Taylor Pitsilos in a gorgeous vintage spot silk kimono – one of her first vintage pieces. Photos: Jade Hansen.
The Edit is a series produced by Jade Hansen that features the people behind some of Canberra’s most lust-worthy fashion, beauty and health offerings.
This week, The Edit caught up with Canberra’s very own fashion authority Taylor Pitsilos for a quick Q & A. Taylor is a collector of vintage fashion (actually, fashion in general) and co-founder of the Designer Op Shop Emporium.
It’s difficult not to think of Olivia Palermo when you meet Taylor Pitsilos. I mention this to her, and she beams – Palermo clearly has an influence on her style; both are polished, elegant and very well put together. Pitsilos has successfully carved out a career in an industry that she loves, lives and breathes – fashion! And to make this journey even sweeter, she has done it with her mum, Sharyn, by her side, buying quality pre-loved and vintage items for their Fyshwick Designer Op Shop Emporium (DOSE) and helping to add some unique and individual elements to Canberrans wardrobes (thank you!). There is, however, more to Pitsilos than just great outfits – this style maven has a strong vision, excellent business acumen and isn’t afraid of hard work.
Mixing vintage with modern – a pair of Chanel slingbacks with vintage silk kimono. Effortless chic.
JH: Where did your love of fashion and vintage begin?
TP: “In the late ’80s, mum had a store in the Canberra Centre (then Monaro Mall) called Chin Chin. I grew up working with my mum and I loved going to work with her. I would spend hours cleaning the glass and straightening the jewellery. I remember my mum dressing women in these beautiful outfits and the joy it brought to them. But my love of vintage garments didn’t really begin until I went to Paris and discovered flea markets.”
JH: Did you always dream of pursuing a career in fashion?
TP: “After I finished school it was clear that fashion was my only focus but I never really thought growing up one day I would have my own store, let alone have my mum as my business partner. I count myself very lucky.”
JH: Are Canberrans vintage fashion shoppers?
TP: “Definitely. I find that Canberra shoppers appreciate good quality vintage, they love that vintage has a story attached to it; they also see the value in helping sustain a healthier environment.”
Taylor’s innovative mix-and-match techniques prove that fashion really doesn’t go out of style.
JH: What pieces are we drawn to?
TP: “Day dresses and blouses! These are by far our most popular garments – I think this is due to the fact that they are easiest to fit – of course having four definite seasons in Canberra gives us the opportunity to wear a full seasonal wardrobe. Our winter coat selection is always popular – people like that they are wearing a unique garment.”
Vintage tartan shorts with a pair of pre-loved Salvatore Ferragamo shoes 🙂
JH: Are we conservative in our fashion choices or do you find we are happy to go outside our comfort zone when it comes to vintage?
TP: “A bit of both – although Canberrans tend to be more conservative with their fashion choices. Most of our clients are mixing vintage pieces into their everyday wardrobes. I personally love both vintage and high-street fashion combined, we even have a neon sign in-store that reads – Vintage X Modern!”
A pre-loved Lisa Ho dress in cornflour blue and lace detailed top – and that DOSE shoe wall!
Designer Op Shop Emporium is located on the corner of Barrier and Lyell Street Fyshwick as is open 7 Days – Mon to Sat: 9:30 am to 5 pm / Sun: 10 am to 4 pm.
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