LIFE
Redefining the Edges of D.C.’s Vintage Clothing Scene WORDS BY ANDREW J. WILLIAMS III Vintage shops, once regarded as the place where undesirable things go to die, are experiencing a renaissance. The burning question is: Why now? The answer might be found in the reemergence of classic styles and the meteoric rise in popularity of genres like streetwear. Flared pants, high-waisted jeans, white sneakers, corduroy, joggers, sweatsuits and band tees are reinserting themselves in the bloodstream of popular culture. Even more, the exclusivity, durability and sustainability offered by vintage is unmatched. There’s a thrilling factor to finding a piece that fits your style and can’t easily be acquired by others. It’s the essence of individual expression. And, in a world where brands produce seasonal styles en masse, with materials that rarely stand the test of time, it’s no secret why the vintage clothing industry is booming (and evolving) in cities like D.C. “Without a doubt, vintage pieces are better quality,” says James Hackley. “If you want true Gucci or Louis [Vuitton], you have to go back to the pieces when they were made better, [with] 76 | JULY 2021
better materials and workmanship behind [them].” Hackley, the co-founder of Bespoke Not Broke in Takoma Park, Maryland, acquired his penchant for vintage in a past life as a corporate sales professional before transitioning into the fashion industry six years ago, following a major life decision. Spending most days on the road, Hackley made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight and successfully dropped 50 pounds in four months. But reaching this milestone had two consequences: He was forced to part ways with ill-fitting luxury clothing pieces and let go of his fixation with high-priced fashion. “I had a lot of nice things, like $150 Thomas Pink shirts. When I went from a [size] 42 to 38, I had to give away all those shirts. So, I vowed never to spend that much money on clothing again.” He slowly rebuilt his closet by visiting thrift stores and vintage shops before his acumen for marketing and love of fashion sparked an idea: Open a shop where people could find items that felt “custom-made for you without breaking the bank.” Common Thread. Photo courtesy of the shop.
