Dorothy & Evelyn set to mix modern with majestic

Today's woman is forced to sacrifice her individuality. Mass production has put a bitter end to one-off pieces lovingly made by hand with the hope that this masterpiece will live forever. Fashion pieces from the 'good old days' were made to stand the test of time - both in stye and craftsmanship - there existed none of the fickleness that thrives in modern fashion.

It's no wonder then, that vintage fashion has grown so popular. Those fortunate enough to have the time, can seek out the hidden jewels of yesteryear, dust them off and breathe new life back into them. Sadly, this hunt for vintage treasure is reserved for the few that know where to look and aren't too busy to do so.

Until now.

Dorothy & Evelyn is the brainchild of fashion buyer, Rebecca Post, who in her 23 years has managed a CV longer than most twice her age. After her degree in International Relations, Post went onto to a diploma in Product Development and Merchandising at the renown, RMIT. Once completed, Post took a job as Assistant Knitwear Designer for S&R, but it wasn't long before bigger fish were seeking her out, "Witchery rang me about two months into the job and offered me a position as Assistant Buyer,' she explains. "That wasn't a very hard decision to make."

Post spent two years as a buyer in the woven team at Witchery; she recalls her time with the national retailer as 'hard work'. But just the sort of intense training it would take to bring Dorothy & Evelyn to life.

"I have always loved vintage clothes," proclaims Post. At first born from necessity, Post's addiction to pre-loved clothing meant affordable style that was unique. "I was going to Uni in Brunswick at the time and all these amazing vintage stores were nearby, so I just kind of found my way there." She is quick to follow up that an online store requires more than just love. "It's also about knowing what the customer wants and what information they need."

Dorothy & Evelyn promises treasures, not trash. Being vintage simply isn't enough, a piece must be unique, exquisite, beautiful. Items are handpicked from all the corners of the world, from Portobello Road to the markets in Paris. You will find names you recognise: Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel and Dior. Each piece is painstakingly photographed and exact specifications given (as only a woman with years of production experience can do). You can be confident that what you buy is the very same item - in detail, size, shape and colour - you will receive. For those with insatiable appetites, the 3000- odd items will constantly be restocked, so you will always find something unique to make your own.

"I love my grandmother's style; they are from a generation where half of these clothes came from," admits Post, who named her debut after her grandmothers, Dorothy and Evelyn. "It just suited so perfectly and of course, I adore them both!"

Just a few of the designer brands that will be stocked alongside Dorothy & Evelyn include:

o Indigo
o Olga Berg Bags
o Franka
o Minty Meets Munt
o Run Wild Horses Jewelry
o State of Georgia
o Ebony Eve

Dorothy & Evelyn's flagship store is located at 159 - 160 Barkly Street, St Kilda, Melbourne and is open now.

www.dorothyandevelyn.com