The February Hotline
Ring ring! It's your new monthly vintage dispatch calling
Hi friends! Happy February.
I’ve decided to start each month with a little check in. The first-of-the-month hotline is where I’ll share what I’m up to, what’s happening in the world of vintage, and how I’m seeking inspiration through books, film, exhibits, and more.
On My Calendar…
Next weekend, I’ll be at Part Two luxury vintage show in SoHo for the first time!
I’m sharing a booth with my lovely friend Celina of Curio Vintage, and I’m bringing the best of the best from my recent sourcing trip to Paris. We’ll be slinging designer vintage from Friday, February 6th through Sunday the 8th. You can get 10% off tickets with my code STEVENS here!
To keep up with seeing at least one fashion or textile exhibit a month, I’ll be attending an upcoming lecture introducing Gainsborough: The Fashion of Portraiture at The Frick, opening February 12th.
Also view in New York this month:
Art X Fashion opens at The Museum at FIT on 2/18
Spanish Style: Fashion Illuminated, 1550-1700 is on view at the Hispanic Museum & Library until 3/22
The New York Sari is on display at The New York Historical until 4/26
In The Shop…
What’s Selling: Unsurprisingly, coats. More surprisingly, hot pink. I’ve stopped sourcing as many bold colors because they’re so hard to move, but this month I sold two bright pink pieces, both from the 60’s - a wool Pucci mini skirt (below), and a mohair blend swing coat.
What’s Sitting: January was the first month in a looong time (maybe ever?) that I didn’t sell a single pair of shoes at Seven Wonders. It was probably because I didn’t have any boots in stock - it’s just too damn cold and snowy for flats or loafers, and there aren’t many reasons to buy heels this time of year.
What I’m Sourcing: Last month was my last push for real winter stuff. I typically stop picking up chunky knits and coats around this time of year, unless they’re so special that I’d be willing to risk sacrificing precious space to store them until next fall. I’m not planning on actively sourcing this month, holding off to start really buying into spring in March.
In My Closet…
What I’m Wanting: Of course, I couldn’t source vintage abroad without finding myself a few gems. I intended to publish my full Paris Vintage Shopping Guide earlier this week, including what I bought (and for how much). However, I decided to postpone the piece to help keep our collective attention on vital coverage of the rapidly escalating violence of ICE. To support communities in Minnesota from afar, I’ll be donating all February paid subscriptions for 1-800-VINTAGE to the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund.
What I’m Wearing: To be completely honest? A sweatsuit. It’s been a very cold and snowy start to the year here in NYC, and I haven’t had much reason or motivation to put together many fits. A boiler issue left my building without heat for two days with lows of -1°, so my outfits have been less fashion and more please god let the radiator turn back on.
I’ve been on a very unglamorous rotation of shearling house slippers, an old black puffer coat, and my Clotheshorse “don’t give your money to assholes” sweatshirt. The ever-brilliant Amanda opted for iron-on transfers instead of readymade merch, which meant I could slap this killer quote/kitten combo on a perfectly broken in estate sale crewneck from the 90’s.
On My Mind…
What I’m Reading: In January, I finished The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Erasure, and The Dud Avocado. I attempted to start The Master and Margarita mid-month, but it felt a bit too intellectual after (barely) keeping up with Percival Everett.
What I’m Watching: I watched Cléo from 5 to 7 before my trip to Paris, and fell in love with Alyette Samazeuilh’s early 60’s costume design. I’ll be forever searching for something like the impish fur hat Cléo buys (and gives away). The conical shape! The proportions of the fur! J’adore!
My husband and I went to a 40th anniversary screening of Labyrinth at Village East, and it was so fun to watch something so delightfully campy with a giggly crowd. Bowie really does make a strong case for a man in leggings.
On Display…
What I Saw: I was lucky enough to kick off my year of fashion exhibits in one of the few cities that can truly compete with New York! Despite only having four days in Paris, I managed to squeeze in visits to see Azzedine Alaïa and Christian Dior, Two Masters of Haute Couture at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation, The Design Workshops of Paris’ Department Stores, Windows Into Art Deco at Bibliothèque Forney, and Weaving, Embroidering, Embellishing. The Crafts and Trades of Fashion, at Palais Galliera.
Back in NYC, I stopped by The Met to see Man Ray: When Objects Dream and Casa Susanna before they both closed. Photography is often one of the mediums I’m less compelled by in a museum setting, but both exhibits were incredibly inspiring.
Casa Susanna offered a rare and captivating look at 1960’s gender liberation in an intimate New York queer community. I highly encourage you to take a moment to read more about Susanna Valenti and Marie Tornell, and how they fostered a safe haven for free expression through social gatherings and upstate retreats. The trove of photos was re-discovered at a flea market in 2004, allowing for the preservation of stories that were almost lost to history.
What I Wish I Could See: If I could teleport, I would be visiting Viktor&Rolf. Fashion Statements at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and Costume Couture at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London.
Thanks for calling! Chat soon.
xo
Really solid approach to treating exhibit visits as profesional development. The Alaïa/Dior pairing must have been incredible for understanding cut and construction from two totally diferent eras. I've noticed that seeing garments in person changes how I evaluate similar pieces later, theres just something about understanding drape and proportion in 3D that you cant get from photos alone.
I love how you're donating February paid subscriptions to the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund. I'm also really loving this new series and can't wait for next month's