From YSL To Old Céline, Amber Valletta Talks Vogue Through Her Favourite Vintage Pieces
It’s fitting that Amber Valletta’s love of second-hand clothing began when she was a child. Supermodel, activist, eco-advocate and British Vogue’s contributing sustainability editor, she has a razor sharp and comprehensive understanding of the sustainability issues that have long plagued the fashion industry. “I spent every weekend at my grandparents' farm with all my cousins. During my weekend sleepovers, my grandmother Mary loved to takes us to shop second-hand at the local thrift store called, The Goodwill,” Valletta explains. “For me, it was like playing dress up looking through all the different clothes and accessories.”
Valletta also attributes her love of vintage finds to her mother. “She was quite cool and fashionable when I was growing up – though back then I didn’t appreciate it!” she says. “She wore vintage tees, army pants, old baseball jerseys and funky vintage jewellery. I remember wanting her to dress ‘normal’ like all the other middle-school moms, but she did her vintage thing – eventually I started copying her!”
The ’90s – the decade Valletta began modelling – was also the era she began “searching out collectable high-fashion pieces,” inspired by the “cool factor of finding great vintage.” For her, there’s beauty in the memories that second-hand clothes embody. “They hold someone’s memories and dreams, they are unique and one of a kind. As I wear my vintage pieces and create new memories in them, I extend the life of the garment and its valuable journey.”
In celebration of Second-Hand September, Valletta reveals her favourite vintage wardrobe pieces, modelled as she travels from her home to Milan and Paris for the spring/summer 2023 collections.
1/7The Balenciaga coat
“I love this red mohair Balenciaga coat! It looks like it’s late ’60s, but I’m not sure of its exact time of creation. I found it recently in Paris at a pop-up called VINTAGE from this seller Alexandra Balzam Vintage. This coat is super chic and can be worn so many different ways. You can dress it up and make it a coat dress or just wear it casually with leggings.”
2/7The Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche jumpsuit
“I had to have this Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche leopard jumpsuit when I saw it! I love a jumpsuit because they are fun and comfortable. This one is crazy cool as leopard is a print that never goes out of style. Found at Paris pop-up VINTAGE, from the seller Moujik, I just got it so I will be rocking it a lot this autumn.”
3/7The Havre Studio suit
“I am a big fan of suits and an even bigger fan of a men’s suit refurbished to fit me! This Havre Studio suit has been in my closet a few years now and I have worn it at least 40 times. I love it because it is literally a second-hand men’s suit Havre Studio reconstructed to make it wearable today. It looks a little like David Bowie from the ’80s – one of my style icons!”
4/7The Céline leather vest
“My little vintage Céline leather vest is one of my fun finds this year. I got it last March at a Paris flea market. It is a mix of a riding vest with a little ’60s twist in there. It looks great with a pair of jeans and boots. Simple and sweet!”
5/7The vintage tee
“The tie-dye tee is my go to T-shirt. I wear it all the time! I found it a few years ago at American Rag in LA and it was about $10. I love it because it is a trippy purple pattern, but also in a way monochromatic . I know that sounds strange but it sort of works with anything you put with it. I am a huge lover of tie-dye, I must have been a flower child from the ’60s as it is my favourite era for fashion.”
6/7The Céline shirt
“I found this paisley-print Céline shirt at the flea market in Paris a year ago. I find it difficult to find new shirts I really love, so when I find a good one like this I have to get it. It is a thicker material, like a wool blend, so it is perfect for autumn. I like mixing it with a great belt and tight jeans.”
7/7The thrifted jeans
“My go-to jeans will always be Levi’s 501s. They are a no brainer and look good on everyone! I found these at a thrift store in Tulsa for probably $15 or so. Denim is one of those materials that looks better with age, so keep hold of your jeans. The green tie-dye shirt is a hand-me down from a dear friend and it is by Dries Van Noten.”
