Avant Gaudy is a chic online boutique, where you can find “vintage modern,modern vintage” clothes and accessories.
I asked Deb Umunnabuike, one of the Avand Gaudy founders, some questions about herself and about Avant Gaudy.
You are the co-founder of Avant Gaudy,tell us more about yourself.
I’m also a Political Science major at the University of Chicago, so I’ve often got a recent WWD and also something written by Foucault in my purse. My sister, Jessica, and I started Avant Gaudy in the summer of 2005 in order to keep ourselves busy. Beyond that, I really wanted to connect with and impact the lives of those who were as passionate about fashion as we were, and are. An online store seemed like a perfect way to reach fashionistas all over the world.
Why Avant Gaudy and not another name?
Avant Gaudy is a play off of the word avant garde, which was a movement that embraced forward thinking, literature, art, and fashion. We select clothing that is fashion forward and yet also has a tinge of gaudiness in the sense that an Avant Gaudy girl or guy is both modern and playful.
How do you pick the items for the store?
All items are sourced from across the United States. We have a full-time team of buyers who dedicate themselves to researching trends and matching these trends up with vintage fashion. Our buyers are intuitive and creative – they know a good find when they see one.
What are your favorite pieces on Avant Gaudy right now?
This silver lame dress was featured on NotCouture,as was this vintage Diane von Furstenberg one.Jumpsuits, meanwhile, are on trend right now, and are edgy yet feminine
What do you love most about fashion?
Fashion allows an ordinary day to be extraordinary. Even if a person does enjoy and choose to follow trends, there’s still so much room for individuality. Vintage fashion is the best way to express your individuality – because of its scarcity, every piece is a rare link to the past that fits easily into a modern wardrobe example: http://avantgaudy.com/product_page29.htm
How do you see yourself and Avant Gaudy 10 years for now?
I’d like Avant Gaudy to expand and become even more of an international business than it already has. With the social media explosion, we feel like the time is right to connect with as many people as possible who share our interest in modern vintage. Additionally, I’d eventually like for our brand to serve as a platform for up and coming designers from across the world to showcase their takes on vintage through reconstructions and vintage-inspired looks.
Great interview 🙂 I love the photos.
nookie… did u get my commment mess? when do u wanna meet? i'm excited. cant wait to arrive.
xoxo
mina
Hahaha I just emailed you:)
I love this interview! I'm def going to check them out!
i like how the clothes are styled! neat shop.
Great interview! I love how you introduce me to something new every week!
I love your interview. Moreover, your introduction. Inspiring. I feel like drawing something new now.
foarte interesant interviul. si blogul e super! sigur o sa ma mai intorc aici. <3
Love the interview! Its always awesome to have a little look at the people behind the clothing and their shop is real nice! Avant Gaudy.. love the play on words.
xx
V
"Fashion allows an ordinary day to be extraordinary" … really nice!
kisses
Great interview, darling! I love reading about how people started their small businesses…
thanks for sharing this. am gonna check out the. very very cute collection there
Awesome
love that lame dress! Avant Gaudy has some yummy pieces.yummy interview.
xx
marian
another great interview. am defintly gonna check their shop
That dress! I LOVE IT! oh it is so…perfect.
Glad to read your blog again. Is the best.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Paula
cool interview!
Really cool! I tagged you!
http://nearstyle.blogspot.com/
nice interview, i will check theirs site 🙂
xxx
Foarte interesant interviul.Imi plac tot mai mult genul acesta de interviuri.Kiss
another great interview! great job!!
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I love your interviews! good job 🙂
have a lovely day, xoxo