To my wonderful customers,

My name is Laura and I am the founder of Transplant Vintage. I was born in Auckland, New Zealand and have been in the vintage trade since I was 14 years old. The word ‘Transplant’, to move, relocate, has a special meaning to me. I moved to California for the love of my life - as I relocated to the other side of the world I became a transplant,  a kiwi in Los Angeles.

Throughout high school, I sold vintage online from local flea markets. I fell in love with the unique silhouettes and fabrics of the 60s and 70s and became a full on vintage nerd. After I graduated, I decided to make vintage my full time job. I founded an online store at first. It grew and grew and grew until one day I found myself the owner of one of the largest vintage brands in the Southern Hemisphere, owner of a brick and mortar store on the main street of Auckland and an online store that shipped worldwide.

I sold my business in 2019 and began pursuing formal education, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UCLA. I founded Transplant Vintage in 2020 and along with studying full time, Transplant Vintage allowed me to treasure hunt throughout my favorite city in the world. Once I graduated, a career in law was calling my name but not without a little vintage mixed in too! Going back to school reignited my deep passion for vintage and sharing that passion with you! Every piece that I curate for Transplant Vintage has a purpose, meaning, a story to tell.  Clothing should be an expression of oneself and that is the beauty of one of a kind vintage.

My process of vintage curation is long, intensive and collaborative. I care deeply about giving clothing a second chance and sometimes that means spending days, weeks, even months reviving pieces to their former glory. This process also involves working with small, local businesses in my community. Our tailor has been a staple of the Echo Park neighborhood for over 30 years. Our drycleaners are a family run business ten minutes down the road who specialize in the preservation of vintage fabrics. We source our notions from a metalsmith in DTLA who has been making the most incredible buckles since the 1960s. Caring for each piece in this way ensures quality, but it also ensures that there is a little piece of Los Angeles magic in every fixed thread, in every polished notion. 

I am so excited and proud to share Transplant Vintage with you all. It is a celebration, not only of vintage, but of magical Los Angeles. I adore every piece on here and I hope you do too. Thank you so much for keeping my dream alive.

Love Laura xxx