Old gold: vintage kidswear launch

The 24-year-old said working at Henry Hiccups toy shop in Leederville was the ultimate inspiration behind the launch of her online shop, Childlike Empress Vintage, this month.

‘I would watch how excited customers got seeing these very lovely traditional toys that they used to play with when they were little,’ Ms Singer said.

‘Then I realised that there is a market for genuine vintage kids’ clothing that has that same great nostalgia factor.’

Ms Singer said modern clothing was often produced very cheaply in bulk to encourage parents to buy with a disposable mentality.

‘It is often practical to have simple clothing for kids because they get dirty and grow so quickly, but for special occasions like family photos and birthdays it’s nice to have something a bit more unique,’ she said.

‘I often find a whole box of things that someone has lovingly put away and hoped to pass on. They are often handmade, sewn and knitted in high quality fabrics.

‘One of my favourite little dresses has this little raspberry print that reminds me of a book that I read when I was little about mice who lived in the countryside.

‘When I come across precious pieces like that I can just tell someone put a lot of love and care into it.’

Henry Hiccups owner Elsa Beliharz said she was thrilled when Ms Singer approached her to host the website’s launch party at the shop on September 18.

‘Helen works really hard and is really passionate about Henry Hiccups,’ Ms Beliharz said.

‘She gave my daughter beautiful vintage clothing for her first birthday, so it’s all very exciting and I’m glad to support her in starting her own business.’

Ms Singer said she knew it would be difficult to let go some of the more special items she had collected over the years.

‘I definitely don’t think I will be having a child too soon in the future, but there are one or two things that I really thought ‘I should keep this for Helen junior’,’ she said.

Visit www.childlikeempress vintage.com.