S9 Ep40 DETHROSE VINTAGE: Karyn Dethrow - on rescuing vintage furs, why the 1930s became her fashion specialty, and serendipitous buys with strangers.

Dec 8, 2025

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On today's show, we're chatting with Karyn Dethrow, owner of Dethrose Vintage in Chicago. Dethrose Vintage specializes in ultra-rare pieces, and Karyn takes pride in restoring every find – from the 1910s through the 1990s – to as close to its original state as possible, so it's ready to be worn and loved again as soon as it arrives at your door.

In this episode, Karyn shares her journey into vintage, which started with her vintage dealer sister introducing her to the Bins in Southern Illinois, where she found some of her first 1940s pieces. She shares why vintage from the 1930s became her specialty – from bias cuts to the era's unexpected boldness – and why she feels it's a standout era that influenced fashion for decades to come.

We talk about the serendipitous vintage buys she's had with former-strangers, her philosophy on rescuing vintage fur coats for sustainability, plus, her tips for cleaning and caring for delicate vintage textiles, and why Chicago's vintage community finally got the show it deserved with Pickwick.

It's a warm, inspiring conversation about building a vintage business with integrity – from someone who has been at this a while and knows her stuff, so let's dive right in!

DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:

[2:45] Karyn's sister was a vintage dealer, and she would take her to the Bins and the thrift stores as a teenager.
[4:19] She had always loved 1930s-40s style from old movies.
[7:22] When she started her Etsy shop, it sold out in two days
[12:09] Her very first market was the Rosebowl.
[14:43] Pickwick Vintage's first time in Chicago.
[16:11] How Karyn found her brand voice and vintage specialties.
[17:45] Why the 1930s is such an influential era in fashion history
[23:33] Vintage coats are the hot item of the year!
[26:32] Tips for caring, storing, and mending vintage pieces
[32:43] The story of her first major professional vintage buy
[38:32] Pieces she's saved for over a year for the perfect moment
[43:04] How the vintage space has changed and advice for newcomers
[48:19] Long haul pieces she'll never part with & other favorite finds

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