ERA Vintage Wear Shop Visit

Several weeks ago, I spent some time with the creative and inspiring Elaine Léveillé at her ERA Vintage Wear boutique. I have been fan of the sustainable designer for many years, and it is always an absolute treat to rifle through Elaine’s treasures —an impressive vintage collection of clothing from the 30’s to 90’s. After looking at her Fall collection, dreaming about many of one-of-a-kind pieces, watching an impending red gown come to life, laughing with the ingenious designer and admiring her awe-inspiring studio decor, it confirms that Elaine’s passion for fashion, art and her craft is yet unmatched.

Here, I present you a video of my recent visit at ERA Vintage Wear and the chat I had with the entrepreneur about her work, inspiration and holiday dressing.

Let’s get to know Elaine a little bit more

The idea for ERA Vintage Wear came to you when…

A hybrid between my obsession with vintage since the age of seven or eight and my studies at university. I have a degree in architecture and a master’s degree in painting and drawing with advanced study of philosophy of Wagner (total work of art), which can be applied to everything you do: clothes, decor, music, atmosphere, etc.

The most challenging part about being a fashion entrepreneur…

Surviving all the ups and down of this wonderful city while building this idea!!!! It has not always been easy and it is still not always so BUT… I like what I do, so I do what it takes to continue —When there is a will, there is a way! Always.

As a sustainable designer, you have a unique approach to creating fashion. Your vintage pieces are restored, refurbished by you… Explain to us the work that you do.

I apply the fine art notion of “appropriation” to all I do. I curate anything the way I want to see it. If it pleases some people then great and if some find I’m not enough of a purist… well, that is just too bad! I am free to express my vision as an artist through my interpretation of style.

When it comes to creating new collection, your inspiration mainly comes from…

I have remained a great observer and practice critical thinking constantly, whether I read something (intense to light reading) or when I’m in social context. I literally study people. I watch all kinds of films, mini-series, news, etc. I also stay on top of technology in a critical way. I need to be always comfortable with it and so I browse lightly if ever at what other designers are doing because I want to keep my vision clear. I can get inspired just about anything!

You became interested in sewing and art…

I can’t remember not ever not have been into art and fashion…. My first muse was my Malibu Barbie and I think I was four years old. I learned to sew by watching my aunts and my mother. I also know how to knit, make small points, embroidery, crochet, weaving … I know how to use all the tools of renovations too. My only lack of interest is the cooking and the household — I’m not domesticated!

Your favorite memory from childhood…

My mom applying the Wagner theory to everything from her outfit to ours, to the house, to everything —she was a glam version of Martha Stewart and hung at Studio 54.

Regarding holiday dressing, any cocktail-party style tips…

I personally love a dress that will make me look still glamorous even when I kick my shoes off!

On your wish list this year…

I have not taken holidays in four years so going somewhere relaxing would be wonderful.

I thank her for taking the time to speak with me and she leaves me with her essential about dressing up…

My mom always told me that when in doubt, always better to be #overdress then #underdress and I preach it ever since. This is a topic for another day!

Let’s stay connected: Bloglovin – Instagram @3cstyle_fashion

Video by 3Cstyle and Hamza Boudjelal

All Photos courtesy of Era Vintage Wear

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