It’s hard to miss AM Collective when walking through downtown Huntsville. From the street, AM Collective proudly announces itself in bold typeface across the shop window, offering an eclectic collection of treasures. Here you’ll find anything from vintage vinyl and clothing to handmade art from local artists.
Before Ashli Ingram and Michaela Maxey were business partners, they were childhood best friends. By 2019, they each held long-term jobs, but it was Michaela's mom who suggested they start a vintage business. “It felt like a no-brainer since we had both been collecting vintage for most of our lives at this point,” said Ingram. The journey began in 2019, with their first space in a basement and just one rack of vintage clothes. "We had no plan, which is why the name is just our initials." Maxey laughs.
Whether it's driven by a shift towards more sustainable practices or a greater urge to find individuality in a mass-produced world, there is no denying there's a special magic to vintage that keeps us raiding our grandmother’s closets. “I think it's cool when people come in and find something unique. They’re thrilled because it’s something you won’t find everywhere else. That’s the beauty of vintage- most items are one- of-a-kind,” says Ingram.
Vintage has also endured over the years because it’s made better. “Vintage holds up much longer than today's fast fashion trends. Ingram explains. “It’s just better made, and vintage is going to outlast us.”
Decades are often defined by their music, so it’s no surprise that music and vintage fashion are closely connected. From the shimmering fabrics of the 70s Disco era or the distressed denim of 90s Grunge, music and fashion intersect as cultural touchstones of the time. Vintage fashion offers a window into the past, giving us a glimpse of the styles and trends that once defined different eras.
This is why AM Collective teamed up with Maxwell Music. While Maxwell himself didn’t know much about vintage, his customers certainly did. “We saw a lot of overlap in our customers. Some of our record buyers have realized they're interested in other aspects of vintage, not just vinyl,” explains Maxey.
Operating a shop downtown in the heart of Huntsville leads to a wide range of interactions with locals, tourists, and even celebrities. “Sometimes we don't realize they're celebrities until after they leave,” Maxey remarks. Among the notable musicians who have visited the store are Jack White, Judah and the Lion, and Halestorm. “We've had music artists purchase specific clothing pieces here to wear to award ceremonies and onstage, which was really exciting.”
Though AM Collective has been a staple of downtown and the Clinton Row Shops, they are ready to grow bigger. “We just need more space. More space means we can support more local artists and consigners. We want to add more racks, which will give us room to grow our little community.” Their vision for expansion promises a bright future for the local vintage scene in Huntsville.
A Beginner Guide to Vintage
Styling vintage for the first time often seems intimidating but Ashli and Michaela offer useful tips on the best ways to ease into it. From selecting the right era to mixing vintage with modern items, vintage can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
1. Start Simple: With a T-shirt - Whether it's a fitted baby tee or an oversized one, T-shirts are universally loved. They're versatile, easily dressed up or down, and serve as a perfect introduction to vintage fashion.
2. Go with the Classic: Denim - Denim is another timeless choice. Each decade boasts its own signature denim style, and denim pieces are known for their durability and versatility.
3. When in Doubt: Hand wash- Many people hesitate to wear vintage clothing for fear of damaging it, but hand washing and line drying are your best friends. Taking care of your vintage pieces this way helps preserve their quality and ensures they'll last for years to come.
At the end of the day, Ashli and Michaela live by a golden rule: do what you want. Fashion,
ultimately, has no rules—you create your own style. So take risks and wear what brings you joy.
"That’s the beauty of vintage- most items are one- of-a-kind,”