Consignment or second hand stores offer a unique assortment of gently used clothing and accessories that give your wardrobe that special sparkle. We spoke with Jennie Walker, the co-founder of Walker/Viden, a new luxury resale store on Green Street about the rise of consignments and her predictions for the coming seasons.
“Consumer attitudes have changed a lot about consignment and resale…people aren’t just interested in the value they also want to find unique pieces,” said Walker.
Walker/Viden prides itself on its curated selection of clothing, accessories and shoes. Walker explains that they stock brand name designers like Alexander McQueen, Alice + Olivia, AllSaints, BCBG Max Azria, Catherine Malandrino, Elizabeth & James, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Maje, Robert Rodriguez, Theory, Trina Turk and many others. She is especially excited for their stock of collectible Estée Lauder jeweled compacts and unopened perfumes and scented candles.
For Walker, clothes are more than a practical necessity, they are a form of wearable art. Recently, she has seen maxi dresses and skirts became popular again and predicts that more ‘90s inspired fashion will make a comeback in 2017.
“Fashion is one of the easiest and most practical ways to express yourself – you can change your personality just by how you style yourself,” she said.
Walker adds that designers have become more aware of their audience and many are using their runway shows to launch ready-to-wear lines. She doesn’t believe that there is a single “timeless” fashion but that trends cycle back after enough time has passed.
“Groundbreaking designers have something to say. I think you can definitely see a timeline of how women exist in society and their fashion – it’s really an expression of the times,” said Walker.
This season she has noticed an abundance of lace and velvet as well as a renewed interest in ‘70s and ‘80s fashion. Despite these trends, Walker feels that fashion is a true expression of self and people should find what speaks to them.
“People want to touch, feel and experience things and the whole idea is for people to feel comfortable here,” she said. Although Walker/Viden started out as an online store, they opened a brick-and-mortar location to share the fashion experience with their customers. Walker adds that their setup is identical to a luxury boutique with ample space, professional display racks and a welcoming vibe plus complimentary wine and water.
“We’re not just a designer clothes boutique – there are things here you won’t find anywhere else – things that are really different and that really pop,” said Walker.
Walker/Viden is located in the Green Street Village District at 1033 East Green Street. Call (626) 844-9244 or visit www.walkerviden.com for more information.
