The Brooke Savona Edit: On Iconic Vintage Fashion, Wardrobe Essentials & Uncommon Finds
FEATURED CURATOR
Meet The Curator
Meet Brooke, a fashion industry veteran turned vintage curator and owner of Flora Vintage.
BROOKE SAVONA
FOUNDER, FLORA VINTAGE
Founded in 2024, Brooke Savona launched Flora Vintage after years of traveling, collecting, and working with creative minds in fashion, design, and art. She worked alongside Creative Director Raf Simons at Calvin Klein and Prada before pursuing her passion for vintage sourcing. What began as a personal way of living with beautiful, meaningful objects has since grown into a brand rooted in nostalgia, craftsmanship, and care for what already exists.
Here, Savona shares her favorite iconic vintage pieces to hunt for, wardrobe essentials, under-the-radar labels, and a few of her favorite things, from a Prada dress to a perfume from Scotland she’s currently loving.
Curated Collection: Iconic Vintage Fashion
When Brooke Savona isn’t spending time with her horse, Carlo, or painting in her studio, she’s sourcing beautiful pieces for Flora Vintage. Speaking with Savona about iconic vintage fashion, she shared her favorite eras for quality and distinctive pieces, including cotton blouses from the early 1900s, the bias cuts of the 1930s, prints from the 1940s, and the impeccable tailoring of the 1950s. From flea markets and thrift shops to your local Goodwill, she notes that quality vintage can be found just about anywhere. Below, she shares some of her favorite iconic vintage fashion pieces to source.
Read The Full Interview on Substack
Bonnie Cashin
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“I’ve always found vintage Bonnie Cashin coats iconic. Their cut is incredibly clean and functional, yet the bold and thoughtful details give them a distinct personality.”
YSL Rive Gauche
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“The 1970s YSL Rive Gauche is iconic, especially from the 1976–77 Russian Collection. The silhouettes feel incredibly romantic with velvet coats, billowing blouses, and richly colored silks inspired by Russian folklore.”
Levi’s Jeans
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“When it comes to denim, Levi’s jeans are iconic. They will never go out of style and only get better with wear.”
Hermès Scarves
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“All I can say is classic, classic, classic. A vintage silk Hermès scarf makes such a beautiful accessory, and it can elevate the simplest outfit.”
Navy Apparel
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“I love anything vintage from the Navy: French or American. You’ll find unique details like anchors on buttons and embroidered onto shirts, flattering high-waisted cuts, and quality cotton and wool. The peacoats alone are such beautiful classics.”
Prada
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“I love the clean lines and minimalism of 90’s Prada. Pieces from this era have really stood the test of time, and the quality is worth the investment.”
Style Profile
Savona describes her style as classic with modern twists. She gravitates toward timeless pieces that never feel dated and tends to avoid trends, instead relying on modern accessories to give her outfits a more current edge. Great-fitting denim is a cornerstone of her wardrobe, and she has two favorite pairs of vintage Levi’s that she wears on repeat, often styled with oversized vintage Oxford button-down shirts or a simple sweater. Her other go-to uniform is Carhartt WIP white pants (she owns five pairs), and she’ll often throw them on with No. 6 clogs, and she’s ready to take on the day.
Most Worn Brands
The brands that helped build the foundation of her wardrobe.
“I love the timelessness and quality of K. Jacques Sandals. I get a new pair of their sandals every summer since I wear them so often.”
“I love Prada’s 1990s collections so much – they will always be in my closet. I also buy their 3-packs of long sleeve tees over and over.”
“I love the lightness and comfort of Yasmine Eslami lingerie. Their bras and underwear are the only kind I will wear.”
Wardrobe Essentials
Wardrobe essentials she can’t live without.
Levi’s
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“Vintage Levi’s 501s are a timeless staple in my wardrobe. The fit is so flattering, and they truly get better with age.”
Oxford Shirts
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“I love the effortless yet pulled-together look of an oversized Oxford shirt. I gravitate towards vintage styles for their fabric quality and tailoring.”
Church’s
$995
“Whether it’s Belgian Shoes loafers or Church’s tasseled loafers, I need classic loafers in my life.”
Carhartt WIP
$148
“I own 5 pairs of Carhartt WIP white pants. They are extremely comfortable and pair well with just about any top. Needless to say, these are a staple in my daily uniform.”
No. 6
$330
“No. 6 clogs are an everyday ‘slip-on-and-go’ shoe for me. Every pair is handmade and extremely comfortable.”
Worth the Splurge
An investment piece that was worth the splurge, and an investment piece on her wishlist.
Hermès
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“My 1960’s Hermes Kelly bag was definitely worth the splurge. The Kelly bags from the 60’s are made from a heritage Box leather which has a glossy finish that I love and looks effortlessly polished.”
Legacy & Heirlooms
The story behind her favorite piece she has inherited and a modern heirloom she hopes to pass on.
Antique Locket
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“My mother recently gave me some jewelry pieces that are so incredibly special to me because they remind me of when I was a small child, being held by her and admiring what she was wearing. This beautiful Victorian-era locket she gave me is one of my favorites.”
Custom Coat
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“A modern heirloom I absolutely love is a coat that my dear friend Kerry Ryan made for me. It’s based on a 1950s Balenciaga opera coat, and I love it so much.”
Favorite Finds
When Brooke Savona is off-duty, she’s tending to her horse, spending time hunting for wardrobe icons, exploring art, and indulging in moments of self-care. From a Prada dress to original artwork and a skincare product she’s relied on for 15 years, Savona shares her favorite finds and what she’s currently loving.
Prada
$3,300
“I recently splurged and purchased the Prada SS23 Runway dress that looks like a painter’s canvas with blue paint and flowers painted on. It’s definitely a prized possession now.”
Vera Girivi
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“I recently purchased a large-scale artwork from the Italian oil painter Vera Girivi. I love the style of her work. She’s self-trained, and she’s genius.”
Jorum Studio
$192
“I love this Boswellia Scotia fragrance from Scotland because it takes frankincense in a completely different direction. It’s fresh and resinous with soft woods and spice, almost like walking through a forest after rain.”
Biologique Recherche
$155
“The Lotion P50 helps balance my complexion and leaves me with a nice glow. I started using it 15 years ago, and I’ve never looked back. They have a smaller size for $45 for anyone looking to try it.”
Uncommon Gems
Under-The-Radar Labels
The “if you know, you know” brands.
“I love Attersee for beautifully tailored wardrobe essentials. The collections feature timeless silhouettes, exceptional fabrics, and everything has this understated elegance that makes even the simplest wardrobe staples feel special.”
“Old Stone Trade curates such beautiful handmade womenswear and accessories. You can visit the studio on the Upper East Side by appointment, and the environment that the founder Melissa Ventosa Martin has created feels just as thoughtful and beautiful as the handcrafted pieces themselves.”
Under-The-Radar Fashion Icon
“I think Laura Vidrequin has exceptional style. It’s easy and laid back. Equal parts masculine and feminine. She effortlessly blends vintage and modern. She reminds me of a modern-day Jane Birkin.”
Uncommon Maker
“I love the abstract and realistic paper flowers that Kelly Pastorek is making. She’s a Brooklyn and New England-based artist who works primarily with paper while also exploring textiles, ink, watercolor, and other mixed media. The attention to detail, precision, and tactile quality of her work make each piece feel like a delicate study of nature translated through craft.”
Chic & Unique
A unique piece she’s loving right now.
Vintage Quilts
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“Vintage quilts are so unique, and they carry a story in every stitch. I am obsessed with their history and craftsmanship. I find it so interesting how every state had their own design. My great-grandmother was a quilter, and I have her original blocks that she used to make designs and patterns. So special.”
Uncommon Destinations
Unique shops, under-the-radar restaurants, and travel destinations she finds inspiring.
SHOP
A VIDA PORTUGUESA
“One of my all-time favorite shops is A Vida Portuguesa in Portugal. From the beautiful toiletries to home accessories and even clothing, I wanted to take everything in that shop home with me.”
DINE
STISSING HOUSE
“I don’t know if it’s under the radar anymore, but Stissing House in Pine Plains, NY, is one of the coziest places I’ve ever had a meal. I also recently had brunch at The Commerce Inn in the West Village, and that was lovely.”
TRAVEL
MARSEILLE, FRANCE & MAINE
“Marseille, France, surprised me with its raw beauty, especially the aqua blue calanques. There are also so many little islands off the coast of Maine that are so special to me. In Maine, I love staying at the Brooklin and dining at The Lost Kitchen.”
STAY
LOS POBLANOS IN NEW MEXICO
“I have so many favorite hotels. Los Poblanos is my favorite hotel in New Mexico. I’ve stayed there so many times, and I’m always excited to go back. If we are staying local, I really enjoy Inness in Accord, NY, or Piaule in Catskill, NY.”
The Little Things
Favorite Book:
Steinbeck is my favorite author of all time, Mary Oliver is my favorite poet, but Andrea Gibson’s work will bring me to tears; it’s so raw and poignant.
Relaxation Ritual:
Yoga, Sauna & Cold Plunge. I meditate every morning. I also partake in the occasional American Spirit ciggie.
Song on Repeat:
“Husbands” by Geese
Words to Live By:
The way you do anything is the way you do everything.
In Her Interview
Brooke Savona discusses the vintage eras she returns to most and the iconic pieces she loves to source.
Interview Highlights
Her favorite eras to source when it comes to fabric quality, tailoring, and style.
What iconic vintage pieces shoppers should have on their radar.
How to ensure you are buying quality vintage when shopping online.
