London Vintage Fashion Fair

London Vintage Fashion Fair, first held in 1999, is a closely guarded secret among antique lovers and vintage junkies. The brainchild of dealer-collectors Paola Francia-Gardiner and Alberto Ricca, the Fair has become an almost monthly event, attracting inspiration-seekers from the worlds of fashion, art, and design as well as savvy enthusiasts in search of amazing treasures.

The fair draws fashionistas from across Britain and Europe, who come to admire the shelves upon shelves of stylish handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories. Everything is original, dating from the 1800s to the 1980s. One of the great things about the fair is that it's never too noisy or hectic, and there are very few tourists. Indeed, the people who come here eat, sleep, and breathe antiques.

Entrance is £5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and £10 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are available in advance, but it's better to buy a yearly membership for £25 to all fairs and events at Hammersmith Town Hall and the Olympia Hilton in Kensington.

Key info: Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tags: London Vintage Fashion Fair,Hammersmith Antique Fair,Vintage