The Manhattan Vintage Show, being held at the Metropolitan Pavilion April 12-14, holds a very large piece of fashion’s history — or rather, many pieces.
It’s there, amidst racks brimming with dresses, jewels and accessories from bygone eras, the air buzzes with the promise of uncovering something truly special.
The spring 2023 show was my first, and I went, a bumbling newcomer to the Big Apple, with no clue - zero, zilch, - as to what I was walking into. So, for newcomers and the curious, I compiled my personal stash of need-to-knows about the seasonally occurring event, so you can glide through this three-day affair with confidence. You’ll learn a little about MVS, find a curated list of vendors I'm keen to shop, and read other bits and baubles of insider wisdom thrown in for good measure.
I. About the Manhattan Vintage Show
The Manhattan Vintage Show: Where every stitch tells a story, and the past is always in vogue.
Speaking of Vogue, the leading fashion publication has this to say about the event:
“THE AFFAIR IS ALWAYS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SHOPPERS TO EXPRESS THEIR PERSONAL STYLE AND MEET LIKE-MINDED FASHION LOVERS.”
A vintage lover’s dream come true, the Manhattan Vintage Show rolls out the red carpet for over 90 dealers four times a year, with an emphasis on singularity and sustainability.
Whether you're a seasoned vintage connoisseur or just dipping your toe in the retro waters, there's something at MVS for everyone to refine their signature style.
II. Before You Go: Budget-Savvy Tips
When you walk through the pavilion doors that lead to an adventure-in-the-great-wide-somewhere of fashion heaven, it’s game on.
Here are three things you can do to make your shopping experience easier and more enjoyable before stepping foot in the whirlwind of fabric and fashion frenzy:
Do your homework by researching the vendors and their offerings in advance. Each vendor has a numbered station, which can be found on a map handed out at the event. This way, you can walk directly to the vendors you’re interested in without having to weave in and out of nearly 100 different vendors. And peek the list of vendors I've researched and look forward to shopping below.
If you intend to make bulk purchases or acquire multiple items from a single vendor, it's always worth inquiring about the possibility of a bundle deal.
Prioritize your purchases by narrowing down what items you’re hunting for, so you can strut straight to those specialized vendors and make your shopping spree efficient.
III. Vendors
The Collective at Indigo Style Vintage: “Through global sourcing, creative entrepreneurship and teamwork The Collective at IndigoStyle offers unique and distinctive vintage pieces, custom clothing, home, beauty and more. We focus on one-of-a-kind items from local indie artisans/emerging designers.”
Red linen + cotton robe (and I must remark, it’s in TOMATO RED)
Vintage aqua snakeskin belt with silver buckle (the one Miranda Priestly was actually looking for during her cerulean diatribe in The Devil Wears Prada)
Blue wool cape with hood (call me crazy, but a cape is the ultimate fashion power play)
Lady Holiday: “A site full of humor, style, flair, and endless glamour,“ …and where Holly Golightly would shop, exclusively, for luxury jewelry and other accessories.
Vintage Margaret Smith plaid tote bag (she’s so cute and preppy!)
1960s diamond and emerald drop earrings (double duh!)
Vintage Christian Dior stick pin (collector’s piece)
Lust and Fond: “…celebrates the duality in the universe through fashion. Lust being our harder edgier side and Fond being our softer romantic side. We specialize in wearable vintage that blends the lines between decades.”
Y2K needlepoint lobster slides (cursing the gods I’m not an 8.5 shoe!)
Collective Good Shop: “The Collective offers pieces from 1920s-Y2K -with a focused collection of 60s, 70s, & 80s pieces - and aims to create a circular fashion brand which keeps clothing & textiles out of our landfills & in our wardrobes for years to come.”
80s cable-knit fisherman sweater (since moving to the east coast, this is my new obsession; they’re great all-year-round, even for cool summer evenings on the water)
Moonbaby Vintage: “…specializes in providing uncommon, special, and unique pieces of fashion from the 19th & first half of the 20th century.”
IV. What to Know Before You Go
Date: April 12-14, 2024 (times vary by ticket purchase)
Ticket prices: Ranges from $17.19 (+ tax) for one-day student general admission to $48.96 (+ tax) for three-day all-access VIP admission.
Want all eyes on you? This is THE place to dress to impress. If you'd rather be incognito while hunting for deals, opt for comfy chic attire. In either case, make sure to wear an outfit that you can slip in and out of easily for trying on clothes. Dressing rooms fill up fast, though some vendors create a makeshift dressing room at their space.
While vendors accept cash or credit, cash is king when it comes to convenience and potential bargaining power.
Come equipped with the right bags for your purchases; canvas bags for hauling bundles, garment bags for delicate items like suits, hat boxes for safeguarding headwear, and velvet pouches for any finery you collect.
Pack easy-to-grab snacks and bring a water bottle, so you can stay hunting and focused for the entirety of your entry. There are also drinks and snacks for purchase inside the event.
Other questions and looking to buy tickets? Refer to the Eventbrite page.
What titillating tips and tricks would you share for the Manhattan Vintage Show? Share in the comments below.