A visit to the Manhattan Vintage Show
tips for future vintage shows & secondhand shopping links
Last weekend I attended the Manhattan Vintage Show, I planned on getting this recap to you a week ago but I’ve been deep in house projects, (proof of that here), better late than never!
The Manhattan Vintage Show is New York's largest collection of vintage fashion and accessories, boasting close to 100 diverse vendors offering everything from the largest archive collection of 1980's Moschino to reworked workwear, something for everyone! It is an exceptional curation that showcases the breadth and depth of vintage fashion. Trust me, if you are a vintage enthusiast or simply want to learn more more, the Manhattan Vintage Show is an experience you need to witness for yourself. Mark your calendars, the next show will take place for the Summer season from May 31st to June 2nd.
My advice for vintage show shopping:
Make a list of specific items you might be looking for (on mine this time was an elevated belt)
But also go in with an open mind ready for the joy of discovery
You don’t have to go there to shop! Seeing all the fashion, meeting other vintage aficionados, and learning about the vendors can provide endless inspiration.
If you see something you like, do not sleep on it, but only if it is something you need and want to purchase! (It is possible to over-consume secondhand too!) Nothing haunts us more than the vintage we didn’t buy! There were two items (a knit set and a YSL blazer) I wanted to come back to that were sold by the time I went back.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, most shows are quite large and you might need to loop through multiple times.
Wear items that are easy to try on and envision how you would style other pieces with. I wear basic clothing, such as vintage levi’s and a white tee, as my base that way if I try a skirt on, I can easily picture it with a classic tee. Often the dressing rooms are mutual open spaces like a sample sale so It also makes it easier if you want to just throw something on in their booth instead of waiting in a dressing room line.
While at the show, I had the chance to collaborate with Alternew, the on-site alteration and repair team, to get some of my vintage finds expertly altered. Be on the lookout for an upcoming newsletter where I'll share invaluable insights on properly altering and caring for vintage pieces.
There was some stunning archival vintage, however I selected to share some favorites I saw that would be more wearable now:
Apologies for such poorly executed photos, I was in the moment!
Matching Sets: The one on the left is a knit Jantzen set at Galipette Vintage. It was one of the first pieces I saw when we walked in and I am still losing sleep over saying “let’s come back” because it was gone by the time I did. The one on the right is a 1940’s Textron Pajama Set at Carla & Carla Vintage. Items similar to both of these are now on my vintage bingo card for easy-breezy-throw-on-and-run-out-the-door-dressing.
Butter Yellow: I *melt* for anything that reminds me of a good salted butter.
Left is a 2004 Chloé Embellished Coat (Galiptte Vintage) - Vintage Chloé is definitely on the rise.
Right is a Jean Paul Gaultier Silk Corset Top, I found the same top in a pink meets terracotta shade on Vestiaire Collective here.
Prada Linen Dresses: Just because the weather gets warmer, doesn’t mean I want to wear brighter colors. I couldn’t find the same one but this Vintage Prada linen dress would be a dream during Summer months, I love the collar for a light menswear moment.
Early 1940s Embroidered Signature Shirt from Moonbaby Vintage. You can make a similar shirt by finding a vintage linen button-down (here are some options) and bringing it to Eva Joan to embellish it, I had them do something similar for a sweater for visible mending. I love the idea of adding names or phrases that are meaningful.
YSL Towel Pants: Zingara Vintage reworks vintage YSL terry cloth towels into coordinated sets that pay homage to the iconic French fashion house while making you want to live inside a Slim Aarons photo spritzing by a pool. You can make an appointment directly with Erin of Zingara to shop their full collection. I want to book a Summer trip just to have a reason to add these to my vintage collection.
After 6 full hours and over 10K steps, I practiced much-needed self-control and only purchased two items at the Manhattan Vintage Show. First, I purchased this Gianni Versace Belt, an item that was on my list of wardrobe gaps I was trying to fill- a belt that could jazz up pieces I already own (seen above with a vintage Jil Sander blazer). The second item I purchased was a brown suede jacket I was sourcing for a friend. She provided an inspirational image and some color directions, see below for the success story!
I love finding people the perfect pre-loved pieces for them. If you want clothing or home items sourced, I spend a lot of time at vintage stores and shops, so please reach out!
What I’ve consumed lately:
conversation with Sourcing Journals’ Peter Sadera
Volts podcast episode with Maxine Bedat on fashion’s climate impact
Who What Wear- Is the Algorithm Killing Personal Style? Featuring
Mark Your Calendar- Upcoming Events
Join me this Friday to toast Earth Week. Shop my latest Something Borrowed, Never New vintage glassware collection alongside a tasting of some biodynamic and minimal intervention wines. RSVP here.
The Future of Fashion Salon Series during Circularity Week presented by SuperCircle and Thousand Fell. RSVP here.
Thank you for reading this very niche post, I appreciate your love and support! ICYMI, I opened a vintage shop alongside Hyer Goods in NYC. You can visit us at 21 Greenwich Ave and follow along on ig.
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