Kathleen Sorbara, the owner of Sorbara’s, a vintage clothing haven, shares her journey of redefining her brand and the vibrant world of vintage fashion. She discusses the aesthetic interplay between couples and how personal relationships shape individual style. Insights on the dynamics of menswear shopping and the importance of community connections are highlighted. Kathleen also predicts future trends and muses on dressing as our bodies change. Her thoughts on nostalgia in fashion and the role of unique pieces add a delightful twist to the conversation.
Kathleen Sorbara's rebranding of her vintage store symbolizes a personal evolution toward a curated and emotionally resonant shopping experience.
The saturation of vintage stores in New York has led to diverse quality levels, making community-building essential for business longevity.
Sorbara's focus on timeless pieces and innovative inventory selection reflects her adaptation to contemporary consumer behavior and fashion trends.
Deep dives
Kathleen Sorbara's Journey and Rebranding of Chickies to Sorbaras
Kathleen Sorbara discusses her transition from running the vintage store known as Chickies to rebranding it as Sorbaras. This shift represented more than just a name change; it symbolized her desire to elevate the shopping experience and reflect her evolving style. She emphasizes that the new location in Williamsburg allows for a more upscale and curated selection, showcasing high-end vintage items like an Oscar de la Renta gown displayed at the store opening. The rebranding is also deeply personal, connecting her work to her family legacy and cherishing the relationships built with her clientele.
The Evolution of Personal and Store Style
Sorbara shares how her personal style has transformed over the years, moving away from novelty items toward more timeless vintage pieces. She notes that her preference is now for pieces that resonate emotionally, often reflecting significant memories or experiences. Kathleen acknowledges that living in New York has influenced her style, steering her toward function over form due to the practicality required in the city. This practical approach extends to her store's offerings as well, balancing avant-garde pieces with staple items that customers crave.
The State of Vintage Retail and Community
The conversation touches on the increasing number of vintage stores popping up, leading to a more saturated market in New York City. Sorbara reflects on this phenomenon and suggests that while competition can be beneficial, it has also led to a variance in quality and taste among vintage retailers. She stresses the importance of building a loyal community, as evidenced by the regular clientele at Sorbaras. Shift's in consumer behavior due to platforms like TikTok have also influenced how people engage with vintage shopping and the demand for authenticity.
Challenges and Gratification in Business
Managing a vintage store comes with unique challenges, particularly in a bustling neighborhood like Williamsburg, where the clientele is more established and repeat customers are key. Sorbara indicates the satisfaction of building a thriving business that attracts local shoppers while still maintaining a strong online presence. Despite the pressures that come with rebranding and managing a team, Kathleen finds joy in delegating responsibilities and fostering a positive work environment for her staff. This sense of community is important to her, as it not only supports her business but also enriches her clients' shopping experiences.
The Creative Process in Fashion and Anticipation for Trends
The podcast also delves into what influences Sorbara's inventory selection and the trends she observes in vintage fashion. Kathleen notes that while she aims for a well-curated assortment, she remains keenly aware of what resonates with her customers in today's market. She expresses excitement about the potential resurgence of certain styles, such as minimalist silhouettes reminiscent of earlier fashion eras. By maintaining an innovative approach while celebrating vintage aesthetics, Kathleen is poised to keep her store relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of fashion.
Our interview with Kathleen Sorbara is future vintage. Kathleen—the owner and founder of Sorbara’s, formerly known as Chickee’s—took a much-deserved mental health break with us after a very busy month to open up about the aesthetic exchange between couples, hitting the reset button on an already successful business and why, her beautiful new store, the many micro-neighborhoods of Williamsburg, TF playing our little part in the prosperity of her men’s business, men vs. women shoppers, nerds be price matching, how her curation stays ahead of the curve plus some vintage trend predictions and analysis, dressing as your body changes over time, New York’s descent into vintage hell, estate sales are cooked, the many benefits of the fellas keeping a sexy home and much more on Kathleen Sorbara’s interview with The Only Podcast That Matters™.
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