v1ntageware
Words & Vintage Wear by Dustin
@lleahlegend epitomizes the very essence of a wild card: she models, styles, shoots and also works in recycled & vintage fashion.
I met Leah at my vintage pop up in November 2019 when she bought a shirt for her 21st birthday; from that moment on she's been my muse.
(Shot by @v1ntageware on Leah's Nikon D3000 on a warm evening in downtown Houston, Texas. She's rocking an 80s silk leopard print dress from @texan_folk & a ‘90s Steve Madden chunky boot, while smoking a Virginia Slim)
My brand stems from the idea that everything iconic in the world is already in existence—’60s Dior, ‘70s Saint Laurent, ‘80s Gucci or ‘90s Versace. Wearing & owning vintage clothing allows you to take part in fashion history & iconography throughout the ages, which is an experience new clothing couldn’t offer.
The most important aspect of vintage clothing is its sustainable & recycled nature—each and every vintage purchase directly reduces the amount of waste & pollution in our planet and combats unfair wage practices by many fashion corporations, all while being effortlessly chic.
(Here Leah is wearing ‘90s suede leather trousers, a ‘90s silk print blouse & vintage western ankle boots)
v1ntageware started in 2018. I would gift my friends vintage & thrifted gems I knew they’d love at no charge. Ultimately they encouraged me to pursue my dream of establishing a brand, which began by featuring finds in local pop ups, markets & more recently opening an online store.
Besides encouraging consumers to be more wise with their purchasing power by choosing vintage clothing over fast fashion, my goal has always been to give the people what they want— iconic garments that make them feel unique, special and valued as an individual.
Lately v1ntageware pop ups have also featured my other creative endeavors, like woodworking, metal work and custom vintage couture. Leah and I share a universal dream: to love everyone, do what we love and to prosper in all that we do, whatever that may be.
(Olive pant by Ralph Lauren, ‘90s zebra print silk blouse & ‘70s wool beret.)
v1ntageware focuses on curated vintage treasures featuring both women and menswear from each decade. Every piece is hand selected and chosen for its unique patina, irreverent cultural statement or otherwise funky details that make every garment a found treasure.
Most recently, reworking and distressing vintage recycled denim has become a focus of mine. Every distressed pair of denim is like a canvas transformed into a custom piece of couture that’s all done by hand.
(Leah is featured in a ‘90s silk tiger top, ‘90s corduroy mini skirt & golden metal belt)
(Portrait of Dustin in vintage carhartt hoodie shot by Leah to wrap up the shoot)
MEET DUSTIN
