This Is the Vintage Store in Downtown New York That Served as Inspiration for Marc Jacobs's Latest Collection
4 min read
Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem that captures the essence of style and nostalgia? This is exactly what happened at Marc Jacobs's Fall 2026 show, where fans flipping through the collection notes were greeted with a heartfelt shout-out to influential designers who have shaped his latest work. Among them was a nod to "Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2013," accompanied by an Instagram handle: @ellen123ludlow. This account belongs to Ellen Koenigsberg, the owner of a cherished vintage shop called Ellen, nestled in the Lower East Side of New York City.
Ellen’s boutique, which she launched in 2002, showcases a unique selection of vintage treasures she has carefully curated from local thrift shops across the city. It’s not about finding exorbitantly priced archival pieces from high-end designers like McQueen or last season’s Prada at bargain prices. Instead, Ellen focuses on beautiful, timeless clothing—some from well-known brands and others from lesser-known names—all offered at accessible prices. While she doesn’t cater to the current craze for Y2K vintage, her store has attracted a variety of admirers, including prominent designers like Pieter Mulier and Matthieu Blazy.
Just recently, Ellen shared a post on Instagram featuring a stylish midi-length brown suede A-line skirt, tagging it with #late80searly90s and #everydaychic. To her delight, within an hour, the post garnered a like from none other than @themarcjacobs himself! Thanks to this unexpected recognition, Ellen anticipates an increase in traffic to her page and a bit more excitement at home. "My teenage daughter thinks I’m famous now, so she’s thrilled," Ellen remarks with a laugh.
In the following conversation, we delve deeper into Ellen’s journey, her artistic connection with Marc, her passion for vintage fashion, and how the landscape of the industry has transformed over the years.
Has the past day felt overwhelming for you?
Not at all! I’ve owned this store for nearly 24 years, so my routine hasn’t changed much. Marc was simply spreading some love, which is incredibly sweet.
Did you have any prior knowledge that he would mention your name?
His team informed me just a few days ahead of the show.
What are your thoughts on the collection showcased during the event?
I wasn’t present at the show, but I always find Marc’s collections to be stunning—not just because he mentioned my name. My relationship with him has flourished throughout my years running this little shop; he truly is my person. The collection was breathtaking, as always. I typically wear vintage, but Marc’s style is quite distinct.
When did your paths first cross?
It’s been over 20 years since we met. I opened my store in 2002, but before that, I worked as a makeup artist. I had various career paths, often dreaming of owning a shop but lacking the confidence and funds initially. Back in the day, starting a small storefront was relatively affordable, so I began with a pop-up—though we didn’t even call it that then. I used to buy items from a woman who ran a vintage furniture store on Bleecker Street, and I decided to showcase a rack of clothing there. That’s how my journey began. Marc wandered in one day and purchased some items, which led to his team visiting regularly. When I eventually opened my shop on the Lower East Side, everything just blossomed from there.
Are there specific pieces in Marc's collection that remind you of something from your store?
I don’t believe this collection is markedly different from others. Designers source their materials in various ways, sometimes choosing to use certain pieces while leaving others behind. However, I think my aesthetic aligns closely with Marc’s vision of beauty, which makes our collaboration feel natural.
Do you have similar connections with other fashion brands?
I do, but those relationships tend to evolve constantly. The emergence of platforms like Depop has made it increasingly challenging. I’ve been in this game for a long time, running a small business where I handpick every item. It’s truly a labor of love. While I consider Pieter Mulier a friend, along with Matthieu Blazy—who used to live nearby when they worked at Calvin Klein—I don’t have high-profile figures like Bella Hadid visiting my store. If she did happen to come in, she might not find anything that appeals to her, given that my interpretation of beauty leans away from mass-market trends.
What particular aspects do you specialize in? What excites you when you’re hunting for vintage finds?
I follow my heart when selecting inventory. I have a deep appreciation for old Saint Laurent pieces. However, sourcing items has become increasingly tricky, especially in the Lower East Side, where numerous stores have popped up. As a result, I pay higher prices for my finds but still keep my retail prices reasonable. My aesthetic tends to embrace a classic European style rather than catering to a younger demographic. It’s not solely about brand recognition for me; it’s about appreciating beautiful garments that, at one point, were considered luxurious. Although I do adore old Saint Laurent, my main focus remains on the beauty of the clothes themselves. Some people ask if I travel to France or await shipments, but I often find myself searching through places like the Salvation Army on 23rd Street. Unfortunately, many of those locations have closed, and I’ve resorted to washing clothes in my bathtub. It’s been an uphill battle over these 24 years, but I take it one day at a time.
In your opinion, what defines a successful vintage store? What inspires you?
I don’t frequent many stores, but I do appreciate places like Vintage Thrift and Edith Machinist, who is just around the corner. We’ve both been in the business for over 20 years, and while we’re competitors, we support each other. I love stores that genuinely reflect a labor of love. However, every time I walk to the bank on Delancey, I see yet another new store opening. The market feels saturated. I may not be selling extravagant ball gowns, but I focus on providing beautiful everyday pieces.
