Emma Zack Shows Us Around

The Berriez founder on blazers, skirts, crop tops and Lexapro.

Emma Zack is the founder of Berriez, a chic-as-hell store that got shouted out in the very first ONE HOUR PHOTO feature, with Nori Reed. Berriez is first and foremost size-inclusive — you’ll see in our conversation that they proudly carry sizes 0-30. People throw around “good vibes,” but Emma genuinely has the best vibes. Welcoming, down to clown, and it’s easy to see how she’s built such a successful business. I wanted to hang out with her in her gorgeous, colorful store. Here she is:

When did you fall in love with vintage clothes?

I fell in love with vintage as a kid when I’d try on my grandma’s clothes. I never met her, but my mom says I’m her reincarnated. There are a bunch of pictures of me wearing her vintage slips, specifically stuffing them with tissue because I wanted boobs. I’ve been thrifting since high school. I’ve always been able to find something that fits at the thrift — I’ve always been curvy, and it’s easier to find something at a thrift store than at the mall.

Talk about the space of plus-size within vintage.

There’s actually a lot of plus-size vintage sellers now. When I first started Berriez, there was only one, maybe two. Now there’s a good community of us. But still — I’d say 99% of vintage stores in New York don’t carry anything above a size 10. Berriez carries zero to 30. We’re one of the only stores in the entire world that does.

Fuck, Marry, Kill: blazers, skirts, crop tops.

Marry skirts — fucking love a skirt, a skirt always has your back. Kill the crop top — I’m tall, they always ride up. Fuck the blazer... sometimes blazers fuck, sometimes they don’t. Easy.

What are you doing on a day off?

Honestly, I never take days off — I’m still figuring out how to rest. But I love walking around, being outside. I like going into stores that aren’t mine and seeing how they set up shop. It’s fun, relaxing. And I love to eat.

Song that calms your nervous system?

“Peace Piece” by Bill Evans — my favorite jazz pianist. It’s just him on the keys, six minutes, beautiful. “Peace” like world peace, “piece” like a piece of a puzzle.

What’s next for Berriez?

We’re moving two doors down in the same building — taking over a much nicer space. AC on the walls, built-in dressing rooms, a built-in office. We’re also deciding whether to open in LA, or start a clothing line.

If Berriez was in another city, where would it be — and why?

Definitely LA. I was just there and realized we already have a ton of fans and customers out there. I was looking for places to shop while I was there and there wasn’t much. Berriez LA could be a thing.

Last thing that made you laugh?

Hard one. I’m on Lexapro.

Developed and scanned in partnership with Nice Film Club

One Hour Photo Creative Production: Carly Kane

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