Nostalgia | The decadent shop of Virginia Bates



Hello dolls!! I hope the week has begun well for you!?! Back again with a new post, I used to share these kinds of posts a long time ago and stopped, but while I had my break, I got the urge to resume them more often here as I enjoy hearing old stories and finding antique treasures, so I hope you will enjoy this too!! This is my dream shop & I adore all the treasures here so full of soul and stories. Virginia is amazing.
For 42 years, Virginia Bates had her eponymous vintage emporium open to those who might venture in. Only first taking it on for a 2 week rent in 1971, following a chance encounter with a friend outside this empty premises in Clarendon Cross Square. Eventually becoming renowned in the fashion world for the best vintage in the business, she was an out of work actress and in between jobs on A Clockwork Orange and Demons of the Mind. The wonders you'd find from embroidered flapper dresses and full-length gowns to fringed scarves, silk chemises and illustrious accessories, if you wanted it - Virginia had it! Bringing in the likes of Madonna and John Galliano strolling for inspiration (Bates even introduced the two in the shop in the late 80's). "This is my fantasy. The whole thing is a fantasy", say Virginia. Through it's rusted, decorative metal doors, instantly those who enter are transported back in time to Bate's opulent world to a treasure trove of immaculate old-world garments, intricate summer hats, floral umbrellas, vintage rag dolls & accessories. 
Though, the doors are closed & she is no longer in this location, Virginia is still thriving, moving her magic to her West London home. 
I don't know about you, but this is my dream shop & I feel saddened that people no longer get to step through it's magical gates, I would have liked to move in. Everything is so perfect and I would have loved finding more treasures and perhaps having a lovely chat to Virginia and hearing all the amazing stories I no doubt she has to tell. What a gorgeous woman she is as well, such style and glamour. I hope I'm as radiant and stylish as she is when I reach her age & have my own collection of antique treasures too!!

Have a sweet day dolls
xoxoxo

P.s. You can view a delightful tour given by Virginia of her shop here























{Picture & Info Sources: Here, Here, Here}

37 comments

  1. Wow! I'd love to just get lost in this shop, its an absolute dream *___*

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  2. wow great shop:)
    Have a lovely week!
    kisses

    http://irreplaceable-fashion.blogspot.com/

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  3. Virginia Bates' fantasty is the place to be. I read in an interview you linked that is how she describes this vintage store and it certainly a magical place to be...It is pleasure just to glance at this fantasy that came to life. Beautiful clothes and items....it's like stepping in a dream. YOu know I love vintage items, fashion and art. I'm sure it must be lovely visiting this story. It is great to know that places like this one still exist. It makes me believe there is still magic to be found in this world. Have a great weel doll!

    https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.ba/

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  4. Wow, this store is a paradise... amamzing details!!!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

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  5. Lovely post!!!
    Have a good week!!! and my g+ for you!!!

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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  6. OMG, i love her vintage caotic atelier! It's a jewel!

    .Estelle.

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  7. ''The whole thing is a fantasy'' - I genuinely got goosebumps at that line, because like you I can imagine the stories she'd tell and just, wow.. this is amazing!

    aglassofice.com
    x

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  8. Morning Kizzy! I do love this kind of stores as well, her story is amazing and Id love to go there and search around all this gorgeous treasure. Love vintage too, Id live there too!:P Kisses and hugs dear, have a good day! xo

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  9. I bet this is a costume designer's dream! What gorgeous and unique lace pieces!

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  10. This shop looks like a veritable treasure trove of vintage finds! I bet Virginia Bates would be quite a fascinating subject for an interview.

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  11. Oh, no, this place doesn't exist anymore? I didn't picked up on that when I left my comment earlier (despite the post being named Nostalia), I assumed it was still open:(... and now when I had another look, I see it isn't open more...Sometimes my brain works slow.

    Well, at least Virgia is still here to inspire us. I'm sure talking with her would be a joy, she must have fabulous stories to tell.

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  12. This is an interesting story And love vintage too dear
    Ciao

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  13. Loved this post and getting to learn more about it... it looks amazing :)
    xoxo

    Ileana

    Novelstyle Blog

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  14. This shop looks amazing! I love how it's set out. She going to do something similar in London?

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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  15. A costume designers dream? NAY, my dream! :)
    http://www.pret-a-reporter.co.uk/blog/

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  16. Oh, what a great place! I could live there .... with all these treasures ....

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  17. What an absolute treat this shop is --- filled with such fanciful and ornate embellishments. I'd love it! She seems quite fun and interesting. x /Maidson

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  18. What a stunning shop! So many great pieces in the photos, it looks like the kind of place you could get lost in for hours as you hear stories about the pieces! :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  19. Ohhh, you always share the best fabulous finds!! lovely place!
    besos

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  20. love these vintage store!

    Capturing Life Memoirs | aimeebustillo.com

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  21. Her ateliê is só beautiful.
    Great post and Enjoy ur weekend with your family!
    Xoxo!

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  22. It's like I've stepped in a movie or a dream- this place seems amazing! xx Maja

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  23. Oh this shop looks beyond dreamy! I'd love to rummage through all the treasures <3
    http://www.britishmermaid.com/2016/09/a-pom-nose-dress-and-finding-who-i-am.html?m=1

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  24. Wonderful post. ^^
    I'm back on my blog...

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  25. Oh that place looks amazing darling!
    xx

    www.sakuranko.com

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  26. the place looks and sounds absolutely wonderful! She sounds like such a fascinating lady! too bad the shop is closed already. The dresses and vintage pieces look amazing!

    http://www.pinkoolaid.com/

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  27. oh my god! it really is a dream place!
    and the ceiling is the most wonderful idea I've ever seen!
    thanks for sharing doll!
    S

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  28. WWOOWOW!!! Such an incredible place! Soooo amazing!!! LOVVVE all the lace and pink! So inspiring babe! MWAH
    kisses
    xoThe Beckerman Girls

    www.BeckermanBlog.com

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  29. Omg! What a house!

    Thank you for your comment in my previous post :)

    Participate in my 5 year Anniversary giveaway Winner gets $70 GC from Style We

    Love
    Akanksha

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  30. i would lose my mind in here! i think i would have a case of sensory overload, but it would be well worth it to comb thru all the vintage goodies!

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  31. Wow this place is like vintage heaven! Have a great weekend Kizzy
    xx
    www.junewantsitall.com

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  32. sooooooo awesom!!!!!! Total sensory overload!!! OBSESSSED!!!!!! VINTAGE everything!!!
    Mwah
    xo Beckerman Girls
    www.BeckermanBlog.com

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  33. Oh my gosh what a fantastic shop! I've love to just wander around and look at all the treasures to be found, it looks like a true Aladdin's cave <3 I'd be able to spend hours there!
    www.britishmermaid.com

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