A Dream Trip to the Iconic Gunne Sax Villa: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Win!
We’re beyond excited to announce Melissa as the winner of our exclusive Gunne Sax Villa sweepstakes! A passionate collector of vintage Gunne Sax dresses, Melissa traveled from Brooklyn to San Francisco for a truly unforgettable journey — one that brought her love of nostalgic, romantic style full circle.
A Collector's Dream — Bringing Vintage Fashion Fantasy to Life
Melissa’s prize? A fully paid trip to the legendary Gunne Sax Villa — a stunning, historic Victorian mansion that once belonged to the iconic Jessica McClintock, the original designer behind the beloved Gunne Sax brand. The estate’s timeless charm made the perfect setting to debut the Gunne Sax for ModCloth Spring 2025 collection — a line that beautifully bridges vintage fashion heritage with modern romantic silhouettes.
Gunne Sax for ModCloth Spring 2025 Launch: Where Past Meets Present
Held on March 11, the Spring 2025 fashion launch was a celebration of all things romantic and whimsical. Guests were treated to a magical tea party hosted by San Francisco’s own Crown and Crumpet, complete with fragrant teas and dainty finger foods that perfectly echoed the collection’s soft, feminine vibe. Attendees got an exclusive first look at the new collection — a reimagined take on classic Gunne Sax romance.
Melissa’s Dreamy Photoshoot & Personal Tour of the Villa
As part of her experience, Melissa slipped into select pieces from the Spring 2025 collection for a magical photoshoot around the Gunne Sax Villa. The ethereal interiors of the mansion — from stained glass windows to antique vanities — created the ideal backdrop to highlight the timeless elegance of Gunne Sax dresses. Her personal tour included a glimpse at Jessica McClintock’s own bathroom and vanity, plus a surprise peek into what was once Sofia Coppola’s bedroom.
Behind the Brand: A Heartfelt Conversation with Mary Santoro
Melissa also sat down for an intimate Q&A with Mary Santoro, CEO and Creative Director of Jessica McClintock LLC, to talk legacy, vintage fashion’s emotional resonance, and the stories behind the brand’s most beloved designs. Questions were submitted live by fans online — thank you to all who joined the conversation
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Q: What was Jessica’s first design?
Mary: It wasn’t doll clothes, surprisingly. Our French grandmother taught us to knit, sew, and crochet. We made pom-pom slippers, which became family gifts. One of Jessica’s earliest dresses still lives in my house. Her first inspirations came from our heritage and the clothing styles of the 1890s — it was deeply personal.
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Q: Did Jessica keep a personal archive of her dresses?
Mary: She had her own avant-garde style and wore what she loved, not always from the line. Unfortunately, we didn’t build an official archive, and I regret that. But I’ve started curating one now. I still have her famous lace-up muslin gown — and I used to call out style numbers in my sleep!
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Q: Were there any unreleased or “secret” Gunne Sax patterns?
Mary: Not really — everything we made was meant to be shared with the world.
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Q: How did the Homespun Company compare?
Mary: Back in the late ’60s and early ’70s, California became a hotspot for emerging fashion. We were at the forefront of the prairie-style movement. Cotton replaced synthetics, and young women — especially teens and college-aged — were driving trends. Gunne Sax gave them something expressive and feminine.
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Q: How did culture shape the designs?
Mary: Completely. The counterculture, feminism, and the desire for freedom all influenced our work. Our lace-up dresses let girls choose how to present themselves — modest or bold. Jessica understood that craving for individuality, romance, and personal style.
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Q: Gunne Sax has such a unique mix of fashion and costume.
Mary: Exactly. We were involved with Renaissance fairs, and that flair carried into our designs — think dramatic sleeves and velvet gowns. Jessica believed everyone deserved their moment in the spotlight. She designed for the dreamer in all of us.
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Q: What were the different label variations?
Mary: We had about 50 boutiques across the country — San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Seattle. Some dresses, like the White Hearts or black/gold label pieces, were boutique exclusives or limited-run designs too special to discard.
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Q: Did Jessica know how lasting her designs would be?
Mary: I don’t think she ever imagined it. She was always focused on what came next — she didn’t look back. But I believe she’d be deeply touched by how cherished her work is today.
What advice is given for preserving Gunne Sax dresses?
Don't put them in sunlight: Sunlight can bleach the fabric.
Don't put them in a plastic bag: Plastic bags can cause elastic to oxidize and stick.
Keep them in an area that is not exposed to the atmosphere: Exposure can compromise the dresses.
Consider folding instead of hanging: Hanging can cause pulls at the seams over time.
Use archival tissue paper: Wrap dresses in archival paper to protect them from chemical changes in the atmosphere.
How should I wash my vintage Gunne Sax after wearing?
Wash them by hand: Avoid washing machines, as they can damage the old fibers.
Treat them like delicate garments such as cashmere sweaters or silk blouses.
Katie
Tink
Meet the Canine Stars of the Gunne Sax Photoshoot
Katie is a 16yr old beautiful yellow lab. She is having problems with seeing and hearing, but she loves dance party music. She was raised with her brother Winston. He has joined all the animal angels.
Tink is the Queen of San Francisco. She is 5lbs of style and attitude. She likes to talk fashion and model for ModCloth pictures.
Both Katie and Tink are Jose's lovely San Francisco Ladies. They love strolling down Fillmore St. window shopping! Their favorite color is chicken!
Melissa on Vintage Fashion, the Gunne Sax Villa, and Her Ultimate Dress Wish
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Q: What was your reaction to winning?
“Total shock! I entered on a whim because a friend said, ‘A real collector should win.’ I never thought I actually would!”
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Q: What was it like being inside Jessica McClintock’s home?
“Absolutely surreal. Seeing rooms once lived in by Jessica and even Francis Ford Coppola — it was like walking through fashion and film history at once.”
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Q: What are the crown jewels of your Gunne Sax collection?
“My black rainbow halter dress, a green sweetheart calico corset dress, and a '60s maxi. I wore a comfy one to tea — but I wish I’d gone bolder!”
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Q: What sparked your love for Gunne Sax vintage fashion?
“I found a white off-shoulder Gunne Sax dress while scrolling during quarantine in 2020. The quality and craftsmanship blew me away — I was hooked.”
Images from Melissa's personal collection.
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Q: What makes Gunne Sax dresses so special to you?
“They help me express myself softly but powerfully. Each dress matches a mood, and the community of collectors I’ve met has been amazing.”
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Q: What’s your white whale — your dream Gunne Sax piece?
“Two pink-and-white midi sundresses — one with a pinafore cut, the other with a sweetheart neckline and tie bows. I’d love to find either one!”
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Q: If you could revive one vintage style for today’s collection, what would it be?
“So many! The forest green velvet maxi, the red floral cotton dress with that amazing sweep, and of course those side-tie sweetheart sundresses.”
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Q: How does it feel to be part of the brand’s legacy?
“It’s such an honor. Even just sharing my love for these dresses feels like keeping history alive. They deserve to be treasured for generations.”
Images from Melissa's personal collection.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
Melissa’s story reminds us that vintage fashion is more than nostalgia — it’s about craftsmanship, connection, and timeless self-expression. The Gunne Sax for ModCloth Spring 2025 collection captures that spirit, blending dreamy silhouettes with romantic, modern sensibilities.
Gunne Sax for ModCloth
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