She may not even consider her style "vintage," but model and vintage shop owner Claudia Raba's enviable collection of 90s-era archive pieces from designer labels – and the effortless way she puts her outfits together – has got us taking notes. Jen Barton gets inspired...
German-born, London-based Claudia Raba loves to trawl the globe in search of gorgeous fashion treasures, which led to the opening of her and stylist boyfriend Joe Miller's gem of a Kingsland Road boutique, Storm In A Teacup.
Like Claudia's eclectic personal collection, the shop has an amazing selection of meticulously hand-picked men's and women's fashions from labels including Comme des Garçons – Claudia's favourite – Maison Martin Margiela, Raf Simons, Rick Owens and so much more. Claudia's androgynous, strong style – button-downs, fluid dresses, colourful knitwear, tailored skirts and trousers and flat leather shoes – is simple, chic and totally irresistible...
What got you interested in vintage?
I have had an interest in clothes since I was a little girl. It was difficult growing up in a small village in Bavaria finding interesting things to wear so I would love to trawl the flea markets looking for my treasure. My wardrobe grew exponentially once I started to work as a model, introducing me to loads of exciting new designers in Paris, New York and London...
Which vintage eras and icons are your favourites?
I am fairly open to inspirations from all eras and possibly my style icon would be Katharine Hepburn.
Any wardrobe essentials for styling vintage?
I have loads of what some of my friends call 'boyfriend shoes' - basically flat, well-made leather shoes. I only tend to wear heels for modelling or occasionally on a night out.
Where do you find most of your vintage clothes for your personal collection?
There is no particular place I would search for new pieces. It's almost as though they find me.
What do you need to watch out for when buying vintage? What are your top vintage shopping tips?
Watch out for good-quality fabrics - they always draw me in. Sometimes there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
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