Rediscovering Timeless Style: The Importance of Vintage Fashion and Where to Find It in NYC and Online
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, one trend that has stood the test of time is the love for vintage clothing. Not only is buying vintage a fantastic way to express your unique style, but it also carries significant environmental and economic benefits.
Why Buy Vintage?
1. Sustainability: The fashion industry, specifically fast fashion, is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution. By purchasing vintage clothing, you’re giving a second life to pieces that might otherwise end up in a landfill.
2. Quality: Vintage pieces are often better made than their modern counterparts. They were constructed to last, using high-quality materials and craftsmanship that you can't always find today.
3. Individuality: Wearing vintage ensures that you'll have a unique wardrobe. These pieces are usually one-of-a-kind, allowing you to create a look that's entirely your own.
4. Cost-effective: While some vintage items can be pricey, many are surprisingly affordable, especially compared to buying new designer pieces.
5. Historical Appreciation: Vintage clothing allows you to appreciate different eras' styles, silhouettes, and patterns, adding a historical element to your wardrobe.
Now that we've explored why you should consider adding vintage pieces to your closet, let's dive into where you can find them. Here are some top-rated online vintage stores and physical shops in New York City:
James Veloria
75 East Broadway #225
New York, NY 10002
https://www.jamesveloria.com
James Veloria, inspired by innovative design and bold colors and patterns, is packed with iconic pieces, with an emphasis on Japanese and European designers.
Desert Vintage
34 Orchard Street New York, NY 10002
www.desertvintage.com
Desert Vintage, founded in 1974 in Arizona, has come to be known as a great source for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces of quality and flair.
Pippin Vintage Jewelry
104 West 17th Street- New York, NY 10011
www.pippinvintage.com
Pippin store is like rummaging through your grandma’s jewelry box. You can find anything at any price point!
What Goes Around Comes Around
103 Wooster Street - New York, NY 10012
351 West Broadway - New York, NY 10013
www.whatgoesaroundnyc.com
At What Goes Around Comes Around you will find luxury vintage accessories and apparel from around the world.
The RealReal
870 Madison Avenue - New York, NY 10021
80
Wooster Street - New York, NY 10012
www.therealreal.com
The RealReal is the leader in luxury resale and consignment. The company claims it authenticates every single item they sell.
Rebag
390 W Broadway, New York, NY, 10012
10 Columbus Circle, 2nd Floor, # 225, New York, NY, 10019
www.rebag.com
Rebag, founded in 2014, buys, sells, and trades pre-owned luxury accessories including handbags, fine jewelry, and watches. Rebag claims to certify every item sold on their site.
Designer Revival
324 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028
www.designerrevival.com
Designer Revival, one of the very first consignment stores in NYC, specializes in high-end pre-owned pieces. Products are put through a rigorous authenticity testing process.
Dora Maar
www.dora-maar.com
Dora Maar is a platform, named after the French artist, was launched in 2019 by Lauren Wilson. Hand-selected fashion-loving individuals sell their treasures through their digital storefronts on Dora Maar. This is the perfect way to get access to a style you love.
1st Dibs
www.1stdibs.com
Inspired by the Marché aux Puces in Paris, Michael Bruno founded this design marketplace in 2000. 1stDibs enables shoppers to interact with top sellers from around the world in vintage, fashion, and fine jewelry. Shoppers can make purchases directly, negotiate a price or place bids on items at auction.
Depop
www.depop.com
Launched in 2011 by Simon Beckerman, Depop is a global marketplace that allows you to see what your friends and the people you’re inspired by are liking, buying, and selling, and vice versa. In 2021, Depop became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Etsy and continues to operate as a standalone company.
Shrimpton Couture
www.shrimptoncouture.com
Shrimpton Couture was founded in 2006 by Cherie Balch. Each vintage piece is personally curated and approved by Cherie. Shrimpton Couture is one of the worlds only online platforms for top-tier curation of high-end vintage.
Pilgrim New York
70 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002
www.pilgrimnyc.com
Founded in 2006 by Brian Bennett, co-founder of Lambrecht & Bennett fashion photography agency, and fashion stylist Richard Ives, Pilgrim New York sources incredible vintage designer pieces from all around the world.
Vestiaire Collective
www.us.vestiairecollective.com
Vestiaire Collective was founded in 2006 by six investors. Last year, French luxury group Kering invested in Vestiaire Collective, marking a turning point in the history of fashion. Traditionally, luxury groups have been wary of secondhand sellers, but that is changing. Vestiaire Collective takes care of the authentication, which makes it unique. Shoppers can expect access to the largest collection of pre-loved luxury.
The Vintage Twin
135 Kent Ave,
Williamsburg, NY 11249
www.thevintagetwin.com
The Vintage Twin specializes in vintage denim, graphic t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets. The Vintage Twin claims to have an unmatched collection of vintage Levi's. Its inventory includes pieces from the 1960s-70s, plenty 1980s-1990s, and a capsule of 2000.
Amarcord Vintage Fashion
223 Bedford Avenue Williamsburg, NY 11211
www.amarcordvintagefashion.com
Amarcord was founded by Italians Patti Bordoni and Marco Liotta in 2000. Its inventory includes pieces from Victorian era to the 2000s, with a focus on European designers, particularly Italian fashion. What sets Amarcord apart from other second hand shops, is that each season is treated as a complete collection reflecting the fashion moods of the moment.
Beacon’s Closet
10 W 13th St
New York, NY 10011
www.beaconscloset.com
Founded in 1997 by Carrie Peterson, Beacon’s Closet opened its first location in Williamsburg, NY. Today, it has 4 separate locations: Greenpoint, Park Slope, Manhattan, and Bushwick. Known as one of the top 10 secondhand stores in NYC, this franchise is stocked with top designers' clothing and accessories.
Remember, the beauty of vintage lies in its uniqueness and the stories each piece carries. So next time you're thinking about updating your wardrobe, consider going vintage. You will not only be investing in quality and individuality but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
