Treasure Hunt

Can I tell you...about my obsession for vintage fashion. As it goes, "Someone's trash is someone's treasure" and I've been collecting vintage "treasures" for the past 10 years! My appetite for acquisition remains insatiable. Fortunately for me, two times a year vintage sellers from all over the US come together for the Manhattan Vintage Show. The exhibition lasts only two days, usually beginning on Friday and ending on Saturday. On the first day, designers, stylists, die hard fashionistas and random drag queens show up to get first dibs. The second day is open to the general public. It's first come first serve so the earlier the better. Teams from big firms go in groups so they can divide and conquer. This 'treasure hunt' is a vintage addict's dream!There are aisles and aisles of vintage fabulosity and the varieties are endless. There are sellers who only sell mens fashion, some who only deal in prints and remnant fabrics and others who sell only accessories. Some sellers specialize in designer vintage because they usually fetch higher prices and others have random pieces they've bought at yard sales or flea markets.
In terms of handbags and shoes, I'm adverse to designer vintage because they are so recognizable and usually cost more than I want to pay. I like the more obscure or never heard of labels. They are usually more interesting and full of surprising details. Although, every now and then I can't resist and will end up buying Charles Jourdan, Maud Frizon, Walter Steiger or Stuart Weitzman. Their shoes from the Eighties rocked!There are some amazing costume jewelry in the show but their prices have gone through the roof recently, especially the casted pieces that are in relatively 'wear now' condition.At the entrance there was a vendor who was selling Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage as well as other objects covered in the monogram fabric. I loved the LV covered toilet seat cover. I thought that was kitschy and hilarious.Over the years I've ammassed such a large inventory I've had to label them and index them so I can access them easily when I'm working on the next season. Vintage fashion is a huge source of inspiration for me and other designers as you may already know.
This particular show didn't yield as many 'treasures', which is just as well given the times. I should just shop my own vintage closet.
Discouraged, Steffanie and I went to City Bakery for a coffee break before heading back to the office. Right as we're about to finish, in walks this cute blonde girl wearing a Rafe bag. She circles the counter then walks out of the cafe. As she approaches the door we recognize her. It was actress Julia Stiles!
Steffanie urged me to run out and get a snapshot. Thank God for my Iphone. She was surprisingly accommodating and really sweet. Once she realized I was who I am, she relaxed and posed for me. She loves the bag and still wears it after all these years. Now that was a New York moment!