Please share how you got started in the vintage space. 

My love of vintage began at a very young age. I was always attracted to older objects and clothing. It wasn’t until I was a fit model in NYC when I was 18 that I realized how vintage style and fashion played such an integral part in modern designs. From there, I started collecting and opened an EBay account, selling my pieces and eventually realizing how much joy that brought me. 

Who are your style influences? 

It’s not linear. I love the feminine, sensual styles of Audrey Hupbern, Brigitte Bardot, Edie Sedgwick, and Monica Vitti. At the same time, I’m drawn to androgynous, badass, artistic women that made sense of it all, like Frieda Kahlo, Elsa Schiaparelli, Zandra Rhodes, and Mexican American women in the 1940s culture Zoot suits. 

Can you tell me more about your Highland Park studio? How has the experience of owning and operating your own brick and mortar storefront been? 

My Studio is by appointment only. It’s inside my home and very personal. It's truly a studio, I have a lot of inspiration, pieces that are still being revived, you really get to experience my process. I’m currently at a Collective called Worship here in Highland Park that features 6 other vintage dealers. 

What can clients expect when visiting you for a private shopping experience?

Cocktails to start and a little bossanova beats to set the vibe. I like to show the space, let them browse and pick up pieces they naturally gravitate to. Then I’ll ask them whose style they have been coveting. I usually ask to measure them if they are comfortable or don’t know as vintage can be so tricky depending on the era. Then it’s dress up time! I will always suggest pieces that may have been overlooked and encourage an atmosphere of fun. 

What eras or styles do you specialize in? If so, tell us how you came to specialize in them and who you look to for inspiration. 

I can’t say that I specialize in any particular era. My true love will always be the 1920’s. Sadly, a lot of those pieces are slowly disintegrating. Yet, my style continues to be focused on fabrics. I love silk, satin, silk chiffon, linen, gauze, and cold press rayon. If I had to specialize in anything it would be material—it plays such a crucial part to how designs lay.   

What is your most coveted piece in your personal collection?

A 1990’s custom made silk chiffon wrap dress that was probably made by an indie label. It no longer has a tag. It’s got these lovely cinnamon brown sleeveless, a plunging neckline, with a small aqua blue floral applique on the right shoulder which matches the belt fabric. I put that on and feel sophisticated, and chic. I've had it for over 25 years.   

‍How do you think wearing vintage changes a person's relationship with fashion and self-expression?

Vintage brings a whole new energy to your wardrobe. Having a piece that has been around for decades or centuries, provides an individuality and sense of expression that a mass produced piece could never compete with. I named my shop Omë after the Aztec word two. Vintage unites two decades, two people, two cultures in one piece of garment or accessory. It’s lived a whole other life before being in your hands. 

What are your goals for Omë for the rest of 2025? 

I hope to produce some original designs from deadstock fabric. I’ve saved a handful of inspirational pieces for this very journey. 

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