Carole Tanenbaum to Present 125 Vintage Chanel Pieces at Josephson Opticians - April 10th/11th

As you probably know, I am a big fan of all things vintage.  I picked up many a vintage pieces in Japan and one of my favorites was the Celine duffle I found in Yonago, Japan (see here).  For those of you who love vintage as much as I do, you're in for a real treat!  Vintage extraordinaire Carole Tanenbaum will be presenting 125 Chanel pieces from her collection at Josephson Opticians this April 10th/11th (see details below).  In our interview, Carole provides some great tips for vintage shopping and her reasons for pursuing a career in the world of jewellery collecting (see below).

Source

SJP has sported jewels from Carole Tanenbaum!

About the Collection:

"The Vintage CHANEL collection is elegant and timeless, complimenting the designer brands that Josephson Opticians represent.  From eyewear to jewellery, I believe in the beauty of lasting designs.  I am excited to share my selection with Toronto's vintage collectors and individuals who appreciate the rarity and refinement of Chanel jewellery.  It is exciting to have a beautiful space in which to showcase these treasures".

~ Carole Tanenbaum

About Carole Tanenbaum:
Carole Tanenbaum was born and raised in New York and now resides in Toronto, Canada.  She has created a collection of over 20,000 vintage pieces including: Dior, Chanel, Lanvin and Sherman.  Her hand selected vintage pieces are available at Holt Renfrew, Seehouse New York and select boutiques around the world.

AT: Why did you make the change from art to fashion?

CT: My transition from the art world to vintage came easily. I always worked with beautiful objects. In the corporate world of art, I was constantly making aesthetic decisions. When I discovered vintage costume jewelry, I loved the extravagance of design it afforded me . As the business expanded, I was no longer able to do both art and jewellery. So, after 20 plus yrs in the business of art, I concentrated on sharing my passion for vintage costume jewelry.

AT: What drew you to vintage and where have you found some of your favorite pieces?

CT:  I was drawn to the extravagance of design, size and color of Vintage Costume Jewelry. I found and continue to find some of my best pieces from private collections. These are usually in well loved, excellent condition.

AT:  Where are some of your favorite places to shop for vintage in Toronto?

CT:  Field shows like Christies in Dundas On and Centerpoint monthly show in To.

AT:  Tips for telling real from fake?

It takes years to be able to tell a fake from a real piece! My one caution is "if a piece looks too good to be true, it generally is!".

AT:  Buying jewelry while traveling.  I'm going to Italy in May - any tips?

CT:  When you are away on holiday, check the local antique fairs/festivals. They are sometimes good hunting ground.

AT:  A few of your favorites from your personal collection!

CT: My personal vintage favorites are by designers such as Schreiner, Coppolo e Toppo, and Dior. Having seen vintage Chanel as a collection, I must add Chanel Vintage to my list.