S7 Ep31 JANET MANDELL: luxury vintage rental studio founder - on one-of-a-kind 90s designer pieces, Gigi Hadid's Halloween costume, and her wild Met Gala stories.

S7 Ep31 JANET MANDELL: luxury vintage rental studio founder - on one-of-a-kind 90s designer pieces, Gigi Hadid's Halloween costume, and her wild Met Gala stories.

Author: Emily Stochl October 9, 2023 Duration: 53:57

Pre-Loved Podcast is a weekly vintage fashion interview show, with guests you'll want to go thrifting with! For more Pre-Loved Podcast, subscribe to our Patreon!

Today's episode is with Janet Mandell, the founder of the Janet Mandell luxury vintage rental service with studios in Los Angeles, Chicago and – most recently! – New York City. From red carpet gowns to statement accessories, Janet Mandell's collection of designer pieces makes it easy for clients to find the perfect outfit fit for any occasion.  

In this episode we chat about renting pieces for everything from the Met Gala to Gigi Hadid's Halloween costume, so let's dive right into it! 

DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:

  • [4:56] Janet's vintage collecting began with vintage handbags and designer shoes. 
  • [7:33] How Janet got into the world of renting designer pieces to celebrity stylist clients, after she opened her Los Angeles studio. 
  • [10:02] Why she's after the most influential 90s designer pieces. 
  • [17:47] Finding the perfect pieces for Gigi Hadid's Halloween costume – she went as Mary Poppins to Taylor Swift's Halloween party! 
  • [23:40] The heartbreak of renting a one-of-a-kind piece and having it come back damaged.
  • [32:09] The wild story of putting together a vintage Chanel look after party look for Natasha Poonawalla for the 2023 Met Gala. 
  • [40:11] And Kendall Jenner's Met Gala after-party look. 
  • [44:11] The Gianni Versace pieces that Janet cherishes from a historical perspective – including the Elizabeth Hurley safety pin dress and a red leopard print moment that Hurley wore to a Versace party. 

EPISODE MENTIONS: 

LET'S CONNECT: 

SPECIAL THANKS: 

A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible!

  • Patty Weber
  • Beverley Docherty of Wolfe Pack Vintage
  • Danny of Galaxy Live
  • Kathy Brand
  • Lucero Buendia
  • Tricia Zelazny
  • Leslie V.
  • Lisa of Queenie & Pearl
  • Lucille of Galipette Vintage
  • KT 
  • Lydia Welp
  • Anastacia Banicke of Goods & Provisions





Every week, Emily Stochl invites you into a conversation that goes far beyond the clothing rack. Pre-Loved Podcast with Emily Stochl is built on the idea that every second-hand garment has a past, and that exploring those histories makes our present style more meaningful. Rather than just offering shopping tips, each episode feels like sitting down with a fascinating friend who shares your passion for vintage, digging into the many layers of what it means to wear pre-owned fashion. You’ll hear from a diverse range of guests-from collectors and stylists to entrepreneurs and historians-as they explore not only personal style but also the practicalities of running a resale business, the complexities of the global second-hand market, and the environmental ethos behind choosing used over new. The heart of this podcast lives in those incredible stories: the serendipitous flea market find, the garment that carries a decade of memories, or the simple, powerful act of giving a piece a new life. Emily guides these discussions with genuine curiosity, making each topic accessible whether you're a seasoned thrifter or just curious about sustainable fashion. It’s a thoughtful, engaging look at how what we wear connects to culture, art, beauty, and the kind of mindful consumption that can reshape an industry. Tune in for a fresh perspective that celebrates the character, sustainability, and deep personal connection found in pre-loved fashion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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