Overcast fills a gloomy New York City sky where the only thing eye-catching in sight is the bright orange and blue sign with cheeky words in the bubbliest of print. Galloping up the concrete steps to the secluded spot, vintage cowboy boots pounce to the beat of “FRIDAY I'M IN LOVE” by the Cure played at full volume.
Visiting a punk 80s dance club at 2pm? Not quite. The indelible smell of grandma's old prom dress creeps up through even the thickest of masks as approaching an enormous box of assorted colorful linens and silk scarves overseen by the quirky man himself. Though not exactly the commonly fantasized time machine in that of the movies, a blast from the past is endured.
Exploring the jungle of garments, fingers delicately brush over textiles of those who came before. What were once pouncing steps turn to silent tiptoes as if in a museum with required etiquette. Daydreams of 50s swing dresses and 70s flares come to life as Hamlet himself strategically paints fantasy, as he and his customer say in unison “it's perfect!”
A theatrical name for a man of mystery and forced perceptions, Hamlet Tallaj, age 48, is behind the store full of coveted vintage treasures filled to the brim, every piece being 1/1. Reviews of the store claim Hamlet to be the “king of vintage”, and he prides himself in this title, never dismissing the hard work it took to get to where he is now.
With pieces being featured in shows such as Jimmy Fallon, and The Kings of Harlem, Hamlet works closely with New York’s most established stylists supplying vintage to celebrities of all walks. Established in 2008, Hamlet has been one of the main suppliers of true vintage to all generations in New York City, and this success sees no end. With the vintage and second-hand industry only rising in revenue each year, sustainability is no longer seen as a trend, but a lifestyle.
Hamlet was born and grew up in the Dominican Republic. When recalling the lack of seasons, he explains the garments involved with this constant weather pattern, such as bathing suits and other traditional summer clothing. With no need for coats or long sleeves in the climate of where Hamlet grew up, he was always curious about these other garments and the concept of seasons in other parts of the world. His mother was a fashion designer who designed majority commercial clothing targeted towards department stores in the Dominican Republic. He recalls designing his own clothes at the age of twelve such as bathing suits and other pieces.
“I guess I was a spoiled brat,” He says reminiscing the instant gratification of designing a piece and receiving it. He says,
“I didn't want to wear what everyone was wearing because I had my own sense of style”
In his teenage years, Hamlet worked presenting his Mother's collections to these stores gaining experience in marketing while also beginning to study architecture. Always having an interest in clothing, Hamlet gravitated more towards non-commercial pieces due to the prevalence of his own personal style at such a young age. Coming from this background of fashion, Hamlet reminisces,
“Since I’ve had knowledge in my mind, I remember fabrics, I remember clothes.”
At age 22, Hamlet moved to New York City and began working at “Flying A,” one of the only stores at the time supplying European designers and vintage clothes. He worked here for 10 years recalling the immense knowledge of the industry he learned during this time. Since beginning collecting single-stitch vintage tee shirts in the mid-90s, working at Flying A truly kickstarted what would be Hamlet’s lifelong passion and career in vintage clothing.
In between working markets and showrooms after accumulating his hand-picked collection, Hamlet established his self-titled store first in 2008 on West Broadway. In what was supposed to be a month-long popup, Hamlet acquired success from the vintage consumers of New York and ended up staying three extra months due to his popularity. He then moved to a tiny shop on Bleecker street until 2016 when he moved into his current residence in Greenwich village.
“For some reason, I knew what I was doing, and I was fearless.”
Throughout his journey in New York, Hamlet explains how he has watched the vintage industry change over the years. What were once products only sold to a strict clientele of European enthusiasts visiting New York City, has exploded into a dominating industry reaching all generations. Being in this location, Hamlet’s demographic is mostly NYU students similar to that of his Bleecker street store. He shares his excitement for Gen-Z’s appreciation towards vintage and second-hand clothes as a whole and appreciates those who begin educating themselves on true vintage.
Celebrities are frequent customers at Hamlet’s Vintage. He recalls meeting Sex in the City icon Sarah Jessica Parker. She was there with her family shopping for her son, and Hamlet says she too couldn't help herself from browsing his seemingly endless collection. She then took to her Instagram naming Hamlet’s Vintage a New York City destination shop, gaining him over 6,000 followers. Hamlet displays photos of him and the celebrities he meets on the walls and in books at the storefront ranging from Usher to Miley Cyrus, while also not disclosing the names of designers who frequently come in to buy pieces to replicate for their own collections. He explains,
“Everyone wants something unique, and they know they can find it here.”
As far as the future of Hamlet’s, he explains his interest in continuing to work with TV show stylists but can't dismiss that he already lives his dream life. In a world full of vintage dupes and recirculating styles, he explains that true vintage is hard to come by and it is truly his world and creative outlet. With a store where every nook and crevice is full of one-of-a-kind vintage stock, Hamlet prides himself in its endlessness. He says, “I don't see stores like this disappearing anytime soon,” referring to the prevalence and culture of online shopping in today's society due to its convenience.
He explains that there will always be a need for the feeling of buying and trying on new clothes and that his hospitality never goes unnoticed or unmissed. Hamlet refers to himself as a “scanner”, meaning he can scan a customer and pick pieces that will fit them and that they are guaranteed to love. He further ingrains that people come to his store, in particular, to shop vintage because,
“There is only one Hamlet!”
With the vintage industry only rising by the day, Hamlet maintains his residence welcoming customers daily. As one walks in he says, “Hi baby, what are we looking for today, I’m here FOR YOU,” with only intentions of painting their vintage fantasy. As the man behind silk scarves and 1930’s dresses, Hamlet remains unfazed by today's culture of fast fashion and the rise of “Y2K” styles. To his customers, he retains his status as the ‘The king of vintage’ and as Carrie Bradshaw’s right-hand man for unique pieces.
