The Vintage Eye Issue 2 | Page 8

I was already wearing vintage clothing at the time, and meeting Steven and seeing his wonderful collection of vintage clothing was much like a child walking into their favorite toy store. I started out modeling for Steven and he has taught me almost everything I know. I try to be a "sponge" whenever I'm around him and absorb every word he says. He has been a huge supporter of me and encourages me as I become more involved in the industry. In exchange I help him with technology and social media. You have a huge store! Was it difficult to fill it? Do you think you may need a bigger store eventually? It has never been difficult for me to fill space. I soon became a professional shopper. I look at a garment, check out its style, construction, fabric, condition and immediately know what I will sell it for. That gives me the ability to make split decisions on whether to buy it or not, by the asking price. In 27 years of business I have built up an amazing group of people who buy for me. I think my store is as big as it needs to be. How far would you like to see The Cat's Meow grow? Where would you like to be in five years time? In five years time I plan to have an online fashion archive which people all over the world will be able to use for education. Included in the archive will be photographs of my personal collection which I will rent for museum exhibitions. Do you have any advice for anyone wishing to come in to the vintage and antique industry? What should they do and anything they should not do? Right now is a good time to be in the vintage clothing industry. My advice to anyone who wishes to be a dealer is to surround yourself with people who are knowledgeable about fashion and history. Read as much as you can, see as many exhibitions as you can, learn the different sewing techniques from different era's, and generally just get as much hands on experience as possible. Thank you so much to Steven and Sarah for talking to us, it has been a huge privilege to talk to vintagers from the other side of the pond in the U.S. Thank you very very much again and best wishes to you for the future!