Today we’d like to introduce you to Stuart Dyer Mesires.
Stuart, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started collecting vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories when I was very young. My mother is an avid collector of antiques and I would often accompany her to flea markets, thrift shops and antique shows when she was hunting for treasures. I wanted to collect something too so I would look for things that I could afford. Vintage clothing and costume jewelry were items that no one really wanted at the time and the pieces were inexpensive – thus my collection began. I loved the fact that what I collected could be worn and not just put on a shelf to be admired. I can’t remember what my first purchases were but I do remember being in my teens and buying two amazing 1960s Emilio Pucci blouses for $5.00 each. By the time I was in high school I had a closet full of amazing vintage clothing and accessories.
After graduating from a liberal arts college in upstate, New York, I moved to New York City to work in the music industry. My passion, however, was for fashion so I left the music industry and started working for a vintage textile company and taking night classes at Parson’s School of Design. I then embarked on a 15 year career in fashion which included working as a clothing designer for such companies as Tommy Hilfiger and Lilly Pulitzer. While working as a designer, my love of vintage continued and I often used vintage pieces as design inspiration. Nine years ago, after having moved to Chicago, I decided to turn my love for collecting vintage into a business.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I found that once I committed myself to doing something that I loved, there was a natural flow. Many things fell into place and I knew that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. That does not mean however, that it has been a smooth road. I think that when you are starting a business, there is always a learning curve and the mistakes that you make teach invaluable lessons. Also when you are working for yourself you quickly learn what your weaknesses are. I am a creative person and I find some aspects of the ‘business side’ to be challenging. I had previously worked for large companies where I was able to just focus on the creative side of things. Now that I am working for myself, I have had to learn about all the aspects of running a business which can be challenging.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ladybug Vintage – what should we know?
In 2009, I decided to turn my passion for collecting vintage into a business and created, Ladybug Vintage. Ladybug Vintage is a collection of vintage clothing, costume jewelry and accessories focused primarily on the international glamour and country club chic eras of the 1960’s and 1970’s. I love the whimsy, insouciance, bold prints and statement jewelry from this time period – all of which can be found in the Ladybug Vintage Collection. Inspiration comes from fashion icons such as Jackie Kennedy, Jane Birkin, Bianca Jagger and Ali McGraw – women with an innate sense of glamour and daring who could take one special piece – a scarf, a lariat, a gorgeous set of cuff bracelets – and create a completely effortless and individual look. I personally select each piece in the collection with this focus in mind. This is what sets Ladybug Vintage apart as it is not just a collection of random vintage pieces but a collection with a focused point of view.
When I first started Ladybug Vintage, I was selling solely at trunk shows but now in addition to the trunk shows, I sell in two stores in the Chicago area and online at 1stdibs.com. Being on 1stdibs has really opened up my world of selling and I have been able to reach customers all over the US as well as in Europe and Japan. Through 1stdibs I have sold pieces to Hollywood stylists as well to as to the Gucci Museum in Florence, Italy.
I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to turn my passion into a business and that I have been able to share my love of vintage with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.ladybugvintage.com/
- Email: ladybugvintagemail@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladybugvintage/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladybugvintagellc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ladybugvintage?lang=en
Image Credit:
The main photo (horizontal) was taken by Rachel McGuinn
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
