Vintage inspiration that can now be yours…
To get a glimpse of a designer’s personal vintage collection – let alone bequeath it – is the stuff of many a vintage buyer’s dream.
And sometimes…dreams actually come true.
We’re pleased to share with you Anna Sui’s very own vintage archive – a collection that Anna herself sourced as inspiration for her own line of clothing, and handpicked to share with YOU. As is true of vintage shopping, many of these bespoke items bore a special something that Anna married into her designs.
If you’re unfamiliar with Anna Sui, let us share with you a snapshot of her illustrious career:
Without further ado, here’s the always inspiring, ever-lovely Anna:
Do you remember the first piece of vintage you purchased?
I went to the Eastside of Detroit where there was a vintage shop. $5 for all you could fit in a grocery paper bag. I got so many beaded 40's dresses, jackets, and coats.
What do you look for when shopping for vintage?
Sometimes I have a mission, but other times I just buy what strikes my fancy.
What’s your most favorite piece of vintage clothing, and why?
I have some sequin beaded dresses from the 20’s that I will always treasure. Also my collection of Zandra Rhodes & Ossie Clark from the 70’s.
I used to skip school (not condoning this, of course) to hit my local thrift shops. The feeling I got when discovering a great rock tee or leather jacket made my heart sing. How does vintage shopping make you feel? Especially when you find something THAT special?
I think my collecting Zandra and Ossie are definitely compensating for what I missed and what I would see Bianca (Jagger) and all the English Rockstars’ wives wearing in the early 70's.
Do you have a favorite city for vintage shopping? I go to Portobello Road every time I go to London. Friday mornings are the best for vintage clothing.
Tell us a bit about the collection you’ve handpicked for FP, which was pulled from your own design archives.
I wanted to make a selection for Fall/Winter. Many pieces I got on Portobello or at the NYC Flea Market when it was great (70’s-90’s).
Since these pieces served as inspiration for your own creations, can you share any particular elements that you found especially inspiring/beautiful?
There are several Nordic sweaters and skirts that I used to set the mood for various collections like the Folk collection (Fall 1999) and the Fairytale collection (Fall 2002).
Any advice for folks as they set off on their own vintage shopping journeys?
The best thing about vintage clothes is the amazing fabrics and handcrafted details. Learn to appreciate how beautifully made clothing used to be.
Shop The FP X Anna Sui Vintage Treasures Collection.
And sometimes…dreams actually come true.
We’re pleased to share with you Anna Sui’s very own vintage archive – a collection that Anna herself sourced as inspiration for her own line of clothing, and handpicked to share with YOU. As is true of vintage shopping, many of these bespoke items bore a special something that Anna married into her designs.
If you’re unfamiliar with Anna Sui, let us share with you a snapshot of her illustrious career:
- In 1981, while employed elsewhere, Anna produced her first namesake collection
- Anna staged her first fashion show, encouraged by A-list supermodels like Linda and Naomi, in 1991
- Just one year later, Anna opened her first boutique in Soho, NY
- Also in 1992, Anna won the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers in America (CFDA) Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent
- In 1993, she wowed fans old and new with her famous Grunge-inspired runway show
- Fast forward to 2009 when, after launching several fragrances, she was awarded the CFDA’s Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2017 saw the arrival of Anna’s revered “World Of Anna Sui Exhibit” at London’s Fashion And Textile Museum
- In 2022, Anna collaborated with our brand to introduce her iconic and bold prints via classic Free People silhouettes, as well as curating treasured pieces from her personal design archives
Without further ado, here’s the always inspiring, ever-lovely Anna:
Do you remember the first piece of vintage you purchased?
I went to the Eastside of Detroit where there was a vintage shop. $5 for all you could fit in a grocery paper bag. I got so many beaded 40's dresses, jackets, and coats.
What do you look for when shopping for vintage?
Sometimes I have a mission, but other times I just buy what strikes my fancy.
What’s your most favorite piece of vintage clothing, and why?
I have some sequin beaded dresses from the 20’s that I will always treasure. Also my collection of Zandra Rhodes & Ossie Clark from the 70’s.
I used to skip school (not condoning this, of course) to hit my local thrift shops. The feeling I got when discovering a great rock tee or leather jacket made my heart sing. How does vintage shopping make you feel? Especially when you find something THAT special?
I think my collecting Zandra and Ossie are definitely compensating for what I missed and what I would see Bianca (Jagger) and all the English Rockstars’ wives wearing in the early 70's.
Do you have a favorite city for vintage shopping? I go to Portobello Road every time I go to London. Friday mornings are the best for vintage clothing.
Tell us a bit about the collection you’ve handpicked for FP, which was pulled from your own design archives.
I wanted to make a selection for Fall/Winter. Many pieces I got on Portobello or at the NYC Flea Market when it was great (70’s-90’s).
Since these pieces served as inspiration for your own creations, can you share any particular elements that you found especially inspiring/beautiful?
There are several Nordic sweaters and skirts that I used to set the mood for various collections like the Folk collection (Fall 1999) and the Fairytale collection (Fall 2002).
Any advice for folks as they set off on their own vintage shopping journeys?
The best thing about vintage clothes is the amazing fabrics and handcrafted details. Learn to appreciate how beautifully made clothing used to be.
Shop The FP X Anna Sui Vintage Treasures Collection.