by The one day exhibition featured dozens of local vendors who love old things.
At the Traveler’s Vintage Expo, the past comes alive for just one day. Across multiple states, vendors showcase a variety of vintage treasures that they pick up either locally, or on the road. It ranges rom clothing, to toys and unique memorabilia that capture the essence of bygone eras.
Ali Johnson, a college student, also spends time gathering pieces that fit into the early 2000s “Y2K” era. “A lot of the stuff I buy because I’m like, I love it. I want to share it with everybody else,” she said. This is just one example highlighting the personal connection many have with vintage items.
For many, vintage shopping is more than just a trend—it’s deeply rooted in nostalgia.
“People are looking for the nostalgia factor, things that maybe their older brothers or sisters wore or their parents,” according to Mel Linehan, the owner of Urza Vintage. “I just appreciate the sustainability aspect of it,” he added.
As younger generations embrace old things, they are also tackling the environmental toll of fast fashion. On average, a person throws away 81.5 pounds of clothing each year. Think of shoes, belts, and winter gear. This staggering statistic underscores the importance of sustainable fashion choices.
For one shopper, she has traveled to numerous vintage events around the cities.“I just feel like upcycling, reusing stuff… these kind of events are the best place for it,” Eli Maunu said.
Not only do vintage items last longer, but they also provide a refreshing alternative to mass-produced clothing.
“Fashion is not something I necessarily always cared about. I mean, it’s a learned thing like any other,” Linehan said.
“I feel like a lot more freedom of expression when getting older items and makes matching them.”
Mixing and matching vintage pieces allows people to express their unique style and celebrate what came before. Evelyn Goldberg, a shopper, loves everything about the 1960s and 70s.
“I think our generation is getting more creative and we’re starting to like the old stuff,” she said, reinforcing the growing appreciation for vintage fashion.
The love for vintage transcends mere style—it’s about connecting the past with the present, one treasure at a time.
