About

Hello

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My name is Edward and I am the sole curator of this operation. Started from an instinctual curiosity for decades past, I saw soft goods and accessories as a portal to times that had come before me. A way to physically connect and feel the nostalgia I have for the past. My obsession with older garments started in college when I started delving into my personal style and wanting to express myself in a more visual way. I realized how much better constructed soft goods and accessories from decades past are, I saw the value in wearing something old. Having an Accessories Design degree from The Fashion Institute of Technology as well as a Bachelors degree in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development with minor in marketing from BGSU has helped me immensely in this industry. I have been buying and selling soft goods for about 5 years. I created Mantis Lady Vintage in 2017, starting on Instagram and Etsy. This has blossomed into my full time career and I love every bit of it.   

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Mantis Lady Vintage is a place of self-expression where gender and social norms do not exist. The very name “Mantis Lady” was created to mock and challenge these arbitrary assumptions we place on clothing. Possessing qualities of both masculinity and femininity, I decided to combine the two with my affinity for the ever graceful insect - the praying mantis. Here, clothing is but an empty vessel waiting to take on the persona of the wearer. I believe you should wear the clothing, not the inverse. Here you will find an array of clothing and accessories from a wide variety of decades and styles. Enjoy. 

Sincerely, 

Edward V Cantwell