Manhattan Vintage NYC Winter Show: “The Thrill of It All!”

Manhattan Vintage Show Atmosphere – All photos by Marilyn Kirschner

I always look forward to the Manhattan Vintage Show, whose winter addition opened on Friday, February 2, and runs through Sunday, February 4. Each season, Manhattan Vintage, held at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, convenes 90+ dealers featuring collections from every era, style, and price point in a fun and festive environment. It’s not just a gathering of vintage enthusiasts but a true New York City happening, and of course, it’s a satisfying way to add interesting pieces to your wardrobe and delight the eye.

Amy Abrams, Owner of the Manhattan Vintage Show with Marilyn Kirschner wearing vintage leopard coat

The “thrill” never gets old, even for a seasoned vintage aficionado like me who’s been at it for decades. I sometimes believe enough is enough, but I never leave empty-handed, even if it’s just a small item or an accessory.

Publicist Naomi Shaw and photographer Sean Zanni

The show is great for shopping and browsing but also for people watching as it attracts an exciting mix of young and old, vintage newbies and seasoned collectors searching for one-of-a-kind treasures.

“We are beyond excited to partner with The RealReal to further illustrate vintage’s power and impact on global fashion.”

Amy Abrams, Owner of Manhattan Vintage.

Interestingly dressed attendee scouring the racks

Since Amy Abrams and her husband Ronen purchased the Manhattan Vintage show in 2022 (adding it to their portfolio, which includes Artists & Fleas and Regeneration), it is hotter than ever. At the outset, Amy’s mission was to “shake up the conversation around vintage” so that shoppers understand the sustainable and personal value. Naomi Shaw of Naomi Shaw Consulting, a FIT grad and vintage devotee, seamlessly handles their press. It’s a great team.

Designer Andrew Yu with vintage dealer Lexie Hoffer Griffith

One of the many ways they keep it interesting and exciting is by thinking out of the box and coming up with new ways to delight and surprise. For example, two great ideas were having on-site tailoring experts Alernew and on-site Manhattan Vintage Stylists Kahdeasha Kesten, Michelle Morrissey, and Eva Dayton available by appointment.

Vintage Dealer Jason Campbell holding up a unisex vintage gold coat

The show was traditionally held on Friday and Saturday, but last season, they added a third day and a 4th show to the schedule. In addition to October, February, and April editions, there will now be a May show that runs from May 31 to June 2.

“Huge congratulations to Amy Abrams on her well-deserved recognition as one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business 2023 for reviving The Manhattan Vintage Show and championing vintage for all. Thrilled to work alongside such a visionary leader and team!” – Naomi Shaw, founder of Naomi Shaw Consulting.

Naomi Shaw, founder of Naomi Shaw Consulting

Vintage Patou ivory and black coat at The RealReal

For the most recent installation, Abrams and Ronen welcomed more than 20 new independent dealers (including Fat and Habitat, which is plus size-specific) to showcase their collections, and they partnered with The RealReal. Abrams’ ‘Tastemaker Edit,’ an assortment of her favorite rare vintage items, was available on The RealReal on January 29. New York City’s most iconic, largest, and longest-running vintage show and the world’s largest online market for luxury resale goods. A match made in vintage heaven.

Vintage 80’s Geoffrey Beene jumpsuit offered by The RealReal

The RealReal’s highly curated assortment was culled from its newly launched Rare Find category with a selection that includes some of its most storied and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces by Christian Dior by John Galliano, Comme des Garcons, Maison Martin Margiela, Roberto Cavalli, and Jean Patou among others. A 1980s Geoffrey Beene jumpsuit stands out for its simplicity.

Vintage Geoffrey Beene Scalloped Opera Coat for sale by Etéreo Vintage

Coincidentally, right across the aisle, a beautiful Geoffrey Beene scalloped opera coat for sale by Etéreo Vintage got my attention. Founded by Zabrina Estrada in 2020, Etereo Vintage specializes in “significant and one-of-a-kind treasures” by European couturiers of the 20th century. A beautiful black Lacroix blouse at the booth got Penny Grant’s attention and she was quick to purchase it.

Assortment at Toots Vintage

Some of my other favorites: a vintage Alaia black and off-white zebra patterned coat at Black Label Vintage, a vintage Paco Rabanne dress and matching hat offered by Andrea Levy Hall of Lofty Vintage, and a dress entirely made of polaroids on display at Toots Vintage made me look. The owner admitted it was designed specifically for Instagram. No surprise there.

A colorful kimono at Iki Kimono NYC

Also, the arresting assortment of kimonos at Brooklyn based Iki Kimono Inc. caught my eye as did dealer Jason Campbell’s unisex gold leather coat lined in ivory wool, and a jeweled football minaudiere at Summer Mizera Vintage, which is perfect if you are going to a Superball Party next Sunday Vintage. Chanel skirt suits in black and white are always a good idea, and if you saw Marc Jacobs’ spring 2024 show on Friday evening, retro inspired skirt suits might be having a comeback!

Vintage YSL dress with pink bow in back for sale at Messy Jessy Vintage

Speaking of retro, I spotted the vintage YSL black velvet dress with its pronounced fuchsia bow in the back at Messy Jessy Vintage almost as soon as I walked in and immediately thought of the upcoming exhibition at The Museum at FIT, “Untying the Bow,” which opens on March 1.

Vintage Valentino dress with bows on sleeves

The dress would be perfect to wear to the opening reception at the museum, along with a short black Valentino dress with white bows decorating the sleeves, for sale by Summer Mizera Vintage which would also work if you are going to The Museum at FIT’s opening reception for “Statement Sleeves” on Tuesday evening.

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Marilyn Kirschner

I am a long time fashion editor with 40+ years of experience. As senior market of Harper's Bazaar for 21 years I met and worked with every major fashion designer in the world and covered all of the collections in Paris, London, Milan and New York. I was responsible for overall content, finding and pulling in the best clothes out there, and for formulating ideas and stories.

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