Claudia Lou, 21, has always adored the old movies and has always been a fan of the feminine style of clothing. Now she boasts a wardrobe of more than 100 dresses – including an original 1950s prom gown
Step into the world of Claudia Lou, a 21-year-old who has turned her adoration for the 1950s into a lifestyle.
She’s spent a cool £10k transforming her passion into an impressive vintage collection. Growing up with a love for classic film, Claudia found the confidence at 18 to don vintage threads and has never looked back, feeling more herself than ever.
Her closet brims with over 100 frocks, featuring gems like an authentic ’50s prom dress. Claudia doesn’t stop at apparel; her collection boasts period treasures such as an original record player, a retro vanity set, and a quaint locket.
With a spend ranging from £7,000 to £10,000, she’s scoured sources like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and nostalgic events to curate her hoard. As a dedicated vintage content creator, Claudia, from Warrington, Cheshire, said of her unique style: “I’ve always loved being unapologetically feminine.
“It’s a very timeless style. It’s modest. It’s eccentric. It’s restoring the old style and making sure no one forgets it.” She added: “I liked the idea of no one would dream of going out in joggers in the 50s. Everyone was very aware that everyone made an effort.”
Explaining how her love of all things vintage began, she remembers being entranced by the ultra-feminine fashion. She shared: “I always loved the classic style.
“I watched old movies like the 1961 Parent Trap film and seeing the pink dress with a pink bow that Hayley Mills wears. I remember seeing it and thinking ‘OMG I love it’.”
Embracing her true aesthetic at 18, she eased into the scene with retro coifs, twin sets, and then full-on dresses. Determined to shrug off public opinion, she declared: “I thought I just need to not worry about what people think.
“I started to be confident in it. I felt like my authentic self. I felt uncomfortable wearing Adidas with everyone else.”
Claudia has spent the past four years amassing a collection of vintage clothing, sourcing pieces from Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, eBay and various vintage events. She revealed: “I have an original 1950s prom dress in mint condition – never been worn.”
“It’s pink with tulle. It’s gorgeous. It was a bit pricey but very worth it.” Claudia’s love for all things vintage extends beyond clothing to include accessories and memorabilia from her favourite era.
She shared: “I collect everything vintage. I have a vintage vanity set. An original record player from the 50s – it’s still fully functioning. A locket from the 50s with a picture of Elvis in it.” But while she appreciates the decade’s style, she doesn’t follow some of the norms from the ’50s.
She explained: “I always say ‘it’s vintage style not vintage values’. People have said ‘why do you want to be a housewife and get beaten up?
“People like to find the negatives in things they don’t like. It was an optimistic time. The cars were so colourful. Now we’re quite drab in the way we colourise.”
Claudia admits that she occasionally has to wear “modern” clothes as vintage isn’t always “practical for everyday”, but she never feels truly herself in a hoodie and jeans. Despite her friends not sharing her passion for vintage, Claudia says they love her unique style and they often attract curious glances when they go out together.
Claudia shared: “I’m quite used to my style. I always forget it’s not what people see in their everyday.” She added: “A lot of older people love my style – it’s so lovely when they want to talk about it.”
Recalling a touching encounter, she said: “I had an older gentleman in his 90s say I remind him of his wife when she was younger – and she had just passed away. He said ‘It’s lovely to see a young person dressed like that’.”
