January 20, 2016

Ten rapid fire questions with mid-century vintage reproduction designer Franzi Schlupski from Prettie Lanes


It's safe to say that the vintage reproduction and vintage inspired garment industry has grown in absolute leaps and bounds since I first began this blog in the early days of 2009. Back then, in-the-know vintage lifestyle folks could probably name most of the small handful of companies on the market and frequently owned pieces from most of them.

Jump ahead seven years and this arena is now a continually growing industry unto itself, with new brands emerging often around the world, with  some, as is the natural course of things, that sadly aren't able to make a go of it in the long run.

While variety is the spice of life and it's fantastic that we have so many shopping options these days, as the market has grown, so too has the range of brands that while vintage inspired, are not exactly (truly) period appropriate in their designs.

It's awesome to have a mix of different versions and interpretations of vintage styles, but sometimes one wants a straight up vintage reproduction garment that is virtually indistinguishable from the real deal. Enter Prettie Lanes, a Swiss based one woman company that is dedicated to precisely that.




Opened less than a year ago, Prettie Lanes is helmed by Franziski Schlupski, a talented seamstress and vintage adoring lady currently based in Switzerland (but originally from Germany) who custom makes each and every order that her online shop receives.

Franzi, as she often goes by, contacted me recently regarding becoming a blog sponsor, and we've been chatting like old friends ever since.

Though I haven't (yet) had the pleasure of wearing or seeing any of her gorgeous creations in person, I was so struck by the authentic sophisticated mid-century look, attention to detail, and craftsmanship that goes into each of Franzi's vintage reproduction pieces that I knew right I away I wanted to share about her brand with all of you.

A good many of my readers, like myself, enjoy (at least for some of their outfits) the more authentic looking side of the repro world and Franzi's offerings have nailed that to an absolute tee (even employing vintage sewing techniques into the designs of her garments).

Read on to learn more about this fascinating lady, her stunning vintage style garments, what inspires her and why she named her company as she did.



1. Can you please tell us what inspired you to launch your company, (full name) Franziski Schlupski Prettie Lanes, and call it as you did?

I started sewing when I was 11 years old and haven't stopped since then. Over the years more and more people were asking about my clothing and I realized the interest of others into my own designs and at one point - I moved to Switzerland in the meanwhile (I am German) - I just thought- 'when if not now?!'. This is where my 1.5 year-long journey of preparing the launch of my label started.

It took me quite a long way to design and construct the website, source for materials, create the designs and the patterns ... But on 15th April 2015, when I officially opened the online shop - I admit that I was proud to see what I alone had created over all that time :). My 'baby' had finally been born! *Laughing*. Why 'Prettie Lanes'? Take a walk down memory lane and always look pretty! ;P Authenticity and appealing designs are key components of my brand.



{The Boucle Dress in Cream – as seen in Prettie Lane’s graphic above - shown with the Boucle Jacket in Cream}



2. How do you pick the designs that you ultimately create?

To be honest- I simply create what I personally would like to wear <3 No rules. Just a huge love for the mid-century era that leads me in my design process. :)


 
{The Floral Wrap Dress}



3. Each of your products is made-to-order. Can you share more of the details about that process?

All of my designs are available in my online shop and can be ordered in sizes S-XL or made-to-measure, if so desired. As soon as an order is placed, the garments are handmade by me within 5-12 business days.

Payments are welcome via PayPal or pre-payment. However, that said, I doing my best to create an inventory of some garments that I'll be taking with me when I visit various (vintage related) festivals this year *yaaaay!*.



{Piquè Cotton Dress in Creme}



4. What in your background (e.g., a love of vintage) inspired to launch your company?

See my reply to question #1. :)



{Classic Cigarette Pants in Cherry}


5. Do you plan to ever offer pre-made garments and if so, will a range of different sizes for the same style (garment) be available?

Let's just say - stay tuned! :P But for sure, there would be several sizes available, like one can choose from already with my made-to-order garments.



{Piquè Cotton Dress in Powder Blue}


6. Your pieces are incredibly authentic looking. What steps do you take to ensure this is the case?

Thank you so much! I would say my three general steps are 1. the authentic designs (i.e. classic skirt lengths, contemporary colors, waist accentuating designs) , 2. the contemporary materials (i.e. metal zipper, rayon tape, self-covered buttons, mainly cotton, rayon, wool fabrics) and 3. the sewing techniques (i.e. hand sewn hem, blind stitching, hand-crocheted belt loops, and in general a lot of hand sewing).

Plus as a finishing touch, I also offer true vintage accessories, like brooches or gloves, on my site so that customers can find a perfect (accessory) match at the same time that they order a garment from me.



{Classic Cigarette Pants in Navy}



7. On average, in US dollars, what is the average price point of one of your creations?

As Swiss Francs and US Dollar are pretty equal these days, you could almost convert prices at a 1:1 rate. The usual price for a dress is $272.00, but prices start at $199.00.

Skirts, trousers and jackets are priced between $157.00-183.00. All are, of course, limited edition designs help ensure that you are unlikely to encounter someone else wearing the same outfit. :)



{Wool Jacket in Dark Red shown with the Wool Skirt in Dark Red}


8. What are your favourite decades personally? Do they differ from the ones that you're currently offering clothing in the styles of?

I adore all things mid-century! ♥ In my shop, I make sure to always offer pieces that I love and can confidently stand behind.



{Wool Jacket in Navy shown with the Wool Skirt in Navy}



9. What are a few fun facts about yourself, the super talented lady behind Prettie Lanes, that you'd like to share with the vintage community?

First of all- thank you so much for these lovely words *blushing*! I am a 'granny's-closet-rifler', 'vintage-treasure-hunter' and a 'lover-of-any-signs-of-ageing-on-vintage-stuff-because-it-shows-its-history'. I never 'learned' sewing.

I found the love of my life more than 10 years ago. I am a dog lover. By accident, I've stitched so often with a needle into my fingers that I fear I someday I might not even realize when that happens anymore *giggling*.



{Classic Cigarette Pants in Dusty Blue}


10. And last, but not least, what can folks look forward to from your brand throughout 2016 and beyond?

Hopefully, I can make it to some festivals, but either way stay tuned for my new designs that coming soon, as well as some improvements in shipping costs I am currently working on for my customers, and I am happy to keep you posted via Facebook and Instagram.


Thank you, Jessica for this lovely interview. ♥


{Knit Dress in Black/Gold}



{All images used throughout this post care of Prettie Lanes.}


♥ ♥ ♥


Even without having worn any of Franzi's offerings, I can tell that there is something truly special about them. They look as though they just stepped out of the pages the leading fashion magazines of the 1950s. They're the sorts of things starlets and stylish everyday women alike would have gone weak in the knees fore back in the day and which, no doubt, an abundance of us in the vintage world will do so for right here and now in 2016 (and beyond).

It takes a lot of work, effort, time, dedication and gumption to launch your own repro brand, especially one where each and every order is custom made on the spot, and I have an immense amount of respect for Franzi and everything that she is doing.

Her designs are incredibly timeless, strikingly beautiful and well worth the investment. I can sense that they're the kinds of pieces that one would treasure for many, many years to come and that could also help to fill certain gaps in one's wardrobe, especially if you find authentic 1940s and 1950s suits, dresses, skirts and pants hard to find in your size.

Franzi is a joy to chat with, friendly as the day is long, and always eager to hear from potential customers, so if you want to get in contact before you order from her, that's a-okay.

Pretties Lanes might be the new kid on the vintage reproduction block, but with the kind of superb tailoring, breathtaking designs and great customer service that they offer, I don't doubt it will be long before they too have firmly established themselves as a household name in the vintage reproduction world.

67 comments:

  1. I have to agree on the garments being gorgeous and so very well styled - even for someone not attracted to vintage (which of course you know its not my case) they're head-turning !

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    1. Thank you so much, Lorena for our lovely words <3 Have a wonderful day, dear! Franziska

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  2. Good morning dear Jessica,

    Wow! Franzi's clothes are truly amazingly beautiful. What dreamy fashions! What talent! If and when I ever have a few hundred dollars to spend on an outfit, I am heading to her shop.

    Thank you for sharing these treasures.

    Have a beautiful day, dear girl,
    :)Hope (The heart does not work on my laptop, so you get a smiley)

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    1. They truly are breathtaking - plus, I just adore how she intentionally channeled the look and style of actual mid-century fashion ads and magazine spreads for some of her photos. Doing so just drives home how incredibly authentic looking they are.

      Oodles of hugs & happy Wednesday wishes to you as well, sweet Hope.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. You both are amazing, Hope and Jessica! It is so wonderful to read your lovely words here <3

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    3. Dear Franzi,

      I will share your blog with anyone who loves vintage clothing. I think you have the most wonderful vintage inspired clothing that I have ever seen anywhere on the Internet. One could hardly tell that your wonderful creations are not actual vintage clothing. I truly appreciate your talent and contribution to all of us who desire the beautiful fashions of the past. I is so encouraging to know that someone out there knows how to make clothing the way it should be made.

      I wish you the best success!
      :)Hope

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    4. Dear Hope, thank you so much for your lovely words <3 This really means a lot to me and motivates me so much! Wonderful!!! <3

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  3. Well said, Lorena, I agree completely. These are extremely well made, immensely classic garments that I think even most squarely 21st century fashionistas would find themselves drawn to.

    Big hugs & many thanks for your great comment,
    ♥ Jessica

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  4. How fantastic! It is great to see a company that makes true historically accurate, feminine pieces that are well made. Too often I find repro cheap rubbish so I'm glad to see people like this breaking through for a bit of variety in the market. Thank you Jessica for a fantastic introduction here.

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    1. So many yeses to everything that you said, dear Christina. I agree 100% and really feel like Prettie Lanes is nailing it superbly on the high end vintage reproduction market.

      My pleasure! Many thanks in turn for your wonderfully nice comment.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear christina snellgrove, I just can say thank you :) ! Its always a pleasure to see someone elses passion for authentic vintage inspired garments <3 <3 <3

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  5. Thank you so so much for your blog post about my 'baby'! <3 You are a lovely person and I just can say, I enjoyed chatting with you a lot! Have a wonderful day, dear! Franzi

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    1. You are wholeheartedly welcome, Franzi. I feel honoured to be able to spread the good word about your stellar brand and it's immensely lovely offerings. Thank you so much in turn for your support of my blog and the chance to work together.

      Many hugs & unending best wishes to you and your company!
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. These are some really lovely pieces - and as a seamstress (hobbyist, but still) myself, I can appreciate that they are extremely reasonably priced for custom-made! How refreshing to see well-made investment pieces made from mostly natural fibers...I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this line. And saving up! ;)

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    1. They are indeed very reasonably priced for custom work and I sincerely appreciate that you raised that point, Amanda. So often in this ultra fast fashion world, and even to a certain degree when it comes to vintage reproduction, people are extremely accustomed to clothing costing very little, yet when you to start to factor in the time it takes for an item to be made by hand the small scale material costs of such for the sewer/company, it is not unreasonable at all for such garments (or accessories, etc) to cost significantly more - and rightfully so - than their mass market counterpoints.

      Thank you very much for your terrific comment.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Amanda, thank you so much! True- not only using the mostly natural fibers and other contemporary materials, but also the high amount of time-consuming handsewing increases prices but on the other hand creates this vintage look and feel, I am focusing on. Anybody having once hemmed a 1950s skirt knows that it can take a looong looong time to finish it *laughing* ;) Thank you so much, dear!

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  7. What beautiful pieces - my jaw is on the floor! I actually saw that deep red dress picture on Instagram and wondered where it was from and now I know! I love that there are passionate independent seamstresses taking a more authentic approach than some repro brands are. I think there's room for all in the market - who can complain about more wonderful choice! x

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    1. Very well said, my sweet friend. I agree 100% and support brands like Prettie Lane as much as I can, both through my blog and my own purchasing choices. The time, talent and dedication that goes into running such a business can be be overstated enough in most cases and I feel strongly that we as a community should do our best to support and rally behind those who opt to be independent vintage reproduction designers.

      Many thanks for your great comment!

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear CiCi Marie :) Really appreciate your thoughts and completely agree that there should be many of us out there in order to serve any vintage or retro lover with pieces that bring them joy <3 We are all different and have various preferences and its always lovely to have the chance to choose from a variety of products :) Thank you so much! ... But I cannot deny - I am the happiest, when I was chosen to bring that smile to a vintage lovers face <3

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  8. The blue suit which has been an ad on the side of your blog? I thought for sure that was a mid-century ad! All of the detail into even the photography to make it accurate...

    Hats off to Franzi! What an amazing job and I hope she makes enough to hire a second pair of hands, poor thing! Making it all herself? At least having a second person makes someone to talk to while sewing! Wow. Just, amazing. Everything. Amazing.

    - Tegan

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    1. Isn't it just stunning! I adore that she went so far as to create not only garments, but ads themselves, that look the mid-century part. It speaks volumes to Franzi's attention to detail and deeply rooted passion for the past.

      Many thanks for your terrific comment, Tegan. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Tegan - Thank you so much for your lovely words! And yes- there is a loooooot to do, always. Needless to say, that I am working in an accounting department as well on a side job basis of 60% on 2 days a week for 12-14 hours a day *giggling*. I really enjoy reading that not only my designs are valued by others but that you also see this effort one has to put in. But I love what I do - It is a dream coming true! :)

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  9. Thanks for sharing this interview, Jessica! And my hat is off to Franzi, for making such beautiful clothes all by hand and all custom ordered! It's really neat to see more and more people these days making a viable business of their passion. :)

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    1. Isn't it though? I have the deepest respect for indie designers and small companies like Prettie Lanes. It takes an incredible amount of time, work, (often) money, and dedication to not only get them off the ground, but to stay afloat and it is my sincerest hope that Franzi is able to do just that with her stunning creations and the business she's built around them.

      Thank you very much for your wonderful comment, dear Grace.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Grace :) Thank you so much for your lovely words! and Jessica - I hope so too :) <3

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  10. this are truly beautiful clothes!!!
    and franzi is putting so much love in every detail - marvelous!!
    thanks for that lovely interview!
    big hugs from snowy saxonia switzerland! xxxxx

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    1. She truly does. One can just sense the love, time and hard work that Franzi puts into everything that she so skillfully creates.

      Thank you for your great comment. Have a delightful weekend!

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Liebe Beate - Vielen Dank für deine lieben Worte! Viele Grüsse zurück in mein Heimatland! Alles Liebe, Franzi

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  11. I'm going to be super classy for a second a proceed to drool all over my keyboard. WOW!!!! I want everything made for me :) Now to start saving my money.

    Thanks for a super interview!

    Liz :)

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    1. You and me both!!! :) My pleasure, lovely Liz. It was such a special treat to get to go inside the mind, if you will, of a repro designer and to better understand Franzi's own personal drive.

      Many thanks & happy weekend wishes alike,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Liz, dear Jessica - hahahaa you are lovely gals! Thank you sooo much! Big hugs from Switzerland <3

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  12. Gorgeous designs! So fun learning of a new kid on the vintage repro block! :)

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    1. Aren't they just stunning? I will never stop being floored by how exquisitely authentic looking her gorgeous creations are.

      Big hugs & joyful Friday wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Silver Cat Tea Party - what a great name! :) Thank you so much, dear!

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  13. Those clothes are without a doubt some of the most authentic looking vintage reproductions I've seen. And priced extremely reasonably for the quality and workmanship. I wish Franzi the best. She deserves it for making such lovely, timeless garments.

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    1. I couldn't agree more. You could put her creations on the cover of a mid-century edition of Vogue back in the day and no one would bat an eye. They're fabulously authentic looking and chic as button to boot.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment, lovely lady.

      Have a fabulous weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Theresa, dear Jessica - it is so wonderful to read all these comments full of love! Thank you so much my dears! This is just incredible and it motivates so much, I cannot describe *love love love*

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  14. The most amazing thing is definitely that I would have assumed many of these images were vintage if I saw them without knowing! Perfect silhouettes and styling and photography! Inspirational work, Franzi, and thank you Jessica for introducing us to her creations :)

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    1. I'm with you there all the way. Franzi has done an incredible job of faithfully reproducing mid-century styles that are not only beautiful, but incredibly elegant and jaw droppingly authentic looking at the same time.

      Many thanks for your great comment!

      Big hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Tanith- Thank you so much! This is most wonderful compliment I can ever receive <3

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  15. It's like these clothes have walked straight off of the set of 'Mad Men' - I love every single one but that cream dress in the first picture is totally stunning!

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    1. Isn't though? Someone could honestly use it as a less formal wedding dress - say for a small civil ceremony or a beach venue - if so desired.

      Have a fantastic weekend, sweet lady!
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Holly, dear Jessica - its a really kind of basic style you could combine with any color and its on of my personal favourites :) Thank you so much for such a lovely comment! Hugs 'n' kisses from Switzerland <3

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  16. Wow, all of these designs are so beautiful and impressive and just radiate good craftsmanship!

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    1. Wonderfully said, Kira. I agree completely and am in such awe of Franzi's enchantingly elegant creations.

      Many thanks & have a beautiful weekend,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. You are lovely, Kira! Thank you so much <3 *happy*

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  17. Her designs are absolutely stunning! I love that she's so committed to an authentic vintage aesthetic, and uses things like metal zippers to complete the look. The prices seem quite good for a custom garment as well. I can't wait to see more from her, I'm in love as it is.

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    1. Same here! Franzi's work looks (I haven't had the pleasure of seeing any in person yet) incredibly well made, staggeringly authentic, and like it would last for ages. One of my first thoughts (about her garments) was that they could easily work in many period movies and TV shows - they're that good!

      Thank you for your great comment, dear gal. Have a terrific weekend!

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Jessicas (hihihi) - Thank you sooo much! And for sure, it would be such a pleasure to provide a movie or TV show with some of my creations ---*dreamy* :)

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  18. Wow, these are such amazing designs! I really like they way Franzi has done her ads to look like real vintage fashion ads from the 1950s too. Thank you for sharing! xoxo

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    1. My pleasure! Same here, they add such a phenomenal depth of period appropriate-ness to her work and really drive home the incredible depth of detail that she gives to every part of her design and product promotion process.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment, sweet dear. Have a beautiful week!

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Gwenstella! :) warmhearted greetings from Zurich!

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  19. Thanks, Jess, for this wonderful interview.
    You've said it right, and it's worth mentioning: vintage "scene" has changed. Over here, nowadays, the ONLY way you can find vintage at a reasonable price is by digging-up piles of unsorted clothes OR plunging into sacks of imported "used" clothes.
    Finding a vintage dress on a hanger, will put you back WAY too much, since folks out there have figured out that old is rare and rare is pricey.
    To sacks I go.
    No shame in that.

    Many snow-covered hugs.
    M.

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    1. Indeed on every count, my dear friend. It is extremely rare these days to find a vintage garment for a song around these parts (and in most places around the world) either. The one and only mid-century garment I found for a great deal in 2015 was the grey c. early 1950s blazer that I thrifted for, what was it, about $7 or $8 in the early days of last summer. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I found that, let me tell you! :)

      Zero shame at all and I will dig for as long as there is anything out there to dig through. After all, the thrill of the hunt is so much of the fun of collecting and wearing vintage.

      Many thanks for your great comment, honey. Have a super lovely week!

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Maja - completely agree with you. Sometimes prices are just overwhelming for true vintage garments... I am a vintage-hunter as well and from now and then....there are a few treasures, I can find that are priced accordingly. So keep hunting, dear <3 :)

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  20. Well, I will be saving up! These designs are just gorgeous. I particularly like the wool suit. What a great brand, thanks for introducing me to them!

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    1. My absolute pleasure, sweet Kate. I hear you there! Franzi's offerings are utterly gorgeous and beyond worth tucking one's pennies away for (or, even though we're a day short of 11 months away from the next one, asking Santa for come Christmas). I can already picture how head turningly marvelous you'd look in one of her chic suit.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. TO ALL OF YOU: Thank you so much for commenting on this first ever introduction of my label through chronically vintage :) I am completely overwhelmed by your lovely thoughts and can't say more than THANK YOU, ALL! <3 You really made my day and it was a pleasure to reply to each of you! Of hope, to have not forgotten anybody, I send you many hugs and kisses from Switzerland! And a special thanky to Jessica <3 for creating such a wonderful start for me :*

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    1. You are truly welcome, Franzi! Thank you again for the awesome interview, as well as for taking the time to personally reply to so many people who commented here. That is such a thoughtful, appreciated thing for you to do.

      With all my heart, I wish you nothing but the best with your marvelous business and look forward to continuing to watch it grow and flourish.

      Hugs and kisses coming right back at you from Canada,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Awwww <3 Hugs and maaany kisses to you <3

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  22. Her designs are realla great. I went to her online shop several times since I found her on Instagram ... Her creations are sadly out of my budget.

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    1. Hi sweet dear, thank you very much for your lovely comment. They're an investment for many folks, for sure, but one that I sense would definitely be worth it. I feel like Franzi's garments are instant wardrobe heirlooms and that that they would last for a long time to come.

      Big hugs & happy end of January wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Ms. Falcon :) I am really happy to hear that you like my work <3 although it may not completely fit your budget. Many greetings and all the best for you! Thank you for your lovely words, Franzi

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  23. What a charming lady and what a fabulous collection. And she has never learned to sew! Amazing! The photos look exactly like clipped out of a vintage Vogue. I wish her all the luck in the world. Thank you for this lovely interview and letting us all know about this Swiss gem. Have a lovely day, dear. :)

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    1. It truly is! Franzi is immensely talented and the vintage reproduction fashion world is genuinely fortunate to have her in its midst.

      Thank you for your splendidly nice comment, dear Sanne. Have a beautiful weekend!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. Thank you so much, Sanne! It was wonderful to read your lovely comment here :) Wish you all the best and a lovely day! Franzi

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