Hollywood Dreams for Vogue Vintage
By, Crystal A. Proxmire
(July 1, 2009)
Vogue Vintage owner Steve Humphreys never had stars in his eyes or Hollywood dreams, but over the past several weeks the world of the rich and the famous has opened up for him. At least a little bit. Humphreys has been working with set designers from major motion pictures, and renting them items from his resale store to be used in the films.
The store features an eclectic mix of antique furniture, toys, housewares, art and other items mainly from the early 20th century. Set designers from the movie “The Irishman” starring Val Kilmer and Christopher Lloyd and the movie “Oggieloves Big Balloon Adventure” have rented several items from Vogue Vintage, including a set of green velvet luggage, a pair of bright orange awnings, and a 1940s Bowing Rolling Horse.
The horse, used in the Oggieloves flick, is large enough for a toddler to ride, and it works by springing forward each time the child bounces up and down. The one rented for the movie is obviously aged, but still in very good shape. It has been returned and now hangs proudly in the shop’s front window.
The luggage set comes from an unknown era, but was manufactured in Atlanta, GA. It used to have a price tag of just $200, but now it will remain in the store as a symbol of Hollywood’s connection here. Humphrey hopes that its pea-green color will make it recognizable in The Irishman film. “You never know where they’re going to use it, or if you’ll even be able to see it in the final cut” he says. “But ya never know. That could be Val Kilmer’s luggage right there.”
The Irishman comes out in 2010, and Humphrey is planning on seeing the mobster movie several times so that he can try and spot items from his store. “It’ll be just like looking for Where’s Waldo, only with my own things.”
Folk art window frames by Karen Buttice, a Birmingham-based artist, were also purchased from Vogue Vintage for one of the films.
Vogue Vintage is located just north of Ferndale at 23622 Woodward Avenue in Pleasant Ridge. They do not yet have a website, so you’ll just have to stop in to see their amazing selection of unique items. Or call (248) 546-1555 for more information.
