This weekend, New York City’s largest and most iconic secondhand sale, Manhattan Vintage, will bring more than 90 vendors and thousands of fashion treasures to Chelsea ‘s Metropolitan Pavilion.
“My personal belief and everything we champion is that vintage is the future of fashion” says Amy Abrams, an entrepreneur with a long history in secondhand styles.
The 2022 acquisition of Manhattan Vintage was one more feather in her (pre-loved) cap.
In the past two years, Abrams has grown Manhattan Vintage in response to what she sees as a surge in the “global appetite for vintage,” based on consumers’ desire for slow fashion and beautiful pieces with a purpose.
“A lot of thought goes into the curation of each show,” Abrams continues. “I want to have a very broad range in terms of what’s on trend, what’s always trending and what’s affordable at many different price points.” Under Abrams’s purview, Manhattan Vintage will — for the first time — expand to four separate showcases throughout 2024.
This weekend’s show (April 12 to 14) will see more than 20 new vendors join the line-up, including Jennie Walker, who boasts the largest collection of vintage Moschino in the United States.
With an archive of thousands of pieces from the brand — seen on celebs like Alexa cover star Kelsey Ballerini and Sydney Sweeney — attendees of Manhattan Vintage won’t want to miss out on the fruits of Walker’s labors after seven years scouring for secondhand Moschino.
“I have a special-order list of my own for people looking for rare Moschino,” says Walker, who advises vintage shoppers to keep in touch with vendors via social media or email lists when they find collections they love. “And I eventually find it.”
If Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, John Galliano and Issey Miyake are more your speed, you’ll find a treasure trove at the Mae Vintage London booth, helmed by London-Based vintage vendor Martha Whelan.
In addition to this murderer’s row of incredible designers, Whelan also stocks Saint Laurent suiting and ’80s Alaïa.
“We’re bringing a big selection of Saint Laurent ‘Le Smoking’ suits and jumpsuits, which never go out of style,” Whelan affirms.
If you’re looking for shopping success this weekend, the secondhand specialist has a few tips: “Pace yourself, wear comfortable shoes and come see us — booth number 18!”
Another Brit coming across the pond for Manhattan Vintage this weekend is Rita Wallace of Pigsty.
Wallace — whose collection ranges from the 1800s to the 1980s, with a special focus on ’60s and ’70s labels — has sold through Manhattan Vintage before, and is thrilled to being back in the space.
“[Manhattan Vintage] has a real positive energy that’s contagious,” Wallace says, “it makes me want to shop as soon as I get in there.
“Just shop in the moment,” she continues. “If you see something that makes your heart beat faster, get it. It may sound cliché, but nothing haunts you like the vintage you didn’t buy.”
Manhattan Vintage, Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18 St.
