Until recently, the luxury market has been all about the new. Stomping through the alleyways of the Le Marais adorned in the freshest designer ensembles was once a sign of prestige; up-to-date, voguish, fierce. But the tides are turning quickly, and if you’re not already in the know, let it be known: vintage is back, and she’s back with a vengeance. Fashionistas the world over have come to the realization that all the glitters is not gold, and having the latest, shiniest, piece does not always beget the cutting edge of style. From clout seekers and fit-builders draped exclusively in rare archival finds, to the environmentally conscious wanting to reduce fashion industry waste, pulling from the past has proven to be a distinctly fashion-forward outlook.
PROJECT, whose events bring together some of the biggest players in fashion, dove deep to get a grasp on why the love for pre-loved pieces is spreading, as circularity in fashion has become increasingly important for shoppers and brands alike who prioritize sustainability. The latest edition of their renowned wholesale fashion event series gathered industry leaders under the heat of the Las Vegas sun—a fitting locale given the city is no stranger to tales of reversed fortunes.
The discussion was moderated by Highsnobiety’s own Nikki Mirsaeid, an interdisciplinary creative director navigating the intersection of technology, culture, fashion, and art. Joining the stage are two talents whose contributions have shaped the landscape of fashion and style: David Casavant and Luke Fracher. Casavant is an American fashion stylist, collector, and consultant, who has curated an unprecedented collection of archival men's clothing. His expertise has elevated the understanding of fashion's evolution, showcased not only through his collection but also in collaborations with artists and a notable release of his book, David Casavant Archive. Fracher is a clothier, creative consultant, and co-founder of Round Two and the recently opened boutique Luke's NYC. Located on the Lower East Side, Luke’s NYC offers a highly curated selection of modern and vintage. His establishment of a community-focused approach in Round Two's business model revolutionized the retail experience, and his newest venture, Luke's NYC, continues this legacy.
Together, the trio used the panel as a chance to discuss entrepreneurship, curating vintage, and community-building within the realm of fashion. Fracher shared insights into his approach to sourcing for his store. "I think anyone who is selling vintage clothing is trying to leverage nostalgia in some way to sell it. And that is part of my approach when I'm sourcing vintage or finding vintage for the store," said Fracher. He continued, commenting on the influence of trends, "It's important to stand by the things that you sell and only sell things that you are confident in. Trends are going to come and go but if you're truly talented in what you do and are tapped in and you're really thinking about it all the time, you have to breathe through that."
Further topics included but were not limited to Casavant’s role in the revival of late-'90s and early-2000s streetwear aesthetics in mainstream culture and its contemporary resonance. Casavant, who offered insights into just why this aesthetic has so seamlessly transitioned into modern fashion, discussed its contextualization within today's sartorial landscape. Fracher’s own journey, from the inception of Round Two to the establishment of Luke's NYC, was also explored and served as a guiding light to better understanding changes in fashion economies over the years.
What became evident throughout the panel is that buying pre-loved clothing is no longer a tedious exercise of rummaging elbow-deep through second-hand baskets on the off-chance you might find something worthwhile. The thrill of discovery, the clout that comes with finding something rare and exclusive is as—if not more—present in vintage shopping than in buying new. Bella Hadid in a Chanel 1986 dress to the Venice Film Festival, or Zendaya at the Time 100 Gala in a vintage Bob Mackie number prove the point. It's in with he old and out with the new. Vintage is the new luxury.
If you want to learn more about the conversations moving fashion, check out PROJECT Las Vegas' upcoming events.
