Threads of Time: The Grace and Craft of Vintage Fashion

For Hayden Curtin, founder of Upper East Vintage, fashion is more than fabric and form, it’s a portal to the past, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a testament to enduring style. Inspired by a childhood spent exploring heirloom pieces in her grandmothers’ attics, she developed a deep appreciation for clothing that tells a story. Today, she brings that passion to life through Upper East Vintage, where each carefully curated piece is chosen not just for its beauty, but for its ability to transcend trends. In honor of International Women’s Month, we hosted a trunk show in the Petit Salon, inviting guests and VIPs to shop a curated collection made specifically for Baccarat Hotel New York, celebrating spring evening dressing. During the event, we spoke with Hayden to explore the inspirations that shaped her love for vintage, her philosophy on curation, and the subtle, sophisticated ways to weave timeless fashion into the modern wardrobe.

A Deep Dive into Timeless Style with Hayden Curtin, Founder of Upper East Vintage

Upper East Vintage curates pieces with a sense of history and enduring elegance. What first inspired you to explore the world of vintage fashion?

Technically, my love for Vintage fashion began long before I ever started purchasing it. Some of my earliest memories are of playing dress-up in both of my grandmothers’ attics, where generations of clothing and accessories awaited discovery. My retail roots run deep on both sides — my paternal great-grandmother, Helen Dixon, was the first female executive at Best & Company in the 1930s and ‘40s, while my maternal great-grandfather, John Wade Stevens, owned Stevens’ department store in Idabel, Oklahoma. Their influence meant I grew up surrounded by beautifully preserved pieces, from flapper dresses and hoop skirts to debutante gowns, riding chaps, bell bottoms, pocketbooks, and an endless array of hats.

As a little girl with a big imagination (and an even bigger flair for drama), these pieces became the heart of my makeshift “fashion shows” and theatrical productions. But what I loved most about those attic adventures wasn’t just the clothes—it was the stories behind them. Whether the history was carefully passed down or playfully invented, the idea that I was holding something purchased “sooo long ago” yet still “sooo cool” fascinated me then, just as it does now.

To me, the beauty of Vintage lies in its endurance—it requires time, quite literally. For a piece to be considered true Vintage, it must be at least 20 years old, meaning someone has deemed it special enough to keep for decades. And that, to me, is the most interesting part—why was it held onto? Maybe it’s a perfectly preserved wedding dress, worn once and then tucked away as a cherished keepsake, never to see the light of day again or a Letterman’s sweater that was worn daily and shows it. Every piece has a past, and I love uncovering its story.

Your collection is known for its refined curation. What do you look for when selecting pieces, and how do you define timeless style?

To me, timeless style is all about the harmony of exquisite fabrics, expert tailoring, a designer’s keen understanding of the female form, and a woman who knows what silhouettes work for her and stays true to them. Trends may come and go, but nothing is as effortlessly chic as a perfectly draped dress or as sophisticated as an impeccably tailored suit.

I source for Upper East Vintage with the same philosophy I apply to my own wardrobe. First, I look for pieces made from natural fibers or high-quality fabric blends—there’s nothing quite like the feel of a beautifully made textile. Next, I evaluate the silhouette and construction to ensure the piece is well-made and designed to stand the test of time. Only then do I check the label—because true style isn’t about price tags; it’s about craftsmanship and how a piece makes you feel. My goal is always to help our clients find pieces they’ll cherish for at least the next 20 years, just as great Vintage was meant to be.

How do you see vintage fashion complementing the modern wardrobe? Any styling tips for effortlessly mixing vintage with contemporary pieces?

Because fashion is cyclical and there are only so many ways to cut a garment, the decades may change but the styles repeat. Making incorporating Vintage into a modern wardrobe is easier than people think. In fact, many of today’s trends can be effortlessly emulated with Vintage pieces. I personally wear a blend of Vintage and contemporary pieces every day—it’s second nature because I shop with the same practice I preach. I know which silhouettes work best for me, and I stick to them. Whether it’s Vintage or contemporary, I always prioritize quality over trends. That’s the key to making Vintage feel intentional rather than costume-y—find pieces that complement your existing wardrobe and focus on impeccable fit, beautiful fabrics, and timeless construction.

For someone new to vintage shopping, what are your top tips for finding investment-worthy pieces?

An investment piece should be a reflection of what someone is truly invested in—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you love dressing up for work but spend most of your day on Zoom, a statement necklace might be a better investment than a pair of heels. If you dread changing your jewelry, perhaps a beautiful pair of timeless studs is the way to go—even if your heart skips a beat for ball gowns, despite living on a farm. Investment pieces shouldn’t be about resale value or future returns; they should be about bringing you joy right now. The best Vintage finds are the ones that seamlessly fit into your lifestyle and make you feel incredible every time you wear them.

New York has a rich vintage fashion scene. Do you have any favorite spots in the city for discovering hidden gems?

The Grand Bazaar on the Upper West Side is hands down my favorite place to hunt for Vintage in NYC. Held every Sunday, it’s a treasure trove of finds, artisans, antiques, art, food trucks, and, of course, incredible vintage! 

As we celebrate International Women’s Month, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to the next generation of female entrepreneurs looking to make their mark?

When I first started Upper East Vintage, I asked someone a similar question, and their advice was simple but powerful: “Do one thing, and do it REALLY, REALLY well.” It’s the best advice I’ve ever received, and I strive to follow it every day.