Discover the World of 20th-Century Vintage Fashion
Vanessa and William's shared love for vintage fashion inspired them to create a genuinely unique on-site fashion museum. Their passion for women's attire from the past has blossomed into a carefully curated experience where visitors can explore the rich evolution of style across the 20th century.
A Journey into Vintage Collecting
Vanessa's vintage fashion journey began in the mid-1980s when she stumbled upon a charming antique shop in Essex, UK. There, she found her first treasure—a delicate pink Edwardian blouse—igniting a lifelong passion.
Over the years, Vanessa scoured car boot sales, charity shops, and antique markets, long before the vintage trend became widespread, where she developed a particular fondness for nightwear.
Her collecting philosophy centres on quality, craftsmanship, and reputable manufacture or designer labels - values that shaped a collection of remarkable depth and character.
The Eye of Time Vintage Boutique
By 2012, Vanessa & William had moved to the Essex/Suffolk border, where they opened The Eye of Time - a vintage boutique in Clare stocked with exceptional pieces that attracted a devoted clientele, including the BBC, who sourced items for the acclaimed 'Call the Midwife' series.
William was often asked to style clients for iconic events, such as the Goodwood Revival and classic car rallies. Their dedication to curating vintage treasures and serving the public community via staging local Vintage evening events laid the foundation for their future venture.
Voila - the Dordogne Fashion Museum
Upon relocating to France, the couple selected a home with ample space to accommodate their extensive vintage collection. An on-site outbuilding beckoned them to transform it into a small private museum, a distinct feature of the gite business that also showcases their remarkable pieces.
With William's expert carpentry skills, they crafted a stunning display environment that traces the evolution of women's fashion through the 20th century, combining historical narrative with visual delight.
The museum is open to guests and anyone with a keen interest in fashion, who can arrange visits by contacting them directly via the contact us page.
What Awaits Inside?
Carefully curated exhibits guide visitors through the decades, enriched with social history stories that appeal to all ages and genders. The museum's contents have been carefully curated and designed to take visitors through each decade, including fascinating features of social history that will appeal not only to women but to everyone of all ages.
Explore the refined world of the Edwardian woman, her waspish waist, and the profound impact of WW1 on clothing. Explore the exuberance of the Flapper Era, Coco Chanel's early years, and the Art Deco influences of the 1930s. Learn about the WW2 restrictions and the government's CC41 scheme, and peek inside the handbag of a famous film star?
Relive Dior's iconic 'New Look', the 1960s boutique explosion from Biba to Mary Quant, the sparkling Sisco styles of the 1970s, the bold shoulder silhouettes of the 1980s, and the grunge-inspired 1990s. Nothing is left out in this vivid journey.
New for 2025!
The collection from Eye of Time boutique has been lovingly cleaned, steamed and curated into a dedicated on-site fashion studio. Vintage enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to view, try on and purchase timeless designer pieces spanning from the 1920s to the 1990s.
From day to eveningwear, discover outfits paired with beautifully matched accessories - including shoes, handbags, scarves, hats, and jewellery - from icons like Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Mugler, and more.
If you have a special event approaching, this Dordogne Fashion Studio is the perfect place to find a show-stopping ensemble you'll treasure forever.