Xanadu
Over the years I have heard amazing stories about Xanadu vintage store from many different people, whether it was tales about how wonderful it was – an Aladdin’s cave of amazing vintage – or how it was frequented by Bono and Co along with Dublin’s bohemian set during the 1980s. When I found out the proprietress was none other than Jean Cronin who has been providing amazing vintage to discerning customers in The Loft Market for the last 8 years it all made sense! Now she is back with another beautiful store in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. I was curious to find out more about Jean, the days of Xanadu and what attracts her keen vintage eye.
Rua Ruth: How and when did you start Xanadu?
Jean: I started Xanadu in the 1980’s. I had one shop on North King Street, and then opened the second one on Drury street, they both had the same name. It was great and the business was a success from the day its doors opened.
A photo of Xanadu shop window on Drury Street from mid 1980s.
Rua Ruth: What intrigues you about vintage?
Jean: My parents had a Victorian house which was full of antiques and interesting finds from their travels. My mother dealt in antique art and tapestries, so I definitely had an interest in materials and the past from a young age. She would bring me along to auctions and sales with her, she had great contacts!
Sparkling mid-twentieth century jewels.
Rua Ruth: How your opinion has interest in vintage changed over the decades and what has stayed the same?
Jean: I think the fantastic thing about vintage is that that particular piece will always come back into fashion. I think people are always really appreciative of fine vintage and luxury materials, anything that’s a really refined hand-craft.
Rua Ruth: What’s the most unique piece you have ever found or sold?
Jean: The most unique piece I think I have sold was an antique Chinese robe from the Qing dynasty, the last Imperial dynasty in China. It was so heavily embroidered and so precious. I have a lot of pieces I love so much I can’t even part with them, they are part of my own personal collection.
Brightly coloured kimono in Jean Cronin Vintage.
Rua Ruth: What’s your favourite piece in the shop at the moment and what’s it’s story?
Jean: I have a beautiful original 1920s sheer and metallic flapper dress, it looks so contemporary which I think is really interesting. I love the idea that vintage can now look so modern.
1920s Flapper dress with gorgeous gold polka dot detail and golden tassels. (You need to go in store to see this beautiful piece).
Rua Ruth: Who has been your most interesting/notorious customer?
Jean: When I had Xanadu back in the 1980s Barclays Bank contacted me, they had walked by the shop previously and fallen in love with my window display. They asked if they could use the shop as a set to film their latest commercial, they had Peter Sellers as a cameo and he acted the piece in the window. My brother actually sent me the video again recently. You can see a small snippet (a couple of seconds) of the Xanadu shop window in the advert here on youtube.
Rua Ruth: What’s it like to have your store back in the in creative quarter and in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre ?
Jean: I have had a premises in Powerscourt for the past 8 years and really felt I needed to expand, so I opened a shop on the first floor. The building is so fantastic, and is such a hub for interesting and creative stores and passersby from the lively Pepperpot Cafe.
Rua Ruth: What are your plans for the future of Jean Cronin?
Jean: To continue collecting and selling to my lovely customers!
Jean Cronin’s beautiful display of lace, jewellery and accessories in her new store in the Powerscourt Townhouse.
My Lost fashion History of South William Street Tour will be calling into Jean Cronin Vintage in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre this Saturday, 27th August.
Follow Jean Cronin on Instagram for some lovely updates of what is popping up in her store here.
See some more of my favourite pieces and picks from Jean Cronin Vintage in store now.
