A VINTAGE AFFAIR
In conversation with Bob Melet

His culture as a collector captures specific scenarios and moments in history.

Bob Melet represents the culture of vintage, has the talent to offer the right suggestions to the most recognized

creatives, and designers everywhere.

He transforms vintage clothes, rare furniture, LPs, records, signs, tickets as well as everyday objects into

imaginative tableau vivants.

Q: Through your many years of experience, you have established yourself as a reference point in the hunt for style, paving the way for the search of vintage and second-hand items. How have you managed to accomplish

all of this without making mistakes?

I have definitely made mistakes! Like everyone who creates and pushes boundaries. In many instances, perhaps, we were working conceptually too far ahead. Each season, which is only a 12 week period, we create

16 complete installations with storyboards, rigs, and product integrated together, mixing all the forms of art, antiques, and vintage that we deal. Having done that for 17 years, that’s more than 1,000 complete narratives.

Certainly, some of them have less of an impact than others. In conclusion, I am proud of all of my mistakes.

Q: What do you find irreplaceable in the analog world and what fascinates you about the digital age?

I continue to be passionate about finding amazing things every day. As much as I try to comprehend the meta-verse/ fake world, it deeply saddens me that humanity’s appreciation for authenticity & living with and

around actual things and people could somehow be supplemented by a device in the palm of their hand.

Q: Is it critical to mix training and personal culture in order to develop one's own style and originality with other visual arts?

True style comes from within. Appreciating all that has come before you only enhances one’s true style. Great style is so rare.

Q: What sort of person do you like to meet?

Well, this is the life we chose. I’ve been on tour my entire career exploring counter-culture, primitive culture, sophisticated culture spanning the ages.

Q: Any new research areas? If so, did someone need to journey throughout the galaxy in pursuit of new emotions?

I believe we are at an unprecedented crossroads in history where young people will change things more than any generation before them. Within that, I believe new forms of creativity will surface and define the age.

Q: Do you believe there is a current movement that can reproduce the buzz we witnessed in the 1970s, when the same aesthetic delivered a message/had a manifesto? Alternatively, if you've met a lot of artists, do you

know anyone with that degree of personality / depth? 


Aesthetic aside, objects can absolutely be presented ethically. Supporting indigenous cultures, paying fair wage, using recyclable fabrics. People can choose to utilize their bodies and clothing to express themselves in a

way that has a message attached to it. Virgil was one of the best of the best at that. 


Q: We should all think about how we should live more sustainably. Is it possible for a project like yours to work in this way? How? 


Being that I have only sold vintage and antique objects, I ascertain that I only live and work sustainably. 


Q: How would you describe your sense of style? 


Ready to travel at all times. 


Q: The highlight of your day.

I can only mention the second highlight of my day in this interview... Some of the most talented people of our time come to me seeking inspiration at some level. That process, is profoundly rewarding. 


Q: Which character in the story would you have liked to have had dinner with and why? 


Gertrude Stein. She was the boss, man. I would like to talk to her. Or Al Capone or Pablo Escobar. Someone that ran the show. The ones that are in charge. 


Q: What do you feel like you're missing out on nowadays? 


Traveling. 


Q: In today's world, time moves at a breakneck pace. What does time mean to you, and how does it nurture your downtime, assuming you have any? 


I’ve created my own annual calendar based around our design schedule, which then dictates travel and personal time between Montauk, NYC, LA, and beyond. 


Q: One of Bob Melet's strengths and one of his flaws. 


Smart enough to surround myself with amazing people. Still working 
on my flaws. 


Q: To sum up, a vice. 


Simply, like any other creative soul: sex, drugs, rock n roll 



Q: The last thing that captivated you?


I am currently 
developing an intimate game to play with friends that seems appropriate for the times we

are in. More details coming soon.