#SECONDHANDSEPTEMBER INTERVIEW - GREATEST FRIEND
What do you love about selling vintage and owning a retail store?
The creative freedom
What are your favourite New Zealand brands, past or present?
Lela Jacobs. Ovna Ovich, Penny Sage, Marilyn Sainty, Miss Crabb, Kosmik, Nita Henry, but mostly all the knitting mama’s of the pre 2000’s.
Please tell us a love story about a favourite piece of New Zealand's fashion history that you own
My first op shop find on returning home after 20 years living and slinging vintage in the USA, was a mid century kapa haka girls top, I’ll cherish it forever.
How much of your stock would you estimate is New Zealand made?
50%
What do you enjoy about New Zealand made vintage pieces in particular?
I actually only like the early home sewn and knitted pieces. Being spoiled living internationally so long the quality just isn't quite here in NZ. We didn't have the fabric, equipment, steamers, button holers etc. We licensed from labels like Dior back in the day but Dior would never use those fabrics or patterns.
The creative freedom
What are your favourite New Zealand brands, past or present?
Lela Jacobs. Ovna Ovich, Penny Sage, Marilyn Sainty, Miss Crabb, Kosmik, Nita Henry, but mostly all the knitting mama’s of the pre 2000’s.
Please tell us a love story about a favourite piece of New Zealand's fashion history that you own
My first op shop find on returning home after 20 years living and slinging vintage in the USA, was a mid century kapa haka girls top, I’ll cherish it forever.
How much of your stock would you estimate is New Zealand made?
50%
What do you enjoy about New Zealand made vintage pieces in particular?
I actually only like the early home sewn and knitted pieces. Being spoiled living internationally so long the quality just isn't quite here in NZ. We didn't have the fabric, equipment, steamers, button holers etc. We licensed from labels like Dior back in the day but Dior would never use those fabrics or patterns.
What labels do you stock and what pieces do you love and want people to know about?
I’m a bit of a label anarchist. I prefer the craftsmanship, fabrication and timelessness of a garment. American Denim and cotton prairie dresses, plus Victorian nightdresses as summer day dresses are faves.
What should people look for when they are buying vintage clothing?
Fit! Make sure it fits well. And you absolutely LOVE it. Otherwise no rules.
If someone wanted to collect vintage clothing, where would you recommend starting from?
Going with your heart and your eye. All vintage will gain value if that’s what you’re after, but nothing is more cherished than things you actually love. Things that remind you of role models, and just never stop looking...
How should people care and store their vintage clothing?
Lay flat in pillowcases in plastic bins with a little sack of coffee beans and a few chips of cedar wood. Wash with a little cedar oil and baking soda with hot water before storing on off seasons. Do not hang antique clothing. Coat hangers do no favours...
Do you have any good laundry tips you could share for delicate or special items?
Baking soda! Time! Hot hot water! Drop of fave essential oil...love hand washing or don’t own them!
Any styling tips for people wanting to incorporate vintage into their wardrobe?
Wearing all vintage looks costumey- mix it up and as Coco Chanel said; “Always take one thing off before leaving the house”
Unfortunately prices of new goods are now so low, they're often cheaper that secondhand. Why is it better for people invest in vintage/secondhand rather than buying new?
Please dress up -not down- it’ll create more warm fuzzies for those around you.
I’m a bit of a label anarchist. I prefer the craftsmanship, fabrication and timelessness of a garment. American Denim and cotton prairie dresses, plus Victorian nightdresses as summer day dresses are faves.
What should people look for when they are buying vintage clothing?
Fit! Make sure it fits well. And you absolutely LOVE it. Otherwise no rules.
If someone wanted to collect vintage clothing, where would you recommend starting from?
Going with your heart and your eye. All vintage will gain value if that’s what you’re after, but nothing is more cherished than things you actually love. Things that remind you of role models, and just never stop looking...
How should people care and store their vintage clothing?
Lay flat in pillowcases in plastic bins with a little sack of coffee beans and a few chips of cedar wood. Wash with a little cedar oil and baking soda with hot water before storing on off seasons. Do not hang antique clothing. Coat hangers do no favours...
Do you have any good laundry tips you could share for delicate or special items?
Baking soda! Time! Hot hot water! Drop of fave essential oil...love hand washing or don’t own them!
Any styling tips for people wanting to incorporate vintage into their wardrobe?
Wearing all vintage looks costumey- mix it up and as Coco Chanel said; “Always take one thing off before leaving the house”
Unfortunately prices of new goods are now so low, they're often cheaper that secondhand. Why is it better for people invest in vintage/secondhand rather than buying new?
Please dress up -not down- it’ll create more warm fuzzies for those around you.
Take a journey by ferry to visit Greatest Friend at 112 Ocean View Road, Oneroa on Waiheke Island or travel virtually online to www.shopgreatestfriend.com
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Angela from Greatest Friend
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