A Current Affair returned to Downtown Los Angeles for its fifth year to host the Pop Up Vintage Marketplace from Sept. 26-27. The two-day event was held in a penthouse at the Cooper Design Space from 12-6 p.m. both days with an entry fee of $15 for general admission, $25 for those who wanted a pre viewing on Saturday and $35 for a weekend pass.
The event brought together over 60 vintage retailers and private dealers under one roof to showcase a variety of vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories. From sequin dresses of the 20s to retro band tees, there was a style for every era to shop for. The items that were sold ranged anywhere from $30-$3000.
The penthouse at the Cooper Design Space, which had white walls, high ceilings and an abundant of natural light from the large windows acted as a blank canvas for the booths that were set up. Each booth had a different style and decor to represent the vision of each business that showcased that weekend.
Founders of A Current Affair, Richard Wainwright, who is the owner of a vintage concept studio NEW/FOUND and Joey Grana, the owner and designer of Scout, were both in front of their own booths at the event.
“There are people here who specialize in denim, designer pieces and Victorian, so it’s an interesting mix of different types of vintage that is relevant in today’s market, things that people actually want to wear,” said Wainwright. The inspiration to create A Current Affair stemmed from the fact that there wasn’t anything like it. Wainwright and Grana felt as if there was a hole in the market and were determined to fill it.
“My favorite thing about vintage fashion is the history–wearing something that has a life before you, I think is really cool. Each piece has a story, and I’m really drawn to that,” said Lauren Lepire, a vendor at the event and owner of Timeless Vixen.
Most of the vendors were from Los Angeles County and some traveled from New York to participate in the event.
Former Fullerton College student Jamie Wong, owner of the highly sought out vintage and thrift store, Raggedy Threads, which is located in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, was among one of the many vendors. Wong started her business 16 years ago and has been showcasing at the Pop Up Vintage Marketplace since it first began.
Overwhelmed by the new found treasures, guests and shoppers were able to wind down at the lounge area provided by Urban Americana.
Aside from the decorative lounge, the event also featured an open bar that served refreshing cocktails, sweet and savory treats from Amara Kitchen and a variety of vegan dishes by local charitable food truck, Share A Meal.
The Pop Up Vintage Marketplace is not only a place for shopping but also a place for inspiration. Designers from brands like Free People, Ralph Lauren, Saint Laurent and Giorgio Armani regularly attend the events, as well as many other industry figureheads and style enthusiasts.
Model and style icon, Erin Wasson, was spotted shopping at the booths the past weekend, as well as Naomi Spindel, a designer for the popular brand For Love and Lemons.
The Pop Up Vintage Marketplace attracted vintage and fashion lovers of all ages and from all over. With plans of expansions to other cities aside from Los Angles and New York, as told by founder Wainwright, A Current Affair will definitely be the premier event to seek after.
