On-Trend Fashion Borrows From Your Closet

In the fashion industry, every season brings in the revival of a past trend.

Roberto Cavalli women’s fashion show Fall/Winter 2016-2017 is a perfect illustration as the designer showcased “an ode to the louche, lean and sinuous women of the Art Nouveau, fused with the attitude of today.”

In an effort to innovate, many designers combine influences from the past with recent inspirations and emotions in a single piece which can be overwhelming for the eye of the public. “The purity of the original versions allows women to add their own contemporary touches in a way that’s more comfortable and wearable than what’s being shown in stores. Again, vintage wins.” states Claudine Villardito, owner of Black Cat Vintage, a luxury and haute couture vintage clothing boutique in downtown Phoenix.

Capes, brocades, velvets, military jackets, statement fur … each of these trends borrows from vintage and is heavily featured this Fall/Winter season.

Here is a selection of some of the best vintage pieces available in the Valley at different locations: Black Cat Vintage, Fashion by Robert Black and Vintage by Misty.

Statement Fur 

A Saint Laurent fur coat, F/W 2016 (left) compared with a fur coat at Black Cat Vintage (middle)
and an Yves Saint Laurent mink stole for I.Magnin at Fashion by Robert Black (right).

Velvet Is Back

A Vanessa Seward velvet gown, F/W 2016 (left) compared with a similar gown at Black Cat Vintage (middle) 
and a 1970s Thea Porter velvet ikat duster vest at Vintage by Misty (right).

The Brocade Way

A Brock Collection brocade dress, F/W 2016 (left), compared with a brocade dress at Black Cat Vintage (middle) 
a gold metallic prints custom-made dress at Fashion by Robert Black (top right)
and a 1950s Marheta embroidered fold-over clutch at Vintage by Misty (bottom right).

1980s Power Gowns

A Saint Laurent gown, F/W 2016 (left) compared with a 1980s Bob Mackie sequin gown at Fashion by Robert Black (middle) 
and a beaded gown at Black Cat Vintage (right).

Embellished Nudes

A Valentino gown, F/W 2016 (left) compared with a similar gown at Black Cat Vintage (middle)
and a handloomed for Ohrbach’s dress at Fashion by Robert Black (right).

Military Jacket 

A Louis Vuitton band jacket, F/W 2016 (left) compared with a 1980s Yves Saint Laurent corduroy military coat at Vintage by Misty (middle)
and a U.S. Navy Cadet jacket at Black Cat Vintage (right).

Black Cat Vintage, 111 W. Monroe St, Phoenix. For more information, visit blackcatvintage.com.

Fashion by Robert Black, 7144 E. First Ave., Scottsdale. For more information, visit fashionbyrobertblack.com.

Vintage by Misty, 7064 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale. For more information, visit vintagebymisty.com.