Stamford Sheraton Becomes Vintage Fashion Destination

STAMFORD, CONN.

: There was high excitement during the setup for The Maven Company's second annual Vintage Clothing, Textile and Jewelry Show and Sale in the Crown Ballroom of the Stamford Sheraton Hotel on January 28 and 29.

Many of the participating dealers shared fond memories of this Maven Show when it had been conducted in the Stratford, Conn., Armory. When the armory was activated after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, that site was no longer available for shows.

The Crown Ballroom at the Sheraton provided an appropriate setting for this kind of merchandise. Nine huge crystal chandeliers lit a carpeted room decorated in red and gold. After 45 dealers filled the space with displays of vintage jewelry, evening clothes, furs, fine linens, vintage fabrics and decorative accessories, it looked like an elegant bazaar. "We are great fans of specialty shows," said Martin Fasack, co-manager of the show.

The Maven Company also manages specialty shows in collectible firearms, dolls and teddy bears. "We think that specialty shows are very satisfying for both dealers and customers," said Fasack. "Customers are assured of seeing a high volume of items that interest them, and dealers can anticipate good potential for sales from an interested crowd."

The booths in the ballroom were packed. "Most of these dealers do the Piers and the Sturbridge Textile Show," said one of the dealers. "This show provides another chance for customers to see the cream of the crop all in one place." In fact, Fasask pointed out, during the winter season, the Stamford vintage show is the only two-day specialty fashion and textile show in the Northeast outside of Manhattan. "We see ourselves as a serious vintage fashion and jewelry venue that will draw the same customers who shop at the Sturbridge Vintage Textile Show and at Fashion Alley at the Piers."

After a strong gate on Saturday, the room continued to buzz throughout the day on Sunday. On both days customers seemed to settle in, checking their coats at the door, comfortably shopping and talking to dealers.

Denise Sookdar of Stamford had the largest booth, filling half of the back corner of the room with a selection of clothing and accessories. She was very busy and reported having "a great time." Her best sellers were women's jackets, Victorian coats and shoes from the 1920s to the 1950s. As things were winding down, she said, "I can't wait for next year."

On the front wall of the ballroom was a double booth featuring Connie Brown's Vintage Textiles and Lace. This was the first time Brown had done the show, and she said she would "definitely be back." On Saturday, Brown said sales were strong in vintage white linens. On Sunday, she sold primarily American quilts. "I really did well," she said. "My business here was brisker than at the Piers."

Most of the dealers agreed that the crowd was interested and enthusiastic and that they had a strong show. Several reported increased sales over last year. One of those was Patricia Lea of Gales Ferry, Conn. She said that several of her best customers had been decorators. She sold a lot of her lace and trims.

Shoes - both serious and funky - were a highlight in the booth of Jo Ellen Finnie of Town Peddlers. Finnie said she particularly enjoyed her interactions with customers. "One of the great things about this group," she said, referring to her fellow dealers, "is that we like talking shop with our customers and getting excited with them about collecting."

Karen Young of The Vintage Closet, Brimfield, Mass., agreed that it is great to "sell things you love to other people who will love them" and to teach them about vintage items. Customers seemed very interested in her stock of vintage bark cloth and she sold a period Teddy Roosevelt campaign bandanna in mint condition to a repeat customer.

Successful shows require a delicate balance in this economy. Those that succeed need the combination of good publicity, the guidance of avid promoters and the loyalty of quality dealers. In addition, the timing and location need to be right to continue to attract veteran customers and to appeal to the young buyer and collector. The Stamford vintage show appears to have these factors in place. The Maven Company hopes to continue to grow this show and get it recognized as a top tier fashion and textile destination.

Next year's Vintage Fashion, Textile and Jewelry Show and Sale will be January 27 and 28, at the Stamford Sheraton. For information, 914-248-4646 or www.mavencompany.com.