New Derry Pop Up Shops: Elaine Duffy’s Vintage Star – Mend & Make Do

Elaine Duffy lives and breathes vintage fashion. Inspired by old Hollywood movies, and her stylish grandmother, who “never had a hair out of place, and looked like she’d walked out of a magazine”, the Derry woman loves hunting down preloved pieces and emulating looks from the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

The mum-of-one has now turned her love of old school glamour into her own business. Vintage Star – Mend & Make Do will stock a mix of original vintage clothing and handmade items such as aprons, hair accessories, corsages, and rockabilly-inspired pieces.

“Vintage clothes tell a story, there’s a history behind them,” she says. “I want to offer timeless pieces that suit all ages and sizes, and keep it very much about sustainability - reworking things instead of them ending up in landfill, as well as making my own products.”

Elaine is “over the moon” to have landed a place in the RE:IMAGINE pop up, and has already been discussing collaborations with the other start-ups.

“It’s a great way to get the high street back up and revived, and get the blood running back through it,” she says.

“You’re part of a community. We can reach out to each other for support and ideas, and there’s going to be so much creativity going on in there.”