By Jonathon Sniezek and Anthony Brancaleone

Whether you’re looking for a “new” piece of vintage furniture or a quirky gift for a friend chances are you’ll find it at Vogue Vintage. Owners Steve and Lynn Humphreys have been in the antique world for over 20 years and along with curating partner, Tom Kerr, are happy to assist customers with their most challenging design issues.

Steve entered the business while working for a charity that dealt with furniture donations. He acquired so much inventory that he launched his first shop in Mt. Clemens, operating there five years before relocating to Ferndale.

Steve & Lynn Humphreys by Benjamin Justus

A regular to their shop I’ve [Sniezek] had great personal experiences picking up old cameras, art, and records. Vogue’s pricing is fair, the inventory extraordinary, but it is their knowledge of antique and vintage items that most impresses their clientele – some of whom come to Vogue with very particular requests.

When Michigan offered tax incentives for the film industry a while back Steve and his crew found themselves operating as prop dealers for several of the productions that came to town – Only Lovers Left Alive (2014) directed by Jim Jarmusch comes to mind. Film units relied upon local businesses like Vogue to fill in all those details essential to quality filmmaking. With the incentives recently cut by the state, however, Vogue has adapted by working with productions shot in New Orleans, and elsewhere. Check out Oscar Winner Green Book – where Vogue styled the entire kitchen – and the upcoming Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020), starring Keanu Reeves.

(I [Sniezek] wanted to know more about Bill & Ted Face the Music but, unfortunately, Steve was held to the strictest confidence). 

Bowlero Lanes & Lounge is a fully refurbished mid-century bowling alley located in Royal Oak, Michigan. Husband and wife owners, Dean & Kelly Elliott, along with partner, Dave Zainea, of Detroit’s iconic The Majestic and Garden Bowl Complex, approached Vogue Vintage with the task of outfitting the high concept space with 80 identical retro-orange fiberglass chairs, paired with lighting, mirrors, and other decor that give Bowlero its amazing vibe; which, designer Kelly Elliott once described to our Editor [Brancaleone] – over cocktails during her and hubby’s 2018 New Year’s Eve space pad Gala – as A Clockwork Orange meets The Brady Brunch.

Vogue Vintage has also been hosting estate sales throughout metropolitan Detroit for over two decades. Their teams knowledge and style combine to offer a unique experience in this end of the market. Working with Steve and crew in this arena has the added benefit of placing quality remaining items in their storefront. Find Vogue Vintage estate sales by signing up for their email blast or go to estate sales.net and search their name.

The Detroit area has seen some changes over the last several years and Steve has been happy to provide his community with vintage items and the kind of in-person experience you just cant find online. Whether you are seeking your first piece or completing your dream design project it’s a good idea to stop in to Vogue to take a look around. Steve asks that “you not to be shy”. Ask questions. His team will do all they can to guide you along your path.

Vogue Vintage | 2141 Hilton | Ferndale MI