ingredient; a classic vintage wardrobe- think Ossie Clark, Lanvin Oscar de la Renta, Madam Gres and Jean Desses.
With 'a fashion historian's understanding...combined with the contemporary eye of a stylist', William is sure to fix you up with your dream dress; one so well made that it will last you forever, and so unique that you'll never catch anyone else wearing your outfit.
I recently had a chat with William about the inspiration behind his Vintage venture...
Whats your earliest memory of fashion?
Even as a child, I was always drawn to the visual; whether a copy of Elle Deco or Vogue, looking at the interiors, set design, photography and the people being photographed.
When did you start buying vintage items?
I started to buy vintage for myself when a university student and then during my career in interior design I started to offer tips, addresses and opinions to my interiors clients...after many years of them urging me to do it full-time, I finally launched WilliamVintage.
Who would you most like to style?
I get a real buzz from seeing someone walk out the door with a dress that makes them look great and feel fabulous, no matter who they are or what they do. Women whose taste I admire are enormously varied - Carla Bruni, Helen Mirren, Michelle Obama, Dita von Teese...women who know their own style and express it effortlessly.
Any vintage finds that you've found it particularly hard to part with?
I never find it hard to sell a piece as long as its being sold to someone I know loves it, appreciates it and looks amazing in it. That's my reason for establishing WilliamVintage.
Any dream vintage pieces you're still trying to hunt down?
I spend several months prior to a WilliamVintage sale hunting pieces around the world and only sell items that I personally love; my taste is toward good tailoring and a strong silhouette. I love Madame Gres, Courreges, Stavropoulos and Jean Desses, the couturier who trained Valentino and whose vintage couture dresses have been worn by Renee Zellweger when she collected her Oscar, Hillary Swank and Jennifer Lopez...very rare pieces of exquisite quality and I am fortunate enough to have three in my next sale!
The WilliamVintage Sale is being held on 25th May, from 10am-8.30pm, at 6 Fitzroy square, London W1T DX
Please RSVP to william AT williambanksblaney DOT com