There’s a place for everyone in the world of vintage fashion, particularly those who refuse to be defined by labels. Melanie Gillis, the founder and creative director of Los Angeles-based Hall of Wonders, is just that. She’s been selling vintage for over twenty years, carving her own path in the vintage scene with a punk-rock attitude and the knowledge of an industry-insider. From sourcing movie-star gowns circa Hollywood’s Silent Era or rare Y2K Roberto Cavalli, Gillis’ vintage collection is ever-evolving, well-educated, and highly-curated.

Gillis began sourcing and selling vintage on EBay in the late 90s, when, according to her, it was just for “weirdos.” At the time, a new generation of collectors and upcyclers was emerging on the scene—like the infamous Sofia Amoruso of Nasty Gal [whom the Netflix series Girlboss is loosely-based on.] This crew was scouring basement rummage sales, cutting up old dresses to make new silhouettes, and getting banned from the Vintage Fashion Guild. Over time, as vintage shopping gained popularity and the resell market evolved, so did Gillis’ sourcing style. Nowadays, Hall of Wonders specializes in curating interesting and modern collections that showcase Gillis’ talent for treasure hunting and trend forecasting. Hall of Wonders features an array of designers like Louis Vuitton, The Row, L.A.M.B. [by Gwen Staffani] and Miu Miu. Each collection-drop is thoughtful and creative, just like Gillis herself, a true trail-blazer and vintage expert. 

Style_ sculptural, subversive, romantic

Pricepoint_ $—$$$

Instagram_ @hall_of_wonders

TikTok_ @hall_of_wonders