The last time I wrote about Spanish Moss Vintage was a few short weeks ago, it was to showcase their awesome Fall lookbook, which has since expanded to an even more dance-worthy degree of pure art and badassery. I can never quite manage to tear my eyes away from the incredible range of lovingly sourced vintage pieces - if they were hanging in a closet, I'd snatch them all the way Anastasia does to Cinderella's dresses in the second Disney film. Stocking an impressive list of glare-at-you labels and her very own clothing label, I'd say founder Suzanne is doing pretty well :) and it was more than my pleasure to catch up on what goes on in the land of amazing vintage:
Great- extremely busy but great!
Tell us a bit about how Spanish Moss Vintage started out.
I was living on the road literally, and after a series of catastrophes in my life I started selling on ebay. It was during the golden years before that market became so over saturated. I'm really lucky I started when I did!
We made it big in 2006 and then were able to jump start the spanishmossvintage.com site in 2009 and it's been going great ever since! I think the key was our early timing, working like psycho hose beasts and a genuine love for our business.
On average, how long does it take to source one good vintage piece?
Oh lord, long for me. I'm very particular about the vintage which in turn makes me work harder to find just the right pieces for our audience. That's why I don't source just from the cities I live in, but constantly take road trips to find the best of the best.
What would you say is the most important thing to consider when buying a vintage piece?
My three categories of qualification for a vintage piece are: is it "top shelf" as in extremely unique or intricate you wouldn't be able to see it anywhere else? Is it currently a trend? Is the fabric soft to the skin and in good condition? No matter how awesome something is, if it's scratchy or a gross feeling poly, I won't buy it. My goal for our vintage section is to always have a very tightly edited collection. I don't want my buyers to ever have to wade through a bunch of mediocre pieces to find what they're looking for!
My three categories of qualification for a vintage piece are: is it "top shelf" as in extremely unique or intricate you wouldn't be able to see it anywhere else? Is it currently a trend? Is the fabric soft to the skin and in good condition? No matter how awesome something is, if it's scratchy or a gross feeling poly, I won't buy it. My goal for our vintage section is to always have a very tightly edited collection. I don't want my buyers to ever have to wade through a bunch of mediocre pieces to find what they're looking for!
Now can you fill us in about American Gold?
American Gold is my personal clothing line that's manufactured in Los Angeles. Everything for the line is done in America, in the Golden State - hence the name. We only use cashmere and fine soft wools, silks, cotton, antique crochets & velvet burnouts, so the quality of what you're buying and the attention to detail is unparalleled. We've had 3 seasons- the first two I was really getting into the swing of design and testing the waters. Our third collection is for Fall 2010 and I'm really proud of it : ) It's inspired by Stevie Nicks and travelling all girl bands. The sheer velvet florals can really be worn to the beach in the summer or in the winter as a sexy dress. I'm making velvet a summer time fabric! You can see the lookbook at theamericangold.com. Our Spring '11 line is my favorite of all time!! I cannot wait until it comes out!
American Gold is my personal clothing line that's manufactured in Los Angeles. Everything for the line is done in America, in the Golden State - hence the name. We only use cashmere and fine soft wools, silks, cotton, antique crochets & velvet burnouts, so the quality of what you're buying and the attention to detail is unparalleled. We've had 3 seasons- the first two I was really getting into the swing of design and testing the waters. Our third collection is for Fall 2010 and I'm really proud of it : ) It's inspired by Stevie Nicks and travelling all girl bands. The sheer velvet florals can really be worn to the beach in the summer or in the winter as a sexy dress. I'm making velvet a summer time fabric! You can see the lookbook at theamericangold.com. Our Spring '11 line is my favorite of all time!! I cannot wait until it comes out!
Who are you style icons of the moment?
Jane Birkin, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, Lou Dillon, MK Olson ofcourse, Marianne Faithfull, and our fashion forward customers tend to buy all of my personal favorite pieces, they would be: Erin Wasson, Sky Ferreira, Scout Willis, Daisy Lowe, Ruby Stewart - they are all my style icons so I'm very honored they love what I do.
Jane Birkin, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, Lou Dillon, MK Olson ofcourse, Marianne Faithfull, and our fashion forward customers tend to buy all of my personal favorite pieces, they would be: Erin Wasson, Sky Ferreira, Scout Willis, Daisy Lowe, Ruby Stewart - they are all my style icons so I'm very honored they love what I do.
Where do you see yourself and SMV in 10 years time?
Expanding the SMV magazine, working on American Gold, having an ever growing collection of vintage and independant designers. Being able to hire more people to do some of what I do so I can write books and possibly get a PhD.
Expanding the SMV magazine, working on American Gold, having an ever growing collection of vintage and independant designers. Being able to hire more people to do some of what I do so I can write books and possibly get a PhD.
Some of our previous interviewees, the gorgeous girls at Lucky13, would like to know: Coffee or Tea?
Both! Peet's coffee with cream every morning, Earl Gray with cream in the afternoon, cold unsweetened green tea all the time!
Both! Peet's coffee with cream every morning, Earl Gray with cream in the afternoon, cold unsweetened green tea all the time!
And last of all, what's a random question you'd like to ask our next interviewee?
Hayley Mills or Lindsey Lohan Parent Trap movie? (I go for Hayley everytime.)
Hayley Mills or Lindsey Lohan Parent Trap movie? (I go for Hayley everytime.)
Thanks Suzanne!
I guess it's a given that you all agree that these shots are absolutely incredible - just as the featured pieces are (beware the growing love of leather shorts, people). Some things can only be found in the states - and SMV has them all (so check them out HERE).
Hope you've all had a great weekend.
P.S. Don't forget that the giveaway ends tomorrow! So get entering!
*love*
xx
