You have probably noticed that I post quite a bit about Woo Vintage on my blog as well as mt FB page. It's my favourite vintage store in Vancouver and I go there pretty much every week. I love visiting Woo Vintage not only because they have a wonderful selection of vintage clothes and accessories, but because I enjoy my chats with the lovely ladies, who work there. There is a wonderful atmosphere in the store and you can really tell that vintage is their passion and lifestyle. Natalie and Angela are very knowledgeable about the history of clothing, they have very high standards on keeping their garments clean and fresh, and provide excellent customer service. I interviewed the owner of the store, Natalie, in February, but did not get round to posting the interview until now! Procrastinator is my middle name! You know what they say, better late than never. :) Enjoy!
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| My most recent treasure from Woo Vintage -- a 1930's Kimono. |
When was Woo Vintage founded--how did it all start?
Natalie: Woo Vintage officially launched in the fall of 2003. It was an online shop at the time, but I was pretty much a computer illiterate and I also reaslized within a couple of months that working from home wasn't for me. I had a good collection of vintage already as I had wanted to have a vintage shop for a long time. I tried to get financing to purchase a vintage shop that I was working at called "Reruns", back in the late 1980's in Commercial Dr, but no one would lease to me. In the end, a friend saw a vintage shop in Gastown which was for sale on Craigslist and showed it to me. I was finally able to get a lease and that is how it all began.
When did you fall in love with Vintage clothing?
Natalie:My love of vintage started when I was a kid. Vintage as a clothing term did not exist yet. I think it may have been partially that I was used to wearing clothes that were somewhat out dated. My grandparents would buy me new duds but it was a small town. For instance the stir- up pants they bought me in `72 were fashionable in `65. In the late 1970's my mom would take us to the flea market at the drive-in in Surrey. There my mom bought a 1950's sundress which I would wear often and still own. I loved it: it had a circle skirt, smocking and a bright atomicprint. I always turned heads in it.
What is your favourite Vintage piece in your store right now and why?
Natalie: It is hard to pick out one favourite piece. My fave is usually something that I just got. My favourite at the moment is a " Boussac" French cotton day dress. It is a bright painterly daisy or sunflower print on a torquise background with a It has a tiered peplum skirt. I love it because it looks so happy and cheerful, and Vancouver in February is so not. We put it in the window to spread a little cheer.
What era(s) do you think is the most popular among your customers?
Natalie: The most requested era recently would be the 1920's flapper dresses but they re few and far between. The last couple of years have had an increased interest in the early 1960's . Due largley to the popularity of 'Mad Men" and mad men themed parties. Generally speaking more mature people like older vintage but not always. The `80's and`90's are popular with the twenty somethings and under.
Tell us about a fun, memorable experience in your shop.
Natalie: We have a good time in the shop. We get so many interesting and fun people coming in. I am not very good at recognizing celebrities but there is usually some one in the shop that will say Do you know who that was? I don't want to disrespect the privacy of these people so. I will tell you about one whom I don't think would mind. A couple of years ago my assistant and I were busy puttering around the shop when this fellow came in. We chatted as we often do I asked if he was visiting . He told me his name and I actually hugged him ( I am not huggy) it was Billy Bragg. I happen to be a huge fan "Talking poetry with the taxman" was one of the first albums I ever bought. I gave him a Pendleton and he put me on the guest list. He collects Pendleton's and I have built up a good selection as I am always trying to find them for him. He will be here again in April. I am so nervous that he will or won't come in to the shop again.
If you could teleport to a different era which one would it be an why?
Natalie: I love old things and history but I like them in the here and now. I want to live in a world with antibiotics and equal rights.However it would be fun to be a jazz baby in the twenties for a night or two as I wouldn't want to go through the depression and the war later.
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| The ever so cute Angela fondling a MANnequin. ;D |
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| Another lovely lady who worked at Woo Vintage at the time when I took the photos. |
THANK YOU, WOO VINTAGE FOR BEING SO
FABULOUS!
Woo Vintage
4393 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
V5V 3R1
