Today we’d like to introduce you to Doris Raymond.
Hi Doris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always appreciated clothing and accessories that have a unique quality or things that are really well made. As a teenager I started wearing vintage clothing because it was an inexpensive way to acquire a unique style. That was the seed that started The Way We Wore. When I moved to San Francisco in 1974- I sold collectibles and clothing at the Marin City Flea Market. That evolved into opening a store in San Francisco in 1981. Different iterations happened there including closing the store around 1992 and just doing Vintage Clothing shows and renting to the film and television industry from a warehouse. I moved to Los Angeles in 2004 to open the store here. I will be moving the store on la Brea Ave at the end of the year to 8057 Beverly Blvd, 2nd floor and we will be online and by appointment only.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never a smooth road. I have always worked very hard but the last 4 years have been the most difficult. Everyone was impacted by the COVID shut down but then we got looted during the LA riots and a major health occurrence and last year, personal losses. All of these things affected me and my business but I’m still standing!! I’m excited about the new location and the ideas I have for using some of the space to promote ethical fashion designers. Also planning to have salons because dialogue and communication are so vital for healthy living.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Way We Wore has been the ultimate shopping destination for vintage fashion lovers and has been in California since 1981.
In 2004 we opened the boutique in Los Angeles and it was an instant success, providing an endless supply of premium vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories with contemporary appeal as well as inspiration pieces to every kind of designer- from many of the great couture houses to mass-produced popular labels. We have a separate area filled with inspirational prints, surface design, silhouettes, etc.
Everything that is available for sale has been curated by me, and I’d like to think that I have a keen eye that has been honed from the 40+ years of experience in the business. The selection within the store spans the best in vintage from the twentieth century, ranging from haute couture to the more esoteric and avant garde. Selections from day to day wear to haute couture, red carpet and ultra rare pieces can be found.
I think I’m most proud of the many people my television show – “LA Frock Stars” and my YouTube channel have inspired. Reading the comments on YouTube really touches my heart. It’s been a fantastic way to connect with my tribe in a non-superficial way and I’m grateful for that!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Too many people to mention in a career that has spanned over 40 years. Everyone that I have had the pleasure to encounter have been a part of my story – from my PR duo to my suppliers to my manager to my attorney to my landlord to my customers and my friends. And the list goes on and on. Things have changed so radically since I moved to LA. But I can say the smartest thing I did was to interview and hire a PR firm. They really helped put me on the map. Nowadays it’s all about social media and I don’t feel the substance is there as it all seems to be a popularity contest. But getting your name out there is crucial!
Pricing:
- Casual attire from $45 and up
- Cocktail dresses from $195 and up
- Evening gowns from $295 and up
- Costume jewelry from $50 and up
- Shoes from $100 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.thewaywewore.com
- Instagram: thewaywewore
- Youtube: The Way We Wore
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-way-we-wore-los-angeles
