Meet Gabrielle Breitenbach, Inicia Harris | Co-Founders

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabrielle Breitenbach, Inicia Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabrielle & Inicia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The Narrative Vintage, was founded in Brooklyn in fall 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, by Gabrielle Breitenbach, a Production Director and Stylist for Brooklyn-based designer NAOMI NOMI, and Inicia Harris, a fashion merchandiser with experience from highly reputable brands, such as Ralph Lauren and Kith. Our journey began when a shared mentor connected us, leading to the discovery of our collective ambition to establish a sustainable vintage clothing business that positively impacts the local communities around it. Although the vintage resale market was already bustling with online and outpost stores, we were drawn to the untold stories behind the clothes – the lives the owners of each piece lived and how to capture and honor them. It was from this perspective that The Narrative Vintage was born. Once we established our concept, identities, and brand values, it didn’t take long before we were all emotionally and financially invested in making the dream a reality.

What should our readers know about your business?
At the Narrative Vintage, all of our collections are released in volumes, each embodying original narratives and capsule backstories. We believe every garment, like every person, has a tale to tell. Each character is unique, but the ability to share the story behind your experiences ignites conversations, creates connections, and bridges communities.

These moments of true connection and community become real through pop-up markets, activations, and special events such as our latest collection, and Galentine’s event, Crush On You. In collaboration with local chef duo, YESBABE, we brought together a collective of women-led founders for a special dinner party and shopping experience featuring a marketplace of fellow small businesses. During the month of love, we all curated a space celebrating self-love, female camaraderie & empowerment. An evening we’ll always hold dear to our hearts.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We have to give flowers to Keturah Drake (aka Muva), our shared mentor who made our connection from day one. We both had interned for Keturah early in our personal careers in the fashion industry and upon relocation to New York, Keturah couldn’t help but introduce us. After connecting and establishing a shared interest in vintage fashion, we expressed to Keturah our plans to launch a vintage brand of our own. In those early days, she encouraged us to pursue this dream. From challenging us to create our “why” and first brand deck, to mentoring us throughout conception, we wouldn’t have the foundation we do today without her guidance, dedication, and support. We share our successes with her and are stronger for having her always in our corner.

Website: thenarrativevintage.com

Instagram: @thenarrativevintage

Linkedin: The Narrative Vintage Edit

Image Credits
Photographer: Fernando Palafox (@fernandopalafox) Models: Vega Harlan (@vegaharlan) & Amber Hill (@shantellamber) Editorial styled in collaboration with Shani Coleman (@orangejuiceonlyvintage)