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Greenberg initially thought Roan Vintage Pop would be a temporary thing, hence the word “pop” in the name, but already sees it becoming a much more permanent part of the Roan identity. (Photo by Megan Parry)
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The bright green walls, vintage typography and '60s-era photographs gives Pop its own personality with a nod to the past. (Photo by Megan Parry)
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Louboutin, anyone? (Photo by Megan Parry)
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The ability to construct a single eclectic outfit with a mix of vintage, designer and nearly new pieces in one place is what makes Roan Vintage Pop such an awesome addition to the store. If incorporating vintage into your wardrobe is a bit intimidating, Chudoba notes that she, Greenberg and the rest of the Roan staff are happy to help style. (Photo by Rachael Chudoba)
Roan’s thread runs long in Richmond; the Carytown boutique began its RVA retail reign as Coplon’s in 1991 on River Road. And now owner Hank Greenberg is capitalizing on that sartorial history with Roan Vintage Pop, a new vintage and consignment pop-up boutique that recently opened inside of Roan.
After spending 25 years in the Richmond retail scene, it’s safe to say that Greenberg and his team of stylists have cultivated an extensive and loyal clientele — the sort of clientele who take extraordinary care of their clothes and thus have closets full of one-of-a-kind, designer pieces that look as modern today as they did when they bought them from Greenberg so many years ago.
And that’s exactly where the idea for the vintage shop came from; Greenberg knew his clients had unearthed gems waiting to be rediscovered and wanted to give these treasures a second life. Greenberg says he’s been considering this project for about two years and feels the timing is right, especially with the consignment culture currently thriving in Carytown. He’s excited about finding a niche within that group and hopes to “elevate it and make it Roan.”
Roan Vintage Pop occupies about 900 square feet in the back of the expansive store. To “keep it cozy,” and distinguish it from the rest of the space, Greenberg has the walls painted “Left Bank green.” He explains that on visits to Paris, he always noticed that the doors of the homes along the Left Bank were all painted this pop-y, bright green. It defines the space and gives it a spirited exuberance that simultaneously connects it to the store and keeps it separate.
The pop-up offers a thoughtful, curated selection of vintage and nearly new designer pieces from the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Chanel, Manolo Blanhik, Tory Burch, Vince, and Lela Rose. Prices range from $35 to $1,300, with pieces representing a wide range of styles and eras.
Rachael Chudoba, social coordinator at Roan, says that the concept works so well because “fashion is always recycling,” as she pulls out a black feather-trimmed Elizabeth and James blazer from a few seasons ago. While feathers may have had a moment four years ago, when you see the blazer today you think, “Oh, yeah, feathers! Why did I ever stop wearing them?” To her point, the blazer is unbelievably chic and looks totally timeless.
Greenberg is obviously stoked on the fresh energy that this new concept will provide for Roan and its clients. He tells a story of a woman recently stopping by, in desperate need of a new outfit for a Bruce Springsteen concert later that evening. The Roan stylists got her into a rock-and-roll-ready T-shirt and jeans outfit, with pieces pulled from the new arrivals, sale and vintage sections of the shop. “It’s unbelievably perfect,” he exclaims, and says he loves that everyone from a “luxury connoisseur to someone who just needs an outfit” will find something to wear.
If you have vintage or designer pieces you’d like to consign, you can email Chudoba to set up an appointment. Roan offers a 50/50 split once the items sells or a 60/40 split (60 percent going to the consignee) if you’d like to receive store credit, which can be used throughout the store.
