Steven Porterfield
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Biography
Steven Porterfield has collected vintage and antique clothing, fabrics, and dolls since the age of 11, when he received his first item while helping the women at his church sort through boxes of items donated for missions. His mother and grandmother were both talented seamstresses who encouraged him in his interest. They didn't realize at the time what they were creating. Currently he has over 3,000 garments and about 600 hats in his collection.
Steven graduated with a music education degree in 1985. That fall, he and two friends opened up a vintage clothing store in Midland, Texas, and named it The Cats Meow. Within a few years Steven bought each partners’ share and within five years expanded the store from its original 1,000 square feet to 4,500. Museums, private collectors, the fashion and movie industries, and the general public are all part of his clientele.
When Steven is not traveling to buy or sell, he is working on museum installations or planning exhibits. His most recent exhibits have included "A Secret Passion," Costume Jewelry From the Linda Smetak Collection, which spanned eight decades and included over 1,000 pieces of jewelry; "Master Piece of Memories," A Century of Quilts & Buttons — Ellen Noel Art Museum; and "Here Comes The Bride," 150 Years of Bridal Tradition — North Texas University.
Steven promotes the biannual Antique Elegance Show in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The show features over 60 dealers from 15 different states. The show is every third weekend of February and September. Each show provides lectures, demonstrations or presentations spanning a variety of topics related to antiques. It is hosted by Kevin Jones and Christina Johnson, curators from the Fashion Institute of Design & Marketing in Los Angeles.
Recent Appraisals
appraisal
1982 Brooke Shields's Bob Mackie Beaded Gown
VALUE: $7,500 AUCTION
appraisal
Tammy Wynette-worn Gown, ca. 1990
VALUE: $3,000 - $4,000 RETAIL
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Couture Ball Gown, ca. 1885
VALUE: $2,500 - $4,000 AUCTION
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