Designer Patricia Voto and vintage expert Zabrina Estrada collaborate to revive and modernize historical couture pieces, creating a unique capsule collection that pays homage to the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s.
Patricia Voto, the designer behind the New York-based made-to-measure atelier One/Of, is pioneering a unique project that reinterprets vintage couture pieces from the 1920s and 1930s. This initiative involves a collaboration with Zabrina Estrada, the founder of Etéreo Vintage, who collected these garments, initially considering them too delicate or damaged for sale.
The culmination of their efforts is an exclusive capsule collection that aims to bring a fresh perspective to the glamour synonymous with the era, known for its dynamic women-led fashion houses. As explained by Estrada, “as if we were reviving the energy of the great Parisian salons,” the partnership embodies a shared vision of honoring the legacy of fashion from this golden age.
The duo executed meticulous research to preserve the integrity of each piece prior to undergoing museum-quality restoration techniques. Voto emphasizes that the garments are crafted not merely as keepsakes but as wearable art. “It’s important that we’re thinking about garments that can be worn more than once,” she stated, highlighting the goal to retain the original quality while modernizing the cuts to enhance longevity.
Among the standout pieces in this collection is a robe de style by Jeanne Lanvin, which Voto restored using silk gauze to patch up existing holes while maintaining the delicate floral appliqués arranged as intended. Another notable item is a goddess gown by Madame Grés, which received care through a hand-washing process that revived its vibrant lemon yellow color. This gown now exists as a two-piece ensemble that preserves the intended pleats and internal corset designed by Madame Grés.
The collection will be showcased at One/Of’s Upper East Side showroom on Wednesday, with sales set to start the following day. Prices for the pieces will range from $2,890 to $14,990. In addition to these notable gowns, the collection includes works by Jean Patou and Liberty & Co., as well as six other unnamed items, including flapper shifts embellished with chinoiserie designs—one of which has been cleverly reimagined as a skirt, while the other has been transformed into palazzo pants.
Estrada addressed potential concerns regarding the alterations to the vintage pieces, clarifying, “This is not about altering history but continuing its dialogue.” With plans for similar upcycling projects and exhibitions in the future, Etéreo is evolving its offerings beyond typical retail, venturing into a realm more akin to a fine art gallery.
As this collaborative project unfolds, it highlights not only the creativity of contemporary designers but also the continuing conversation surrounding historical fashion and its relevance in the modern world.
Source: Noah Wire Services
