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Chevy's Vintage: Why We Do What We Do
At Chevy’s Vintage, our passion for fashion is deeply intertwined with our family histories, love for
The Inspiration Behind Chevy’s Vintage
Our love for vintage fashion was nurtured from a young age, influenced by the strong, stylish figures in our families who made fashion a central part of their lives.
Chevonne’s mother, Charlotte Reid, was a pioneering force in fashion. As a seamstress and designer, she not only crafted beautiful garments but also broke barriers as the first African American buyer and manager at a high-end department store. Charlotte’s influence extended beyond her professional achievements; she involved Chevonne and her sister in fashion shows from an early age, embedding in them a deep appreciation for style and quality. Chevonne’s father, Paul "PT" Bowers, was equally influential, known for his impeccable taste and the pride he took in his appearance. Paul’s love for fine clothes continues to inspire Chevonne’s approach to curating vintage fashion today.
Bruce’s mother, Loyal, was another beacon of style, always dressing impeccably and reflecting the trends of the 60s, 70s, and disco era. Her love for beautiful clothes left a lasting impression on Bruce, shaping his appreciation for fashion as a form of self-expression. Bruce’s father, Charles Murray, shared this passion, embodying the best of African American male fashion during the 60s and 70s. Charles’s ability to dress with flair and sophistication became a guiding influence in Bruce’s life, further fueling his love for classic, well-crafted garments.
As we move back through our family trees, the influence of our grandparents becomes even more evident. Chevonne’s grandfather, Jake Reid, was known for his sharp sense of style, often seen in beautiful suits and shiny wingtip shoes. His dedication to looking his best, whether for church or a special occasion, left a strong impression on Chevonne, reinforcing the idea that fashion is about more than just clothing—it’s about pride and self-respect. Similarly, Bruce’s grandfather, Clifford Frank, always dressed with care, regardless of his work as a blue-collar worker. Clifford’s wardrobe, particularly his 1970s leisure suits, continues to inspire Bruce as he curates vintage menswear for Chevy’s Vintage.
Our great-grandparents also played a significant role in shaping our love for fashion. Bruce’s great-grandfather, Olin Frank, was a farmer who understood the value of hard work and the importance of dressing well for church on Sundays. Olin’s transition from workwear during the week to a suit and tie on Sundays is a testament to the timeless appeal of classic fashion, a principle that we carry forward in every piece we select for our boutique. Chevonne’s grandfather, Jake Reid, who also farmed in the early 20th century, shared a similar dedication to style, balancing the demands of work with the elegance required for special occasions.
Curating with Love and Personal Connection
At Chevy’s Vintage, curating is more than just selecting beautiful garments—it’s about reconnecting with our past and sharing those stories with our customers. We find joy in discovering items that remind us of our family, whether it’s a vintage fur that takes Chevonne back to her mother’s days at Buffum’s Department Store or a pair of shoes that echoes the ones her mother or grandmother owned. For Bruce, finding a 1970s leisure suit brings back memories of his grandfather, Clifford, and his unwavering dedication to style.
Each item we offer is chosen with care, not just for its beauty but for the memories it evokes and the stories it tells. We believe that by sharing these stories, we can help our customers connect more deeply with their own pasts while embracing the timeless elegance of vintage fashion.
Creating Meaningful Connections with Our Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is the connections we make with our customers. There’s nothing quite like the moment when someone stumbles into our booth, is drawn to a particular piece, and instantly falls in love. Seeing a customer try on a vintage item that fits perfectly as if it were tailored just for them reaffirms why we do what we do. These moments of connection and the joy of helping someone find an item that resonates deeply with them drive us forward.
We take pride in presenting high-quality vintage clothes that elevate our customers’ style. Whether it’s a cherished suit, a beautifully tailored shirt, or a pair of perfectly fitting pants, we want our customers to leave feeling like they’ve found something truly special.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
In a world overwhelmed by fast fashion and its detrimental impact, we are motivated by a commitment to sustainability. We’ve seen the devastating effects of textile waste, from the piles of discarded clothing in the fog deserts of South Asia and Africa to the overflowing landfills closer to home. By curating vintage pieces, we’re not just offering our customers unique, timeless fashion; we’re contributing to a more sustainable future. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see a young person wearing and enjoying a garment created decades before they were born, knowing that we’re helping to extend the life of these garments and reduce waste.
Our Vision for the Future of Chevy’s Vintage
As the vintage resale market continues to grow, we’re excited to see where this journey will take us. Our goal is to expand alongside the market, aligning our brand with the high-end vintage sector that we’re proud to be a part of. We’re honored to be associated with the likes of Richard Wainwright, owner of Pickwick Markets and A Current Affair Vintage Market, and we look forward to continuing to bring our unique collection to vintage enthusiasts around the world.
The Chevy’s Vintage Experience
At Chevy’s Vintage, we want our customers to feel like they’ve stepped into the booth of a family member who truly cares about them. We’re here to help you find that perfect piece; if you don’t find it today, that’s okay, too. We believe in offering a shopping experience that’s not just about the clothes but about the connection you feel to them—and to us.
We invite you to join our community, discover the joy of finding a piece that speaks to you, and become part of the Chevy’s Vintage story. After all, as we like to say, “We scour the land to curate wonderful vintage pieces, so you don’t have to.”