Meet Amanda Lougee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Lougee. 

Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
The Vintage Virgin started as a passion project to create timeless jewelry that young women/men could pass down to their daughters/sons or family members as they grew older. I love the appeal of designer as well as the fashion houses that have such a rich history and create the “de rigueur” trends we see today. At the beginning, it was 2020 at the very start Covid19. I was living in New York when I stormed the streets of the Jewelry District to see who could help me with my vision. I wanted to start using my own collection of couture accessories/buttons and set them in 18K gold fill so people wouldn’t have to worry about hard tarnish over time. With a lot of trial and error, I found the perfect jeweler as well as a chain supplier. Fast forward, the vision of Vintage Virgin is not only a community filled with women/men who lift one another up, it is a community that encourages the appreciation of classic pieces. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In no way has it been a smooth journey, in fact, I am still figuring a majority of the issues out today. From switching jewelers all of 3 times, to getting a supply of couture accessories that I could work with, to shipping pieces to people as well as receiving pieces from overseas, it has been more of an uphill battle than a smooth road. Right now, my biggest issue is the supply chain. Which I know is a tale as old as time in the Covid19 era. Finding quality pieces is a struggle because unless I see a piece in person, I can’t see what the best way to rework it would be. For example, on a couture button, until I see the button and see what type of material it is made from, I can’t discuss with my jeweler how to set it properly. In the first few trial and error days, I actually set the pieces myself. And man, was I slow. I will say, when someone receives their piece, it is the best feeling in the world. Jewelry is so personal. And if I am able to create something so special and so unique for one individual, it takes all those bumps in the road away. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Professionally, I have been modeling since I was 18 years old. I have worked with some incredible brands over the years and I feel lucky to say that modeling has opened creative doors for me that I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity experience otherwise. As far as interests, I have always been in love with fashion, people, and the arts. This is one of the reasons why I believe modeling has really worked in my favor. My favorite thing in the entire world is to be around other creatives and innovative people in the fashion space. As my career has progressed, I have not only been able to talk to others about my love of design and jewelry, I have also been able to use my own creative eye in the social media space under the handle @alougee and @vintagevirginnyc. One thing I am most proud of is my “if not, when” mindset. When I decided that I was going to start The Vintage Virgin, I didn’t have a game plan, but I did have a vision. As a creative, I feel like that is one of the most powerful things you can possess. 

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I think we have all learned a lot from Covid-19. My biggest takeaway is patience. I think before the world shut down, it was very easy to get in a “go, deadline, hustle until you hurt” mentality. Of course, it is still very easy to get into that space, but I will say, I think people are a lot more understanding and resourceful with one another present day. 

Pricing:

• 195 to 345 is the price range

Contact Info:

• Email: lougeeamanda@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintagevirginnyc/

Image Credits
Stefanie Marie photography
Cheryl Constable Photo