Photo: Deluxe Redux I started my Deluxe Redux blog back in October 2014. The first blog post was a rudimentary two-paragraph post on a vintage Carlo Fiori snakeskin handbag. At that time, there was limited information about this designer available.  ​ Fast forward over two years later, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sarah Fiori from the husband and wife design team of Fiori of Italy and learning about their fashion history. Fiori of Italy was an Italian brand known for handbags made of snakeskin and embossed leather collages and color combinations from the 1970’s and ..read more

Mainbocher in Paris, 1974. Photo: Chicago History Museum With between 50,000 to 60,000 pieces of clothing, the Chicago History Museum has one of largest fashion collections in the United States. "Making Mainbocher: The First American Couturier" exhibition is on view at the Chicago History Museum until August 20th, 2017. This exhibition celebrates Mainbocher's (pronounced "Mahn-bo-SHAY") fascinating life, his journey as a fashion designer, and contributions to the fashion industry. Curator of Costumes Petra Slinkard stated that the Chicago native's career of over 40 years had ..read more

Photo: Deluxe Redux Deluxe Redux met with Amy Ernst Mayberry, owner of Chicago boutique Viva Vintage Clothing. Viva Vintage Clothing has been in business since 1997 and focuses on mid-20th century clothing and accessories, and select items from the 1920s and 1930s. Fashion Beginnings Amy has loved textiles since she was young. "I’ve always enjoying playing with color and texture since I was a very small child, so I think that predisposed me to be interested in fashion from that perspective," she states. She loves the feel of good fabrics, color, and print and loves vinta ..read more

This World Vintage series feature brought me to Rochester, New York last month. I was in town participating in a location martial arts event for the weekend and I only had a few hours on my last day to check out some of Rochester's vintage scene before my flight back to Chicago. I spent some time at JANE Vintage and Record Archive and also made an online purchase from Predisposed Vintage. Beth Roberts of JANE Vintage. Photo: Deluxe Redux Jane Vintage Deluxe Redux met Beth Roberts, owner and operator of JANE Vintage, located in Rochester's historic South Wedge neighborhood. JANE Vintag ..read more

Liz Meyer at Silver Moon in Chicago. Photo: Deluxe Redux Deluxe Redux met with Liz Meyer, Chicago-based professional stylist and owner of vintage boutique Silver Moon. Silver Moon offers one of the country's largest collections of vintage bridal gowns and accessories dating between 1890s-1960s. Just as impressive is her mint condition collection of daywear and formal attire through the 1980s.  Liz's discerning eye for style, art and detail resulted in a fascinating journey into the worlds of celebrity styling and vintage fashion. We discuss how she became a vintage brida ..read more