A married couple who dress each day in authentic 1950’s outfits are delighted to have reached the final of a national competition celebrating their pastime, overcoming years of torment. Frankie and Melanie Calland, from Howden le Wear in County Durham, are both addicted to dressing in the styles popular over half a century ago, and have suffered years of abuse over their unusual passion. However, the pair refused to be put off, and have now beaten hundreds of other hopefuls to reach the finals Mr Vintage UK and Miss Vintage UK; a national vintage fashion contest. Scroll down for video
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When Frankie and Melanie met they bonded over their love of 1950s style
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Now married, they have worn fashion of the era everyday for over 20 years
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Have suffered vandalism and verbal taunts because of their appearance
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Abuse forced the couple to move, but refused to give up on their passion
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Pair have now won regional rounds of national vintage fashion competition
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Will now compete in the finals of Mr and Miss Vintage UK later this month
At the very least we'd get stared at,’ @placeholder laments.
They are genuinely interested and I think it's because it's all on trend at the moment - although @placeholder and I have been dressing like this for more than 30 years.’