Why Designer Vintage Never Goes Out Of Style

One of the most surefire ways to shop one-of-a-kind, while still staying on trend, is to invest in designer vintage.

Travel clothing, wearability and versatility are all major trends for 2018, and designers are turning to past collections, which mastered the easy-pack, easy-wear style of dressing, for inspiration.

Left to right, Collin James and Brandon Velloria

This pack-and-go style flourished in the 1990s, along with athleisure, coming mainly from Prada, and wearable couture from Jean-Paul Gautier, all of which are on trend today.

Designers such as Issey Miyake, whose pleated silk organza dresses are light and feathery in a carry-on, and Yohji Yamamoto, whose avant-garde, easy-fit tunics make layering a cinch, are particularly appealing right now, and it all lies in the ease of their designs. For travelers who want to stay stylish without being saddled down by luggage full of designer looks, these outfits are a no-brainer.

So, how can you get your hands on them? It’s always best to shop the originals rather than knock-off copies. Pay a visit to the downtown designer vintage boutique James Veloria to do just that.
A post shared by Collin James 👬Brandon Veloria (@jamesveloria) on Apr 11, 2018 at 10:32am PDT
James Veloria is co-owned and co-curated by Collin James and Brandon Veloria. Talking to Culture Trip, Brandon explains why originals are always the best option: “The quality and history of craftsmanship is like no other,” he says.

To make designer vintage more accessible to New Yorkers, James Veloria recently partnered with the Soho store and downtown New York institution Opening Ceremony, where they have showcased a selection of their vintage wares.
A post shared by Collin James 👬Brandon Veloria (@jamesveloria) on Apr 2, 2018 at 3:57pm PDT
“One of the owners [of Opening Ceremony], Humberto Leon, is vintage-obsessed and has shopped with us for a while,” Brandon says.

Brandon explains how Leon wanted James Veloria to include a design feature dedicated to “’90s Miu Miu and Prada sport” in their collection, in-keeping with the easy-to-wear trend of the moment.

As for caring for designer vintage—especially if you’re traveling with it —Brandon has some helpful hints.

“Finding a good dry cleaner is key,” he says. “You want someone who knows and appreciates the garments you’re bringing to them.” If you’re travelling, find a good dry cleaner wherever you are. After all, you don’t want to clothes to just sit in your wardrobe. “We’re all about bringing new fun life to our pieces,” Brandon says.
A post shared by Collin James 👬Brandon Veloria (@jamesveloria) on Apr 16, 2018 at 7:30am PDT
In addition to finding a quality dry cleaner, Brandon using vinegar water to extract unwanted smells from the vintage garments. Add a cup of it to the washing machine or hang your garment in a closet and place a bowl of vinegar water beneath. This will preserve the integrity of the clothing and avoid damaging the delicate fabrics.

The most important thing to keep in mind with designer vintage is that you’re wearing a bit of fashion nostalgia. “We don’t want people to just archive [designer vintage] away,” Brandon says.

Instead, wear your find as you explore the world.

James Veloria, 75 East Broadway #203A, New York, NY 10002

About the author

Jill Di Donato

Fashion Editor

Jill is a New York native who holds a BA in Literature from Barnard College, and an MFA in writing from Columbia University. She is the author of the novel Beautiful Garbage (She Writes Press, 2013) about the downtown Manhattan art and fashion scene in the 1980s. A former staff writer for The Huffington Post and Bustle, Jill comes to Culture Trip after working with Refinery 29, Vice, Salon, Paste Style, Los Angeles Times, Nylon, Shopify, Autre, and producing content for emerging fashion labels. She teaches classes about fashion and culture at Barnard College and The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her prized possessions are her Gucci fanny pack, vintage rocker t-shirts, and her grandmother's collection of costume jewelry. She's always on the lookout for a gem-encrusted turban.