Introduction
“Me and Vintage Clothing” is a global online photo contest open to all creators registered with cizucu, sponsored by SPINNS, a style marketplace popular among youth for its motto “ATTITUDE MAKES STYLE!!”. The contest curates outstanding submissions, aiming to discover new talent as a platform and to foster support within the community.
Reflecting on encounters and memories with vintage clothing—whether purchased at a favorite shop or received from someone special—can reveal a unique connection between oneself and vintage garments. Revisiting the affection and sentiment tied to these pieces is akin to looking back at travel photographs.
For this contest, participants submitted photographs of cherished vintage clothing they have encountered and worn over the years. We are pleased to present the submissions, as well as the works selected for the Award of Excellence and the Grand Prize. Comments for the Award of Excellence and Grand Prize are provided by Mr. Iwatsuki, Division Manager of the SPINNS Business Division at Human Forum Inc.
Submission Highlights
Image by bikkya
bikkya
“A vintage piece my husband bought years ago at a thrift store in Los Angeles.”
📷 samsung | SC-53C
cizucu Editorial Team
Everyone has at least one garment they no longer wear but choose to keep. This is perhaps proof that clothing is more than just fabric that covers the body. Looking back at a casually taken photograph after some time can bring back memories of the clothes worn in that moment.
Image by ryuuunosuke
ryuuunosuke
“Before I started dating my current girlfriend, she picked out a blue sukajan for me and said it would suit me, so I bought it.”
📷 Google | Pixel 7
cizucu Editorial Team
The encounter with a garment that you can recall as ‘the one I bought that day’ becomes a small treasure in one’s life. Even if it takes time to realize, a piece closely associated with special moments or important occasions adorns a significant scene in your personal narrative.
Award of Excellence
Image by the Oji brown
the Oji brown
“Just passing by the storefront brings back the scent of the city from those days.”
📷 SONY | ILCE-7M4
Comment from Mr. Iwatsuki, SPINNS
This photograph conveys the act of reaffirming one’s own sense of attachment—not only to vintage clothing, but also to the city itself—while simultaneously evoking the enjoyment of the past, present, and future. It was selected for its ability to inspire the imagination to envision the story of a life.
Image by スタジオ321
スタジオ321
“The top-tier vintage section”
📷 SONY | ILCE-7M2
Comment from Mr. Iwatsuki, SPINNS
The closet filled with vintage pieces. While there is joy in going out dressed in vintage, this image also evokes the scene of enjoying vintage clothing displayed at home, like a personal boutique. It was selected for capturing how each individual enjoys ‘vintage’ in their own way, united by a shared passion.
Grand Prize
Image by cab
cab
“A memorable shot after vintage shopping with friends.”
Comment from Mr. Iwatsuki, SPINNS
Wearing your favorite vintage, taking your best friends along, visiting your favorite vintage shops together, and wandering the city in search of a new favorite piece. After finding that special item, sharing the joy together—this photograph was selected for beautifully capturing the excitement that vintage clothing brings to one’s life.
Overall Comments from Mr. Iwatsuki, SPINNS
Usually, we express our vision through vintage clothing and the atmosphere of our shops, but this time, creators have brought to life stories that far exceeded my imagination through the theme of “Me and Vintage Clothing.” SPINNS will continue to find creative ways to express the appeal of vintage clothing, and I hope everyone will continue to enjoy vintage in their own unique ways.
In Closing
What did you think?
Even with a single word like “vintage,” there are as many memories and stories as there are people. We rarely take the opportunity to focus on clothing—the material closest to ourselves—but this contest allowed us to truly appreciate its significance and charm.
We encourage you to continue taking time to reflect on your relationship with vintage clothing. In doing so, you may discover new hints for your own sense of fulfillment.