I have my own company called Doily Days and I hire mismatching china for weddings and events. So when I see a charity shop I can’t get through the door quick enough! I head straight for the bric-a-brac section drawn to anything floral or chintzy – anything that’s made from bone china and screams ‘afternoon tea’. I’ve recently found out about a girl after my own heart who loves antique fairs, charity shops and jumble sales but she is drawn to vintage fabric…..
I always think of it like Marmite – you either love it or you hate it. But if you love 60s Rayon, 50’s floral and old school sportswear you’ll love Eleanor Callaghan’s fashion label ‘Dig for Victory’.
Eleanor, a self taught pattern cutter, creates limited edition and one-off pieces from vintage fabrics. She plays with contrasting colours and textures to create silhouettes which accentuate the natural curves of the body.
The tagline of the brand is: ‘…for girls who still love to play with their dressing-up box!’
Inspired by her own dressing up box she loved as a child, Eleanor takes inspiration from the different eras of fashion represented in her vintage finds. Her current collection of prairie dresses feature vintage lace doilies, some crocheted by hand, to create delicate lace collars. But in direct contrast to these elegant, nostalgic designs she also has a collection of mini dresses made from vintage neon sportswear and cartoon print playsuits!
Dig for Victory has an affinity with the stage. 
Eleanor performs with the ukulele tweecore band ‘The Bobby McGee’s’ so she started making outfits for herself to perform in. She has also made outfits for eccentric songstress and fellow Brightonian ‘Bat For Lashes’.
Working with vintage fabric gives each piece a history and individuality while also remaining friendly to the environment.
To find out more about Dig for Victory visit the website www.digforvictoryclothing.com
Or you can find some of Eleanor’s designs at Red Mutha and Starfish in the North Laines.
By Helen Ruff
