Vintage Fashion

When you live on 25th Street like Yigal Azrouel does, a pit stop at the Chelsea Garage flea market quickly becomes a guiltless, weekly routine. "I come here pretty much every week," says the Israeli-American designer as we walk over to the outdoor market. "It is THE New York flea market. Before the high rises came in, there were about 4 more lots to the market. This is really one of the last pieces of what was one of the best markets.” Yigal draws a lot of, but not exclusively, inspiration from vintage for his seasonal collections. What he mostly appreciates about vintage is "the craftsmanship and attention to details. I love pulling the pieces apart and seeing how they were made.”

And oh the joy of shopping with a model in tow! This really changed my whole blogging experience. I realize that I am practically styling mini fashion shoots. There I am, in a fabulous vintage store, like Marlene Wetherell's at the Showplace, with racks and racks of the most amazing garments, accessories and shoes at my disposal, with a beautiful, tall girl like Alisa Bachurina, who fits everything impeccably and brings the clothes and looks to life as if you were in a studio, putting together a story. Only I didn't have to do any shlepping, fedexing, or begging! Most of the store owners are very cooperative in fact. A little bit of charm goes a long way... Now I just need a better photographer... (wink to self)
What we had planned as a 2-hour research trip quickly turned into a whole afternoon shopping extravaganza. "It was a lot of fun," said Yigal at the end of the day. "I go out with my team maybe once a season but it’s great to get the perspective from someone who has a great and different eye, like you (Natalie). Your enthusiasm was also contagious!”

Yigal Azrouel with 19-year old Russian beauty, Alisa Bucharina, one of my favorite new faces and one to watch according to models.com (http://models.com/newfaces/dailyduo/5543). She is represented by Women Direct in New York. Thank you, Jon!

1920's cream silk drop waist dress, worn with navy blue apron, found at Cherry at the The Showplace.

We bumped into Phoebe Philo and Camilla Nickerson in the shop, settling their bill. I didn't see what they got...

Beige linen, African inspired jump suit with jute detailing and drawstring belt.

Karl Lagerfeld navy blue, rayon pants, vintage top and multi-colored moccasins.

Turn of the century swimsuit.

Yigal Azrouel and Marlene Wetherell at her store. Thank you Marlene!

Missoni multi-colored harem pants and 1980's double breasted, belted Luciano Soprani jacket.

Soprani was an Italian designer who worked freelance at houses like Max Mara and Gucci before starting his own line of colorful men's suits and silk evening gowns in 1982. He was also the wardrobe designer for the 1990 movie 'Wild Orchid'. He died in 1999.