Brooklyn Flea

Harry Cooker of  Vintage Jewelry by Harry is one of our originals, and has been with the Flea since the very beginning (OK, technically since the third week of the first season in Ft. Greene in 2008, but we'll let that slide). He's been a dedicated vendor ever since, with his trays and displays of jewels, cufflinks and curios drawing in customers week after week. You might recognize his laughing mannequin that sits on the circular table in the middle of the ground floor; she's much photographed (below) and always sports some of Harry's finest pieces.

He's originally from Philadelphia, and used to have an antique store in Queens selling everything from furniture to earrings. But the itinerant market life suits him well, since the Flea schedule works with his jaunts out of state ("from Virginia to Vermont," Harry says) to scour estate sales and antique marts, always on the hunt for a big score of good stuff. Every August you can find him at the World's Longest Yard Sale, a huge event that draws sellers and buyers from all over. "I look for the best bang for the buck," he explains, and it's a done deal "if it is what I think my customer wants and can afford, and has the right look."

Stylewise, the '80s are very hot, Harry says, so his finds from that era—chunky gold chains, colorful baubles in plastic and glass, oversize pendants and pins—are particularly quick sellers these days. He sees a lot of tourists and travelers stop by his booth, as well as locals looking to fancy up an outfit. Cufflinks have been especially popular lately, he says; it must mark a return to formality for men, something we sartorially support.

Check out Vintage Jewels by Harry in the center of the ground floor every weekend, and expect to see him throughout the summer in Ft. Greene and Williamsburg.