Scottsdale vintage: Fashion by Robert Black

A friend sent me a Tweet today alerting me to the existence of Fashion by Robert Black. I’d heard of it but don’t often to get to Scottsdale, so I’d never been.

As luck would have it, I was at my parents’ house very near Scottsdale when aforementioned Tweet arrived, so I stopped in on my way home.

The large space is  filled with rack after rack of carefully preserved vintage pieces ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s.

There are no sizes here. Due to the sizing discrepancies (I’m a modern 4/vintage 14), not to mention the sturdy foundation garments worn back in the day, sizing is difficult, so they don’t even bother. If you want to know if an item fits, you’ll have to try it on.

You’ll want to try stuff on.

Sundresses, cocktail dresses, ball gowns, jackets…they’ve got it all. I even saw a little white shift with a detachable tulle/bow skirt that made me want to renew my vows.

There’s also shoes, gloves, hats and jewelry…which is both vintage, or recreated from vintage pieces.

Each of the 2 dressing rooms is situated next to a 3-way mirror and equipped with a 1940s bathrobe (which I hear are difficult to find) so you can meander the store between try-ons.

Don’t expect thrift store prices. Dresses I saw today ranged from a $75 cotton dress to a $450 1920s gown, but the prices seem reasonable for such pristine pieces.

Fashion by Robert Black
7144 E. 1st Ave.
Scottsdale, AZ 85281
(480) 664-7770