Banner Year : Jeffrey Millbern takes old looks for a new spin.

What it is Banner Year, casual, vintage-inspired womenswear by Jeffrey Millbern. “It’s not really about dressing like The Brady Bunch,” says Millbern. “It’s about finding interesting pieces and incorporating them into your modern wardrobe.”

Who he is While an interest in fashion runs in the family of the 27-year-old San Diego native—his grandmother worked as a seamstress in Germany——it wasn’t until Millbern enrolled as a fashion design student at Columbia College that he got his hands on the sewing machine. Since graduating in 2005, Millbern has earned his paychecks by designing visual displays at Bloomingdale’s. He’s also dabbled in apparel design, primarily for friends and Sine Qua Non salon’s annual hair and fashion shows. The most recent show led to his first big break into the retail world when he caught the attention of Jennifer Clower, co-owner of Wicker Park vintage boutique Dovetail.

What he makes After successfully selling his first line—bright, South Pacific–style skirts and dresses—over the summer at Dovetail, Millbern returns for late fall with a self-described “lumberjack-meets-summer-camp” style. High-waisted skirts come in earth-toned wool plaid and stretchy black denim ($120–$150); simple details such as tan, leather shank buttons, bow ties and ruffles dress up boxy, three-quarter-sleeve plaid and checkered blouses ($110–$140). He also throws in a few curveballs, including a totally ’80s dolman-sleeve cotton tee ($55) and a thick wool pullover with a Native American–looking graphic pattern ($195).

Why we like it In addition to offering one-of-a-kind quality (producing everything by hand in his home studio in Lakeview, Millbern makes one of each size for every look), the attire infuses old classics with a fresh perspective.

Where to find it The new collection debuts this week at Dovetail (1452 W Chicago Ave, 312-243-3100). Meet the designer in person on Friday 7 at his fashion show at Relax Lounge (1450 W Chicago Ave, 312-666-6006).