Mon Vintage, a hard-to-find luxury clothing store

In the heart of Saint Germain des Pres in Paris, Marie Blanchett’s world comes to life. It’s possible to come across a Karl Lagerfeld haute couture cocktail dress from 1968—a very rare Chloe with snakeskin and pearls, or a Gucci dress by Tom Ford from the Fall Winter 1996 collection with a bare back and the iconic G belt in gold—and Balenciaga’s For fans, there’s no shortage of haute couture spring summer masterpieces. Mon Vintage is not just a luxury vintage reality: it is a journey through time and a celebration among the most beautiful and memorable milestones in the world of fashion. Marie Blanchett thought so. Born in 2020 by a stalwart of the vintage world, Mon Vintage has turned into the quintessential Parisian mecca for anyone who finds fashion far from reality. Or for those who see vintage as a conversational medium, to tell their own. Marie Blanchett, on the other hand, has always believed the same.

let’s start from the beginning. Why work in the old world? What fascinates you about this world?

Since I was a teenager, I’ve worn vintage as a creative way to discover and express my identity and eccentricity: I still have some vintage pieces that I bought during that period such as the 1900s. White lace blouses or floral dresses from the 30’s and 70’s. I will always remember my first Hermès Kelly bag: it was quite worn, a little treasure from the sixties; I thought it was the most chic accessory in the world – and I still believe it, ten years later. My vintage culture and appreciation developed by watching films signed by Lucino Visconti, Jean-Luc Godard, Michelangelo Antonioni and photos and videos of icons like Mike and Bianca Jagger, Jane Birkin, Catherine Deneuve, The Ramones – to name a few Is the style and fashion of the past. At twenty, I started working as a costume designer for a drama series directed by Dennis Berry in the first half of the last century, and this sparked a new interest in women’s development. XX century and, consequently, the development of fashion. my experience from Vestiaire Collective

-where I was in charge of enriching their vintage collection-, confirmed to me that vintage fashion would be my destiny.

Of the many luxury vintage clothes that have passed through your atelier, which one is the most memorable?

Difficult as a question is, it seems almost impossible to choose! dress of course Artemis By Christian Dior Haute Couture by Yves Saint Laurent Fall Winter 1959 -currently in our Paris showroom-. It is impossible not to mention the metal molded copper bustier by Thierry Mugler, Spring Summer 1980 collection – worn on the catwalk by Jerry Hall – or the kimono coat by John Galliano Spring Summer 1995 – worn by Rihanna herself. Among the new additions: an iconic piece of “Delphos” by the sand-colored Fortuny Atelier from the early 1920s, a stunning “shocking pink” gazer dress and cape by Cristóbal Balenciaga Spring Summer 1961 and much of the line Vautrin (1913) Rare Collection – 1997) jewelery and decorative items, some of which are still available.

Which designers have the hardest time finding vintage clothes?

Madeleine Vionnet, Gabrielle Chanel, Fortune, Cristóbal Balenciaga and Christian Dior.

You mentioned Rihanna: who would you like to collaborate with that you think could best represent Mon Vintage’s aesthetic and philosophy?

Lots of names! Hard to choose just one; At the top of my list is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Taylor Russell. Monica Bellucci, Gong Li and again, Sofia Coppola, Riley Keough or Julianne Moore.

a collection of past that you consider a “masterpiece”

Yves Saint Laurent Autumn Winter 1969, for which artist Claude Lalanne made body casts of model Verushka to adorn two dresses in vaporous blue and black chiffon. A collection was reinterpreted in the early eighties by Thierry Mugler and Issey Miyake, and later in 2020, also by Tom Ford and Gabriela Hearst. This collection is a testament to the genius of Yves Saint Laurent and his unconditional love for women. In his own words: “Love exists between me and women. Collections are love stories”.

If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

Yves Saint Laurent: Forever and ever.

Any advice for first time entrants into the world of vintage? How to get expert mastery?

I had the opportunity to learn from the extraordinary François Auget, perhaps one of the best experts in the field of the 20th century – and always -. I believe in mentoring, learning with someone you admire and who will pass on their knowledge, passion and respect for vintage fashion to you. I would add: Be curious, be humble, read books, watch old movies, wherever you can find inspiration and historical culture. Never forget that you only know what you don’t know and develop your own taste.

How would you describe Mon Vintage in three adjectives?

Three names perfectly encapsulate the soul of Mon Vintage: elegance, heritage, modernity.

What’s in store for the Mon vintage in the rest of 2023?

Mon Vintage strengthens its permanent collaboration with Printemps, with whom we launch the world’s largest vintage corner in 2021. We’re also starting to work with French silverware company Christofle, a collaboration I’m very excited about because I’ve always believed in a broader concept of ‘vintage’ that goes beyond fashion. I really admire the craftsmanship of their pieces and the work done by CEO Emily Metjes, who you find embodies “l’élegance française” to perfection. We also offer private appointments at our Paris showroom in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés, where customers can try on rare pieces from our collection and have them tailored by our couturiers. But there’s a lot more news coming soon that I can’t wait to talk about.

Before I finish, let me ask you: What’s your secret vintage dream?

To grow Mon Vintage internationally and work with luxury houses to incorporate vintage into their Daily Activities.