A Visit to the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show
by Wendy Lerman
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| Two weekends ago at the Metropolitan Pavilion, over 80 vintage sellers came together for the Manhattan Vintage Show. Three times a year, the huge event space transforms into a shopping mecca where vintage collectors, high-fashion shoppers, stylists, and deal hunters come to snag that special piece, or two, or three ... When I first heard about the Manhattan Vintage Show, they said it was a fashion show that took over 100+ years to create and this could not be truer. The term vintage here is used to describe fashion from the 19th century all the way to the 1990s. Each and every booth was very different from the next, whether by time period or taste. But, every vendor there had something truly distinctive and spectacular to offer and shared a bit of the history of fashion. |
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| L. to r.: Julie Skinner and Jasmine Chess of P.S. will make sure you walk out looking stylish ... Halston Bryant Park Tribute Gown worn by Helena Christensen in the '97 Show U.S.A. |
| After spending over six hours on this assignment, painfully sifting through racks of clothing at each booth (did I mention I love my job!?), I discovered some of my favorite vendors. Since they are all local, I had to share them with all of you. P.S. – Located in West Chelsea, this is one of those ridiculously cool vintage showrooms popular with stylists and celebrities. Every single piece that owner Julie Skinner showed us was more fabulous than the next. This Couture Jacques Casia turquoise cutout gown from the 70s will be featured in Sex and the City 2 (can you guess who will wear it?). The showroom is by appointment only, or you can view the collection on 1stDibs here. |
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| From P.S. (Clockwise from above): This Couture Jacques Casia turquoise cutout gown from the 70s will be featured in Sex and the City 2; Accessories that will give any outfit a pop of color; Whiting and Davis Gold Mesh Blouse. |
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| Owner Julie Skinner shows us a Zandra Rhodes Flapper Dress and a Zandra Rhodes Silk Chiffon Gold Painted Gown. | How about this Gianni Versace for Genny Oro Leather Bondage Covertible Dress, a black beaded top, or Black Silk Rhinestone Beadwork Capelet. |
| Use Your Head, Shop for a Cause – This is a relatively new boutique in Nolita that donates proceeds to the Soho Partnership. I visited the shop when it first opened last summer and you can read about my visit here. Patina – A unique Soho boutique that specializes in vintage fashion and twentieth-century decorative arts, find mint condition Pucci, Cardin, and Bob Mackie along with so much more. I’m looking forward to visiting the pretty shop in the fall since they are also known for their gorgeous furs and coats. |
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| Baubles and accessories at Use Your Head. |
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| Red and White Stripped Chanel Jacket ... Fur, hats, bags, and belts. Both at Patina. |
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| Vintage pearls and more at Patina. |
| Only Authentics – While they don’t have a showroom, Charles Virgil is the man you need to know if you are looking for a special Chanel. He is a true collector of Chanel, owning over 300 Chanel bags (I’m jealous), many of which are one of a kind or very difficult, limited-editions or hard to find styles. Buying a vintage high-end bag can be tricky, but Charles will steer you in the right direction ... like this special edition bag from the Chanel NYC 57 Street Store Re-opening in 2004 (pictured below). So if you want Chanel but looking for something you wont find anywhere else, contact him directly ... he might be the best kept secret in Manhattan. Only Authentics, charlesvirgil@gmail.com, 917.685.6115. |
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| Rows and rows of Chanel at Only Authentics, but some are truly unique - like this Special Edition 2004 Chanel Bag celebrating the 57th Street Store Re-Opening. |
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| Clockwise from top: And these rare beauties including this no-longer-in-production Mini White Lined Classic with vertical lines, sequined Chanel Studio 54 Runway bag, the Navy Velvet Camellia Flower Evening Bag, or this furry white one. |
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| Vintage Mini Backpack in metalic cobalt blue leather, denim-blue Chanel Briefcase. |
| A Second Chance – This is a well-known consignment and resale boutique is a great shop on the Upper East Side. They have tons of luxury brands and some very well-known clientele. Next time you are looking to buy a Hermes or sell one – this is the place to go. Lofty Vintage – Their theme at the show was “Summer Days” and the bathing suits, hats, and sundresses were enough to make me feel like I was in Old Hollywood. One of the best decorated booths at the show, they always select a different theme to showcase. Owner, Andrea Hall Levy has been at this for over 20 years and goes by the mantra, “If I don’t love it, I don’t buy it” so every piece is special at their huge 2000 square-foot loft located in Yonkers. |
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| With over 2000 Square Feet at their Yonkers loft, you're sure to find the perfect piece for any occasion. |
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| From fun to funky, Lofty Vintage has it all. |
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| Find the perfect "Summer Days" accessories for your beach vacation or stroll in Central Park. |
| P.S. 420 West 14th street, Suite 2NW NYC 917.428.0040 www.postscriptcouture.com Use Your Head, Shop for a Cause 262 Mott Street, NYC 917.232.3054 Patina 451 Broome Street, NYC 212.625.3375 patinavintage.com Only Authentics CharlesVirgil@gmail.com 917.685.6115 Lofty Vintage 530 Neppheran Avenue, Yonkers NY www.loftyvintage.com A Second Chance 1109 Lexington Avenue, 2nd Floor, NYC www.asecondchanceresale.com |
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| Whether you are looking for shoes, jewelry, hats, or bags - you'll find accessories to suit your style ... |
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| The Manhattan Vintage Show is the best place to shop for vintage pieces and to discover your new favorite vintage shops! |
| Twitter: ShoppingDiary |
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