Beauty Crisis Vintage

Photos by Worm Carnevale, Clothes by Beauty Crisis Vintage

It was a total ball being transformed through three decades of fashion. Eva Weiss owns an amazing eclectic vintage store in the East Village, Beauty Crisis Vintage. If you are local or are visiting Manhattan anytime soon, be sure to stop by her shop. You can also shop Beauty Crisis Online here. I interviewed Eva to learn a bit more about her love of vintage...

How long have you been collecting vintage? What was your first piece of vintage clothing?

I have been collecting vintage since I was around 16 .. the first memorable piece was a 1940's men's wool trench coat, with pinstripes. I wore it all the time.

What is your favorite period in fashion?

30's and 40's for fit and textures but 70's but functionality. The 70's were kind of a modified 40's, but less structured. Wide leg pants, fitted blazers, high waisted, masculine but sexy.

How would you describe your personal style?

Soccer mom meets East Village. Preppy and classic with a bit of an edge.

What are some popular trends in vintage clothing? What are your best sellers?

80's is not dying off and seems here to stay. 60's and 70's is selling will. Michelle Obama has brought the classic cardi back, which has helped a lot. The biggest recent trend is sweater clips, which have been featured in the TV show GLEE. I have sold 15 in last few weeks. (will send or upload pics to website.

Describe your favorite vintage piece.

A fully sequined Sweater / jacket. It is a AB sequin and has floral swirls with cut outs in between the florals. It was hand made in Hong Kong in the 1960's. I found it at the Fairfax flea market, under a table in a Mexican woven handbag. It costs $10!! I still have it in store as my iconic piece.

Who is your ultimate style icon?

Katherine Hepburn and Coco Chanel (obvious but the truth) are the first two who come to mind, but I have many ..

Do you find your store attracts a particular kind of client?

I seem to attract ladies who like something that sparkles! I tend to load up the jewelry in the front window and I think that is what pulls them in. My repeat customers come back because I always give them good prices and will answers loads of questions. I get a lot of people looking for last minute stuff and I am glad to help them find it. Hence, the name, Beauty Crisis!