Fantastic vintage psychedelic leopard print and abstract pattern tie by Silver City.

Traditionally hand crafted in a silky polyester.

Great groovy vibe tie with a really unusual pattern and bright colours including purple orange and black.

Fabulous for parties and special evenings out.

For the man who has everything!

About:

“Mijkra” is a UK based artist/photographer and designer creating and sourcing unique original pieces in a converted stable/barn in the heart of Oxfordshire and in the back of a vintage campervan.

This store, hosted by Etsy, will showcase and sell a range of unique artisan bohemian hand created clothing, “art to wear”, accessories,jewellery and homeware, remodelled couture, up cycled vintage, unique vintage items and a selection of my original artworks. Please browse my other items.

All the items are unique, individual and one off pieces, and are a mix of new handmade, remodelled couture (new or vintage), up cycled vintage items or pure vintage original pieces.

Additional note on vintage items:

The beautiful vintage and remodelled vintage pieces are handmade and/or vintage items and there might be some slight irregularities. These add to the unique charm of the exquisite pieces and do not distract from the beauty of the items. All vintage items are carefully selected, dry-cleaned or hand washed in gentle eco-friendly detergent and repaired where deemed necessary before these are added to the shop and are in good vintage condition.

ENVIRONMENT & PLANET CARE

Why buy vintage?

Buying vintage rather than “fast” fashion is one of the easiest, environmental friendly and enjoyable way of acheiving “a sustainable wardrobe” whilst looking amazing and preserving a piece of cultural history.

Throwaway garments contribute more to climate change than air and sea travel. If trends continue, the industry could account for a quarter of the world’s carbon budget by 2050.

Annually, greenhouse gas emissions from textiles production globally total over 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This is more than the emissions of all international flights and maritime shipping combined.

20% of water pollution comes from the treatment and dying of textiles for fashion, in addition to the vast amounts of water and resources used in production. For example, it
takes 2,700 litres of water to make one cotton T-shirt….

So-called fast fashion has brought throwaway culture into the clothing business, with items so cheap they have become single-use purchases and millions of those items will be on their way to landfill after just one wear.

Disposing of clothing and textiles costs the UK alone about £82m a year, according to a government-backed study and we are running out of space in our landfill sites.

In recent years, many of our textiles produced are synthetic and based on plastic and petrolium related substances which not only are non bio degradable but also use large quantities of energy and polluting chemicals in their production.

Mass produced fast fashion comes with a social as well as an environmental cost – with low-paid workers overseas unable to provide for their families and poor working conditions.. 

Environmental campaigners say people who want to be more sustainable should choose quality clothes and make them last as long as possible by learning to repair or rework them or buying secondhand or vintage clothing, and washing garments at lower temperatures in a full machine can all help mitigate the impact on the environment.

The added bonus is that vintage pieces are unique, well made, cut beautifully to fit our shapes, use fantastic fabrics and gorgeous colours!Re-loved clothing need not be second hand grunge.It can also be beautiful, colourful and high quality.

Vintage clothing was well made and made to last. I have been collecting, wearing and caring for vintage for 30 years and many of my pieces of 50 years old look as new as the day they were purchased. If these items are well cared for they will last for many years (maybe many generations!) to come.

Look good and do good!

MY ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

– No single use plastics are used in my “production” and packaging process and all waste generated is either recycled or reused. I request that my suppliers do not use plastic packaging and also use recycled materials where possible.

– For my packaging, I use quality decorative cardboard boxes (from sustainable sources) which can be reused as storage boxes, acid free tissue paper and recycled or vintage lace, textiles or ribbon. Apart from cellotape, no plastic is used in my packaging.

– Washing products are selected for environmental kindness (as well as kindness to clothes) and all use either non plastic or recycled plastic for their packaging. All are plant based eco products and are not tested on animals.

– Where possible natural traditional recipes and methods using plant based ingredients are used for stain removal and moth prevention and workspace cleaning.

– All vintage items are hand washed in cold or cool water then air dried. Washing machines and tumble driers are not used in the preparation of my vintage items.

– The only electric directly used in the production processes is ironing (which is usually on the coolest setting), recharging my mobile phone and my internet hub. Many of the fabrics used in those eras do not require ironing.My vintage workspace and storage area has no electric lighting and all processing is done during daylight hours (also better for the clothes and to see properly)

– Our vehicle used on vintage hunting expeditions is a vintage 30 year old campervan. This is run using biofuel from sustainable sources and kept on the road using recycled parts from our local family owned salvage yard.The interior is crafted from recycled materials and fabrics. She is pink, covered in retro 70s style flower power designs and has eyelashes.

PETS/SMOKING/ALLERGIES/PRODUCTS USED

Smoke free home.

I do have a cat but he is not allowed to wear the clothes and as far as I am aware he does not smoke.

Due to the nature of vintage, it cannot be guaranteed that the clothes were not previously exposed to allergens however all my vintage clothing is carefully washed before these enter my vintage workspace.

The main products used in the processing of the vintage pieces are:

Washing Detergents:

https://www.ecover.com/products/concentrated-bio-laundry-liquid-old/

https://www.ecover.com/products/concentrated-non-bio-laundry-liquid-old/

https://www.ecover.com/products/delicate-laundry-liquid-old/

https://www.seventhgeneration.com/laundry-detergent-blue-eucalyptus-lavender

https://www.seventhgeneration.com/concentrated-laundry-detergent-geranium-blossoms-vanilla

Fabric Conditioners:

https://www.ecover.com/products/fabric-softener-gardenia-vanilla-old/

https://www.ecover.com/products/fabric-softener-rose-bergamot-old/

https://www.seventhgeneration.com/liquid-fabric-softener-blue-eucalyptus-lavender

Stain Removal:

https://www.ecover.com/products/stain-remover/

https://www.ecover.com/products/laundry-bleach/

https://www.seventhgeneration.com/laundry-stain-remover-spray

https://www.seventhgeneration.com/oxy-booster-packs

White vinegar

Baking soda

Oxygen bleach

Lemon juice

Salt

https://www.thespruce.com/natural-laundry-stain-removers-4061242

Initial treatment and fumigation for months/insects/germs:

Sandalwood
Lavender
Frankinsense
White Sage
Cedar Wood

Ironing:

De-ionized water

Natural lavender fabric spray

https://www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk/cotswold-lavender/homewares/product/lavender-linen-spray-clothes

Keeping them fresh in storage:

https://www.seventhgeneration.com/dryer-sheets-fabric-softener-fresh-lavender

Natural lavender

https://www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk/cotswold-lavender/homewares/product/lavender-dried-grains-bag

Lavender oil

https://www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk/cotswold-lavender/lavender-oils/product/lavender-essential-oil-aromatherapy

Drawer Sachets and Liners

https://www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk/cotswold-lavender/homewares/product/lavender-drawer-cupboard-sachet

https://www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk/cotswold-lavender/homewares/product/lavender-drawer-liners

All lavender products are natural and purchased locally from a family run organic lavender farm in the Cotswolds.

https://www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk

If you are allergic to any of these products or ingrediants please let me know in advance of purchase and I can re-wash the item in your preferred choice of washing product.

PRODUCTION/PROCESSING

Buying vintage rather than “fast” fashion is one of the easiest, environmental friendly and enjoyable way of acheiving “a sustainable wardrobe” whilst looking amazing and preserving a piece of cultural history.

I have always loved vintage and have collected and cared for vintage clothing for over 30 years.

Vintage clothing was well made and made to last. Many of my pieces of 50 years old look as new as the day they were purchased. If these items are well cared for they will last for many years (maybe many generations!) to come.

I particularly love the 1960s and 70s. Colours and patterns were bold and bright. Designers and makers in that era knew how to cut and design clothes that were flattering, emphasising your shape, feminine and stylish.

After collecting vintage for 30 years I was very aware of the common issues around trying to get quality, well cared for pieces and that “vintage smell” was off putting to people that would otherwise love to wear vintage items.

Typically, when you purchase vintage clothing, quality can be an issue and it is so disappointing when you get home to find that your gorgeous vintage “bargain” actually has holes, seams coming loose, rips, or stains that you can’t remove all of which you did not notice in the shop. Or the zip does not work!

Then there is that smell…that specific weird musty vintage smell that pervades everything and seems to never really go away…

Often, if you purchase online, your vintage item may be damaged or stained (despite being described as in good vintage condition), arrive unwashed, not ironed and scrunched up in plastic bags with so much cellotape wrapped around that you have to resort to scissors to extract your item, terrified of cutting the fabric by accident… and then when you finally open that package… yes… that smell….Or worse..

In my years of buying and collecting vintage, I have had clothing arrive, containing (amongst other things): moths, insects, beetle larvae, spiders, fleas, 50 year old coffee and wine stains, actual vintage bodily fluids (yes really!) and more besides!Often “vintage” is not really vintage but vintage style. And then most vintage traders do not allow returns. Quite shocking really..

About a year ago I decided to try and do something unique and different with vintage clothing.

I felt that people purchasing vintage should have a quality item that is sourced and prepared with love and care, carefully and beautifully wrapped and is clean, sweet smelling and ready to wear.

Purchasing and receiving a unique piece of vintage should be a special and enjoyable experience. To find and wear a beautiful vintage peace should be like a receiving a special gift – a gift from the past… and a beautiful piece of cultural history to be loved and cherished for years to come.

In order to bring you my collection of fabulous true vintage ready to wear pieces, the process of “production” is quite lengthy and labour intensive.

1. Sourcing quality vintage; Many of my items have been collected by me over many years. I take great effort to ensure I source really good quality items with no or minimal flaws.

2. Initial quarantine and fumigation: All new items sourced are put into a separate room and treated/fumigated using natural ancient traditional remedies. This includes burning of resins, incence and oils which include: Sandalwood, Lavender, Frankinsense, White Sage, Cedar Wood. This eliminates any moths, other insects and is also antibacterial and helps the elimination of that vintage smell. The clothes remain in this room for a week.

3. Washing; The washing area is a separate room in my house. All items are individually hand washed separately in cool water (using eco friendly products) and conditioned at least 3 times before being air dried.The pieces are then air dried and aired for several days.

4. Ironing and inspection:Each piece is then ironed (also helps to eliminate any remaining moth eggs) and is treated with organic lavender spray.Whilst being ironed the piece is inspected for any stains or damage.

5. Damaged items are set aside and either rejected or repaired.

6. Stain Removal: Any items that have remaining stains after the initial washing are set aside for a stain removal process back in the washing area.Depending on the stain and the fabric, this can either be quite quick or can take several days or weeks and several different treatments. It is not uncommon for vintage items to have 50 year old coffee, wine or food stains.Wherever possible, natural methods are used in preference to harsh commercial products which can damage the fabrics (and the environment).After all stains have been removed, the pieces are then washed again, air dried and ironed/ inspected again.

5. Repeat: It is not uncommon for items to go through these initial steps several times before I am happy that they are of a condition good enough to make it to the next stage.Quite a few items will be rejected during these initial stages.

6. Airing:After ironing, the pieces are then aired either outside or in a warm dry room (depending on weather) The pieces are aired for at least a week before entering my main vintage area.If after airing, any trace of vintage smell remains, the items go back to the beginning.In some types of fabrics, the vintage smell can be difficult to remove and does require time, patience and lots of washing..

7. Inspection: The zip is checked snd buttons inspected. Garments are then fully laid flat and carefully inspected for any other issues not picked up previously.Some minor repairs may be done at this stage.

8. Vintage Area: Once I am happy that the piece is good enough the vintage item is moved to my main storage area which is a separate room in in my house where they are hung awaiting photography and listing.The room is regularly aired, and natural products are used to keep the vintage items fresh and deter months. No untreated or unwashed items go into this room.

9. Added extras. Vintage items more often than not no longer have their original belts (although many of mine do). For some items, I have specifically sourced a vintage or vintage style belt to go with a particular vintage piece. If this is the case, it will be specified in the description and is included with the item. Belts are not always included (sometimes used for photography/styling purposes) but please see listings for specifics.

10. Photography and listing: I try and take photographs that accurately reflect the colours, design and style of the item. Each item is photographed from all angles including close up to show fabric pattern and texture. All photography is done in natural daylight either outside or a special area in my “vintage room”. Usually they will be photographed on a mannequin or sometimes on a person.I do not pin or clip the clothes on the mannequin as this can damage the item.

I try and add as many details as possible in each description of the item. Where possible, I will include any history of the actual piece (if known) and details of maker/designer including useful links to further information.

11. Pre shipping preparation:Once a vintage item has been purchased from my shop, (with the execption of antique textiles and items that have already been dry cleaned) this will be handwashed again, air dried and ironed to freshen it up again before dispatch.

12. Packing and Shipping:Your fabulous vintage piece will be carefully wrapped in acid free tissue paper, finished with recycled or vintage lace, textiles or ribbon. I also use lavender heads, dried rose petals and / or perfume beads in the box to ensure your vintage piece arrives smelling fresh from shipping.For my packaging, I use quality decorative cardboard boxes (no plastic used) which can be reused by you as storage boxes.