The Biltmore Los Angeles Concierge Guide - Flipbook - Page 9
Q&A WITH DORIS RAYMOND
The Vision Behind
The Way We Wore
VINTAGE CLOTHING SHOWROOM
Doris, your journey into vintage fashion is legendary. Can you take us back to the moment it all began?
It started as a passion long before it became a business. I was always drawn to the storytelling that clothing could offer, how a single
garment could encapsulate an era, a mood, or a personal narrative. In the late ’70s, I began collecting pieces that spoke to me, not
because of labels, but because of their design, craftsmanship, and energy. From there, it evolved organically. Before I knew it, vintage
fashion became my life's work, and a joy I continue to rediscover every day. I find my clientele loves the opportunity to find pieces that
are unique, well made, and that tap into a side of their personality.
What inspired the name The Way We Wore, and how has its meaning evolved for you over time?
My father was a "punster," so the name is really a homage to him. It came from a desire to celebrate the personal history embedded in
fashion. The Way We Wore is more than nostalgia; it is about acknowledging how style reflects who we are and where we have been.
It celebrates fashion that transcends time. Over the years, the name has deepened in meaning. It now feels like a bridge between
generations, connecting the elegance and creativity of the past with a modern sensibility.
How do you decide what makes it into your collection? Is there a particular feeling or instinct that guides you?
Absolutely. It's all instinct. A garment has to speak to me. It is not about trends or logos; it is about craftsmanship, originality, and
emotional resonance. I look for pieces that have integrity in construction, a unique point of view, and a certain quiet elegance. I
always say, you do not need to shout to make a statement.
You’ve worked with top designers and celebrities—what do those collaborations look like behind the scenes?
Every collaboration is different, but what they all have in common is a deep appreciation for detail and storytelling. Designers
often come in with a vision, or sometimes just a vague feeling, and we dig through decades to find what sparks inspiration. With
celebrities, it is often about helping them find something authentic to wear that elevates a red carpet moment. It is an honor to be
part of those creative journeys, even if I am behind the scenes.
What’s one unforgettable piece you’ve discovered that still gives you goosebumps?
That's a tough one, but I have to say this story really takes the cake. I'll never forget finding a dress I had a hunch was once worn by
Audrey Hepburn. It was an original GIVENCHY (haute couture!) tucked away in an unassuming shop. The construction was classic
and simple, and it was a small size from around the late 1950s or early 1960s. It had a mark in the back neck area that identified it as
a piece from Paramount Studios.
I kept it in my office for over a dozen years. About three years ago, I decided to see if I could confirm whether it had actually
belonged to her. Unbelievable. It turned out to be a piece she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and I sold it at auction for over $100,000.
It was a powerful reminder of why I do what I do: preserving beauty that might otherwise be lost.
SHOWROOM APPOINTMENTS: (323) 937-0878 | 8057 BEVERLY BLVD, SUITE 200 LOS ANGELES, CA. 90048
@thewaywewore
www.thewaywewore.com
