Story & Lesson Highlights with Dianne Vavra of North Shore Long Island

Dianne Vavra shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Dianne , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Running a luxury vintage boutique is often a misunderstood business. Some people think of vintage and think dusty, or thrift or consignment. Some think donation. A curated vintage shop is a rare gem. Like walking into a gorgeous life size jewelry box full of surprises.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Dianne Vavra has built a distinguished career in the beauty and fashion industries, seamlessly transitioning from high-profile public relations roles to entrepreneurship.

Early Career and Rise at Dior

After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Vavra began her career in beauty public relations at Estée Lauder. She later joined Christian Dior Beauty, where she dedicated nearly two decades, ultimately serving as the Senior Vice President of Press and Celebrity Relations. In this role, she managed global press strategies and collaborated with high-profile celebrities like Sharon Stone and Charlize Theron, significantly enhancing Dior’s brand presence .

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Seeking greater creative freedom, Vavra departed from Dior to establish her own boutique agency, Spotlight Beauty PR, focusing on emerging indie beauty brands. Concurrently, she launched Le Trench, a line of stylish trench coats, including a signature red coat inspired by Dior’s “Dolce Vita” lipstick shade .

Vavra New York

In 2021, Vavra opened Vavra New York, a boutique located in Huntington, Long Island. The store reflects her passion for vintage accessories , niche beauty products, and art, offering curated selections from her personal collection and exclusive beauty brands.

Vavra New York serves as a physical extension of her storytelling approach to PR, providing customers with a unique shopping experience that combines luxury, history, and personal narrative.

For more information or to explore her curated collections, visit www.vavranewyork.com

Dianne Vavra
VAVRA NEW YORK
188 New York Avenue
Huntington, NY 11743
631-629-5669

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mentor, Lila Nadell, a fashion editor hired me as a young teen to be her assistant. She saw the spark and knew she could groom me. She was tough and I learned so much from her by simple watching and listening.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Clinging on to my childhood gingerbread doll, Tracey ~ who I still cherish

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is the real me. I’m a kind of “what you see is what you get” kind of girl

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel at peace sitting on the dock with the sun shining on my face no matter what the season

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Vavra New York

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