Take a fashionista to New York to shop and it’s like taking a kid to a candy shop. There’s so much to choose from. However, the discriminating buyer often has an agenda. She knows where all the best shops are, but she also knows some of the best finds are not going to be there. So she sets out on an adventure, knowing that if she perseveres she will find treasure—and that treasure is almost always found in New York’s amazing second-hand and consignment shops that cater to gently worn haute couture, often at a fraction of “new.”
Image courtesy of Screaming Mimis
SCREAMING MIMIS
240 West 14th Street—Parlor Floor
www.screamingmimis.com
“The first of its kind, SCREAMING MIMIS built their iconic reputation by approaching vintage clothing and costumes from a fashion stylist’s perspective. Elaborate displays, hip staff, and celebrity clientele; a visit to Screaming Mimis is an experience. Often imitated but never duplicated, SCREAMING MIMIS continues to excite and sustain the souls of true individuals in a world of mass-production. Always on the hunt for outstanding pieces, SCREAMING MIMIS lives for the moment when you find exactly what you need to make an entrance, or to stop a heart, or to leave a lasting impression.”
Image courtesy of What Goes Around Comes Around
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
103 Wooster Street, New York
www.whatgoesaroundnyc.com
One of the finest luxury vintage “previously owned” couture and fashion accessory stores you’ll discover in New York, WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND very well may be. Highest-quality, gently worn vintage “finds” by Chanel, Christian Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Hermes, Judith Leiber, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Versace, YSL, Bottega Veneta and Rolex are among their amazing, constantly changing offerings. If you can’t go in person, go online—and also, check out their Home Store collectibles. Amazing.
Image courtesy of New York Vintage
NEW YORK VINTAGE
117 West 25th Street, New York
www.newyorkvintage.com
This is another of New York’s amazing vintage couture fashion shops, however you first have to make an appointment to get in. First check out their amazing online vintage archive, which is as elite as their offerings. The members-only website is available by application only, to fashion, style, and design professionals.
Image courtesy of Pilgrim New York
PILGRIM NEW YORK
70 Orchard Street, New York
www.pilgrimnyc.com
Pilgrim New York was founded by Brian Bennett and Richard Ives out of their mutual love and appreciation for all things vintage, design and fashion. Pilgrim New York originally opened in 2006 in Woodstock, New York as an art gallery and vintage store and the following year, relocated to New York City. Pilgrim New York sources rare and one-of-a-kind vintage designer accessories from private dealers, collectors, and auctions around the world, from Tokyo to Paris to London and New York—and only offers the highest quality designer pieces, in near-new condition.