Image Courtesy of Stephanie Crespin
BAZAAR is introducing the first web exclusive rendition of Stylish Women. Founder of pre-loved luxury goods online portal StyleTribute, Stephanie Crespin is all style and substance. Savvy, quick and smart is what I gather on first impression based on my experience with her across all forms of digital communication. While #BAZAARVintageView explored a myriad of antique owners, collectors and entrepreneurs, Stephanie’s take on what defines old and new is refreshing. She has the soul of a fashion appreciator of the vintage kind but stays very much in touch with the contemporary fashion landscape (with half the sugar and twice the spice.)
StyleTribute Archived Photo Shoots, featuring dresses from Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson and Gucci | Images Courtesy of StyleTribute
BAZAAR speaks to Stephanie on her distinct personal style and bold perspective on fashion across trends from the past, present and future.
ON VINTAGE
In your personal objective as the founder of pre-loved platform, what is considered “vintage”?
The word “vintage” is often abused and not correctly used. A vintage piece is at least 20years old. Hence, it should date back at its earliest from the mid 90’s. Valuable vintage items usually have designs or are crafted in materials representative of a specific era or decade in which it was crafted or produced.
What is the most precious vintage fashion item you have come across that you had to buy/keep for yourself? (if not, why not?)
Vintage jewellery pieces from Bulgari and Chanel passed down from my grandmother and an Audemars Piguet watch I inherited from my grandfather. I also snatched a Gucci cross body bag dating back from the 50’s from StyleTribute new arrivals. The Italian fashion connoisseur selling it had received it from her grand-mother.
What type of vintage fashion sells out fastest?
I would say the fastest selling category in the Asian market is the handbags. Shoppers from the region have very high expectations of the condition of the item. A vintage piece has had a prior life, maybe even multiple lives! and hence its leather is supple and sometimes a bit worn out. This should be appreciated as these signs bear witness to the piece’s history. RTW is more difficult to sell as it requires the new owner to have an acute sense of style. They have to be able to mix and match the vintage pieces and give them a more contemporary style.
Image Courtesy of Stephanie Crespin
Do you foresee Style Tribute becoming a purely vintage fashion platform?
As much as I love Vintage, I don’t plan on turning StyleTribute into a platform that sells exclusively vintage. We want to give the opportunity to our fashion community to mix and match vintage and contemporary pieces. Why would we deprive ourselves of last season’s Gucci bag or last year’s Acne leather jacket which would be perfectly paired with a ballet vintage Dior skirt from the 1950’s.
ON POWER
Three characteristics that make a woman powerful?
Courage, the capability of challenging yourself, perseverance.
Three wardrobe staples that is the NEW ‘POWER SUIT’ for women?
Stacked rings, pastel coloured sneakers, loose crepe blazer.
Three power female icons you look up to?
Leandra Medine for her humour and humility, Natalie Massenet for her vision and her tenaciousness, Joanne of Arc for her bravery.
Image Courtesy of Stephanie Crespin
ON STYLE
Off-Duty Style?
Head scarf, Boyfriend jeans, industrial jumpsuit
Bags or Shoes?
Shoes
Statement or Classic?
Statement
StyleTribute offers a wide selection, readily available brands that range from a vintage Escada suit dress to structured Balenciaga blazer. An ever evolving and revolving lineage of designer gems is available at doorstep within 2-4 days upon purchase. Shop StyleTribute’s New Arrivals!
