Why This Vogue-Approved LA Designer Loves Vintage

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We know we're not alone in saying the second we first laid eyes on Cass Bird's viral video for Vogue, which captured the sweet moves of supermodels like Lily Aldridge, Ashley Graham, and our forever crush Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to the tune of Snoop Dogg and Pharrell's "Drop It Like Its Hot," we suddenly had #squadgoals like never before. Not just to be in the company of such epic babes (though that's a given), but also to potentially borrow some of the cool, classic wardrobe worn in the clip.

It just so happens that one stand-out piece in the beloved video comes courtesy of local line Wolf and Lamb (it's the USA leather bomber worn by Staz Lindes), which refurbishes vintage outwear to feel modernized for its wearer. Bloggers like Marta Pozzan and Lynette Ceneé have rocked looks by the brand, and besides the Vogue nod, Wolf and Lamb has also made an appearance on The Zoe Report.

Given all that, the fashion forward set now has their eyes on this sustainable brand and its bespoke jackets, which are the brainchild of former financial analyst Alison Reynolds. After working on the back end of the fashion biz (she previously had gigs with Juicy Couture, C&C California, and Laundry by Shelli Segal), the Washington D.C. native knew she wanted to not only be her own boss, but create her a business model that differed from the "fast fashion" world in which she'd been immersed.

Considering the fact that her badass bombers, moto jackets, and more have roots in the past, it comes as no surprise that Alison is a life-long vintage lover. We recently sat her down at Larchmont Juicery to inquire about her earliest fashion memories, where she gets the goods in LA, and which style stars she's currently worshiping.

What are you drinking?

Captain Coconut! I intended to go for a detox drink but the name sold me.

Do you remember the first time you realized you loved clothes?

There was a little store in Georgetown called The Mustard Seed and they started to carry newer labels and a little bit of vintage and my sister, who was always '90s cool, would take me shopping there with her. I remember when I was about 13 finding this linen-blend baby tee with ruched cap sleeves. I'm describing this hideously — and it kind of was but would be super on trend today. I remember picking up that shirt and it very much opened my eyes to dressing on trend. Before that I pretty much wore Umbro shorts and random t-shirts. I dressed for comfort.

Since you mention it, any major fashion faux pas?

My freshman year of college, I always shopped in the men's section of the Goodwill and I would buy '70s striped trousers and they'd be so big that I would fold over the waist — which cropped the leg a little bit. And then I'd throw on a really massive oversized sweatshirt to wear to, like, an 8am sociology class. And I thought it looked really good! I had a devil-may-care attitude.

What are some your best vintage finds?

That's hard! I've got some really choice pieces. I got a pair of white go go boots that are insane. They were like $40. I also got this really beautiful silk, beaded kimono. I don't know what era but its old. It's so cool.

Best local spots to buy vintage?

American Vintage on Melrose; the one that's smaller, not quite as crazy. I like them a lot. I go to Slow every now and again. And Jet Rag is one of my all-time favorites. I've found some really great things there.

Last meal on earth?

That's a toughie! I love food. Who doesn't? I gotta say, I love Real Food Daily. I would get the nachos, the burger with the works, anything with avocado, and a big ol' bottle of red wine!

Which star's style do you worship?

I would say a combo of Ruby Rose and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Rosie's red carpet an airport styles? So fly, every time. And Ruby is really effortless in her dressing. Edgier, and I love a good edgy look.