Rachael Coutts opened her own vintage shop, Carnivàle, in 2016. It is located right in the heart of Edinburgh at 51 Bread Street.

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The idea came up after Rachael’s contract with the bank, where she worked as the HR Manager, came to the end.

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“I saw there was a bit of a gap in the Edinburgh market for mid-range good quality vintage that was pre-fifties. I was ending my contract and decided I wanted a complete change into something I loved more”.

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The store got opened as a result of a strong love of old things of any description from furniture to clothing.

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“I cannot remember the last time I shopped on the High Street. I personally wear vintage or high-quality smaller designer brands, or I make my own clothes, but really it is predominantly vintage. I love a novelty print, particularly that of the 1950s. I think they are so fun and the quality of the cotton is excellent”.

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The term “carnival” describes Lent celebrations. It associates with bright colours, flamboyant costumes and a huge street parade. Rachael’s’ idea for the name is her equivalent of running away to join the circus.

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Carnivàle sells 100 years of clothing from Victorian to 1990s. However, following the latest COVID-19 news, Carnivàle as well as all the other vintage shops got closed down. At the moment, deliveries are restricted but Carnivàle items can be still found online.

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“We’ve always sold online. Obviously the physical shop is closed and both myself and my employee are at home. We both took clothes home so we can do some limited working. I’m not easily able to get to the shop and I want to be responsible and not risk it, so I’m not able to currently sell items that are stored there.”

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The majority of items from the online and physical shop are bought from the public. It allows keeping the history behind it. “Sometimes families also type up a wee history and I adore that. It is even better if I can get original photos! I always pass it on”.

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Compared to the high street shopping to which everyone is used to; vintage is a completely different experience. “You can’t go in and expect to find X. It’s better to have an open mind. Don’t buy it unless you can see yourself wearing it and it makes your heart sing. Try out different items and feel for the different shape and silhouettes and how they may suit you”.

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There are more and more vintage events and shops in Edinburgh and Scotland every year. Vintage offers timeless styles which will never go out of trend. There are a lot of possibilities to find something in your parent’s wardrobe that were trendy 30 years ago and still trendy now.

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“Vintage clothing can be influenced by fashions and trends and there is definitely a trend for ’80s and ’90s currently but there are many different sub-sets within the Vintage loving community and those aren’t influenced by mainstream fashion. You have the choice to do a completely authentic look or mix and match eras. There are no rules. Just don’t cut or harm vintage. Be responsible and aware of the integrity of a piece. You are a guardian of a small part of history”.

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