‘ VINTAGE IS THE FREEDOM TO NOT FOLLOW TRENDS’

the a-list go-to marie blanchet, ceo, william vintage

the word ‘vintage’, Marie Blanchet points out, is derived from the French word ‘vin’, meaning wine. Until relatively recently, the term was only ever applied to the very best years of grape harvests. She should know – Marie is fluent in the very best.

Leaving Paris, and her role as Vestiaire Collective’s head of vintage, she moved to London to take up the position of CEO at William Vintage last month. Founded by William Banks-blaney in 2010, the Marylebone boutique is renowned for its exquisite collection of haute couture. ‘ You’re buying more than clothes – you’re buying a piece of history,’ says Marie.

No wonder the store is a hit for movie stars and heiresses; the show-stopping gowns are made for galas and awards ceremonies ( plus, no risk of turning up in the same outfit as everyone else). ‘ To me, the new modern is glamour,’ says Marie. ‘ Women now have the confidence to be bold.’

Her favourite pieces in store right now include a 1935 Lucien Lelong haute couture dress and a ’90s Hermès silk printed bomber jacket. Chanel and Dior are particularly sought-after at the moment, and Marie also loves Yves Saint Laurent, turning to an ’80s Le Smoking jumpsuit whenever she wants to feel put-together. ‘He invented the modern woman’s closet and what’s crazy is we’re still playing by those rules.’ It was a $40 ’70s dress picked up in a New York flea market as a teenager that started Marie’s love affair. ‘It freed me,’ she says. ‘ To me, vintage is the freedom to not follow trends. It’s about style.’ williamvintage.com 