Designer Vintage

The most sustainable way to dress is to shop one’s own wardrobe however, styles and seasons change, bodies fluctuate, occasions arise and of course, sometimes you just fancy something new and a little bit different to wear. 

For those looking to supplement their wardrobes without adding to fashion's carbon footprint there is a new breed of vintage retailer bringing carefully edited collections online and to boutiques and pop-ups near you and Vanessa Loewy, of The Garbo, is one such seller. 

Having moved to Scotland from her native Germany in 2009 to study, Loewy has always had a collector’s passion for the vintage and retro. On graduation, working between Frankfurt and Paris, Loewy became intrigued and impressed by how French and German women created chic, timeless and individual looks using a clever combination of designer items and vintage pieces. 

By 2013, Loewy had accumulated an extensive collection of vintage clothing and decided to supplement her income by selling items at flea markets across Germany, ‘I loved that there was a real appreciation for a well kept, one off piece. It was lovely to hear intergenerational shoppers tell stories of "oh, I used to have one just like that!" This made me realise the continuous thread of styles, trends, shapes that holds fashion together as we know it.’

Having moved back to Scotland in 2016 to marry her husband, who she met at university, Loewy began working for a Scottish heritage brand. With experience in international sales, retail management and a passion for vintage, the pandemic led Loewy to follow her dream and in 2021 she launched The Garbo. 

Focusing on timeless, luxurious, beautifully cut and crafted pieces Loewy now carefully curates a mix of preloved and vintage, unbranded and branded clothing. By sourcing from all over Europe and the UK, The Garbo is becoming known for Loewy’s impeccable taste in great design classics that will never go out of style. ‘As we strive to combat constant newness and overconsumption, resale has an important part to play. A beautifully maintained classic trench can be passed down to future generations. Forget heirloom jewellery - heirloom dressing has arrived.’

Ever evolving, and including brands such as Gucci, Givenchy, Ralph Lauren and Burberry, The Garbo collection, is available online at thegarbo.co.uk.

Shoot credits

Model Carla Crowther for Colours Agency

Photographer Aleksandra Modrzejewska

Make Up Malgorzata Majewska

Styling Vanessa Loewy