Interview with Naomi Fitzgibbon
Introducing Naomi Fitzgibbon of Vintage Finds You. The House of Etiquette meets the woman behind one of Ireland’s most distinctive vintage clothing collections. Naomi Fitzgibbon has created Vintage Finds You as a trusted source for carefully selected pieces that combine quality with timeless style. With a sharp eye for detail and a genuine passion for vintage fashion, she curates clothing that appeals to those who value craftsmanship, sustainability, and individuality.
We spoke with Naomi to learn more about the philosophy behind her collection.
Can you tell us about the moment or experience that first inspired your love for vintage fashion?
I have always been obsessed by fabric and the history of fashion and style from an early age! My mother was my style icon, always following her own style rules, never trends. Her mother had her own dress-making business in Co. Donegal. My mother was a very accomplished dressmaker, making her own clothes tailored to perfection and made my communion dress, which I adored. I honed my style watching mum; I have sequins and silk running through my veins! My first intro to vintage was when I wore a black Art Deco top of mum’s on a night out. The reaction from everyone was fascinating. All my friends wanted to buy the top, but they couldn’t; it was a one-off piece no one else could get their hands on. That’s when I discovered the uniqueness of vintage; I was hooked. My friends always wanted to borrow my clothes when they saw me wearing vintage clothes, so I then started finding pieces for them.
I lived in London for 10 years and I found so many incredible vintage stores which fed my desire to hone my own style wearing vintage clothes and accessories. Wearing vintage pieces ensures I have a piece of fashion history as well as wearing something that no one else has. I adore the fabrics, quality, and styles from bygone eras and the stories behind each piece and the time they represent.
How would you describe the journey that led you to create Vintage Finds You?
Wearing vintage has cured my irrational fear of showing up in the same clothes as someone else. This stems from my childhood when I went to a party and another girl was wearing the same dress as me. I demanded to be brought home so I could change my dress. Scarred for life!
From my late teens my friends always wanted to borrow my clothes when they saw me wearing my latest vintage finds! I then started finding pieces for them. I amassed a large collection of pieces when living in London. When I was asked by a friend to style her sister for her wedding, I was so honoured, and from then on the desire to share my passion for all things vintage could not be ignored.
In 2013 I undertook an MSc in Clinical Leadership, and during that time my mother and my sister passed away. It was a very distressing time, and that is when I decided it was time to start working on my passion. I launched Vintage Finds You online boutique first. Getting my website up and running was something I knew nothing about, and it was very daunting.
I remember my first online sale so well; it was so thrilling, and I have not looked back since. I now offer personal appointments to those who want one-to-one attention and access to my full collection of vintage couture, daywear, and accessories for all occasions.
I’m a perfectionist, which causes no end of anxiety to ensure I meet my customers’ needs. But when I get the opportunity to dress people for their special events, it makes it all worth it. From the brides who want a contemporary wedding look with vintage, to dressing ministers attending state and public events, it’s such a privilege.
When you find a new piece, what is it about it that speaks to you or captures your attention?
Finding the vintage pieces is such a thrill. I curate every piece, and it has to meet my exacting standards to make the cut! I’m drawn to the fabric, print, and design of a piece first, and then look at quality and size of the piece. I feel we have forgotten about the importance of quality and how clothes were made to last, not just one wear! Also, the era of the piece has so much to tell us culturally and politically about what was going on at that time. There is a huge amount of nostalgia about the different vintage eras which remind us of times gone by.
I am constantly on the hunt for ‘new vs vintage’! I don’t follow trends (no new ideas, just stolen ones), but if there is a ‘trend’ for a piece of clothing, I want to find the original vintage creation for my customers.
My no. 1 rule is: don’t hunt for a label; you miss out on so many gems and precious bespoke pieces which are rare vintage pieces and incredible finds. We have become so label-obsessed; we buy the label, not the item.
Over the years I have been lucky enough to have curated a collection of rare Irish vintage pieces which form my personal archive. These precious pieces include members of the Haute Couture Group such as Irene Gilbert, Ib Jorgensen, and Mary O’Donnell. They’re so precious to me as they catalogue the style and culture in a period of time in Ireland. Some of the pieces have no labels, but the craftsmanship is extraordinary. I love to share the collection and have been invited to present my collection to many different groups including the fashion students in NCAD.
How do you hope your customers feel when they wear something from your collection?
I am so pleased when customers tell me they found their perfect vintage piece – hence the name ‘Vintage Finds You’. Each piece finds its new owner. When a customer is looking through the collection, I love to watch as they stop in their tracks, speechless, holding up a piece to themselves in the mirror. They can envision themselves being at their event, knowing they will look and feel fantastic, safe in the knowledge no one else will be wearing anything comparable to their vintage find.
I have a diverse customer base with individual style preferences. They include the vintage aficionado who is after the eclectic piece that is a standout, ensuring all eyes are on them. The couture connoisseur wants to understand elegance, regardless of the label. The person who wants to wear vintage for the first time and needs a little guidance to discover their preferred era or style. Each customer gets my full attention, with a few on speed dial when I know I have found the exact piece for them.
Tell us about your own favourite vintage piece – what is the story behind it and why is it special to you?
I have so many pieces in my personal collection, some which belonged to my mother and many pieces which are just so unusual because of the fabric and design. A piece I found in Berlin under a pile of junk was a dress by Maggy Rouff, whose father designed fashions for the Imperial family of Austria. Rouff started her own couture house from 1929–1963. In 1937 she opened a London outpost at Park Lane and designed for Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. She also designed costumes for Marie Callas. The dress I found was worn by the lead opera singer Nial Morris’ production of Callas – The Life of Marie Callas at An Bord Gáis Theatre. Serendipity.
My most precious pieces are the ones which make up my Irish vintage archive, with pieces such as a 1910 Mourning Coat, Silk Velvet couture gown from Ib Jorgensen, and an Irene Gilbert wool dress from the 60s. Irene Gilbert from Thurles was known as Ireland's first couturier. She designed for royalty and was good friends with Grace Kelly. She was the first woman to successfully run her own fashion business in Ireland and was famous for using beautiful materials like silk, tweed, linen, and special Carrickmacross lace. I also have pieces made by Pat Crowley, who worked for Irene Gilbert for years starting in 1960. She helped start the Irish Haute Couture Group with other designers like Ib Jorgensen and Nelli Mulcahy. I treasure this collection of rare vintage pieces, rarely seen outside a museum, to share with others.
Why do you think women are reverting to the past to create a present look?
My customers feel it’s quite difficult to stand out in the fast pace of fashion these days, and many women don't want to wear the same as everyone else. Some customers appreciate the fact that they have a one-off piece. They love the story behind the pieces, and this gives them such confidence. When they put on a piece it makes them just beam with delight, bringing out their true personality. Many of my customers are also very conscious of the sustainability aspect of wearing vintage. They want something special, good value for money, and feel they are giving something back to our precious planet, one dress at a time.
How to keep up to date with Vintage Finds You?
Follow Naomi for the latest details about vintage pop-ups and events and weekly Instagram live sessions and virtual appointments, which have proved increasingly popular. The combination of real-time personal shopping with online consultation works so well for busy people. Showcasing beautiful vintage pieces virtually and in person allows me to demystify vintage fashion and educate consumers about the sustainable connection, demystified luxury, and vintage, and shifting the perceptions around pre-loved fashion.
Email: naomi@vintagefindsyou.com
Web: Vintage Finds You
Mob: 0868534714