Vintage Menswear Style

5 Minutes with…David Lochner, Managing Partner, Briar Vintage, Philadelphia, PA

Above Photo Courtesy of Harris Mizrahi

Meet David Lochner, managing partner at Briar Vintage, a Philadelphia brick and mortar vintage store specializing in vintage menswear. In addition to his interest in vintage menswear, David enjoys swing dancing, burlesque shows, and smoking cigars. He lives in Philly, which he loves for the history, culture, proximity to New York and DC, and the fact that it is working class.

1) Talk about your interest in vintage clothing. Is this something that developed early in life or an interest that developed later? Was there a certain event of person that sparked your vintage passion?

I first was interested in vintage clothing when I saw the movie Swing Kids. I didn’t know it was vintage at the time, I just liked the look – I thought it was slick. Later in life, when I really started to get into it, I chose vintage because of the look and construction. You have to spend thousands on suits these days for the same quality fabric and construction.

2) As the owner of a brick and mortar store specializing in vintage menswear, you must have a fantastic vintage wardrobe. Do you wear vintage on a daily basis? Do you find you wear an “all vintage” wardrobe or do you like to mix vintage and modern?

I tend to mix vintage and modern. I wear what fits. And as I am 6ft tall, it is sometimes hard to find things that fit well. I’m just into quality, whether it is vintage or modern.

Above Photo Courtesy of Philadelphia Magazine

3) Talk about your vision for Briar Vintage? Can you share some photos of the store?

The vision for Briar is simple: Men’s Haberdasher. We try to have everything a man might need.

4) What eras or types of vintage do you personally collect? Any specific designers or makers?

I like everything from the 19teens up through the 1950s. I don’t limit myself to one period. I am a fan of anything from England, as are most of my friends. My favorite pieces are always Botany. They were a Philadelphia company. Just well-made ready-to-wear. I do have a thing for 1930s-1950s wool neckties though – for some reason I can’t get enough of them.

5) What is your very best piece of vintage menswear?