The Golden Archive: Vintage Stories by Anna and Nina
Vintage carries more than style, it holds memory, romance, and discovery. For Anna and Nina, every find tells a story, from heirloom jewels and flea-market treasures to iconic pieces dreamt of on the silver screen. Here, they share their favourite finds, timeless regrets, and the thrill of the hunt.
“The joy is in the chase, the discovery, the thrill of unexpected treasure.” - Anna de Lanoy Meijer
What’s the very first vintage piece you ever bought or were gifted, and do you still have it?
Anna: I inherited some of my grandmother’s jewellery… she was a jewellery maker. I still wear it all!
Nina: For my sixteenth birthday, I received a vintage 14k gold bangle from my mother. Unfortunately, I lost it.
If you could time-travel for a day to shop in any decade, which era are you hitting first?
Anna: Maybe the Roaring Twenties… I love that style!
Nina: The 1920s were wonderful for jewellery, the 1970s for fashion, and the 1980s and ’90s were perfect for homeware.
Have you ever found a vintage item with a story behind it, a note, an engraving, or history that made it extra special?
Anna: I bought a vintage bag the other day that still contained a shopping list. It made me wonder: who was she cooking for that night, and where did she live?
Nina: To me, every vintage item is a mystery, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
If you could inherit one iconic vintage piece from history (think: Audrey Hepburn’s pearls, Elvis’s rings, Princess Diana’s dresses), what would you choose?
Anna: All the clothes of Cher?
Nina: I’ve always loved the Heart of the Ocean necklace from Titanic, it’s so iconic.
Do you prefer hunting for vintage treasures in little shops, flea markets, or online, and why?
Anna: Flea markets! They make it feel like a real hunt…
Nina: I love browsing vintage markets and shops, not just for the treasures, but also for the atmosphere and the thrill of the hunt.
What’s the one vintage piece you regret not buying when you had the chance?
Anna: A set of Hermès towels that Nina pointed out at the market in St. Tropez… I thought I could find them at a better price. After some research, it turns out it was a bargain!
Nina: Just recently, at a vintage market on the Amstelveld, I came across two beautiful Chinese porcelain teacups. I was in a rush and didn’t buy them, and I still regret it.
If a vintage piece could talk, which item from your collection would have the best stories to tell?
Anna: A necklace passed down by my mum, which was given to her by her grandmother. It’s been in the family for a long time and has seen so much.
Nina: I bought a vintage bright-red plush bolero at Episode, and it has probably been worn to so many beautiful parties.
Do you have a favourite “era aesthetic” (’20s glam, ’70s boho, ’90s minimalism) that inspires your style today?
Anna: I love mixing styles, more is more, and then the next is minimal. I love mixing metals, vibes, cheap and expensive, vintage and high street…
Nina: My style is mixed and changes every day, but if I had all the time in the world, I would dress in ’70s boho every day. Practically, though, I usually go for ’90s fashion.
What’s your most surprising or unusual vintage find?
Anna: My husband bought me an 1800s vintage engagement ring, and I loved it so much. It’s everything I hoped for in a ring, and I was really surprised he would pick this one.
Nina: Last year, I stumbled upon a painting in a vintage shop in Bargemon, France, which showed the little harbour where I found out I was pregnant. Naturally, I bought it.
What advice would you give someone who’s just starting to explore the world of vintage?
Anna: Try it all on, see what resonates with you! Sometimes it surprises you… Don’t get stuck in one style. Allow yourself to change and to experiment.
Nina: Take your time and don’t rush to find anything. Let yourself be surprised by all the beautiful things you might come across.
“Vintage is about discovery, delight, and daring to redefine yourself.” - Nina Poot
