2020: Looking back and moving forward in fashion

I recently read an interview with Virgil Abloh, patron saint of streetwear, Off-White founder and creative director of men’s wear at Louis Vuitton.  He boldly predicted that streetwear will die in the 2020s as consumers move to express their knowledge and personal style with vintage.  

“There are so many clothes that are cool that are in vintage shops and it’s just about wearing them. I think that fashion is gonna go away from buying a box-fresh something; it’ll be like,’ hey I’m gonna go into my archive.'”

I can’t speak to the survival of streetwear, but thankfully for our planet consumers are moving away from needing “box fresh” new to keep their wardrobes invigorated.   

Decades ago, as a graduate student in NYC, I was drawn to the amazing variety of resale shops for the thrill of the hunt, the interesting finds, and the student-friendly price tags at check-out. My interest in resale has only grown, as have the opportunities and platforms on which to hunt.  I still enjoy the friendlier price tags at check out now that I am now paying for 3 children to attend college and a 4th starting last year.  The psychologist in me also loves the stories behind the designers and imagining the former lives of the garments. 

Thanks to Housing Works, an online auction site and thrift store, I have the pleasure of owning a dress that was worn by Vanessa Hudgens at a Broadway show premiere. I recently picked up a Christian Dior cardigan at Millea Bros, an auction house in Boonton, NJ. I have visited auctions from the estate of the now infamous retail real estate queen, Faith Hope Consolo, and have discovered fabulous discontinued or hard-to-find labels such as Cynthia Rose, Tuleh, and Richard Tyler from the estate of a Connecticut socialite. More modern platforms, such as TheRealReal, have enabled me to find pieces by some of my favorite designers from the comfort of my own home. 

Wearing these beautiful clothes with comfort, adding my unique style, and preserving them for years to come was what led me to start the brand, Luxeire. I hope that each of you can use Luxeire to get new joy out of your own archives or enhance your fashion opportunities in the archives of others.

In the photos below I have styled the white Renew Classic Button Up with some of my favorite vintage pieces.

Ralph Lauren leather jacket from Westport Auction; Amo pants from TheRealReal; Sarah Flint shoes; Beatrice Boutique belt from Housing Works.

Richard Tyler vest from TheRealReal; Karen Walker pants from TheRealReal; Sarah Flint shoes.

Black cardigan is Christian Dior from Millea Bros Auction; Dolce & Gabbana skirt from Housing Works; Donna Karan belt from Housing Works; Prada shoes from Housing Works.

Tuleh skirt from TheRealReal; Robert Clergerie sandals from Housing Works.