As an editor, I've been to so many showrooms I can't even count them all. But walking into Janet Mandell 's showroom in New York City is a whole new kind of experience. Mandell first got on my radar after I noticed she was tagged in look after look worn by celebrities dressed in vintage designer pieces that you can't just walk into a store and buy. Mandell was credited for sourcing archival looks such as a Gianni Versace Couture 1991 top worn by Keke Palmer and Shania Twain's vintage Chanel set for the CMT Awards. I just knew I had to check out this showroom for myself.
Once you arrive at Mandell's showroom, you are greeted with racks and racks of designer dresses organized by hem length and color. Vintage archival pieces are everywhere, and there's a wall of accessories that almost made me cry. (Sometimes, vintage Chanel has that effect on me.) It was like my dream wardrobe. I was seeing a Jean Paul Gaultier dress I was in love with one minute and then would be completely distracted by a Saint Laurent dress I remembered melting over as it came down the runway a few years ago. I was curious about Mandell before, but after checking out her showroom, I was waiting on the edge of my seat to know about her sourcing process, the iconic red carpet looks she and her team played a role in, and runway trends she's predicting will dominate the 2024 award season.
I tapped Mandell for answers to all of these questions and a few more. Keep scrolling to read our conversation.
Lucy Hale in Marc Jacobs sourced by Janet Mandell (Image credit: Getty Images)
What photo shoot or red carpet look that you were a part of stands out to you as most iconic?
One that stands out is when we re-created an iconic '90s Chanel look for the 2023 Met Gala. Everyone remembers Linda Evangelista dripping in layers upon layers of Chanel leather and chains. We re-created this look for a prominent socialite from India. It took sourcing from several different collectors and an incredible amount of work, but the final look was perfection. Definitely a moment we are proud of.
What inspired you to get into the world of sourcing vintage pieces and dressing celebrities for events?
From the beginning, it was important for us to collect rare and unique vintage gowns. We love the sustainability and circular fashion concept behind pre-loved vintage pieces. As our collection grew, word spread, and celebrities started calling.
Shania Twain in Chanel sourced by Janet Mandell (Image credit: Getty Images)
How do you go about sourcing your pieces?
I curate from a wide variety of outlets and use my connections and ability to think outside the box. I can't give away all my secrets, but I will say the trick to sourcing is timing.
When helping to assemble the perfect red carpet look for a celebrity client, what do you take into consideration?
With celebrities, they want to know that no one else has worn this look on a red carpet. They gravitate toward our one-of-a-kind vintage archive pieces.
Selena Gomez in Dior sourced by Janet Mandell (Image credit: Getty Images)
What red carpet trends do you predict will dominate the 2024 award season?
We are in the thick of award season right now and have been slammed as usual. This year, we are seeing lots of Old Hollywood glamour paired with gloves, classic and chic silhouettes, quiet luxury, and feminine details like a dainty bow.
Shop the trends:
Old Hollywood
Le Specs Outta Love 51mm Oval Sunglasses
Heaven Mayhem Gigi Earrings
Mirror Palais Ballet Dress
Nordstrom Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet
Little Moon Views Dress
Le Specs Hypnosis 50mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
Alice & Olivia Hannah Deep V-Neck Scarf Maxi Dress
Norma Kamali Long Gloves
SAINT LAURENT Simone Crystal-Embellished Satin Mules
Romantic Details
Lovers and Friends Jemma Gown
Rodarte Black Bias Slip Dress
HOUSE OF CB Seren Blush Lace-Up Back Gown
STAUD Atticus Strapless Bow-Embellished Two-Tone Satin Top
WAYF Lace Trim Slip Dress
retrofête Magalie Pearl Bag
Jeffrey Campbell Cinnamon Sandal
Anna October Sarah Midi Dress
Mirror Palais Dolly Strapless Top
Lovers and Friends Bette Heel
Quiet Luxury
Jenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings
TOTEME Gathered Silk Halterneck Maxi Dress
Open Edit Desi Mary Jane Mesh Flat
THE ROW Leather Belt
THE ROW Folosa Silk Maxi Dress
MÉTIER Ease Suede Clutch
Theory Contrast Trim Shift Minidress
Jeffrey Campbell Mesh Mary Jane Flat
Madewell Satin Slip Skirt
H&M Open-Back Satin Dress
Mandell usually works with celebrities for high-profile events and red carpets, but you don't have to be a celebrity to get to work with her. You can book a styling session, consign, and rent magical pieces yourself by reaching out on Instagram .
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