When Jemima Kirke was a vintage-obsessed teen, she’d often find herself getting lost in the mecca that is the New York Vintage showroom, delving into the archives of couture curator and industry resource Shannon Hoey. All these years later, when the call came to host a cocktail moment for Jennifer Behr x NYV to celebrate their inaugural collaboration, it was an easy yes.
Mini cheeseburger slider in one hand and a tequila in the other—suitable accessories for a Pamela Dennis oxblood sequin fishtail gown from the ’90s and an inky indigo bird of paradise headdress from the collection—the actress explained that her own mom was in the vintage fashion business too, which spawned her lifelong obsession for finding the best pre-loved pieces.
And when it comes to sourcing the crème de la crème, Behr said that there is simply no one who could hold a light up to New York Vintage. The Greenpoint-based designer, who’s readying to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her accessories label next year, had been itching to do a collaboration for some time. When she saw the extent of the trims that Hoey had amassed over the last century, like hand-dyed silk flowers, antique feathers, and archival pearls, she knew she’d found her perfect collaborator.
The limited-edition collection of 21 co-created pieces, painstakingly crafted in Behr’s Brooklyn atelier, was on full display at Voltz Clarke Gallery on Chrystie Street last night—save for those already sold over the weekend, or those working the room as wearable art on the pretty heads of tastemakers like Kirke.
Over Champagne and cocktails, Behr—in the Victorian-style Edith headpiece with a dramatic silk lace veil—gave an impromptu fashion history lesson as she talked attendees through the construction of the headwear, pointing out elements that dated back to the 1920s, and regaling the stories behind the original craftspeople. Around the room, guests wore looks from New York Vintage: a special treat given that the West 25th Street showroom is a go-to for everything from YSL to Valentino from a bygone era.
Hoey and Behr, who’ve both been in fashion cahoots with everyone from editorial stylists and nightlife figures to costume designers and major entertainers, agreed that the collaboration was a fun excuse to hark back to days when it was the norm to work on a custom headpiece for a shoot or show. As many of the reimagined pieces, such as the voilettes and turbans, were lovingly given a new lease of life from too-delicate or damaged hats that could no longer be worn, it’ll be a joy to see where their new journey will take them.
Given that gala season is fully underway in the city, vintage aficionados were eagerly snapping the QR codes beside each one-of-a-kind scene-stealer to learn more, so don’t be surprised if you see one next time you’re at Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Club, or someplace fancy.
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