The Gathering Goddess vintage pop-up store launch

Yesterday we were invited to the launch of The Gathering Goddess pop-up store on London’s fashionable Portobello Road. The vintage store has teamed up with lifestyle brand Misscittykitty to cater for vintage and glamour lovers. In store, the rails were filled with immaculate garments taken from each era of the 20^th century. Sparkly vintage accessories were also on display, including accessories that were laid out, showing a variety of antique-looking jewelled handbags and even hosiery preserved from decades ago.

The Gathering Goddess isn’t your average dusty vintage shop and the owner, Wilma Mae Basta, is very passionate about what they do, as she explained the process each of the handpicked garments go through: each item is handpicked personally by Wilma, who sources the pieces globally, mainly from the US where she also originates. Each item in the collection has undergone The Gathering Goddess’s five-step DALIR process (Deep Freeze, Authenticate, Launder, Inspect, Repair), before it is cleared to be sold on the shop floor. They also have an in-house seamstress on hand to make any alterations or repairs, to ensure that – although the garments have already stood the test of the time – buyers really get longevity out of each purchase.

She explained to us that each item has a story to tell and the team ensures they learn about the history of each individual garment they select. They are then able to share this information with the customers, whether it is who it belonged to, or who was the designer who created it. It makes each customer feel all the more exclusive.

Wilma started off her career in trading vintage-wear as a successful eBay seller ten years ago, then moved on to sourcing items for private clients, which then lead to her opening her own store in the Notting Hill area. It has proved a popular delight for locals and visitors alike. They also have a keen celebrity following including Tali Lennox, Oona Chaplin, Gwendoline Christie and Natalie Duncan.

Whilst wandering and rummaging through the store, we were treated to champagne and nibbled on to some delicious handmade marshmallows by The Marshmallowist from Smart and Simms.

Bubbleology were also on hand, serving some delicious concoctions of iced tea, the strawberry vodka version proved particularly popular.

We got chatting to the MissCittykitty ladies, who were running a prize draw for the chance to win a year’s membership to the Glossybox, which is a really cool concept, whereby you get delivered a box of the latest beauty goodies every month. Misscittykitty has a membership service for professional ladies in the city to join and take advantage of up to 30% off luxury lifestyle offers.

During the pop-up month, there will be lots of other events going on in store, including talks by vintage experts on topics like how to value vintage and advice on garment restoration, moth care and maintenance. Personal shoppers will also be on hand to help customers find the perfect outfit, whether it is for a special evening event or to glam up a daytime summer look.
The store is situated on 152-154 Portobello Road and will be situated there until 19^th August 2012.

Siobhan Copland