Behind the Booth: The Eye Behind AK Vintage with Alex
Welcome to Behind the Booth, where we get to know the incredible vendors behind our Vintage Emporiums.
Discover their stories, favorite finds, collecting passions, and the personalities that make every visit a new adventure.
Meet Alex, The Vintage Curator Who Knows Great Style is in the Details!
1. Give us the elevator pitch. Who are you, and what treasure-filled path led you to vintage?
My name is Alex, and I sell vintage clothing. I’ve been shopping second-hand for most of my life and really discovered my passion after years of being dragged to the thrift store by my mom to shop for school clothes. Thanks, Mom. I worked at the shops throughout college and got my first shot at selling in a pop-up booth at the warehouse location. I now have a booth in all three locations and sell at different pop-ups on the weekends.
2. If someone walked into your booth for the first time, what would they find—and what might surprise them?
If you were to walk into my booth right now, you would see a variety of different styles from catalog brands like Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, and Gap, as well as sportswear, workwear, leather jackets, Levi’s jeans, and graphic T-shirts. Something that might surprise people is the variety of price points that are offered. Vintage doesn’t always mean expensive!
3. Describe your booth style in three words. (No pressure, but we’ll judge them.)
Curated, quality, and clean.
4. What are you always hunting for when you’re out picking, thrifting, or treasure hunting?
When I’m out picking, I’m looking for a bit of everything. I try not to limit myself to one genre of clothing. I appreciate when vintage is inclusive and there is a little bit of something for everybody. What I do like to pick has one common theme: items that are made with quality materials and have unique colors and distinctive patterns. Timeless pieces are always a priority. I also love art and mid-century modern furniture for myself!
5. What is your current favorite piece in your booth?
My current favorite piece in my booth is a 1980s Polo Ralph Lauren denim Harrington jacket with a hidden plaid lining beneath the collar, located in my booth at the 9W shop.
6. What’s one thing people often overlook when shopping vintage?
One thing people often overlook when shopping for vintage, in my opinion, is that not everything has to be from a well-known brand to be a quality piece of clothing. As fun as it is to find the big-name labels, they’re not always an indicator of quality. Some of the coolest pieces I have found over the years aren’t from recognizable brands, and many of them were made in the same factories using the same materials. Good-quality basics are also something I think gets overlooked; items you can wear with different outfits and style in countless ways. Think of your dad’s old denim jacket that’s no longer dark blue and is covered in repairs, pins, and patches!
7. If your booth had a theme song, what would it be?
Rusty Cage by Soundgarden.
Visit the Booths
Inspired by Alex’s story? He’s vendor #AK. You can explore his booth at NVE Ware-House, located on DuBois Street, Aisle 2. At Newburgh Vintage Emporium, his booth is located on Aisle 2; and at Hyde Park Vintage Emporium Vintage Emporium and Antiques Center, his collection is located upstairs.
Like every booth at the Emporium, it’s always evolving—so no two visits are ever the same.