Flip through this season's fashion magazines and you will see vintage silhouettes reflected in the designs of Lanvin, Dolce & Gabbana, and Dries Van Noten. The July issue of Vogue featured French actress Marion Cotillard looking tres chic in 50s inspired dresses, and Elle magazine has just launched PremiumVintage, a web-video series tracking current vintage-inspired trends. None of this surprises Barbara Grigg, proprietor of the shop Vintage Vogue in Calistoga. As a dealer in authentic vintage clothing and accessories, Barbara works with Los Angeles based designers, stylists, and celebrities helping them achieve the perfect camera-ready look in vintage.
Barbara's affection for vintage began in high school in the early 1970s. This Livermore teenager stood out among the crowd sporting 40s jackets paired jeans and platform shoes. With a passion for Lilli Ann suits and everything Art Deco, she saved her pennies working as a waitress and built her collection. In the early 80s, Art Deco jeweler Gail Gum hired Barbara as a picker (one who scouts out prize pieces at thrift stores and garage sales). Before long, Gail told Barbara she had an eye and should start her own business. "So I did," says the spirited redhead, "and I've never looked back."
Today Barbara splits her time between Vintage Vogue and doing vintage shows in the Bay Area and Los Angeles with her husband, Kent. She is known for selling only the best; many labels in her collection are designers such as Pucci and Yves Saint Laurent. But Barbara says it's not just about labels. "I seek out quality in fabric, construction and design." She often refurbishes tattered clothing. "Sometimes I feel like I'm saving a piece when I find it," she says. "I love the process of getting it in pristine shape and passing it along." Barbara also takes pleasure in running her shop Vintage Vogue, which is located in a Victorian flat on Calistoga's main street. She takes time and care to create an inviting ambiance, highlighting her fabulous stock of gowns, suits, dresses, shoes, hats, handbags, and jewelry from the 1920s to the 1980s.
For this season, Barbara says big and bold are still in, the 80s are hot as are the 60s, thanks to the Emmy award winning television show, Mad Men. "Everyone I know is into that show," says Barbara. "It's a big influence." Additionally, Barbara says women have gown weary of department store frocks and are instead looking for one-of-a-kind pieces. Barbara's clients include Vanessa Getty, Marisa Tomei, Rachel Zoe, Daryl Hannah, and Lisa Eisner who was recently voted Best Dressed by Vanity Fair.
Barbara's shop is a must-visit to outfit yourself for this season's important events and parties. Make a day of it or better yet, a weekend. Vintage Vogue, 1125 Lincoln, Calistoga. 707-942-2240. Open Thursdays through Mondays, noon-6pm.
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