Inside Aralda Vintage: Where Celebrities and Iconic Fashion Collide
Nestled away in the Hollywood Hills, in the charming Beachwood Canyon, lies a vintage boutique that has become a haven for celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike: Aralda Vintage. Founded by Brynn Jones, this unique shop has garnered attention for its carefully curated collection of archival pieces, often seen gracing red carpets and magazine covers.
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From Pipe Dream to Fashion Destination
Jones’s journey began in Portland, Oregon, where she dreamt of opening her own vintage shop. While her peers pursued college degrees, Jones envisioned a life immersed in the world of fashion, ideally in New York City. However, life had other plans.
At 18, she moved to Hawaii and took on various jobs, including a stint at the Lancôme counter in Macy’s, located within the Ala Moana mall, a luxury shopping destination. During her breaks, Jones would wander through the high-end boutiques of Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, drawing inspiration from the exquisite designs and craftsmanship. She recalls being mesmerized by Dior’s Fall 2004 show playing on a large screen, a pivotal moment that sparked her fascination with John Galliano’s work. It was also the era of Marc Jacobs at Vuitton and Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, a time she remembers as incredibly “FUN.”
Jones also took on informal modeling jobs, showcasing the latest collections within these stores. This allowed her to experience the garments firsthand, appreciating their intricate details and construction. On her days off, she would invest in fashion magazines and then scour thrift stores across the island, attempting to recreate the looks she admired using vintage finds. This ignited her passion for the thrill of the hunt, leading her to transform her apartment into a miniature boutique where she could dream of one day owning her own store.
Years later, Jones moved to Los Angeles and began modeling while also working in retail, including a memorable period at Fred Segal Santa Monica. Although grateful for the modeling opportunities, she felt drawn to working behind the scenes. After a decade, she decided to pursue her true passion and began investing in vintage pieces. She secured a small office space at Crossroads of the World in Hollywood and transformed it into her first brick-and-mortar store. With the help of friends, she painted the walls and created a unique space, a time she cherishes with fond memories.
Aralda Vintage initially featured primarily unlabeled vintage items, but the essence of the store remained consistent: playful maximalism with a touch of minimalism. As the business grew, Jones moved to a larger space. During a period without a physical store, she focused on acquiring individual designer pieces rather than simply accumulating quantity. With each step, she allowed the business to evolve organically, eventually curating the archival collection she had always envisioned.
The Allure of Archival Fashion
Jones’s love for vintage started early, but her fascination with archival fashion truly blossomed in her late teens when she began studying high fashion through magazines and online platforms like The Fashion Spot and Style.com. She would then seek out vintage pieces to recreate the looks she admired. She became captivated by the artistry and history behind each garment. Over time, this love evolved into a deeper understanding, research, and collection of vintage items. For Jones, vintage is more than just clothing; it’s an art form.
A Tangible Piece of History
What makes vintage fashion so special? According to Jones, it’s a tangible piece of history, a physical timestamp from a different place and time. It reflects the culture and spirit of its era. She is particularly drawn to older pieces, antiques over a century old, that are intricately crafted and remarkably preserved. Some of these treasures never even make it to the store’s racks, as she finds it hard to part with them.
The Recent Surge in Vintage Popularity
The renewed interest in archival vintage fashion can be attributed, in part, to the COVID-19 lockdowns, which sparked creativity and resourcefulness. Resale platforms experienced rapid growth, making vintage more accessible and desirable. However, the appeal extends beyond sustainability and affordability; it’s about individuality and storytelling.
Curating a Vision
Jones’s selection process for Aralda Vintage has evolved over time. Initially, she would purchase items with the hope that someone would appreciate them. Now, she only acquires pieces that she personally loves or can envision on a specific client. She has learned that intentional curation brings a vision to life. She also prioritizes items in excellent condition, avoiding alterations or repairs unless absolutely necessary to preserve the integrity of the piece, especially for collectors seeking rare and untouched items.
Celebrity Connections
Aralda Vintage’s connection to celebrity stylists and their clients has grown organically through word of mouth, particularly through social media. After nearly two decades in Los Angeles, Jones has cultivated a network of contacts in the fashion industry. The shop’s location in Beachwood Canyon, while somewhat secluded, is still centrally located, making it accessible to many clients who live nearby and have discovered it by chance.
Memorable Red Carpet Moments
Jones cherishes the opportunity to style celebrities like Alexa Demie, with whom she shares a strong creative connection. One of her favorite looks was a Spring 1992 Alaïa skirt suit paired with Louboutin pumps, which she felt exuded chic femininity and power. Another memorable moment was when Demie wore a 1970s Norman Norell gown, which Jones felt was both modern and vampy.
She also finds it particularly rewarding when pieces from Aralda Vintage are worn by icons from her youth. Liza Minnelli’s leopard hat in a recent issue of Interview magazine was a dream come true. Similarly, seeing Pamela Anderson wearing Aralda Vintage during her Netflix press tour and Gwen Stefani or Christina Aguilera sporting her pieces brings her “inner tween” joy. For Jones, these placements are less about fame and more about the memories associated with these artists, highlighting the magic of nostalgia that Aralda Vintage embodies.
Looking Ahead
Jones has recently begun incorporating pieces from her personal archive into the shop, a somewhat bittersweet process. However, she believes that these items carry energy and welcomes the idea of someone else breathing new life into them.
Looking to the future, Jones believes that vintage fashion will continue to become more mainstream, accessible, and integrated into how people shop. She anticipates the growth of niche markets, with increased education and appreciation for craftsmanship. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, individuality, and intention, vintage fashion is poised to thrive.