Water Street Vintage, Bohemian: Vintage Through New Lens

The vibrant window display of Water Street Vintage and Bohemian encourages customers to take a look. Nighat Sumbal said she felt that the first step inside is just as appealing, with a plethora of vintage posters covering every square inch of the walls and old-timey music filtering through the shop.

Owner Mike Harlow contributes to the atmosphere with his distinct outfits and easygoing persona.

Waterstreet opened in August of 2018. “The idea [Waterstreet] just popped into my head and I just said, ‘Hey let’s see how this goes,’” Harlow said.

Harlow spends a large part of his time going to local auctions to find new inventory for Water Street. He also gets donations from Harrisonburg residents looking to declutter their homes.

The posters that line the room are mostly original, but most are not for purchase. If a vintage poster is what you are seeking, there is a distinct area upstairs.

At the top of the spiral staircase, Waterstreet has reproductions of original posters. Past the reproductions, there is a separate room with original blacklight posters giving an almost psychedelic feel.

When asked about the loft, Harlow said, “I needed more space because I wanted to carry posters and that is just what I came up with.”

Original vintage clothes are yet another item that Waterstreet has plenty of. With 1930’s  prom dresses to 1980’s crocheted tops, there is an immense variety of items available.

“…I was starting to wear bell bottoms and people kept asking me ‘Hey man, where did you get those bell bottoms?’” Harlow said. “I was like ‘Maybe there’s a niche here,’ and this is what has transpired from that.”

Gallery • 3 Photos

One of the blacklight posters in the back room upstairs. Photo by Maeve Scherpereel