Lincoln Park: Aura Eye, a vintage pop-up store opened by Laura Mullen and Emily Hicks Nys, merges stylish retro fashion with environmental sustainability. The shop promotes consignment practices, offering unique items while engaging the local community and countering fast fashion’s detrimental impact on the environment.
In Lincoln Park, a new vintage pop-up store, Aura Eye, has emerged, blending environmental consciousness with stylish, retro fashion choices. The establishment, opened in December by business partners Laura Mullen and Emily Hicks Nys, aims to create a vibrant retail space that promotes sustainable shopping while providing a unique aesthetic appeal.
Speaking about the ethos behind Aura Eye, Laura Mullen stated, “We are trying to prevent things going to the landfill, and just having fun! A bright colorful fun retail space right here in Lincoln Park.” Their focus on consignment and curated artisan goods is reflective of a growing trend within the fashion industry, where vintage-inspired pieces are gaining popularity amid increasing concerns regarding fast fashion’s impact on the environment.
Mullen and Nys, both lifelong vintage aficionados for over 20 years, seized the opportunity when a space became available in the Enger Lofts building. Their store features a diverse range of items, from vintage clothing to furniture and art, designed to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Mullen encourages consumers to embrace vintage shopping, asserting, “There’s a lot going on like landfills and fast fashion, this is the exact opposite of that. A lot of these clothing items are incredibly well made and they are going to last for someone else too.”
The resurgence of vintage fashion has seen a notable integration into modern collections, as contemporary designers draw inspiration from past decades. This blend of old and new not only creates a distinctive aesthetic but also underscores the importance of sustainable practices within today’s fashion landscape. As consumers become more conscious of their purchasing choices, vintage stores like Aura Eye embody a response to the fast-paced retail environment, offering alternatives that are both stylish and environmentally responsible.
The shop is not only a haven for those seeking to update their wardrobes with one-of-a-kind pieces but also serves as a vibrant hub for community engagement within Lincoln Park. The journey of Aura Eye can be followed on Instagram, where updates about new inventory and customer experiences are shared, fostering a sense of connection and continuity amid changing fashion trends.
Source: Noah Wire Services
