Interview with Cale Darrell

We're thrilled to introduce you to the dynamic force behind Chicago's finest vintage curation and brand, Cale Darrell of Good Form.

Good Form has carved a niche for itself, renowned for Cale's meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering eye for the timeless. We were fortunate enough to catch up with Cale at his showroom, where we delved into the world of vintage. The full interview awaits you below, offering insights into Cale's unique perspective. Don't miss out, and be sure to stay in the loop by following his Instagram at @shop.good.form.

Inspiration and beginnings

Can you share the story behind Good Form? What inspired you to start a vintage shop, and how did it all begin?

Good Form was created out of necessity for myself and our vastly growing industry. I felt like I had to create something that wasn't really being done yet with a contemporary approach to vintage clothing. The main goal is to provide clean, ready-to-wear garments for everyone. A few years at it now I can finally say that this project finally feels like a good representation of who I am and what I can do.

Curatorial process

Vintage shops often have a unique selection. How do you go about curating the items in your store? Are there specific eras or styles that particularly resonate with you?

I follow a specific guide while sourcing and gravitate towards certain brands that helped shape American style for the last 75 years. American sportswear, military, Levi's & old Ralph — that's the recipe. It's the way a tattered WWII jacket can pair seamlessly with a favorite oxford shirt and pair of vintage Levi's. That's always going to hit.

Challenges and rewards

Owning a vintage shop must come with its own set of challenges and joys. What are some of the most rewarding aspects of running Good Form, and how do you navigate the challenges?

Figuring out how to successfully work for myself over the last 10 years has been the most rewarding part but like any business, it comes with with its ups and downs. One day you're unearthing the best and the next day nothing. You can live in a weird limbo sometimes wondering when the next big hit will be and navigating that imbalance can sometimes be tricky.

Community engagement

Vintage shops often become hubs for local communities. How do you engage with the community around your store? Are there any special events or collaborations that stand out?

Running an appointment-based operation has given me the opportunity to meet people in Chicago and abroad directly. Having a storefront was great, but being able to connect on a more personal level has been really nice — there's something about getting to know your customers personally rather than feeling like the store clerk.

Favorite finds

With a store full of unique pieces, there must be some favorites. Can you share a few standout items in your collection or any memorable stories behind specific pieces?

It's weird — but when you find everything by hand, every piece is your favorite. I don't tend to collect really. I'm in the business of catch and release.

Personal style influence

How has owning a vintage shop influenced your personal style? Do you find yourself gravitating towards certain pieces or eras in your own wardrobe?

Handling thousands of garments a year definitely has its perks and it's easily one of the biggest factors of developing my own thing. I started thrifting for clothing years ago not only because it was cheaper but because I was in search of something no one else had. Now, 20 years later, I'm still searching for that same feeling for myself and for my customers.

Advice for vintage enthusiasts

For individuals looking to explore the world of vintage shopping, what advice would you give them? Any tips for finding hidden gems or developing an eye for quality vintage pieces?

The best advice I could give is to find a few vintage dealers you trust and lean on them. The most important thing when buying vintage is knowing exactly what you're paying for — especially when buying higher-end/rare garments.