Store called Swag offers Playboy history

OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. (WTNH) -- Love it or leave it, there's no doubt you know of it: Playboy magazine.

The magazine is a part of American Pop Culture and in some circles, memorabilia tied to the magazine is highly collectible.

An Old Saybrook shop owner hit the Playboy history jackpot when he got wind of a once-in-a-lifetime sale.

"Not only do you get the sexy maid costume, you get the accessory as well," said Michael Hoinsky, Swag.

Hoinsky, the owner of Swag, is having a hard time containing himself thanks to some new items he's about to put on sale.

He heard about the stuff from a friend of a friend in Chicago who mentioned it all had a legendary quality about it.

"When I hear the word legendary, I'm thinking it's a chance to give my customers the chance to buy something they'll never be able to buy again," Hoinsky said.

It didn't take long for him to figure out all of it, from the shoes to the gowns, and yes even the odd unmentionable was from Playboy.

"I figured we could process it here a little easier on a little more comfortable environment," said Hoinsky, "because when you're in a warehouse among a bunch of warehouse workers and you're pulling out thong underwear and it's probably not the best place to decide if you can sell it to you're customers."

And Hoinsky thinks with the whole 'Fifty Shades of Grey' phenomenon, and women feeling a bit more uninhabited these days the timing might be right on the money.

"I think because of that people might be a little experimental," Hoinsky said, "they may be in the mood to look at lingerie a little more comfortably, they may have an opportunity to poke around and explore some of their own fantasies."

The buzz about the stuff already has ears perking up. Michael says a couple of former Playboy models have already called asking about the sale.

And they're not the only ones a bit curious.

"I think it's pretty interesting, find some vintage 50's and 60's clothes, being retro coming back, so hey, bring it on," said Eric Roth and Shannon Silver.

There's nothing like vintage clothing.

"One of the really great finds in this lot is this leather dress, we call it the mermaid dress," said Hoinsky.

Swag will have a tent sale for the items next Saturday: a chance for women across Connecticut to find their inner bunny.

The following are some fun facts about Playboy's history:

• While it's well-known that the first issue published in December 1953 featured Marilyn Monroe, it also including a Sherlock Holmes story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
• Ian Fleming's famous James Bond character actually made his debut in a short story published in the March 1960 issue.
• Playboy wasn't always known as Playboy. While under development it was called Stag Party and instead of a bunny, the mascot was a buck.