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Fashion > Forward: Old City's Forbidden Planett

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

Published: Aug 18, 2009

FORBIDDEN PLANETT

Michael Persico

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

If Zooey Deschanel and Marilyn Monroe had been college roommates, their shared closet might've looked like the treasure chests hidden underground at Old City's Forbidden Planett.

The boutique, owned by Johnny Columbo and Susan Adams, has provided the vintage-obsessed with dresses to dream on for 10 years. "Shoppers should know — if you thrift shop, you look like thrift," says Columbo. "If you vintage shop, you illuminate quiet dignity and class. Our shoppers know the difference."

Discerning eyes will find good company in Columbo and Adams, especially when browsing for a special event. In addition to traditional retail, Forbidden Planett offers a truly retro layaway option, and the ability to rent dresses, shoes and accessories. "We rent designer evening gowns: Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Halston, Vera Wang and many others. Our specialty is vintage 1920 to 1980s ... most of our girls rent for formals, evening charity or dinner dates. We aim to cause the 'pause' in the room when our clients use our service," says Columbo, who is one of the few men who can make "girls" sound charming, rather than patronizing.

Forbidden Planett also rents bridal attire and Prada and Louis Vuitton handbags. Each rental begins with a personal consultation and measurement by an expert tailor, and prices run from $50 to $1,200 a night for a complete look.

Nothing attracts actresses and singers like one-of-a-kind vintage, but Columbo is coy about naming names. "We reserve our special collections for movie studios, designers and fashion houses. We are very cautious about naming our celeb clients. What I can say is we service many actors and singers on a regular basis," he says. "We recently had the honor of dressing a lead actress of CBS's Swingtown — Lana Parrilla as Trina Decker, the temptress."

10 N. Third St., basement level, 215-923-7399, forbiddenplanett@aol.com.

(felicia.dambrosio@citypaper.net)

Comments

I have been in the store on numerous occasions,and both of the owners were there and were able to address my questions with such ease-i feel totally confident and good about my purchases there.
by James Oliver on August 24th 2009 10:26 AM

I went to this store because of this article. It was a horrible experience. I am a plus-sized lady but I love vintage. The woman there was rude to me from the second I walked in, disparaged my size, and made me very uncomfortable with her glaring and following me around the very cramped quarters. I am disappointed Ms. Dambrosio chose to glorify such an elitist and prejudiced establishment.
by Jessica Lopez on September 5th 2009 8:27 PM

I have to disagree with Jessica lopez and review. This establishment is over accommodating and makes no apologies for dressing up to size 6 vintage graments. I hate to think a larger women who obviously does not take care in her overall appearance might read into the fact, Forbidden Planett simply does not serve garments for large women. Sometimes this may come across as uncomfortable, but Jessica should get herself on a weight loss program and i assure you her attidue will not be directed to folks who deliver museum quality garments and an amazing appearance. Size 6 ladies get you your celebrity looks.
by Tristan on September 27th 2009 2:00 AM



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