Lauren Lepire, the owner of Timeless Vixen, shares her journey of discovering vintage fashion as a means of self-expression during her teenage years and the evolution of her thriving business in Beverly Hills.
At the age of 15, Lauren Lepire was captivated by the intersection of fashion and self-expression, a passion that took root in her experiences at an all-girls high school where uniforms were a staple. Lepire, who now owns Timeless Vixen, a renowned vintage clothing store in Los Angeles, explained to Vogue how her interest in vintage fashion blossomed during that formative period. “I went to an all-girl, uniform-wearing high school,” she recounted, indicating that she sought out fashion as an outlet to showcase her individuality.
Lepire’s appreciation for vintage clothing was further influenced by her involvement in an eight-member all-girl ska band named the Cover-Ups, which boldly drew inspiration from 1960s subculture. “Early on, I understood vintage was cool and could say so much about you without even saying anything,” she remarked, highlighting how clothing can symbolize belonging to a particular group. The band, known for opening for Green Day at the Warped Tour in 2000, provided her with a unique platform to explore her style further.
While her journey in vintage fashion began during her high school years, it was not until she reached college at the University of Southern California that Lepire founded her business. The early days of Timeless Vixen emerged from a practical need—her mother’s concerns about an overflowing wardrobe. “I had too many clothes in my bedroom,” Lepire recalled, sharing that her mother described her situation as resembling an “episode of Hoarders.” Thus, she began selling pieces online through eBay, which allowed her to connect with a broader audience. On weekends, she would return home to enlist her mother in photographing her in various vintage outfits. “It was then that I started realizing, Wow, it’s not just me,” she acknowledged, realizing that there was a significant demand for vintage fashion not only in the United States but around the globe.
Today, Timeless Vixen operates from a prominent storefront in Beverly Hills, showcasing an impressive collection that spans decades. From anonymous garments dating back to the 1920s to Tom Ford’s lavish red velvet suit from Gucci’s iconic 1996 collection, the store has become a destination for celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike. Among Lepire’s distinguished clientele are renowned figures such as Kate Moss, Tory Burch, and Kylie Jenner.
In her approach to celebrity styling and period-piece costuming, Lepire maintains a strict policy against lending her clothing. “Because I am such a passionate collector myself, I feel that clothing should tell the story of your life,” she explained. She emphasizes the long-term significance of each piece, noting that clients should aim to appreciate these items as timeless investments rather than disposable fashion. “You’re becoming your own mini museum,” she explained, reinforcing her belief that clothing holds value that extends beyond a single event. Lepire further added, “it’s the magic of the first wear—the first actress that walks down the red carpet wearing one of these pieces. I don’t know who wants to be the second,” expressing her enthusiasm for the stories each garment can tell through its connections to significant moments in fashion history.
Source: Noah Wire Services
