TWENTY MINUTES SOUTH of the contemporary Western fashion juggernaut that is Santa Fe Plaza, an unassuming warehouse off Airport Road holds 4,200 square feet of some of the finest, coolest, and most hard-to-find vintage Western wear in the world. Step into Santa Fe Vintage, and the store unfolds into cavernous rooms holding racks of Western-yoked shirts from H Bar C and Pendleton, leaning stacks of silver belly Western hats, and big barrels of tissue-soft bandanas.
After original founder Scott Corey passed away in 2020, longtime collaborator and buying partner Teo Griscom and her husband, Josh Kalmus, took over with a mission to continue Corey’s passion for vintage clothing and authentic Western wear. “As soon as I could drive, I would hit at least one thrift store a day,” says Griscom, who grew up in Galisteo during the 1990s. “There were still so many amazing pieces to find.”
Thrifting has become more competitive, but gems at Santa Fe Vintage are everywhere. “Santa Fe’s fashion scene has very unique Western and Native influences,” Griscom says. “[Because we source] from the fascinating and eclectic people who have lived here over the years, you’re bound to find amazing things.”
Nolan Hall wears a Chimayó jacket among Santa Fe Vintage’s large selection of denim.
Take the denim section. Perfectly weathered pairs of Levi’s form towering stacks, but each are thoughtfully organized and folded with reverence. If you’re lucky, you might unearth a pair in your size sporting a tiny orange flag on the backside—a short-lived midcentury branding move to distinguish fashion-forward styles from more utilitarian ones. Lesser known but fabulously named denim brands such as Copper King, Dee Cee, and Buckaroo figure alongside Lee and Wrangler.
Not sure where to start? Griscom has an impressive knowledge of historic clothing and how to style it. “Every closet should have a good pair of OG-107s,” she says, referring to Korean War–era cotton army pants named for their color: Olive Green shade 7. “They look great paired with a worn-in Wrangler denim shirt.” As a wardrobe stylist for 20 years, Griscom also regularly rents out historical items to New Mexico–based movie productions and photo shoots. “Styling is intense work, but I have a whole warehouse to pick from,” she says.
Wardrobe stylist Teo Griscom, with 20 years of experience, supplies historical items to New Mexico film and photo productions from her extensive warehouse collection.
Santa Fe Vintage also serves an international clientele. “A friend of mine introduced me to buying and selling to the Japanese,” says Griscom, who has tapped into this vibrant consumer base to form relationships with other vintage devotees.
In addition to vintage Western wear’s aesthetic appeal and historical value, Griscom says, it offers us a chance to mindfully fill our wardrobes with timeless pieces. “My personal stance on owning less involves learning what looks good on you first,” she says, “and then getting your staples like old Levi’s and cool T-shirts.” Over time, add to your collection with unique statement pieces like Chimayó jackets.
Another amazing thing to love about vintage? “Its quality far surpasses the fast fashion of today,” she says. “From the fabric to the sewing, it was all so superior to today’s standards.”
Read more: The future of Chimayó weaving is in good hands.
Double Take’s collection includes an impressive array of bolo ties.
TREASURE HUNT
Santa Fe’s vintage Western-wear scene is unmatched. Be sure to check out Double Take and Kowboyz, both on South Guadalupe Street. A respected boot destination, Kowboyz also carries ranch shirts and cowboy hats. Double Take is the town’s best-known consignment store, with where-did-you-get-that offerings like snakeskin hats, outsize concho belts, and bolos with huge chunks of turquoise. Betterday Vintage is a laid-back outpost specializing in funky clothes and old vinyl records, all curated with tender care. Hit up the weekend mercado at El Museo Cultural to browse vintage vendors who know their stuff.
