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Writer's pictureNotOnThe WestEnd

HDO Vintage

My name is Nicole and for the last 15 years I have worked as a Costume Buyer and Assistant Supervisor for (mostly) West End theatre. I have worked on a lot of musicals-Sound of Music, Les Mis-international productions, Hair, Half a Sixpence, Matilda, Local Hero and An American in Paris to name but a few. An American in Paris was my absolute favourite as I was in my element sourcing vintage fabrics and accessories and hugely challenged buying ballet and dance shoes in the hundreds for the amazing cast of professional dancers. I had no experience of ballet shoes so it was a steep learning curve but I gained so much knowledge and soon became a regular at Freeds, Bloch and Capezio. And this is what I miss so much now that our industry has gone dark. The excitement of starting work on a new show, bringing all my accumulated knowledge to the production but always learning something new and adapting my skills. I also miss terribly scouring the streets of London searching for the perfect fabric, button or accessory.


I have very eclectic taste and have always been a magpie as far as vintage is concerned. Most of the productions I have been on require some vintage items so I have always been able to satisfy that passion through work. During a lull with theatre work several years ago I began trading at Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair and opened an Etsy shop called Highly Desirable Objects (HDOVintage). Up until covid Etsy was just my side gig and I restocked and rejigged when I could. Now of course it is my main occupation and keeps me busy while I and all the other wonderful people who work in theatre wait patiently for the lights to go back on.

I hope you enjoy browsing through my shop. Please feel free to contact me if there is something special you are looking for or if you need any further information.




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