Gale Parker knows a thing or two about reincarnation. She’s served as a muse to Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and Andy Warhol, pulled rank as the youngest Fashion Editor at Vogue, and was the design director for Ralph Lauren women’s collection. In an industry that considers 25 over-the-hill, you’d be hard pressed to find somebody who’s lived as many lives as Gale. Now, she begins her most exciting life to date, her own store, dedicated to her line of vintage-inspired clothes – Clothespin.

Continue reading for more about Clothespin and additional images. 

In principle, Clothespin is a unique line of clothing. Each piece is made from one of a kind, antique, unworn fabrics found throughout the world. Gale breathes new life into these remarkable textiles, reincarnating them into a collection of flirtatiously feminine dresses, blouses and skirts.

In practice, Clothespin is a modern collection, an eco-friendly approach to glamour. Each piece is finished with great attention to detail, whether it be the hems, that are hand sewn with never worn vintage, French pont d’esprit or uniquely engraved mother of pearl buttons or hand sewn beading. Practically no new materials are used. This stylish brand of recycling turns even the liveliest of garments “green” and keeps your carbon footprint as pristine as your style.

More about the Designer: Gale Parker has her own way of doing things. In fact, it was her distinct way of dressing that inspired neighbor Diana Vreeland to include the teenaged Gale in the pages of Vogue, beginning Gale’s lifetime affair with fashion. After graduating from New York’s Spence School, Gale quickly made her way to Paris. Following a quick stint at the Sorbonne, Gale caught the eye of yet another fashion icon: Yves Saint Laurent. She quickly became his muse, modeling his designs all over Paris and earning a reputation that traveled as far as Italy, where Mr. Valentino Garavani followed, adding Gale to his inspiration. Upon returning to New York, Gale made the rare transition from it-girl to working girl and began working as a Design Assistant to Halston, alongside future star Stephen Sprouse. Through her close friendship with Andy Warhol she became a contributing editor at Interview, and then the youngest ever fashion editor for Vogue. After a sabbatical that included stays in California and Kenya, Gale returned to the design scene in the 90’s as head of design for Ralph Lauren’s women’s collection. In 1997 Gale Parker designed her first collection under the label Skye, focusing on beautiful clothes, made from beautiful fabrics, that would flatter any body type. Finally, in 2007, inspired by her collection of show-stopping vintage dresses, Gale formed her own label, Clothespin, a gamine line of vintage inspired, eco friendly garments.