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Once upon a time (about 1986) in a Yonkers, N.Y., thrift shop, two men—a collector and a designer—tugged at the same piece of tree-print fabric. A partnership was formed: Mark Walsh Leslie Chin Vintage.
Walsh and Chin constantly add to their vast inventory of couture and accessories. Among their clientele are museums, stylists, and "Hamish (as in Bowles) collectors," i.e., people more likely to archive a dress than wear it.
"We take the scholarly approach," Walsh says. But they do sell "wearable vintage"—mostly post-sixties pieces without famous labels and enormous prices—at Tracey Ross in L.A. and Metier in San Francisco.
You won't find many A-list actresses in Mark Walsh Leslie Chin Vintage, but you will see dresses from their collection in most major museum fashion exhibitions—think Schiaparelli and Chanel, as well as, word is, the Met's 2006 Poiret show. "Whatever's showing at the museums gets referenced right away," Chin says.
May's Vogue featured highlights from the duo's Chanel collection. Walsh and Chin were on set to safeguard their frocks, although Creative Director Grace Coddington assures, "No vintage garments were harmed on this shoot."
In 1998, they introduced an "over the top" home line. Think sconces from craftsmen who "refurbish things at Versailles." When Vogue needed earrings, Walsh says, "We transformed some napkin rings," and launched a jewelry collection.
Walsh and Chin's dream find? Something like the Poiret collection that's at auction this week in Paris. "You can always find one gorgeous thing," Chin says, "but to get something that's historical and intact would be amazing."
—Laird Borrelli
More information about Mark Walsh Leslie Chin Vintage available at www.vintageluxury.com and (914) 963-1694.
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