As I was researching this story, I became more and more amazed that no one has really covered this lesser-known vintage enclave. Of course, BlackBook covered Jill and her daughter Alexandra Richards, touching on their love of vintage, but no mention of the genius vintage collection actually housed and for sale in the Jill Stuart stores. I am a huge Jill Stuart fan and own at least six of her fabulously girly frocks. I have always shopped the Soho store and was beyond excited when she opened her jewel of a venue in East Hampton a couple of years ago. It was out East that I started to truly appreciate Stuart’s amazing eye not only for relevant designer name vintage, but also for non-branded, must-have lace and crocheted pieces. I started to make frequent trips to the Soho store this fall, not only because I covet the brand, but also because I adore the vintage collection and the truly swanky environment it inhabits.

When model Alexandra Richards wants good vintage clothes and cool shoes, she raids the closet of her parents, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and iconic ’70s and ’80s model Patti Hansen. Designer Jill Stuart, who has featured Alexandra on her runway and in an upcoming Japanese campaign, mixes her own ultra-feminine designs with rare vintage finds. The two fiends for classic chic speak with James Servin about fashion, family and the best Stones tunes.

The Jill Stuart show this afternoon at the New York Public Library was full of surprises. First, there was some serious star wattage thanks to front-row seats holding Joy Bryant, Michelle Trachtenberg, Bette Midler, and, of course, a token "real" housewife: Bethenny Frankel. Then a fully exposed breast from a model mid-show. Gasp! Stuart sent down the library-length runway a flotilla of the beautiful, feminine looks she's best known for. There was a whole lot of chiffon, a cropped white tuxedo jacket, and scarves warn over the head à la Thelma and Louise.