Q+A: Vintage Biri Biri
The vintage bug in Malaysia has definitely hit full blast since the beginning of last year with the mushrooming of more flea markets and online shopping blogs. Spreading heaps of good ol' vintage pieces that fill our closet grandma-style, there is one site in particular that keeps us shopping and people asking, "Where did you find that dress?"
Say hello to Vintage Biri Biri.
Tongue in Chic had the privilege of peeking behind the mountain of vintage clothes to find and chat with one of the founders of Vintage Biri Biri, Janyfer.
TiC: Tell us the story behind Vintage Biri Biri. Was it a random coffee cup idea or was it a planned business from the start?
VBB: Vintage Biri Biri started off from our love for thrifting and hunting for unique retro styled one-off pieces. Following the current fashion trend is fun but when you mix it up with something cool from the past, you put a whole new twist to your outfit that not only reflects your own style but puts a certain creative touch to your overall appearance.
Vintage clothing has long been a big thing outside of our country and it’s not surprising that our local fashionistas are into it as well. It was pure luck when we stumbled upon a friend of a friend who happens to be involved in importing vintage clothing from Japan.
I guess you could say it was a planned business from then on. In the UK some of the top high street fashion retailers have been selling vintage-inspired lines as well as authentic vintage pieces, but due the currency exchange, they are a wee bit pricey for the average Malaysian girl here.
We at VBB are shopaholics ourselves and we understand noone likes the idea of burning a hole in their purses just to look good, and that's why we try to keep our prices as affordable as possible :)
Vintage clothing has long been a big thing outside of our country and it’s not surprising that our local fashionistas are into it as well. It was pure luck when we stumbled upon a friend of a friend who happens to be involved in importing vintage clothing from Japan.
I guess you could say it was a planned business from then on. In the UK some of the top high street fashion retailers have been selling vintage-inspired lines as well as authentic vintage pieces, but due the currency exchange, they are a wee bit pricey for the average Malaysian girl here.
We at VBB are shopaholics ourselves and we understand noone likes the idea of burning a hole in their purses just to look good, and that's why we try to keep our prices as affordable as possible :)
TiC: How did you came about picking the name “Vintage Biri Biri”?
VBB: "Biri-biri" (Malay for "sheep") are one of the most adorable creatures around, and they produce wool, which in turn is used to make fabric. Metaphorically, it represents clothes.
We played around with a few names, and this one had the most memorable ring to it. We were proven right when random shoppers came up to us and said to us things like, "Hey you're that biri-biri right? My friend told me about you!"
TiC: Are the owners of VBB currently studying or working?
VBB: One of us is currently pursuing a short course in fashion design. And the other (sleeping) partner is already running several fashion retail outlets in town.
TiC: Is it difficult to source vintage pieces, since they are so limited?
VBB: To source for rare designer vintage pieces is not easy, as they don't come by often. But if you know where to look, you will find a gem or two. Thrifting can be fun yet exhausting and time consuming, not to mention you've got to get your hands dirty. At VBB, we do all the hard work for you, so all you gotta do is browse and click.
As mentioned, we know somebody who knows somebody :)
TiC: Are there any future plans you would like to share with us on Vintage Biri Biri?
VBB: We are considering migrating our blogshop to a proper dot com address in the future, although blogspot is serving us well at the moment. Opening an offline shop has long been in the plans and we have been sourcing for a physical place that is suitable for some time now.
We hope to secure an offline base as soon as possible, since so many of our buyers have been asking if they can try on the clothes they see on the blogshop. And yes, although we mainly carry retro dresses, we also try to spice things up by posting shoes, scarves, etc. We are definitely looking into bringing in some vintage bags and maybe accessories soon.
TIC: How frequent do you update?
VBB: Our blogshop is updated almost every weekday, public holidays excluded. We try to update as frequent as possible. But of course sometimes when we're on a buying trip, or feel that we've been working too hard, we'll take a couple of days off as well.
TIC: What makes a person fashionable?
VBB: We believe you've got to be comfortable in whatever you are wearing. With comfort comes confidence, and you will make whatever you're in look good on you.
TiC: How would you describe your personal fashion style?
VBB: Something with colours, prints, textures, of comfortable fabric, casually chic or classic cuts. Anything quaint or quirky.
TiC: Where do you shop? And which country do you love to shop in?
VBB: Would love to go back to Paris, London, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Online shopping is fun too, especially when I am feeling all couch potato-ey!
TiC: What is on your current wish list?
VBB: At this very moment: A trip to the UK and a free ticket to The Mighty Boosh Live Tour.
TIC: What kind of fashion trends are you looking forward to see this year?
VBB: High-waisted flared denim pants. Hehe.
TIC: Lastly, what advice would you give to budding online shoppers whom are interested in opening an online shop site like yours?
VBB: Keep your head down and work real hard. The internet is the best thing since sliced bread. No really, you can find absolutely anything on the world wide web. When we wanted to open our online shop, we did not have the option to get professional help on the technical part of things (due to budget constraint). So we had to roll up our sleeves, learn everything from scratch and do everything on our own.
Everything is not perfect yet, but we are happy with what we've managed to come up with so far.
+ + +
Vintage Biri Biri is going to be at Pick & Grab Part 2 if you're interested in checking out their products in person. I'm sure you will find yourself a vintage piece to adopt!
If you can't wait, you may shop online here. Facebook: VBB
Picture credits: Vintage Biri Biri
Share this with your friends via E-mail, Facebook, Myspace, Digg and more.
