“Where did you get that?” may be one of the best compliments the sartorial set can receive. The most satisfying answer? “It’s vintage.” For CULTURED, 10 New York denizens with an eye for style offer a comprehensive guide to their tried and true second-hand spots around the city, just in time for fashion month.
Batsheva Hay
Designer, Batsheva
Best accessory?
Icon Style on the Upper West Side has great bags and jewelry. Costume jewelry is the best way to accessorize, in my opinion.
Most gasp-worthy grail?
New York Vintage always has the best gowns. I think about ones I didn’t get—couldn’t afford—often.
Best deep dig moment?
The Housing Works on the Upper West Side has produced so many treasures—a trove of ’70s Yves Saint Laurent for nothing, Mary McFadden, a vintage Lanvin Couture cape—but it’s not always a win. That’s part of the fun.
Best hidden gem?
I love Cobblestones on 9th Street because it’s such a hodgepodge and the owner is always singing along to old-timey music.
Best sunglasses section?
Fabulous Fanny’s on 9th Street, obviously! But there’s also a vendor, Azyr Specs, that goes to the flea markets and has an online store. I’ve gotten some great big ol’ vintage Chloés from her.
James Harris
Podcaster, Throwing Fits
Most splurge-worthy piece?
I’ll walk into Lara Koleji and start calculating if I can forgo this month’s Roth IRA payment.
Best deep dig moment?
I was blessed to once peruse in-person the infinite inventory at Vintage Sponsor, and easily could’ve made a bed out of paper-thin tees and soft-as-baby-shit flannels in the corner to shack up for a few days.
Best hidden gem?
Varsity New York only because it’s relatively new. It won’t stay hidden for long.
Best sunglasses section?
I’ve formed an unhealthy, codependent relationship with the Versace sunglasses I copped at 194 Local.
Cruz Valdez
Photographer
Best accessory?
Card tables of someone’s personal knick-knacks from summer sidewalk sales.
Most gasp-worthy grail?
Beacon’s Closet in Greenpoint. I scored my signature Chanel bag and a Balenciaga blazer previously owned by Raquel Zimmermann there.
Best value-for-money?
Women’s History Museum vintage is priced so well for having such priceless things.
Marcus Allen
Vintage dealer and Founder, the Society Archive
Best going-out look?
Best accessory?
The Society Archive cap.
Most gasp-worthy grail?
Best last-minute outfit save?
What Goes Around Comes Around.
Best shoe section?
Emilia Petrarca
Fashion writer and Substacker, Shop Rat
Best hidden gem?
I’d tell people to check out Ancien, which just opened on Henry Street. Owner Marie Laffort is a restoration expert, and has put so much effort into bringing amazing vintage pieces back to life. I’ve got my eye on an olive green Issey Miyake coat she worked her magic on and an Oscar de la Renta evening jacket. She’s a former professional stylist and has an incredible eye for detail and fit.
The rest of [my] vintage I buy on the RealReal!
Marissa Baklayan
Stylist
Best going-out look?
Best last-minute outfit save?
Best deep dig moment?
Beacon’s Closet, specifically in Greenpoint for secret finds that require an editing eye.
Best hidden gem?
2nd Street Vintage, but only the one on Ludlow (not the SoHo one!)
Best sunglasses section?
Someone tell me, please!
Arianna Cho
Vintage Collector and Co-founder, Sake Bar Asoko
Best accessory?
Women’s History Museum—if I was smart I would’ve bought their S/S 2004 Issey Miyake corset.
Best hidden gem?
Either Ancien or Benthos! Both are primarily appointment-only, and on the Lower East Side. I found Ancien on a walk and loved how passionate Marie was about vintage, as well as her mix of ’70s and ’80s designer vintage with more contemporary (Dries Van Noten, Jil Sander, Prada) with a pinch of avant-garde (Junya Watanabe). Benthos is a small oasis in a decrepit Chinatown building, yet both minimal and chic. Where else can you find the rare Issey Miyake collaboration with Dyson (Autumn/Winter 2008) or Spring/Summer 1999 Prada in between a spa and a bus that can take you to North Carolina?
Best value-for-money?
I’ve been shopping with James Veloria for nearly a decade, and their prices have always remained fair and reasonable!
Lauren Schofield
Baker
Most gasp-worthy grail?
Ancien. Marie has encyclopedic knowledge and is a styling genius!
Best last-minute outfit save?
Front General Store (annex).
Best hidden gem?
Michael’s uptown—this is only a hidden gem to me because it’s very far from my normal orbit, but a lot of people probably know about it?
Best spot to bring out-of-towners to?
Front General Store (street level).
Best shoe section?
Consignment Brooklyn—I snagged a mint pair of Jil Sander riding boots here.
Gabrielle Richardson
Model and Gallerist, Ward Gallery
Best deep dig moment?
Lara Koleji on Orchard Street. I bought a gorgeous Elsa Peretti silver bracelet for such a good price. I think they have the best pricing when it comes to vintage fine jewelry.
Best hidden gem?
Best value-for-money?
Going to a thrift store on the Upper East or West Side. Those ladies are getting rid of everything.
Best spot to bring out-of-towners to?
The East Broadway Mall. It’s so quintessentially New York. There’s James Veloria and Reservations Only. I don’t think tourists are stepping foot in that mall.
Best shoe section?
Honestly, you tell me. I have big feet and they never have my size at any vintage shops.
Madeline Bach
Artist and Baker, Frosted Hag
Best going-out look?
I don’t get out much, but the next time I do I’m absolutely booking an appointment at Allison’s Archive.
Best accessory?
Fussy on Hester Street is run by the incredible Mai Toyoshima! I just bought two pieces from the winter pop-up, and I could have browsed her accessory collection for hours.
Best deep dig moment?
Deep digging in the bins at the Queens Goodwill outlet. Make sure you are hydrated, focused, and respectful.
Best hidden gem?
Tessa Gourin’s amazingly curated closet sales, if you’re lucky enough to find out about them.
Best sunglasses section?
Fabulous Fanny’s in the East Village.
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