Vintage Charm in Williamsburg: The Story of Sorbara’s

“I’m such a tag nerd,” exclaimed Kathleen Sorbara, the creative mind behind the newly opened vintage store, Sorbara’s, located in the heart of Williamsburg. “These old ones just kill me.” The tag she held in her hand belonged to a stunning black swing coat and proudly read “Bergdorf’s on the Plaza,” a testament to the rich history and quality of vintage fashion.

This isn’t Kathleen’s first foray into the world of vintage retail. Previously, she owned two charmingly compact Chickee’s Vintage stores in Brooklyn—one dedicated to men’s attire and the other focused on women’s fashion. As her passion for vintage grew, she realized it was time to expand her horizons. She transitioned from her cozy 400-square-foot spaces to a more spacious 1,000-square-foot boutique, allowing her to showcase an even larger selection of curated vintage pieces.

In her quest for a new identity, Kathleen sought a name that evoked the nostalgia of 20th-century department store house brands, reminiscent of storied names like Nan Duskin, B. Altman, Barneys New York, I. Magnin, and Henri Bendel. Ultimately, she settled on Sorbara’s, located at 326 Wythe Avenue, a name that not only reflects her personal brand but also honors her family’s legacy.

“It’s also a nod to my family’s history as small business owners,” Kathleen shared proudly. “My grandmother ran Sorbara’s Beauty Salon in the ’80s; my dad owned Sorbara Company, a construction business in the ’90s; and my first-generation Italian grandparents operated Sorbara’s Market, a grocery store in Pittsburgh during the 1940s.”

Among the treasures displayed in her shop is an exquisite Oscar de la Renta evening dress from the 1980s, paired with a stunning set of Manolo Blahnik heels. Each piece tells a story, inviting customers to explore the elegance and history that vintage fashion has to offer.