INTERVIEW #62 THE GOODY VAULT

Based in: Chicago, IL 

Founded in: 2018

Founded by: Emanuel Edwards 

Stores: Available via online (www.thegoodyvault.com)  or Chicago Showroom

Price range: $30 - $1200

Instagram: @thegoodyvault

Hello! What is Goody Vault and why did you start your store? 

The Goody Vault is a vintage store that specializes in timeless vintage garments for everyone. I started this store as a creative outlet. A means to explore the things that interested me most.

Can you please tell us more about the items you are selling, and how do you pick and source them?

The items I am selling are all well-loved (worn), they are full of character, they range from periods 1920s to 1990s, and they are a mix of workwear, sportswear, and militaria. I simply buy the items that I am interested in at the moment. Many times, they just speak to me and I buy with my gut, meaning I buy based on a natural impulse. I try to keep it simple and buy what attracts me.  

Are there any favourite gems you have resold so far?

My relationships with my garments change daily. I love everything I have in the current collection but favorites change day to day. Each piece evokes a different feeling. Depending on what am feel on a particular day dictates what I am drawn towards. Today, my favourites are pieces that I have personally patched and mended.

Can you give us a few styling tips based on some of the items you have in your store? 

Sure, some styling tips would be the following:

-Keep it simple. 

-Mix a lot of texture in your fit.

-Get essentials in your wardrobe today. Some recommendations are a black loafer, a nice ribbed sock, quality denim, a good sturdy belt, a soft broken-in white tee, a good faded chore coat, and a simple hat that means something to you.

You also have a repair and reuse service; can you tell us more about that and what it means?

I repair broken, busted clothing, mainly denim by hand or with my sewing machine. I try to encourage sustainable practices by pushing the reuse of clothing. It’s vital as we move into the future to minimize waste. The earth is changing and we are responsible for the environmental breakdown. We must change.

Who are your customers and what are they looking for?

My customers are people who are conscious of who they are, their style, their purpose, and their impact on the world. My customers are looking for unique, different and one-of-a-kind garments.

What would you say is the general awareness of fashion and willingness to buy second-hand/vintage where you are based?

I would say that the Chicago community has a general awareness of second-hand/vintage clothing.

What do you think needs to happen to make the fashion industry more sustainable? 

A realistic approach is educating people on our contribution to waste via clothing and teaching them how to minimize waste. Repair classes, reusing clothing, etc.