Three times a year, the fashion-obsessed flock to the Manhattan Vintage Show from all over to bear witness to an inimitable collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and antique textiles—and hopefully snag a few treasures for themselves. This past weekend, over 90 vendors assembled to disseminate the rare finds they spend their lives curating. The public came to browse booth after booth trolling for sartorial treasure of the utmost individuality factor. So, naturally we popped by to see what they all were wearing.
Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer (the creatives and entrepreneurs behind Artists & Fleas and REGENERATION) bought the enterprise last January. Since then, they’ve attempted to expand the show’s reach, specifically in terms of accessibility. The result is a diverse range of vendors, yes, but also a large array of those who come to shop.
"Okay, so there's the dealers who have their own expression, which is amazing,” Abrams sets the scene for us. “Some of them dress the part. Some of them are hilarious. They're in a total comfort zone because it's an amazing war zone to them, this experience.” She stands before me in a Missoni kaftan from 1971. “But I will say,” Abrams continues, “I am so inspired by how amazing people dress to come to the show, to really show off their style. It's this huge vintage party.
Founder Amy Abrams wears a 1970s vintage Missoni kaftan.
The cast of characters eagerly waiting in line behind us as we spoke accurately depicted Abrams’ latter notion. And as the doors opened, they descended upon the arena clad in sparkling hats, cowboy boots, lamé jumpsuits, and much, much more. Interviewee. “I love fashion. It's the ultimate form of self-expression,” says Abrams. “But I think what's incredible is if you look around, you will see what is going to be the future of fashion.” Click through the below images to glimpse the vintage fair’s best dressed vendors and patrons.