Discovering Uniqueness with Philip Boon

“Brands are everywhere now – they’re accessible all over the world. You can buy almost anything online with ease,” he explains.

“I was really heartened to hear on the Vogue podcast that their research into vintage showed many true collectors, like Hamish Bowles, are seeking uniqueness. The handmade element is something you simply can’t replicate.”

Boon recalls a close friend who has since passed away, a woman in her mid-90s. “She was very wealthy, yet she always sewed her own clothes. She loved the craft, and most of all loved knowing that no one else had the same garment. That’s not unusual. People from privilege have long worked with dressmakers or had clothes made especially for them.”

“What feels different now is that this tradition slipped away when people can simply buy everything in stores. Life is busy, and many people don’t have the time or interest anymore. But I think that mindset may be starting to return, and that is wonderful.”

This shift also connects to sustainability. “If someone makes a dress for you, you’re more likely to keep it. You’ll pass it on to your daughter, son, or another family member rather than throwing it away.”

Boon notes that his business primarily sells through 1stDibs and Etsy, and the data shows strong engagement with 1960s and 1970s wedding dresses. Those gowns were usually made by dressmakers or small wedding designers. That’s a clear example of where people are choosing uniqueness over labels.

“It’s really nice to see people appreciating handmade pieces again. If something is visually strong and sparks your imagination, there’s an emotional connection.”

He has noticed the same trend at the biannual garage sales he organizes. The pieces that sell first tend to be the most individual ones.

He points again to the Vogue vintage sale in New York. The queues wrap around the corner. There are celebrities involved, but it’s also proof that people are interested in special, one-of-a-kind pieces.

“The best places to find unique vintage are garage sales and estate sales. The hunt is like an archaeological dig. You can search for Gucci or Chanel online, but finding truly special pieces is about trusting your eye and your taste. If something speaks to you, go for it – don’t worry about the label.”

“I still find incredible things in unexpected places, even in the back corner of a charity shop in Milan, far from the glamorous areas. That’s part of the thrill. Sometimes you find something amazing, and sometimes you don’t, and you have to be okay with that.”

For those searching online, Boon suggests using keywords like ‘homemade,’ ‘handmade,’ or ‘one-off’ to uncover more distinctive pieces.

And in today’s digital world, uniqueness stands out more than ever. “If you’re wearing something store-bought, a thousand other people might have the same piece. But if it’s handmade, no one else will.”

@philipboon
@theinternationalsvintage
The Internationals Vintage on Etsy and 1stDibs