why paris-based stylist gaultier desandre navarre says vintage is fashion’s future
plus his best vintage finds and styling tips
This week, we’re featuring our second guest on trouvé: Gaultier Desandre Navarre, also known as Gogo. Professional stylist and co-owner of secondhand shop Cent Neuf, he has a deep love for clothes, and endless knowledge of the fashion world.
Gogo is always well dressed. His outfits are incredibly creative and uniquely him.
Here, Gaultier shares his thoughts on developing personal style, the future of secondhand and his very best vintage finds.
Embracing style trial and errors
Clothing is a powerful way to express oneself. It took me 15 years to discover what I truly enjoy wearing.
When someone has a unique style, they don't appear to be in costume; they simply look like themselves.
Living in New York for a few years significantly influenced my style. In Paris, people tend to judge more, and bold fashion choices are less expected. But in New York, you can step out of your comfort zone and experiment—it’s accepted.
Making a look “sophisticated”
I approach sophistication in fashion in two ways.
The first is more traditional: having chic pieces. For example, I love to wear a sportswear outfit with a pair of loafers. I always include at least one chic accessory, like a bag or glasses, to elevate my look.
The second type is more subtle: it’s when you can see that someone has thoughtfully and playfully selected and combined the right pieces for an outfit, and everything fits perfectly.
How secondhand drives personal style
The two best things about buying secondhand:
It’s unique: you’re the only one that owns it, and it immediately gives your style something different.
It’s a testimony of time: the cuts, materials and proportions are from another era. By wearing it today, you can make it current again.
The entire thought process behind shopping secondhand makes any outfit more interesting because it didn’t just happen, it’s intentional.
The boom of secondhand fashion
In the last decade, we’ve seen the rise and now the slow down of “luxury premium” fashion brands (e.g. Sandro, Maje). Economic instability and growing sustainability awareness are changing how we shop.
In parallel, secondhand fashion is exploding.
Thrifting used to mean searching through piles of clothes at flea markets. Then, online platforms like eBay and Vinted made it easier to dig through our phones.
Now, new businesses like Cent Neuf are transforming the secondhand retail experience with curated selections. Even mainstream brands are starting to offer their own items secondhand.
What still holds people back
Habits are changing, but some still view secondhand clothes as trash rather than treasure. Not everyone is vintage-savvy or enjoys searching for clothes.
At Cent Neuf, we tackle these challenges by professionally dry-cleaning all our clothes and curating collections with similar items in all sizes. Our goal is to make secondhand shopping feel like a firsthand experience.
In the end, I believe secondhand fashion will beat firsthand when their retail experiences are as premium.
Tip to start shopping secondhand
As a new secondhand shopper, avoid starting at big thrift stores if they don't appeal to you. Instead, visit vintage concept stores or designer luxury shops. You'll discover unique gems more easily, and you might be surprised by how affordable they can be.
Editor’s note: Parisians, check out my list of top places to shop secondhand in Paris (including Cent Neuf, of course)!
Most treasured vintage finds
So many! My big discovery of secondhand happened in New York at Beacon’s Closet. I would go religiously every weekend, spending 1-2 hours looking around.
The prices range from $35 to $250 dollars. Once, I spotted pants with an aubusson print and immediately recognized them from Dries Van Noten’s current collection. They were literally for sale at Barneys but I scored them from $80. Insane!
Just last year at Beacon’s Closet, I found a satin lapel overcoat from Phoebe Philo’s Céline collection for $100—again, crazy!
Another great find is from Tamago, a store in Amsterdam owned by Christine (who is so lovely, shoutout to her!). Back in 2018, I found Dior pants from the John Galliano era, laced all the way to the side of the leg and with a double-belt on the butt.
Thank you, secondhand 🫶
Merci Gaultier—I learned so much about secondhand and always love hearing your hot takes on personal style.
Follow Cent Neuf on Instagram, and if you’re in Paris go say hi. Their selection is always impeccable and it really does feel like a “regular” retail experience.
Till next time!
— Laure
If I found a Phoebe Philo era Céline overcoat for $100 I think I'd explode.
Gogo is the best :)