TIDBTW Guest: Verena Glup, founder Oh Vintage
Meet the queen of elegant oversized looks, proving that a vintage-based wardrobe can be the most contemporary take on fashion
I’m pretty sure that it was a suit that drove me into Verena Glup’s arms, or rather her refined space for vintage goods. Because suits (Jil Sander fans, attention please!) are one of her strongest games. It must have been back in 2021 when I scrolled across her business’s instagram feed, catching myself forming its name out loud, because oh indeed, such good, vintage.
A few months and some really nice dms later I combined a work trip to Cologne with an afternoon at Verena’s then secret little physical point of sales. Not only was she as charming and impeccably stylish as her insta alter ego suggests, you really just want to buy whatever she is wearing. I was impressed by Verena’s quick rise with her social channel (with customers such as Ana Kraš, to just name one of her interesting creative clientele) and by her graceful selections. I’ve been a loyal follower and fan ever since.
Now, I still have to make my first oh-worthy purchase, but I’ve had my eyes locked onto the treasures she finds many many times. Ever since I saw that Verena had opened a store in Cologne, boldly completed with an orange carpet, I knew I had to visit again. I love that Verena has been open to a challenge and taking a risk – a physical space can become a temple but also create so much pressure on return of investment.
As we entered the old 60s building, it seemed immediately very on-brand. Cozy and homey, but elevated. It was an extra steamy summer day and I felt so tired of my ever repeated white cotton Baserange trousers (they work though). Verena welcomed us wearing some braided ballerinas, elegantly combined with silky capri trousers and an equally sleek top. At least with the top we were matching!
Getting very inspired once again, this was when today’s conversation started and I feel very feel lucky to continue it on here, sharing it with you.
Before handing it over to Verena and her journey towards and with Oh – if you are in Cologne or near a phone, Oh Vintage is moving out by the end of the month as the whole building is sadly closing down. Which opens an exciting new chapter and is celebrated with a warm goodbye – bringing 25 % reductions on everything in-store and online. And don’t worry, online remains.
Have a look through the digital racks if you know what’s good for you, and please join us for some vintage insides below. I hope you enjoy xx
TIDBTW Guest: Verena Glup, founder Oh Vintage
Things I didn’t buy this week: How did you arrive where you are right now?
Verena Glup: Hi I’m Verena, and I founded Oh Vintage (online) in May 2020. The timing couldn’t have been more advantageous, as COVID had just hit and shops were closed. Once things reopened, I held pop-ups in Munich, Brussels, Berlin, and Cologne…
…until I opened my store in Cologne last year. That wasn’t really planned but I fell in love with the weird and raw architecture of the mall where my store is now.
Since my early twenties, I’ve been on a constant search for vintage treasures. My ambition then, as it is now, has been to curate a wardrobe using what's already out there.
Besides clothing, my other passion is music. Before becoming self-employed, I worked in the music industry and I haven’t completely lost touch with the scene - I’m working as a creative director for KORG Berlin. As well as for a good friend’s creative consultancy in Munich, called IMSCHWEILERS, in the realm of food, bar and travel.
TIDBTW: Who has been / is your biggest inspiration for your personal style and how would you describe it?
VG: Triple C: classic, casual, colorful! Simplicity is key - I love a good white t-shirt. Big coats and pants are my everyday essentials. I have a weakness for colorful pants. Always feel well-dressed in tone-in-tone combinations, as well as in ensembles of all kinds (Jumpsuit, suits, swimsuit, Pyjamas).
Generally, I like to wrap myself in clothes too big. For example, very well made Italian suit pants, paired with cashmere sweaters or vests (mostly all flea market finds). Although I’m always cold, fall is my favorite season when it comes to clothing.
Clothing has the power to change your mood. That’s why on some days I might put on a suit and feel good! People of all ages navigating life with humour and ease inspire me. Effortlessness and not following trends!
TIDBTW: Can you show us the outfit that feels the most in this season? (Editor’s note: this is actually a little throwback, as my report comes in delayed. But a chance to summon some inspo for next fall or good layering.)
VG: Simply me. Might have seen me in this combo these past five days:
TIDBTW: You created this beautiful vintage store, Oh Vintage, which mainly functions online, but you also recently opened a stunning retail space. How has running and curating Oh Vintage impacted your own style? And how do you choose the clothes you want to offer to your customers?
VG: I follow a clear line when choosing clothing - I only select pieces that I would wear myself: timeless, wearable, characterized by function and long lasting quality.
Over the years, I had already gathered a lot. More and more extraordinary and rare items kept coming in. Initially, it wasn’t easy to let go of certain pieces. That’s the main part of my job, hunting those unique vintage gems.
Still, from time to time, I can’t resist keeping something for myself.
Editor’s note: Personally, if I was to shop at Oh Vintage this week, I would currently go for this beautiful reversible Jil Sander shearling jacket and the Jil Sander fully lined boots below (that ARE my size) <3
TIDBTW: Can you remember your very first vintage piece? (Maybe you still own it?) What made you interested in going in this direction?
VG: One of the first and fantastic pieces I found years ago in a vintage shop in Antwerp: an early Alexander McQueen black dress with yellow silk lining. As I don’t wear dresses myself, it’s just hanging there. Never to be sold, though!
A few stories like this can be found in my wardrobe. Pieces I appreciate for their form and craft that simply are not my style. Occasionally, friends are happy to borrow them and wear them for me.
TIDBTW: How would you describe your relationship with buying (new) things?
VG: Nowadays, I would only buy from Jil sander’s personal closet aka vintage. Not from a Jil Sander store rack. Things were never the same since she left.
From my experience, the quality of buying new is disappointing. That’s why I almost exclusively buy second-hand clothing for my son and myself.
THINGS YOU DIDN'T BUY - BUT THINK OF
TIDBTW: Are there some clothes in your past that you didn’t buy, but still think about?
VG: No regrets about missed out clothing. My food envy, though, still makes me think about that one dish my partner ordered years ago in Tokyo.
THINGS YOU BOUGHT AND WHY
TIDBTW: Can you name your highlight purchases of the last few years or ever?
VG: A one-of-a-kind dark blue YSL Homme coat from the 80s with padded shoulders that I found on eBay — it never made it to the store. I’m instantly feelin’ it!
An amazing flea market find in Rome was a violet cashmere vest by Iris Von Arnim (Editor’s note: See photo above). It’s so incredibly soft, and I never get bored of it. A Jean Paul Gaultier black jacket with a huge sailor collar, forgot where from, to be worn with a white Schiesser Feinripp underneath. I’m very fond of uniforms and everything maritime.
TIDBTW: Is there something still on your wishlist for this year?
VG: Less hate.
TIDBTW: Is there a dream item you would like to source for the store?
VG: I enjoy being surprised, by the people coming in with their treasures. Just recently, a very chic 80-year-old walked in with her evenly chic dog - and couture pieces from Thierry Mugler and Christian Lacroix. Worn in the 80s, they now no longer fit her or her daughters. What a pity!
Those silhouettes and fabrics are extraordinary. These garments come with a story, and that’s what makes them so unique.
TIDBTW: What is sustainability in terms of fashion to you?
VG: Sustainable fashion emphasizes quality and durability over trends.
With every piece I’m considering buying, I ask myself:
Can I not live without this item?
Would I wear this outfit to a first date?
Most of the time, I end up leaving it.
TIDBTW: Thank you so much for sharing, dear Verena <3
Things I didn’t buy: 3
That very pretty vintage PRADA dress: Sadly gone
Oh Vintage Jil Sander Reversible Shearling jacket: 600,00 €
Oh Vintage Jil Sander fully lined boots: 460,00 €
Please join the brown shearling jacket club!
The Jil Sander Boots made it onto my wishlist!