Vicki Haberman may not be the only vintage dealer to have a shop on the Upper East Side, but she is definitely one of the very few…and certainly, the only one north of 60th street whom I’m aware of. The Upper East Side is a shopping Mecca for sure, filled with many stores and boutiques, in addition to countless resale and thrift shops, but it’s a known fact that most vintage haunts (including the legendary names) are downtown- well below 14th street. This makes well known vintage dealer, Vicki Haberman’s new (it officially opened on March 24th) 400 square foot shop on east 72nd street (127 east 72nd street, 212 717 7702, www.vintagecollectionsnyc.com ), a rare gem.
Because of her great eye and wonderful taste, Vicki’s collections have always caught my eye (she has traditionally ‘done’ all the major New York vintage shows and has even shown in her apartment prior to acquiring her new space), so it was hardly surprising that my recent visit to Vintage Collections, proved just as satisfying, if not more so. In addition to her amazing selection of Kenneth Lane and Pauline Trigere jeweled ‘bibs’ and highly ornate necklaces (priced from about $695 to $1200), cocktail rings, earrings and bracelets, there is a wonderful selection of handbags, shoes and boots (including a pair of very mod 1960’s (and you KNOW how ‘big’ mod is going to be this fall) black velvet shoe- boots from Roger Vivier, which Vicki has named ‘Julie Christie’ ($395), assorted Maud Frizon pumps from the 80’s, and a pair of iconic Evins gold metallic over the knee boots which alas, are only for decoration and ambience and not for sale.
As for the clothing, which ranges from day to eveningwear, I was especially taken by a sleeveless Geoffrey Beene black wool trapeze dress from the 60’s with rhinestone buttons down the back ($1900); a Fendi maxi trench coat from the 80’s fashioned from the company’s signature brown and tan logo fabric ($850); an unlabeled but highly collectible (and wearable) orange velvet pearl encrusted and embroidered caftan from the 70’s ($525); a brown leather Chanel shift emblazoned with gold buckles ($2500), and a black tulle Chanel Couture three piece suit from 196l ($5,000) comprised of a fitted jacket with diamante buttons and peplum as well as two full skirts in two lengths- one for day, one for evening. And with spring in the air and Father’s Day looming around the corner, the set of vintage Louis Vuitton golf clubs from the mid 80’s would put a smile on your husband’s (fathers, or significant other’s face).
Marilyn Kirschner
I have just come from the Pier show where Vicki still has one of the most outstanding collections of vintage accessories. It is great to see someone with a sense of taste and style. A real treat and good for her!