Well kitsch is our area of expertise after all!  Kitsch is a big fashion trend right now, you can see it in shops like Urban Outfitters and Topshop.  The word kitsch traditionally was used to convey a negative feeling about an object, that it was cheap, tacky or unoriginal.  However, the meaning has almost been completely turned on its head and is now most often used to symbolise love of a very different item, such as bold retro prints, cute charms or other items which are loved for their quirkiness.  Wikipedia define kitsch as “Art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but appreciated in an ironic way.”  I like that!  Taking ideas from the past and appreciating them in a new way.

The link to retro styles is important for me, because this is what got me into kitsch in the first place.  I am a huge fan of the 1940s and 1950s, and have many authentic clothes and jewellery.  A lot of the modern take on retro styles incorporates kitsch items as well as authentic ones to give a new twist on retro styles.  Think B movie images on bags, nautical themed clothes or pin up girl necklaces.  This is what I love and what inspires me.  So I have brought together a wonderful selection of items I adore which to me have elements of kitschness.  You’ll see that none of these items are tacky in the bad way, all show that kitsch can be done in a clever way, no need for cheap plastic here!  It’s the mix of kitsch patterns and themes with love and craftsmanship that gives these items their unique appeal.  I hope you love them as much as I do.