Old Main Emporium (OME), located at 842 4th Avenue, announces the launch of its limited edition “1837 Heirloom Collection,” commemorating a decade of excellence in the fashion industry of downtown Huntington. This exclusive collection, inspired by the storied history and flourishing present of Marshall University, is set to debut on September 25, 2024, just in time for homecoming celebrations.
Old Main Emporium is a celebrated fashion retailer known for its commitment to quality, local collegiate-inspired design, and exceptional customer service. With a decade of experience, OME continues to offer distinctive and thoughtfully crafted apparel.
In honor of the 10th anniversary, OME has meticulously curated a special selection of fall and winter garments that blend nostalgic charm with contemporary style, drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of Marshall University.
“The idea really started last year when I started thinking about our 10th year in business,” said owner Sara Deel. “I knew I wanted to do something special, but with everyone sourcing items from the same vendors, it’s getting harder every year. A customer in the store commented ‘This is the best place to get all the great retro-looking stuff.’ That comment really resonated with me, so I decided I was going to try to be as unique as possible within the constraints of the current offerings. Happily, several vendors were offering some new treatments this year and the timing was perfect.”
I’ve spent the year looking through old Marshall yearbooks and sharing those photos and posts on social media on Sundays with the “Memoryhole” posts. I’ve taken inspiration not only from fashions found in those yearbooks, but also from imagining what those students were like. From a design standpoint, I spent time seeking out different fonts for printed shirts and using higher-end materials such as chenille letters, embroidery and satin applique. There wasn’t the volume of mass-produced clothing in the past and selection was narrow, but people were able to buy things that would last.
“So the 1837 Heirloom Collection is an amalgamation of actual retro campus fashion and an idealized version of the past, brought to life for everyone to enjoy,” Deel continued. “I’ve chosen pieces and materials that should wear for a long time, long enough to hand down to someone in the next generation of Herd Fans.”
The sporty “1837 Heirloom Collection,” is a fantastic way to showcase your collegiate spirit while adding a touch of old-school vintage coolness to your gameday ensemble.
The first three pieces of this collection feature a pullover style sweater inspired by the Marshall baseball team of 1914. These throwback garments showcase vintage decoration techniques, including chenille and satin applique, reflecting the timeless spirit of the era. Additional items from the collection will be released throughout October.
The 1837 Heirloom Collection will be available for purchase in-store at Old Main Emporium’s flagship location, 842 4th Ave, Huntington, WV, as well as online at oldmainemporium.com. For more information, visit the website or contact Sara Deel at 304-522-6245 during regular business hours (Weds-Fri 11AM-5PM, Sat 11AM-3PM) or by email at oldmainemporium@gmail.com.
