As stated in our post yesterday, the LA Fashion District is home to several vintage dealers that buy and sell vintage clothing straight from the historical period, which anchors the term “vintage” to its original meaning. Vintage means representing the high quality of a past time, a definition that vintage dealers worry is getting diluted because it is often times used loosely. Coupled with the trend going mainstream, finding quality vintage clothing in modern sizes can get more difficult and time consuming.
That’s where Clever Vintage Clothing comes in.
Launched by owner Dave Temple, Clever Vintage Clothing is a one-stop shop vintage clothing destination in the LA Fashion District that sells vintage dresses in the store, on Etsy and serves as a wardrobe inspiration for designers, stylists, buyers, store owners and even studio productions. Betty Draper and Peggy Olson in the AMC’s hit drama Mad Men donned Clever Vintage dresses in season one and season four, respectively. Their feature on the series demonstrates that Dave’s clients are getting authentic attire, but it also highlights vintage writ large. “Fashion is cyclical. It would be easy to point to TV shows like Mad Men that have become a bit of a phenomenon as being the reason why vintage is in vogue,” says Dave. “But really, vintage clothing was a trend for a long while prior to these influences.”
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| A mid 50's silk plisse dress with rhinestone and pearl encrusted bust line, $475 |
And Dave should know. His love for vintage started when he wore a silver-grey sharkskin three button 1950’s suit for a school play. “That day changed my life and I haven’t spent much time out of thrift stores, antique shops, estate sales or flea markets since.” For over a decade, Dave costumed shows in regional theatres throughout Los Angeles – hunting down vintage creations and running a vintage boutique called Get Lost.
Through his travels and experience, Dave saw a need for a showroom where buyers could make appointments to see vintage collections. “I watched designers struggle to find their inspiration, or worse, waste countless hours searching only to play a small fortune to get it from an overpriced ‘Shoppe," Dave reminisces.
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| On Left: Turqoise taffeta, quintessential party dress of the 50's, $300 On Right: Abstract Ceil Chapman floral print chiffon, $300 & multiple strand beaded necklace $45 |
As a result, in 1991 he started Clever Vintage Clothing and moved the business to the LA Fashion District. He serves a wide array of designer clients there who use his vintage as inspiration. It also saves them a lot of time and money because they are in close proximity and there is direct communication. They can actually see how the garment will be constructed. “We’ve sold a designer an item and seen it in production a week later and in a department store. It’s very rewarding,” says Dave.
In addition, Dave is part of a network of other vintage dealers. He is a regular at established vintage shows such as Helm’s Design District Vintage Boutique and Santa Monica Vintage Fashion Expo. He also produces vintage fashion shows. For the 60’s Soiree Wine Tasting + JFK Photograph Exhibit on Friday, August 12, Dave will be displaying his 60’s vintage outfits on the catwalk and for sale. For details on the show, click here.
In the showroom, Dave keeps a collection of good, solid pieces from the 1950s and early 1960s that people can incorporate into today’s wardrobe. “Our customers come to us for that ‘go to’ piece that they can wear again and again,” says Dave.
When on the hunt for vintage finds, Dave looks for interesting prints and movement. If a garment has one of these characteristics, it’s got his attention.
“If it has both, I swoon,” says Dave.
However, Dave only buys garments that are in a “wear me now” condition. Some vintage garments won’t hold up to today’s wear and tear. “That’s why you should always and only buy vintage from a trusted dealer,” says Dave. And because the sizes of the past are not the same as they are today, a vintage dealer will keep modern sizes in stock.
To his customers, Dave is their trusted dealer. And they come back again and again. Why? Dave says it’s because vintage is much more finely crafted, is better tailored and has much more elaborate and interesting detailing and cuts than today’s “throw away fashion”.
“If it has both, I swoon,” says Dave.
However, Dave only buys garments that are in a “wear me now” condition. Some vintage garments won’t hold up to today’s wear and tear. “That’s why you should always and only buy vintage from a trusted dealer,” says Dave. And because the sizes of the past are not the same as they are today, a vintage dealer will keep modern sizes in stock.
To his customers, Dave is their trusted dealer. And they come back again and again. Why? Dave says it’s because vintage is much more finely crafted, is better tailored and has much more elaborate and interesting detailing and cuts than today’s “throw away fashion”.
“But sometimes,” says Dave. “It ensures no one will ever have your same dress.”
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| Nylon tricot tea length dress in coral ombre, circa 1957, $200 |
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| Black strapless tulle tea length dress with layers of net ruffles, a wrapped bodice and sprinkled sequins and large rhinestones, circa 1954, $225 |
Clever Vintage Clothing
117 W. 9th Street #918
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(310) 650-8357
They are open Monday through Saturday by appointment only