Vintage shopping has always been a passion of mine, especially when the piece comes with a rich history. Whether it’s a Zac Posen dress worn by Laura Love to her prom, a copper belt from my grandmother’s wedding in the 1950s, or a Bill Blass gown that graced the steps of the Met Gala on Pat Buckley, these pieces hold a special place in my heart. That’s why I am excited to announce the relaunch of The SIL on March 3rd, a vintage site that focuses on the women and stories behind iconic wardrobes.
The vintage market is currently experiencing a renaissance, with resale projected to grow faster than the global apparel market in the coming years. The internet has made it easier than ever to find coveted pieces, but something has been lost in the process. Descriptions have become shorter, and the unique backstories that make vintage shopping so special have faded into the background. That’s where The SIL comes in.
Natalie Bloomingdale first launched The SIL in 2017 as a destination for hard-to-find independent pieces. With the relaunch, we are bringing character back to vintage shopping by opening up the closets of stylish women and allowing customers to shop directly from their personal collections. Each Closet Feature will run for a set period before rotating to the next, giving customers the opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind pieces with unique stories.
To ensure that each piece comes with a story, we have each person fill out an in-depth questionnaire that delves into the memories and history behind the item. We interview, fact-check, and go down rabbit holes to uncover the true essence of each piece. It’s not just about the garment itself, but the memories and experiences that come with it.
The SIL’s relaunch is all about bringing back the art of storytelling in vintage shopping. By focusing on the stuff that these women love and are ready to part with, we are passing along their memories to the next person who will cherish them. Join us on this journey of discovery and uncover the hidden stories behind each vintage piece.
