New York Vintage

Among her extensive hand-picked collection of fine vintage, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld prizes an exquisite black lace slip with peek-a-boo shoulders designed by the late, great Yves Saint Laurent. Julia adeptly plucked the piece from the well-curated vintage designer clothing shop, New York Vintage, located in the artsy neighborhood of Chelsea: "This Yves Saint Laurent dress is actually lingerie, which they don't make anymore now. I bought it at New York Vintage on 25th Street. I call it my Shakira dress!"

It is only fitting that the stylish Julia would shop for vintage here. New York Vintage houses a bountiful array of high end, rare, vintage clothing, whose origins span over 100 years. The store caters to fashion’s top stylists, designers, celebrities... any and all vintage fashion aficionados who seek to indulge their most wanton fashion desires.

When visiting New York Vintage, prepare to fulfill your fashion fix — all that a fashion-lover craves is organized by era, from the 19th century and beyond. Everything is in immaculate condition, so it is best to be at the ready for some steep prices.

Have a special event coming up? Do what Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, and Sarah Jessica Parker have done: Call ahead and book an appointment to peruse the 5,000 square foot rental-only archive. You can rent that Missoni knit dress at a fraction of the purchase price and be the belle of the ball. Just be ready to part ways with it once the clock strikes midnight...

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and New York Vintage photographs courtesy of talesofendearment.com and windowwatchernyc.com

Ganesha

When in Ibiza on holiday, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld always takes time to stop at Ganesha, a vintage shop owned by Vicente Hernández that is filled with treasures rumored to rival those in Aladdin's cave. Reportedly "a kind hearted grey whiskered character [with] more than an eye when it comes to shapely figures and bright Latin color," Hernández travels to South America regularly to find new merchandise for the shop making it the hot spot in Ibiza to discover funky vintage jewelry, sunglasses, bags, clothing, furniture, and more. Located at Calle Guillem de Montgri 14 in Ibiza Town, this magical little boutique consistently attracts famous visitors such as Kate Moss, Jade Jagger, and Elle Macpherson. Note as well that Ganesha is esteemed as Ibiza Town's oldest shop, a tribute to Vicente's eye for goodness. 

What are a few of Julia's favorite finds at Ganesha? She is wearing two of her treasures in the photographs seen here. While shopping at Ganesha in the summer of 2008, Julia scored the romantic white dress she wears above, the perfect lightweight accompaniment to the season. Another stroke of luck while shopping at Vicente's place — the gorgeous sequined dress we see to the right, a sparkling relic from the days of cabaret. Mademoiselle Restoin-Roitfeld remarks, "I bought this cabaret dress... in Ibiza in the summer of 2006. I saw it in the window, tried it on and it fit me perfectly! It was meant to be. I've only worn it once and it was photographed a lot. It's one of those pieces I can wear at home, for my own pleasure, or I could just frame and hang on the wall." Spoken like a true Roitfeld...

Photograph of Ganesha by Vicente Hernández © 2008 8020 Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photograph of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld in vintage cabaret dress courtesy of style.com 
Photograph of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld in vintage white dress © 2010 Natalie Joos. All Rights Reserved.

Monchichi

Mon-chi-chi, mon-chi-chi...
Oh so soft and cudd-le-ly...

Though Julia Restoin-Roitfeld is a chic, sophisticated woman she hasn't forgotten her playful, girlish self. When Todd Selby captured her home on film, he shot a few of her favorite toys including her beloved plush teddy bear and Monchichi posed together. I love the sunny little yellow toboggan and sweater in which Julia has dressed him.

The Monchichi doll—known as "Kiki" in France—was created by Koichi Sekiguchi in Tokyo in 1974. The doll inspired an animated series that premiered in Japan in 1980 and in the US in 1983. Unfortunately The Monchichis could not compete with The Smurfs for Saturday morning air time and was cancelled after only one season. The catchy theme song was apparently no match for Smurfette.

Photograph of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's Monchichi and teddy bear © 2009 Todd Selby. All Rights Reserved.

Update on mercredi 9 juin 2010 by kellina

Oh how very cute is this! Julia Restoin-Roitfeld snuggling with her Monchichi...

Dary's

One of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's shopping staples is the Parisian vintage jewelry store Dary's. A favorite of fashionistas everywhere, this treasure has been in the same family for nearly a century. If you seek accessories vintage or modern, Dary's is the place—located on rue St-Honoré and literally steps from Place Vendôme. Picture Ali Baba's cave owned by a friendly, knowledgeable French family with everything that you can imagine for sale. The walls are lined with unique vintage finds and the drawers are stuffed with curious objects. Be sure to visit Dary's web site and watch the little video, what a delightful shop and staff they have! The family-owned spirit really shines. As do all those glistening jewels...

Dary's images courtesy of darys.fr.

Resurrection

When she is in the mood to shop for vintage, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld often heads to Resurrection in Nolita. This upscale thrift boutique at 217 Mott Street in Manhattan is lined with a treasure trove of iconic designer duds from mod Pucci dresses to Halston formalwear in the style of Jackie Onassis. The mint condition clothing primarily spans the 1960s to the 1980s and this elegant spot is a familiar source of inspiration for a wide range of fashion folks—designers, editors, stylists, connoisseurs, and patrons make the trek regularly. Resurrection is owned by Katy Rodriguez and Mark Haddawy and has sister stores in Tokyo and Los Angeles.

Resurrection original interior photograph courtesty of resurrectionvintage.com.