Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Breitenbach & Inicia Harris. They and their team shared their story with us below:
The Narrative Vintage, our vintage clothing business, was founded in Brooklyn in the fall of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, by a diverse team of three women: Delali Madison, a law graduate from NY Law School; Gabrielle Breitenbach, a Production Director and Stylist for Brooklyn-based designer NAOMI NOMI, and Inicia Harris, a fashion merchandiser with experience from highly reputable brands, such as Ralph Lauren and Kith. Our journey began when a shared mentor connected us, leading to the discovery of our collective ambition to establish a sustainable vintage clothing business that positively impacts the local communities around it. Although the vintage resale market was already bustling with online and outpost stores (plain “thrift shops”), we were drawn to the untold stories behind the clothes – the lives the owners of each piece lived and how to capture and honor them. It was from this perspective that The Narrative Vintage was born. Once we established our concept, identities, and brand values, it didn’t take long before we were all emotionally and financially invested in making the dream a reality.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
What started as a passion-fueled collaboration between friends has blossomed into a full-blown business that we’re so deeply proud of. Of course, this journey hasn’t come without our fair share of hills to climb. Alongside full-time careers, we’ve been learning on the job the nitty-gritty of logistics, expenses, and operations behind owning our own small business. Now after three years, four collections, and countless hours and obstacles, this growth opportunity has forced us to all become more resilient, resourceful, and ultimately stronger as co-founders.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Narrative Vintage. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At the Narrative Vintage, all of our collections are released in volumes, each embodying original narratives and capsule backstories. We believe every garment, like every person, has a tale to tell. The power of storytelling transcends the cloth and thread, linking the past and the present, unifying and distinguishing us at the same time.
For instance, when we discover a deadstock 1970s Japanese robe in South Carolina, and it becomes a part of someone’s first maternity shoot, we truly see our mission come to life: becoming a part of your narrative. Together, we’re weaving a tapestry of stories, experiences, and styles, building a community that values heritage, quality, and mindful consumption.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Leaving things better than we found it. The beauty behind vintage clothing lies within the treasure hunt. We find true joy in hunting for well-loved items to share with our community, emphasizing our commitment to a fashion philosophy that prioritizes heritage, quality, and mindful consumption. Building, fostering, and serving that community who shares these values is how we define success stylishly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thenarrativevintage.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenarrativevintage/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNarrativeVintage
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-narrative-vintage-edit
Image Credits
1: Lilly Nasso (@lilly_rai) 2. Christopher Zapata (@christopherzapata_) 3. Fernando Palafox (@fernandopalafox) 4. Fernando Palafox (@fernandopalafox) 5. Fernando Palafox (@fernandopalafox) 6. Fernando Palafox (@fernandopalafox) 7. Orlando Asson (@orlandoasson) 8. Fernando Palafox (@fernandopalafox)
