There is an element of fantasy to fashion, and there is no better place to feel the frisson than at New York Vintage (NYV), owned by founders Shannon Hoey and Jon Schneck. This treasure trove is the premiere source for vintage designer fashion and accessories, supplying one-of-a-kind pieces to clients ranging from the civic-minded First Lady Michelle Obama, to some very elegant Saudi princesses to fashion plate Sarah Jessica Parker (who wore NYV pieces in Sex and the City) as well as the more theatrically inclined Lady Gaga and Rihanna. The sophisticated shopper also turns to New York Vintage for those rare and unique vintage finds.
The story of NYV’s founding has a fairy tale aspect to it. Once upon a time, fashion’s golden girl came upon an antique trunk while accompanying her husband, who also grew up in the antique business. Upon opening a pandora’s box, she found a cache of hats–tilts and toppers–possessing exceptional sculptural qualities that were seen by our visionary as timeless works of art. It was, how do you say?, un coup de foudre. Not even Hoey–an avid horsewoman with an art history background and a remarkably intuitive sense of quality and design—could have imagined that her fate and inspiration was contained in that forgotten antique trunk….
In 2000 Hoey launched this magical fashion empire with her husband, a former illusionist. “I am passionate about what I do. I get to challenge myself with every new project. I live for the fashion, and the inspiration I get, and get to give back,” says Hoey who presides over this world-renowned collection. The provenance and rarity of the collection are awe-inspiring and would make it impossible to assemble its like today. The top quality and exclusivity make it the go-to source not only for A-list celebrities making a statement on the red carpet, but also fashion designers, film, television, and the discerning fashionista alike looking for simply, the best.
When not working with clients like “fashion makers” Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen or heiress Daphne Guinness, Hoey, peripatetic and the ultimate fashion insider, is likely to be found in places like on the set of Men in Black III or meeting with a celebrity client on an exotic private island. New York Vintage recently supplied the cast of Boardwalk Empire and the soon to be released film, The Great Gatsby, contributing, no doubt, to fashion’s current fascination with the Jazz Age (witness Gucci’s spring 2012 ready-to-wear collection). The Twenties “is one of the most referenced eras in my collection,” says Hoey who has curated a collection of unique Art Deco accessories from her archives, exclusively for VandM. The collection ranges from a silver-shot Egyptian shawl to a fabulous coiled serpent choker. These incredible period pieces of fashion history are truly worthy of the likes of Daisy Buchanan.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson is a fashion historian, author of five books, including Fashion Illustration Now and The Cocktail Dress, and a contributor to numerous publications. Presently, she is involved in the Vogue Archive and Voguepedia, which she was instrumental in launching.
Welcome to VandM’s inTheMOMENT Sale – New York Vintage running from Jan 26 – Feb 26, 2012. InTheMOMENT merchandise is exclusive to VandM or of limited access and is all one-of-a-kind, so please note that, while we endeavor to ensure product availability, we cannot guarantee that all item(s) will be in stock. InTheMOMENT is a set of unique and rare merchandise reflecting attractive values available to our customers and often negotiated pricing (no trade discounts are available on InTheMOMENT Sales). InTheMOMENT orders are secured through credit card or PayPal, and shipping options will be provided to you by VandM and the seller for your approval (shipping is included in the final sale price to the continental USA). Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. All sales are final. All shipping will be done the week after the sale officially ends or sooner. If you need us to prepare a shipping estimate please call our offices at 1-800-618-2960.
