THE PICKWIC VINTAGE SHOW AT THE ROW – DOWNTOWN – DRAWS LOVERS OF VINTAGE FAIRE
Step into Merle’s Closet for an insider’s view of the inner world of L.A. style.
Somehow, all of Pick’s perennial leather looks: jackets, bags, boots, sandals – were suddenly sweet sorbet sartorial. Loose crisp white cotton hippie dresses – like the nightgowns of “Peter Pan” – dominated every every rack. The hard-to-pass-up vintage sunglasses were flying off the tables – large, larger, largest Dior, Gucci, Chanel – at $425 a pair. Still cheaper than Jacques Marie Maje, anyway. Always amusing: booths laden with 50’s, 60’s and 70’s costume jewelry vs one long glass case chockablock with real gold necklaces, bracelets, with real gemstones. The difference in prices runs into the many thousands – can you guess which is which? Meanwhile, how do you know you’re buying a fake vs. a gem? There’s no authentication at Pickwick – you’re flying blind, though prettily. As we hightailed it an air-conditioned Ford Explorer back to Santa Monica, we watched the Fahrenheit score drop some 25 degrees. From now on, bring an umbrella and a portable fan that squirts water on your face. like some vendors. Or, if you wish, pack a vintage parasol. Meanwhile, Pickwick travels to NYC this weekend for its first truly urban go-round.