Eye of the Editrix

Only a pocketful of people can reminisce about traveling to Paris at age five for the couture shows, hanging out with Andy Warhol at the Factory and voluntarily leaving an editorial job at Vogue to soak in the California sun.

But then L.A. retailer Gale Parker has led an uncommonly glamorous life. She was a muse for both Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent and worked as the design director for Ralph Lauren. Now she’s pouring her decades of experience in fashion’s fast lane into her newly opened Melrose Ave. boutique, Clothespin.

Walking into the thoughtfully shabby-chic boutique, you're greeted by a smiling Parker and her Corgi puppy, Lilly (who likes to relieve herself next door at Balenciaga). Inside, there are numerous tokens of Parker’s wild-child past, including a portrait Warhol painted of her and images from her Vogue days.

But the merchandise is even more alluring than the décor. Clothespin specializes in original frocks made from never-been-worn vintage fabrics from the 1940s. The eco-friendly collection is made in California (the labels are sewn into the garments at Gale’s apartment) and seems designed for vintage-loving gals of all ages -- from Shiva Rose to Alexa Chung.

We cornered Parker at her pretty new digs for a quick strut down memory lane.

VINTAGE REDUX: Parker's collecton hangs next to stylish objets and accessories at Clothespin.

Style Section L.A.: You have such a breezy California spirit, but where are you from originally and how did you get started in fashion?
 
Gale Parker: Well, I'm from New York City originally. I was exposed to fashion at a young age because my mother, who was a socialite and interior decorator, was always dressed in couture and spent a great deal of time making sure she looked chic from head to toe. Every Spring/Summer she took me and my brother to Europe, where I would tag along to see the couture collections. Some of my oldest memories-- I was about five years old -- are of watching Mr. Dior and Madame Grès present collections in Paris, and how my mother would go to Rome to have stiletto heels dyed to match her gowns. There's actually a sparkling skirt in the store window that is from one of my mother's Dior evening gowns!

Where did your interest in vintage come from?

On my own, I always had an interest in vintage. I have no idea where that came from though, because my mother was completely the opposite. Her style was definitely not my style, though it did help refine my eye. Through all of the traveling we did, and even in New York, I would go to the flea markets and became obsessed with old brogue shoes, loafers and beat up leather belts. I went to an all-girls’ school and remember pairing my vintage finds with my charcoal grey flannel skirt, hideous itchy knee socks and penny loafers. My own little rebellion, I guess.

Can you tell us about your time as a Fashion Editor at Vogue?

Yes, I was the youngest fashion editor at Vogue, and I really didn't like it at all. Diana Vreeland lived in our building when I was growing up, so I met her when I was quite young. My dream growing up was to be the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, and when I worked there, I worked with incredible visionaries like Grace Mirabella and Polly Mellen. When Diana would say, "pink is the new navy," suddenly the streets of New York became pink. We also had Hiro, Irving Penn and Avedon then. Fashion just isn't like that anymore. I'm not sad about it, things look different now, but they still look great. I found that I just don't like writing about fashion at all. I prefer living it.

You also worked as an editor at Interview with Andy Warhol...

I was a contributing editor at Interview and that was really fun. Andy was a friend, and I asked him if I could work on the magazine as a way to meet men. It was highly effective. Then I was into art and collecting art, and I got to meet so many amazing artists and interview anyone I wanted. It was incredible. I also got to hang around The Factory with Andy, who was just a sweetheart, and did numerous portraits of me.

DRAMA QUEEN: A photo of Parker during her days at Vogue.