Old The Best
Jennifer Geng's love of vintage began with a love of jewelry. When the pandemic hit, she began helping clients sell their luxury handbags, which led to the creation of Old The Best—her curated vintage store that’s become a West Village staple.
How did you get started in the vintage community!
I come from a jewelry family, so my love for beautiful things began early. After studying at the Gemological Institute of America, I founded my own jewelry brand in New York City, where I design custom pieces and bridal collections. I’ve been in the jewelry industry for over a decade.
Then the pandemic hit, and something unexpected happened. Many of my clients started selling their Hermès bags—Birkins, Kellys—just trying to navigate the uncertain times. That’s when it clicked. I’ve always loved vintage fashion and luxury handbags, and suddenly I had this opportunity to turn a personal passion into something bigger. I started helping them resell, one bag at a time. Over the past few years, I’ve learned the ins and outs of handbag authentication, sourcing, and the history behind each piece. That’s how Old The Best was born, my second brand, focused on curating the very best vintage luxury handbags. What began with Hermès has now grown into a collection that includes Chanel, Fendi, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and many more.
Your tagline is “Iconic Vintage” — What do you consider to be the most iconic handbags?
To me, old things carry memories and stories. The most iconic vintage bags—whether it’s Carrie Bradshaw’s Fendi or Princess Diana’s Lady Dior—hold something even deeper. They’re original and raw, yet incredibly influential. These pieces often serve as the inspiration for designs, symbols, and ideas that continue to shape fashion, then and now. Iconic handbags are timeless and unforgettable. They have a way of coming back into the spotlight, over and over again, effortlessly styling and inspiring new generations. If you pull it from your grandma’s closet, wear it, and still turn heads—that’s iconic.

Who are your celebrity style icons?
Phoebe Philo, Rihanna, Paris Hilton, and of course, Carrie Bradshaw

You just opened up a storefront in the West Village, can you share more about the experience of opening a brick and mortar store?
Nowadays, most people shop for handbags online, and there are very few places that truly specialize in vintage luxury handbags. Even when stores carry them, the bags are often locked away behind glass—no touching, no trying, no real experience. I wanted to change that. Opening a storefront in the West Village was about creating a space where people can connect with vintage luxury in a more personal way.
At Old The Best, you can touch, feel, and try on every piece. We want it to feel warm, inviting, and real—like walking into a friend’s beautifully curated closet. The West Village felt like the perfect home. It’s one of the few neighborhoods in New York where you still see familiar faces and where there’s a real sense of community. We didn’t want to be just another store—we wanted to be part of a neighborhood filled with stories, history, and heart. There’s truly no better place to offer this kind of intimate boutique experience in New York City.
What is your favorite piece in your collection? Would you ever sell it?
My favorite piece is always changing—not because I’m indecisive or anything, but because our collection is constantly evolving. And yes, it usually ends up getting sold—my clients truly love the pieces I pick! I get a little heartache every time one of my “babies” finds a new home, but like I always tell my baby boy, sharing is caring. My current favorite is a Hermès black box leather vintage mini Kelly from 1991.

Is there a piece you’re on the hunt for?
I’m actively hunting for a vintage Hermès Kelly 28 in Rouge H with gold hardware, in excellent condition.
What are your goals for Old The Best for the rest of 2025?
My goal is simple: to continue curating rare, unique, one-of-a-kind vintage luxury handbags—and to put Old The Best on the map. If you're in NYC and love fashion with history, this is where to find the real treasures.