Premium Aged

The online vintage-shopping experience finally hits its stride

Grant Cornett for TIME

If the women of New York City's Madison Avenue or Paris' avenue Montaigne ever create a temple to their fashion gods, they might stock it with clothing from e-commerce site Byronesque. Founder Gill Linton's inventory includes a 1987 Yohji Yamamoto deconstructed top ($1,005) and a 1981 Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren pirate scarf ($2,235). According to Linton, who launched Byronesque in October, sites like Net-a-Porter have conditioned vintage shoppers to expect great things without unnecessary legwork. "Consumers are used to a sophisticated online-shopping environment," she says. "Smelly thrift stores won't do anymore."

Neither will eBay, which works fine for shoppers who...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!