A small resale store in Capitol Hill where vintage clothing takes center stage [Photo by Lillian Russo]
By Lillian Russo
In the bustling world of fashion, vintage clothing has emerged as a timeless trend, captivating the hearts of fashionistas and collectors alike. Behind the scenes, passionate vintage clothing sellers offer a unique perspective on this thriving market, sharing their insights and experiences. Vintage clothing has transcended mere fashion; it’s become a statement, a lifestyle, and a sustainable choice for many. For those who curate and sell these timeless pieces, each garment holds a story waiting to be rediscovered by a new owner.
From the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo to the artsy districts of RiNo and South Broadway, the city offers a diverse array of vintage shopping destinations that cater to every taste and budget. Local vintage aficionados and tourists alike are drawn to the city’s vibrant atmosphere and the promise of uncovering hidden gems.
One of Denver’s standout vintage destinations is the South Broadway Antique Row, a historic district boasting over 100 antique shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Here, visitors can wander through a maze of vintage clothing stores, antique furniture shops, and eclectic boutiques, each offering a unique selection of treasures waiting to be discovered.
Also located on South Broadway is Denver’s oldest and most popular vintage clothing store, Boss Vintage. Joe Fabian, a long-time employee of Boss, shares his own insight into the culture of buying and selling vintage, specifically in Denver. Fabian’s interest in vintage clothing began at Boss in early 2021 and has only grown since.
Now an employee of three years at the store, Fabian shares his knowledge selling vintage clothing, and reflects on why it’s so important.
“With brands like Zara and Shein pumping out tons of fast fashion clothing, shopping vintage means you’re making sure that the clothing doesn’t make its way into landfills. It’s better produced, it lasts a long time; the attention to detail was much more honed in.”
Joe Fabian of Boss Vintage. [Photo by Lillian Russo]
Boss Vintage is organized based on decade giving Fabian an insight into telling when exactly clothing was produced.
“There’s a number of ways to determine not only if something is vintage, but also what specific decade it comes from. When it comes to T-shirts, it’s a lot of knowing what major companies were putting out shirts at what time. A lot of T-shirts were also single stitched in the 70s through the mid-90s, so when you see a single stitched T-shirt, you can almost guarantee that it’s going to be from those decades.”
Jules Reed’s Atomic Salvage at 1309 N Marion St, Denver, CO. [Photo by Lillian Russo]
Jules Reed, owner and founder of one of Denver’s newest vintage shops, Atomic Salvage runs her shop a bit differently than Boss. Because Reed runs their own shop, they are able to take a different, less curated approach than Fabian. Instead of sourcing clothing based on decade and drawing to the general public, Reed focuses more on pieces that interest themself.
“When sourcing clothing, I prefer items that are natural fiber. I like to lean towards wool and linen and cotton. Almost anything I would wear, but am not wearing, I’ll probably throw in the store.”
Because of this, Atomic Salvage offers a wide range of vintage items from wool sweaters to grunge pieces.
In Denver’s growing vintage scene, sellers like Joe Fabian and Jules Reed reveal a narrative beyond fashion trends. Vintage clothing is a statement, a lifestyle, and a sustainable choice, cherished for its unique stories. From South Broadway Antique Row to Boss Vintage and Atomic Salvage, each destination offers diverse treasures.
Fabian’s organized approach at Boss Vintage intertwines history and fashion, emphasizing enduring quality. Conversely, Reed’s uncurated style at Atomic Salvage focuses on personal taste and natural fibers, presenting a dynamic range. Together, these sellers contribute to a narrative where vintage shopping is a journey through time, fostering an appreciation for craftsmanship, sustainability, and the stories in each find.
