Grey Moon Vintage, The Local Shop That Just Can’t Be Stopped
Photo Sourced From @greymoonvintage
What began as an Instagram-based vintage shop has quickly evolved into a micro retailer housed by a renovated 1969 Avion.
The Moon, a majestic and glorious thing to see in the night sky. Always changing, and always bringing forth a new wave of energy with every phase. Even when you least expect it, the moon never fails to dazzle. It’s always bright and bold, practically begging you to take photos. This can be the same for the inspired and bold styles of Grey Moon Vintage. What started as an Instagram shop has now turned into a San Antonio staple, becoming a unique resource, for timeless, sustainable, vintage, and unique upcycled clothing for the past five years.
It has been no surprise how much this shop has grown. Housed in a renovated 1969 Avion Travelcade trailer, the genuine nature of the brand and its owner is one of its best assets. We last spoke with Grey Moon in 2017, where our Editor in Chief, Burgundy Woods called them the brand that can’t be stopped. From a very young and authentic beginning, owner and curator, Natalie Medina showcased their clothing, scented candles, and accessories through the lens of Instagram. Fast forward to 2021, and the brand has been named ‘San Antonio’s Best Vintage’ by SA Magazine and received countless accolades and collaborations for its culture. This truly is a brand that encompasses the spirit and energy of second-hand clothing and the city of San Antonio.
Photo Sourced From @greymoonvintage
The owner herself is a work of art. When a vintage shop succeeds, we believe it’s because the owner lives the lifestyle and prompts a romantic relationship with every piece curated. We had the chance to catch up with Medina, a long-overdue reunion with one of the most inspiring and fastest-growing companies in Texas (and the online world)!
KR: Take us back Natalie. For those who may be new to us and you, what inspired you to create Grey Moon Vintage?
NM: My partner and Grey Moon co-owner, Colin, and I started Grey Moon in 2016 as an Instagram shop and it quickly grew from there. I am personally very interested in fashion and clothing—I grew up setting up at flea markets, auction houses, and antique shops with my parents who were antique dealers. My mom later became the manager of a Humane Society thrift store and I would sort and price the clothes, make mannequins and displays, and truly enjoyed the thrill of it all while expressing myself artistically in that way at a very young age. My mom has always had an extensive collection of vintage clothing and costume jewelry and I often admired and played in her closets. I feel like the first way I was able to define and represent myself and claim my own narrative was through clothing. Colin was also an avid thrift store shopper when he was younger.
As we both became more aware of the harmful world of fast fashion and consumerism we wanted to create a space that showcased the value of secondhand and vintage clothing. We were intentional in building out the interior of the trailer with mostly recycled materials—the wood is recycled lumber, the insulation is recycled clothing scraps, the upholstery is vintage fabric. And as we learned and grew more we continued to make space for those that are often not shown in mainstream fashion while also illustrating how vintage clothing and art go hand in hand.
Photo Sourced From @greymoonvintage
KR: Describe your overall audience, who does Grey Moon Vintage cater to?
NM: Thoughtful and intentional people that enjoy vintage clothing and supporting small businesses and shopping sustainable fashion. People who enjoy the art aspects of fashion and fashion as a form of personal expression, and are intrigued and drawn to fashion as a form of escapism. Those who believe that fashion truly belongs to any and everyone who wears clothing.
We also carry vintage books, crystals, and metaphysical items, and cast jewelry by local jeweler Alexis Sachs— so anyone interested in unique things and small makers!
KR: What is your favorite thing about vintage clothing?
NM: I would say my favorite things are the uniqueness and sustainability aspects. The thrill of the hunt and the creativity inspired by using what already exists never get old for me. Shopping vintage and secondhand encourages you to think outside the box and to cultivate your own personal style. The beautiful craftsmanship of the garments from times past is also very intriguing and alluring to me.
Photo Sourced From @greymoonvintage
KR: How has the reopening of your new in-trailer shop been going, especially in this pandemic, how has shifting gears helped or paused business at your store?
NM: Things have been going decently for us. We are taking things very slowly day by day and are learning how to be ok with not always being ok. 2020 definitely took us on a difficult ride as a business but we have been so thankful to have continuous support from our community. We limit the trailer to only 1 party at a time and require masks so it has been a definite change and has slowed the pace and traffic. It has been a hard adjustment but it also has helped us in focusing on what is important to us as individuals and as a business.
It is safe to say that Grey Moon Vintage is one of a kind. They are a testament to what true passion can do. Medina had a dream to bring the best finds in vintage to the world and she has done so beautifully and authentically. Always reaching for the stars and shining as bright as the moon does. Staying true to their moto: It’s More Than A Phase, It’s A Cycle.
