Located on one of the lower east side’s most fashionable streets lies one of the favorite new shopping haunts for a more sartorially-minded New Yorker, Desert Vintage. Owners Salima Boufelfel and Roberto Cowan first purchased the property in their hometown of Tucson, Arizona in 2012, where they began to create a name for themselves among the fashion community as an authority in sourcing some of the best and most exclusive vintage. Steadily amassing a cult following of celebrities, designers, and stylists, Boufelfel and Cowan decided to bring their store to the Big Apple where they opened the New York store in the Spring of 2022. 

One step into the beautifully appointed retail location will feel like going into another world. From its exposed painted cement walls, antique sink, and charming bathtub sitting in the center of the space to the minimalist wood accents and clothing rails, the shop feels simultaneously modern, fresh, and exquisitely antiquated. 

The true star of the space, however, is the expertly curated collection of vintage and antique pieces featuring an extensive range of garments that span from the turn of the century through the 1980s. The space includes archival designer garments from brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Geoffrey Beene, and Lagerfeld-era Chloé. The goal of Boufelfel and Cowan is to bring pieces to collectors that love the art of mixing and styling their collection in contemporary and wearable ways.

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Guests looking for personal shopping appointments or salon reservations, please call (646) 880-1999.

Visit Desert Vintage at 34 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

Photography by: Tom Scanlan