Hunting Ground is unique amount Baltimore’s vintage shops in that it carries both vintage and new clothing that fits an aesthetic that is decisive, sophisticated, and well-made. I love that you can find Yves Saint Laurent heels, jewelry made by local designers, yummy unisex scents and candles, as well as authentic Metallica and Iron Maiden concert T’s from the 80s.
Owners Jenna Hattenburg and Jess Soulen signed their lease in 2011 and have been open in “the old church” on Falls Road in Hampden for seven years.
Where does the name Hunting Ground come from?
The name was inspired by our location (being an old church) and how we feel when searching for the perfect vintage piece or look. It was important to keep the name gender neutral, as we offer clothing for every one.
What do you sell the most of?
We sell easy to wear vintage with a contemporary design. At the moment, that includes a lot of natural fibers, cottons, linens, and silks. The 90s and the 60s are definitely having a moment.
Where do you get your clothing, jewelry, and other items?
For our new clothing, we discover designers and artists through social media, word of mouth, and a general interest in fashion. As most vintage shoppers know, trends tend to recycle themselves over the years, and we think our new clothing reflects this. We also have been moving our new clothing lines more and more into sustainable, handmade, and recycled. Fast fashion is everywhere now. We really appreciate a quality piece of clothing that might itself survive to live in a vintage store 20 or 30 years from now!
Can you talk about how shopping vintage is both fashionable and political – you are recycling and also taking some sartorial risks in what you wear…
Shopping vintage is one of the easiest ways to mindfully make purchases that are good for our planet. It really does feel good to wear, say, a nice leather bag, knowing your purchase hasn’t added to a toxic industry. The sartorial risk is a perk in our eyes, you can be completely original when shopping vintage! Sometimes trends can feel like a uniform. When shopping vintage you can really let your creativity show!
What are your favorite vintage items to buy for yourself? If you have one thing you bought and wear all the time, what is it?
We are always on the hunt for that perfect fitting pair of jeans, worn in t-shirt and a few favorite designers like YSL. We also have favorite designers/eras/style we each always looking for — 90’s Moschino, Biba Boutique, 60’s or 70’s original embroidered denim (Jess) — Ossie Clark, Geoffery Bean, 40’s silk or rayon dresses (Jenna)
Can you describe how vintage is different than thrift or consignment? In your mind, how do you recognize a really good vintage store when you find a new one?
We enjoy a really curated vintage shop where we can browse a rack with ease in a bright, clean environment. It can breath new life into vintage! We kind of see it as part of a vintage shop’s responsibility to show a customer the potential of a piece that might be passed by. In this way, vintage shopping is a different experience than thrift shopping. In a vintage shop, the selection is at least 20 years old and thoughtfully chosen for cut, color and condition. A thrift shop is usually nonprofit, passive, accepting almost anything for stock and doesn’t actually purchase its inventory. Vintage shopping offers the best of the best without hours of sifting and picking!
Photos by Justin Tsucalas
Hunting Ground
3649 Falls Road (Hampden)
Baltimore, Maryland 21211
