Vintage Plus

Situated in a small alcove on Highway 111 in Palm Desert is a store with a big idea that goes beyond retail merchandising. The Fine Art of Design sells vintage clothing, shoes, books, magazines, and also hosts events, film screenings, and whatever else might pop into the owner's head.

Nicholas Delgado hadn't planned on opening a vintage store. He went to the Parsons School of Design leaning toward art history and interior design. Friends, serendipity and other twists and turns of fate landed him in a storefront next to Casuelas Cafe.
The shop is in a great space, but it's small.
Nicholas is especially interested in vintage clothing and accessories from the Victorian Era to the 70's. Pieces from the 80's and 90's are considered.
One room is set aside for books and other collectibles. There are early editions, rare and obscure books, magazines, and albums. If you don't find what you want, he will try to find it for you.

Since opening last July, the store has generated a little buzz about being a destination for events as well as vintage shopping. Last summer, Nicholas co-hosted a mini-Rainer Werner Fassbinder film festival at the shop. He has no qualms about re-arranging everything to make room for a film screening or party, which is exactly what he was doing when I was there. Preps were underway for a Valentine's Day Party.
Meet Nicholas and friends tomorrow night at the party. Dani and the Scarlet Fevers are performing, plus acoustics by Kenneth C. Bozanich and Jessalea Fleischman. It's at 8pm. There will be champagne bar, appetizers and desserts.
Tickets are ten bucks in advance; $15 at the door. The Fine Art of Design, 73717 Highway 111, Palm Desert. http://www.thefineartofdesign.com/