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

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.