The Thousands

One of my favourite scenes in any film, ever, is in Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. That scene where it’s her birthday party and they’re all having a gay old time, partying on into the morning until they finally watch the sun rise over the grounds.

What makes it so great is not so much the big hair and the period clothing, nor Kirsten Dunst and Jason Schwartzman, and not even the idea of swilling real French champagne long into the night as one runs rampant through Versailles. What’s most wonderful about it (apart from New Order) is the complete and utter decadence, elegance and whimsicality of it all.

So imagine this scene as a shop, sans New Order, and fast forward, say, 150-200 years (or so). You’d be imagining Peel Street’s very own Red Ruby Vintage. Sure, we’re talking about completely different eras, but it’s still all candy-coloured fabrics, chiffon, lace, silk slips, sheer pantyhose, dainty embroidery, delicate dresses, tea sets, gloves to the elbow, pastel party frocks, pussy-bow blouses, picnic baskets, gold-rimmed vanity sets, beaded clutches and immaculate details reminiscent of days well and truly gone by.

Whether you’re living the high life or not, if carefully curated vintage takes your fancy, then Red Ruby’s your girl.