It was a muggy August New York afternoon, and David and I had temporarily escaped the city, ducking into a cool church basement thrift shop. Racks sagging with clothes stretched from one end of the room to the other. Flipping through the racks like a gambler shuffles cards, I pondered how much ugly clothing ends up in such places. But therein lies the challenge. I like to think of myself as a fashion archeologist, digging for a fashion discovery. Howard Carter found Tutankhamen’s tomb; I dream of finding a Chanel suit, a leopard Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress or a pair of Roger Vivier pilgrim pumps like Catherine Deneuve wore in
Loved this piece ! Mariam Pal beautifully captures the excitement of stumbling upon high fashion amidst everyday finds. And I simply loved the term 'Fashion archaeologist'.
Loved this, because I understand. Pristine cashmere sports jacket, forest green and grey houndstooth, worn till it fell apart. Egyptian cotton shirts from the 1960s, in their original packaging. Still looking.
Some teenaged girls dream of becoming models. One of my students actually made it though she walked in a clunky stride. When I visited Paris, there she was on a huge billboard in a Karl L. outfit.! I dropped a note for her at one of his boutiques, hoping somehow she'd get it.
Lo and behold, one day she appeared wearing a Kenso jacket in my CA classroom! With a wry look on her face, she muttered she was no longer working for Karl, and that "Fashion is fickle."
I've never found a Lagerfeld but almost everything I own is acquired in this way. Retail is anathema. Thanks for the great writing on a subject dear to my heart.
Loved, loved, loved this Alice. I can't bring myself to start digging for gently worn clothing. I started looking for recycled to decorate our unfurnished condo, it's a start.
But clothing? Nope, I'm still learning how to put things together from Substack fashion mavens—Becky Malinsky, Leandra Cohen, and Kim France... one step at a time, right?
I almost fell the same thrill when I find a computer, laptop, or screen set outside on the curb in Montreal.. Those objects don't carry the cultural cachet of a Karl, but if one actually works when I get it home I put it directly to use and smile at my good fortune. Similarly, your writing is a gem - effortless to read and very entertaining.
I'm terrified to wear it and splash something on it. But I did do a photoshoot with a photographer friend. There's a shot of me in the ballgown stirring a saucepan in the kitchen. I always thought when Stephen Spielberg turns one of my books into a movie, I'll wear it to the Oscars. Time is running short, Steve!
Mariam, as a fellow thrifter, I enjoyed your piece very much. There's a story called "Goodwill Junkie" in my new book Midlife Solo, and I'm sorry, but I have to top your Karl story - mine is about finding, at Goodwill, a dark maroon silk Balenciaga ballgown with a vast bow down the back for $18. Canadian. It fits perfectly. I'm ready for the Oscars.
how lucky we are as readers are to be exposed to a delicious story and discovery of Mariam S Pal coupled with the collage drawing of Stella Kalaw. When the world has gone haywire in so many areas, it is wonderful to have one's mind be nourished and stabilized by good art and good writing. Thank you Alice for providing this happy and healthy diversion from life's current realities!
Delightful column. I am thrifter, though much lower brow—along the vein of the spandexed ladies though I refuse to wear those abominable garments. I’ve not had a specific expedition for any major designer, but am thrilled with Joseph A. Bank dress shirts for my husband, Brooks Brothers shirts for him and one of our offspring, most for $6.99. A J. Jill floral tunic will have to do as my Pompeii, but I love it so. My closet is well-stocked with Levi’s, Old Navy, and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans for an average of $5.99 each. Quite by accident, I recently bought a small vintage rolling buffet worth $1,995. I saw beauty and quality, but didn’t realize just how much quality—I looked on the Internet, then marveled that I paid only $100 for it. My family can cash in on that at a date yet to be determined, its present destiny is to display my orchid collection in front of a dining room window. Congratulations on your find! And I’m envious in the nicest way of your ability to make delicate restorations. I come from a line of gifted seamstresses, but that gene evidently receded on me.
Loved this piece ! Mariam Pal beautifully captures the excitement of stumbling upon high fashion amidst everyday finds. And I simply loved the term 'Fashion archaeologist'.
Brilliant piece!
Loved this, because I understand. Pristine cashmere sports jacket, forest green and grey houndstooth, worn till it fell apart. Egyptian cotton shirts from the 1960s, in their original packaging. Still looking.
Some teenaged girls dream of becoming models. One of my students actually made it though she walked in a clunky stride. When I visited Paris, there she was on a huge billboard in a Karl L. outfit.! I dropped a note for her at one of his boutiques, hoping somehow she'd get it.
Lo and behold, one day she appeared wearing a Kenso jacket in my CA classroom! With a wry look on her face, she muttered she was no longer working for Karl, and that "Fashion is fickle."
I've never found a Lagerfeld but almost everything I own is acquired in this way. Retail is anathema. Thanks for the great writing on a subject dear to my heart.
Loved, loved, loved this Alice. I can't bring myself to start digging for gently worn clothing. I started looking for recycled to decorate our unfurnished condo, it's a start.
But clothing? Nope, I'm still learning how to put things together from Substack fashion mavens—Becky Malinsky, Leandra Cohen, and Kim France... one step at a time, right?
Enjoyed this story, Mariam! Hopefully, the quirky collage complemented the joy I felt when I read it.
I almost fell the same thrill when I find a computer, laptop, or screen set outside on the curb in Montreal.. Those objects don't carry the cultural cachet of a Karl, but if one actually works when I get it home I put it directly to use and smile at my good fortune. Similarly, your writing is a gem - effortless to read and very entertaining.
I'm terrified to wear it and splash something on it. But I did do a photoshoot with a photographer friend. There's a shot of me in the ballgown stirring a saucepan in the kitchen. I always thought when Stephen Spielberg turns one of my books into a movie, I'll wear it to the Oscars. Time is running short, Steve!
Only worn once? Maybe I should come over and give your Karl a spin.
Two of my friends are the best 'clothing archaeologists' I know. I've shared this w/ them. They'll be delighted!
Mariam, as a fellow thrifter, I enjoyed your piece very much. There's a story called "Goodwill Junkie" in my new book Midlife Solo, and I'm sorry, but I have to top your Karl story - mine is about finding, at Goodwill, a dark maroon silk Balenciaga ballgown with a vast bow down the back for $18. Canadian. It fits perfectly. I'm ready for the Oscars.
I love your writing and I love this story!! How special and magical and I hope you have an occasion to wear it again very soon
how lucky we are as readers are to be exposed to a delicious story and discovery of Mariam S Pal coupled with the collage drawing of Stella Kalaw. When the world has gone haywire in so many areas, it is wonderful to have one's mind be nourished and stabilized by good art and good writing. Thank you Alice for providing this happy and healthy diversion from life's current realities!
Mary Anne Ferguson
I’m a retired fashion archeologist. Kudos Mariam on your marvellous archeological discovery.
Let’s go shopping together and then out to dinner - Carl can join for dinner. Un bijoux.
Delightful column. I am thrifter, though much lower brow—along the vein of the spandexed ladies though I refuse to wear those abominable garments. I’ve not had a specific expedition for any major designer, but am thrilled with Joseph A. Bank dress shirts for my husband, Brooks Brothers shirts for him and one of our offspring, most for $6.99. A J. Jill floral tunic will have to do as my Pompeii, but I love it so. My closet is well-stocked with Levi’s, Old Navy, and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans for an average of $5.99 each. Quite by accident, I recently bought a small vintage rolling buffet worth $1,995. I saw beauty and quality, but didn’t realize just how much quality—I looked on the Internet, then marveled that I paid only $100 for it. My family can cash in on that at a date yet to be determined, its present destiny is to display my orchid collection in front of a dining room window. Congratulations on your find! And I’m envious in the nicest way of your ability to make delicate restorations. I come from a line of gifted seamstresses, but that gene evidently receded on me.