S10 Ep14 LADIES OF THE LOON: Lexis Zenobia is a dealer specializing in vintage mohair – on cinematic storytelling for this one-of-a-kind archival collection found at a mansion in the woods.
Lexis Zenobia, founder of Ladies of the Loon, recounts how a sleepless night under a full moon sparked a life-altering discovery: a one-of-a-kind, thousands-piece vintage mohair collection hidden in a mansion in the woods. What began as a casual Instagram message led to a surreal encounter with a trove of hand-knit mohair garments from the 1920s to the Y2K era—many never worn, some from Italy’s golden age of knitwear. Zenobia made the radical decision to sell her entire existing vintage inventory and go all-in on archiving and curating this rare textile, which she calls the 'diamond fiber' for its luminous sheen and durability. She now focuses on slow, intentional storytelling through photography and private sales, with plans to eventually exhibit the collection in a gallery space. Her journey reveals how a single moment of obsession can redefine a career—and how natural fibers like mohair carry stories, history, and emotional resonance far beyond fashion. Beyond the collection, Zenobia shares hard-won wisdom: authenticity is non-negotiable in vintage entrepreneurship, and the most powerful brands emerge from deep specialization. She emphasizes the importance of caring for mohair not just as a fabric, but as a living artifact—air-drying, avoiding washing, and respecting its animal origins. Her personal style has evolved into a romantic, feminine, color-rich expression of freedom and power.
Sell your entire existing inventory to go all-in on a singular, deeply meaningful niche—your brand will only thrive when you stop diluting your focus.
Mohair is called the 'diamond fiber' because of its natural luster, breathability, and ability to reflect light—making it ideal for photography and storytelling.
Never wash mohair in a machine; air-dry it flat in the shade and let sunlight naturally cleanse it—its animal fibers self-cleanse over time.
Some people are sensitive to mohair due to its long-hair texture, but it’s often softer than wool; test with a layer underneath if concerned.
The most valuable vintage pieces aren’t always the most expensive—they’re the ones with untold stories, like Titanic-era dresses with attached letters.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to Pre-Loved Podcast
Emily Stokel introduces the podcast, its mission to celebrate vintage, secondhand, and sustainable fashion, and invites listeners to follow her across social platforms for exclusive content, insider market trends, and deep dives into the culture of vintage resale.
Meet Lexis Zenobia: Artist, Dealer, and Keeper of a Hidden Legacy
Emily introduces Lexis Zenobia, the full-time artist and founder of Ladies of the Loon, whose career has evolved from fashion photography to becoming the steward of one of the largest private vintage mohair collections ever discovered.
Childhood Roots in Vintage: Thrift Stores, Farmhouses, and a Mother’s Closet
Lexis shares her early memories of thrifting with her mother in rural Wisconsin, visiting St. Vincent de Paul and Salvation Army stores, and rummaging through dusty barns and farmhouses—formative experiences that sparked her lifelong love of vintage.
From Closet Clean-Out to Fashion Photography Business
Lexis recounts launching a fashion photography business at 18, using her own vintage wardrobe as props, and how the idea of selling vintage emerged years later as a practical way to clear space and make extra income.
The Road Trip Years: Selling Vintage from an RV Across the American West
Lexis and her friend Malia traveled the U.S. in an RV, photographing vintage pieces on the road, building a narrative around each garment, and selling at pop-ups in Arizona, New Mexico, and beyond.
“and you're like, oh my God, this was born on the Titanic. And then I also, in that same collection, I found shoes, wedding shoes that had pennies taped to the inner soul of them.”
“I just couldn't believe my eyes. I have never seen so many pieces of mohair in one place in my entire life.”
“They were just unlike anything I had ever seen. The two that I'm talking about were one was black, one was pink. And if you could imagine it was a long sleeve dress, but in giant net form, like with huge holes in between the weave.”
Host
Guest
Lexis Zenobia
person
Ladies of the Loon
brand
Emily Stokel
person
Pre-Loved Podcast
media
Sudistata
other
Blue Boy Vintage
brand
Vintage Out of Milwaukee
brand
Titanic
other
1930s Italian fashion
other
S10 Ep15 MEOW VINTAGE: Kathleen Schaaf, the "Big Kitty" of Meow Vintage, located in Long Beach since 1986 - on crisscrossing the country hunting deadstock and doing vintage her way.
54m • 6/8/2026
S10 Ep16 NY Archive: Gianna Corvino, vintage shoe specialist and founder of The NY Archive Collective - from playing dress-up in mom's closet to opening a vintage collective in Chelsea.
59m • 6/15/2026
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