While shopping for that special gift, make an appointment to visit Trunk Show Designer Consignment, a boutique at 275-277 W. 113th St., between Adam Clayton Powell and Frederick Douglass boulevards. In business for three years, Heather Jones and Lenore Gomez offer a fascinating selection of high fashion, accessories and top designer names for men and women. Their behind-the-scenes approach to fashion is something you don’t often find in Harlem. Their shop is off the beaten path, but it’s certainly worth the trip.
During our recent visit to the boutique, the two were assisting a customer who was in town for the weekend from Paris. “Our customers come from all over the world,” said Jones. Older folks stop by to look for accessories such as boots, hats, handbags and jewelry. The younger folks come by for their designer names, pop culture looks and to see what the Trunk Show Designer Consignment Shop has by way of what the stars are wearing.
Much of their inventory comes from stylists and people who work in wardrobe. There are eclectic pieces, including a pair of black cowboy boots, haute high heels, platform shoes, a black leather blouse, a beige shearling coat, knit dresses, men’s dress shirts, jeans and colorful sweaters. They are not into vintage, but they won’t turn away a fine vintage vine. For evening, there are slinky, strappy dresses and a favorite black Chanel top.
The two women decided to go into business simply because clothes were taking up space in their closets. Jones and Gomez use to sell clothes out of their closets, and then some friends wanted them to sell their clothes, too. From there, they started opening pop-up shops around town at art galleries. The popularity of their consignment concept grew fast, so they moved their business to the West 113th Street location. They both grew up in Harlem, and Jones recalled that her grandfather Nicholas B. Jones loved the neighborhood.
The team is very selective when it comes to their store’s collection. Clothes must be in excellent condition, especially if gently used. During interviews with the clothing’s owners, they want to know the garment’s history. A garment is part of the inventory for 60 to 90 days. The split is 50/50 between you and the store. When the item sells, they pay through PayPal. For the holidays, there’s a 50 percent off sale going on for Eddie Borgo jewelry. They also accept layaway on certain items.
For more information, visit www.trunkshowconsignment.com.