V.I.A. Vintage Intelligence Agency

Profile

This formerly trade-only collection of vintage clothing was opened to the public in June 2011. The bright and airy loft-like room, available by appointment only, resembles a style-conscious (shopaholic) grandmother’s closet and is filled with 3,000-plus garments and accessories that date from 1800 to the 1990s. Hand picked by Suzanne McCoy Fitschen, who spent the eighties working for Canal Jeans Co., the vintage bounty contains a sizeable number of designer labels, but the overall focus is on unique, well-designed fashion with interesting details. Statement pieces, like an Edwardian coat in turquoise cashmere or a Victorian bone-corset, will satisfy avant-garde dressers, and there’s also an extensive collection of mint-condition leather shoes and handbags. — Alexa Tsoulis-Reay