Interviewed: Elena Smirnova According to fashionable terminology, vintage is a retro thing, from the manufacture of which no less than 20 and no more than 50 years have passed. This is the so-called “fashion peep” from the time of its creation, a peculiar piece of art that fully expresses the trends of its time.
Harvey Nichols presented in Dubai a collection of vintage bags and jewelry by Chanel, together with the supplier of unique couture products, the American company What Goes Around Comes Around. The founder of the company Seth Wesser arrived at the presentation of the capsule collection of the Rue de Cambon Vintage Chanel. A conversation with him allowed us to plunge into the history and modernity of vintage fashion for a short while.
Seth, tell us about the origins of your work, and, in particular, with vintage Chanel items?
In 1993, my partner and I opened a boutique in New York, in Soho, and for 20 years, inspired by the uniqueness of the vintage style, we have been selecting for our collections. I want to note that many do not know the features of acquiring important things, what is their value. Today, the fashion of the 1980s can already be called vintage. The best examples are offered by European brands: rare Dior, Hermes, Lanvin, interesting things can also be found among Americans. But, of course, Chanel remains Chanel at all times.
How do you make collections for the future? Do you buy from the latest collections of fashion houses?
We are mainly interested in finding items created before 1980. But if some limited exhibits of today attract our attention, we definitely buy it, because over time their value will increase. In our American boutique you can find not only wardrobe items, but also collections of books, audio recordings, magazines - here you can truly plunge into another era.
Today, the fashion industry is striking in its diversity, there is plenty to choose from. What, against this background, can be attractive vintage?
Of course, you can come out in the outfit from the latest collection of a famous brand, but what is the likelihood that you will not see the same copy on your five other friends? After all, there are so many boutiques of the same name all over the world ... And in a dress of the last century or with vintage jewelry and accessories, you will always stand out from the crowd and attract interested eyes.
Which star is your customer? How do they relate to the "old" things?
Almost all stars are now buying vintage. A truly fashionable person is no longer “obsessed” with a name; for him, the issue of style is more important. Stars adore dresses of the 1920s and handbags of the 1980s, shine in vintage on red carpets, social events, while relaxing or visiting performances and exhibitions. In the collections of many celebrities you can see very rare things, the value of which is growing every year.
Do you think the UAE market is ready for this trend?
In my opinion, now it’s more of an educational process for local buyers, they are rich enough to acquire the most fashionable, high-quality items from the world's leading brands. We give them the opportunity to have unique pieces with their own history that emphasize individuality and add unique chic to the image.
Are you satisfied with the design of the corner of the Rue de Cambon Vintage Chanel in Harvey Nichols?
I can’t talk about the store as a whole, because this is a separate concept, and the design of our department, in my opinion, turned out to be wonderful and our customers will like it. It is worth noting that Harvey Nichols is always very competent in its design, which attracts a huge number of buyers.
Of course, the young city of Dubai is learning fast, and its acquaintance with the history of fashion will continue. Naturally, the beginning was laid precisely by Vintage Chanel accessories. No wonder they say that legend bags are a great investment. We wish our readers a happy shopping!
