ESCADA
Simona Blumenfeld Kornberg the owner of NJ based boutique gem, Mint Vintage boasts an array of chic finds. Here's the store and Kornberg's interesting tale.
What inspired you to open a boutique?
Ironically, I began my career at age fourteen in the modeling industry. I was a top model in Israel and learned a lot about fashion that way - designers, cuts, styles, fabrics. As a teenager I was always going to flea markets in Israel and dressed myself with the great fashions that I found there. I liked them so much better than the designer clothing that I could have gotten for free as a model. At the age of twenty-five, I decided to move to America with my mind and heart set on opening my own boutique. My dream since I was a little girl was to have my very own designer boutique.
How do you select your pieces, Simona? I have a very discerning fashionable eye. It's something I think you're born with and develops with life's journey and influences. I select my pieces based on the notion - that timeless beauty is what's always in style and forever will be. I do like to feature trends, but then we all become slaves to the latest trend, rather than what looks flattering on us an an individual. I know my clientele and I know what they like and dislike & style my boutique accordingly. I sell designers such as Chanel which speaks to every woman of every age. Often, the quality of vintage is better and everybody is copying everybody - it's hard to find an exciting item to wear. You'll never have that problem at Mint Luxury Consignment. From a stunning Escada runway dress, to a Cozy Dior sweater set, to a hot pair of red sole Louboutin beauties, to a rare Chanel purse -- you'll find it all here. My customers often joke that Sarah Jessica Parker's "Sex and the City" character Carrie Bradshaw, would be in heaven here. This is a mother/daughter boutique. Tell me about your background in the fashion industry? After I was a model, I opened 6 very successful boutiques name: Fuga, featuring the latest style of clothing, handbags and accessories from France and Italy. I liked selling contemporary, new designs, but I always had a passion for vintage fashions. I did quite well with my Fuga stores. I sold the 6 stores moved back to Israel for 4 years, and had children. I missed my country so it was a nice break. When I came back to the US, I saw all the estate sales and I knew the time was right to open a vintage designer boutique in the US. What are some of the hot vintage styles you're featuring right now? I carefully pick amazing clothing and handbags that you can never replace, and all are in amazing condition, fresh, artistic and individualistic. There is only one at the boutique and you and only you will have it (if you buy it). How exciting is that? Plus the price is so much more reasonable than any item you'll buy in a mainstream department store, for the same quality. Some of the "hot" styles I'm featuring are vintage cloche hats, party dresses, gorgeous sweaters, and stunning Louboutins. I also have a coveted Fendi, Chanel and Louis Vuitton collection that women from Manhattan travel to see me. I also carry vintage baubles, but these are high-end and stunning. I also carry 1960's sunglasses from Pucci. Every item tells a story. Advice for others who are interested in opening their own fashion boutique or business? Have a vision, have a goal. Work hard and make a plan. Have a niche. Never have regret and follow your dreams, even if it leads you to other countries. All the wisdom and information you gather will guide you. Never let anyone tell you who you are or limit your success. The sky is the limit!
Who: Project Runway All Stars
What: If you’ve ever fell in love with a one-of-a-kind Project Runway creation now is your chance at this first of it’s kind, one day only sample sale. Some of the show’s most influential designers including Jerrell Scott, Kara Janx, Michael Costello, Rami Kashou, and Mila Hermanovski are offering their overstock for up to 80% off, with some designs starting at just $25.
Where: Kara Janx Studio, 242 West 36th Street (between 7th & 8th Avenues), 8th Floor
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