Behind-the-scenes of SFV

Recently, we had the opportunity of shooting with the great Darius Williams of Aquarius Creative Studios for our Summer 2011 collection of rad vintage finds.

Models Ava Martin, Najee Strickland and S. Julian added the fierce. SFV added the fashion. Rachel B. and Kimmie added the fun. Here are a few behind the scenes shots...very soon what you see will be for sale on our site!!

Strange Fruit Vintage is progressing... (once again)

All our progress is an unfolding, like a vegetable bud. You have first an instinct, then an opinion, then a knowledge as the plant has root, bud, and fruit. Trust the instinct to the end, though you can render no reason.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"art is the issue" freestyle (c) 2011

art rises to the occasion
waking when you become complacent
grab the brush it's time for creatin'
poems read.
canvas red
marks made either way
alive at night
you sleep i write
you rest, i'm restless
trying to realize dreams
trust issues with sleep
she wants me to waste away
knowing all the while
i'm just trying to find a way
to be the artist i am at night
during the day.

"I am writing as I go" 4-27-09

I am a writer, a poet of sorts,
raised on Mule Bone and the Ballot or the Bullet
I learned eloquence in penmanship from the best
it matters not how it looks
but how it resonates with the people

I stood before crowds, or just you, and poured my soul
in vowels and verbs leaving the last drop for periods
to end that...and begin the next
journey... thought...fight!

Pick it up and put it back down
this applies to handwriting, books and love
And I am at this very moment doing all three
handwriting my book about love
more importantly the lessons in the lack there of...

It will be long...
discipline for those of you that have acquired an appetite for 160 characters
an a lack of appreciation for vowels
it will be full of relationships some lasting mere chapters
but making lasting impressions in and on my life
it will be gut-wrenching and heartbreaking and awe-inspiring

forward written by Ilyasah Shabazz
family should always come first
published and edited by the grace of God

dripping tears on pages at times, hopefully more joyful ones than not...
not
knowing all the while that this has been my life and the experiences are engrained in my mind
so there is no fear for lost content
there is a fear of duplication duplication duplication duplication

this is where the writing should resonate...
I am writing as I go and as I grow people...bare with me
It WILL end perfectly...



Petey (C)

The Beautiful Ones...

Out of sheer respect, here's the Prince version, but Mariah and Mr. Thong Song killed it too in '97.

Waiting for you.

How divine...humbling...settling and awe inspiring it is to know that your dreams are unique and patiently waiting just for you. just for you. I will be back soon, I'm currently cruisin' in my dreams.

THEY SHOOTIN'...aww made you look!

Strange Fruit Vintage will be shooting new looks this weekend for the online store in partnership with the fab photographer Darius Williams of Aquarius Creative Studios. Many stellar vintage pieces are about to make their spring debut!!!! It's about damn time. right?

He's what you want, I'm what you need.

I fell absolutely head over heels for The Weeknd a week or so ago. You should too if your heart beats. Also you can download the full album here for FREE and we can have matching ipods The Weeknd - House of Balloons.

Billie Holiday's Rehearsal Tape circa '55

stone wash.

Happy Birthday Billie Holiday

Southern trees bare Strange Fruit
like writers, designers and actors,
painters, poets and dancers,
expressionists,
knowing that life is what you make it.

-Petey (R) 2009 in honor of Billie Holiday and you.

Monterey Jazz Festival, 1958
Photograph by Jerry Stoll

Foreverland.

South Africa.

I do.

Oneness

Haiti x Japan

Field of Yellow Dreams...

It's common knowledge that "if you build it, they will come" (Field of Dreams circa '89). This week, particularly this dreary Monday, we are wondering "if we blog it, will they come?" They, meaning sunshine of course, because we are so over winter and so ready for fields of sunshine dripped dreams, starring high-waisted denim shorts, wide brim hats and plunging (because we cut 'em up) necklines.

Here goes something...lovely shots of sunshine inspired hues from some of the internet's best self-proclaimed stylists. Let us know if this brings out the sunshine in your neck of the woods.

Life is exact. That don't make it fair. 

Life is exact. That don't make it fair. 

Life is exact. That don't make it fair.

Life is exact. That don't make it fair.

Life is exact. That don't make it fair. 

Life is exact. That don't make it fair. 

Life is exact. That don't make it fair.

Singers worthy of the throne: Introducing KING

KING is a soulful, organic trio of young women here to bring a fresh creativity to music and change the world through their art.

Marie Claire Italia March ’11

Swear & Shake and smile if it helps...

Fille de Joie

This time last year, I was definitely a fille de joie (girl of joy), enduring sleepless nights as I multi-tasked working a job and creating a dream. I interacted with commodious amounts of rodent poop and mold in search of the best vintage finds at somebody's mother's mother's estate sale. I traveled to seven cities, racking up frequent flyer miles and wearing out Iceberg Slick (my car). I  unpacked years of memories from beach cruisers to family photos to recreate a decade. I enlisted 22 friends and family and prepped them to become overnight sensations and lifelong loves. I prayed, as I usually do, because in the midst of all of this, from conception to creation, I knew then, what I know now, that I am but a vessel for my creator's gifts.  Lastly, this fille de joie, sought inspiration, from people, places and decades that shared my love for vintage and my passion to share it with you.

As Strange Fruit Vintage prepares to celebrate one magnificent year of creativity, collaboration and vintage exposition, I can't help but be reflective on all that we've accomplished and hopefully inspired others to accomplish on your journey.   We are working to create a robust online experience so that supporters worldwide can experience what Memphis has enjoyed for a year.  We are streamlining the SFV inventory to feature only the best of the best vintage items that you aspire to own and we sought to find. We are preparing for our Spring/Summer look book which will continue a world changing theme of love. We are planning our one year anniversary festivities and lastly, this boutique de joie, is continuing to seek inspiration.

Last year, this time, Brooklyn's own Fille de Joie held an intimate fashion show plush with persian rugs, props and pretty people. They inspired us to not only sell vintage clothes but recreate atmospheres.

This year, during New York Fashion Week, Fille de Joie, held it's very own peep show.  May you be so inspired by my rant, and by pictures from the peep show, to show us (the world) what you got!

-Petey

These boots were made for walkin'

Amazing VINTAGE Italian leather caramel colored thigh high boots with embossing. Bossing.

I like to jokingly call myself a "gold digger" because I think "picker" sounds gross and "thrifter" sounds far too simple. I am a Gold Digger and these boots might as well be the California Gold Rush.

"Trying to turn a lover into a friend is like potting a tree."

via Dream Hampton

The stuff that my dreams are made of...

"MOVE" Rachel Roy Spring 2011 film from Dominique Palombo on Vimeo.

refreshment in breathlessness.

"I have known the joy and pain of friendship.
I have served and been served. 

I have made some good enemies
for which I am not a bit sorry. 

I have loved unselfishly, and I have fondled hatred
with the red-hot tongs of Hell. 

That’s living."

- Zora Neale Hurston

We almost fell in love with Puck-Man instead...

Released in 1980 as an arcade game, Pac-Man is still the little pellet muncher that we all love and the game my sister still crushes me on. In a recent Yahoo! article, we learned a few more things about our on-the-go (or on-the-run) guy. Starting with the fact that his original name was Puck Man, but they changed it because you little American heathens would potentially scratch off parts of the P and make him more relatable....

1. Chic Magnet. The reason Pac-Man was created was to attract female gamers. The arcade center was a playground for boys and it was dirty and grimey and the only way to clean it up, in essence, was to attract girls.

2. Goal-oriented Ghosts. Even though it may feel like everyone is after you, Blinky, the red ghost, is the only one who doggedly pursues you throughout the game. Pinky, the pink ghost , simply wants to position itself at a point that's 32 pixels in front of Pac-Man's mouth.  The blue ghost, Inky, is seeking to position itself at a similar fixed spot. And Clyde, the orange ghost, moves completely at random.

3. Food Enthusiast. Pac-Man is completely food oriented all the way down to his design which is symbolic of a piece of pizza with one slice missing. In Japanese, "puck puck" is akin to the U.S. saying "munch munch". So the original name - Puck-Man - translated as "Munch man". (A savvy Midway Games official changed it to Pac-Man when the game hit the U.S. to discourage vandals from shaving off part of the "P," thereby creating an obscene word.)


Just because you are now more informed about Pac-Man, doesn't mean you are any better at the game. Challenge, let's go!

Super Mario & Friends

David, vintage inspiration meets current trends, styled by Super Mario.

We are walking vintage. Every single day that we walk out the door and into the world, our goal is to kill all other outfits. Sometimes we fail, all the time we try. That's the great thing about fashion, you can continually reinvent yourself and your style, every day that you walk out the door and into the world.

Recently, I got up with my friend David and I asked him why vintage is so important to him?

His response “Vintage is important to me because each generation adds something to the fashion world. I can now pull fashion from past decades to create fly outfits today. and the vintage era might have been the most fashionably era that there ever was.” Fresh words from a fresh man.

-Mario

Love is the only thing that can save us all.

Born This Way

Sure wish I still had that fanny pack. Niagara Falls circa '89

"The most beautiful clothes that can dress a woman are the arms of the man she loves. But for those who haven’t had the fortune of finding this happiness, I am there."

— Yves Saint Laurent

  Iman for YSL, French Vogue, 1980

  

Intern "Super Mario" is the game changer for SFV

The reality is when Super Mario Bros. came out in 1985, our fly intern wasn't even born. Getting over that small earth-shattering detail, our Super Mario has an impeccable sense of style, a love for vintage clothing, a pure writing ability, and a thirst for all things fashion. All of this, plus that pretty face, make him the supreme addition to the Strange Fruit Vintage family. Hopefully, you met him at our last Pop-Up Shop, you will see some of his styling ability in our upcoming spring look book and you can always check him out here, on the SFV blog.

"Innerview" with Mario:

"Vintage is classic. It means much more than a big "E" Levi's jean jacket or a pair of deadstock Ray Bans. It's a lifestyle clothed in items and a time period long gone. Vintage has a huge impact on today’s fashion world. The reality is, if it wasn’t for the originality of past fashions, trends, cars, furniture, and hair styles then we would have nothing to build upon, finesse, and make our own today.

Yesterday’s portrait drips paint on today’s canvas.

With my personal style, I am paying homage to creators and hopefully inspiring new creations. I'm glad to be a part of the Strange Fruit Vintage family because SFV is working to keep the past a part of our present. Think of it as a bit of history, in your closet."

follow him on twitter @Supa_Mario_Bros

Sample Clearance: He put the Will in Willow.

The Last Day x The First Day.

Today signifies the last day of this year's Black History Month. It also signifies the first day of the rest of your life. I am redefining what that means for me, what my history will look like, I invite you to do the same.

Bitches Brew for Efrem and you.

I felt Dizzy and Sonia, heaven and Miles between my thighs

Better than love, we made delicious

"

INNERVIEW: Kendrick Daye creator of Art Nouveau Magazine

We got the dope opportunity to chop it up with creator of Art Nouveau Magazine, Kendrick Daye.

This Thursday, Art Nouveau Magazine celebrates three years of avant garde art exposition with a party featuring THEOPHILUS LONDON! For tickets visit www.an-mag.com/3. Accept the Nouveau.

SFV: What are three things attendees can expect to experience at the anniversary party?
KD: 1> Debauchery 2> Bass Infected Pop Music 3> Theophilus London

SFV: During your artistic journey to realizing your dreams, what have you learned to be true?  What have you learned to be false?
KD: What I've learned to be true is that there really are no rules. Everybody is after the same thing, but not everybody goes about it the same way. If you keep at it long it and do you long enough people are going to have to notice. What I've learned to be false is other people's opinions. When you have a vision and you believe in it so much, what they have to say doesn't matter.

SFV: Some really fly individuals in the fashion, art and music scene have graced the pages of Art Nouveau over the last three years including Coco&Breezy, J*Davey and Ron English. What can readers expect this year in the pages of Art Nouveau Magazine?
KD: The next issue entitled GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS will be our tribute to the art of the pinup. Expect some visually stimulating art & design.

SFV: I sell vintage clothes with Strange Fruit Vintage and I spend a lot of my time and energy introducing or re-engaging people in all things 80s and 90s.  So, it's only right that I ask the person who spends his time introducing people to the "nouveau" a question about the "vieux" (old). Who are some artists, long gone, who have inspired you as a creator?
KD: Andy Warhol. Picasso. Basquiat, Keith Haring and Milton Glaser.

SFV: What mind blowing experience are ATliens, and any person smart enough to make the commute to Art Nouveau Magazine's 3rd Anniversary Party, in store for when Theophilus hits the stage?
KD: I'm a fan and I don't know what to expect. This is the first time I'll have seen him live and I'm just uber amped to see the songs I've hummed along too for so long played live.

Thanks Kendrick! Here's to many more years of creativity, insanity and Art Nouveau Magazine.

Follow the leader:
@artnouveaumag
www.an-mag.com

Video Killed the Radio Star

 Recently, the lovely crew at Live From Memphis tortured invited me to watch music videos in preparation for the upcoming 6th Annual Music Video Showcase.

In two hours, I saw a host of really good and really not-so-good music videos from all over the country.  And while my lips are sealed on which is what, late night reflections on the event made me wonder how we could possibly resurrect radio, quickly. Because, some things just shouldn't be seen and by the same token, some things are meant to be seen again and again.

Here are some of my favorite vintage music videos.  I am in no way arguing that these are the best, I'm merely saying they left a lasting impression on me all these years.

Also, if you're in Memphis or have the urge to travel, join us for the Music Video Showcase, the weekend of March 12 and watch the new videos that several of us selected as "made for TV viewing pleasure."


8 of the full 18 minutes...Shuh-moan

Sanrio celebrates 50 years of pick pocketing parents!

Pencil protectors, erasers, pencils with the eight colors of ink, back packs, thermos, plush animals, folders, lip gloss, gum and a whole host of expensive items I had to have or I would just DIE remind me just how awesome Sanrio is and my childhood was. It also reminds me of just how much dinero my mom shelled out so I would fit in with the other 5th graders.

Fret not dear readers, I was on a quest to be different even back then. My friends pretty much all loved the sweet faced "Hello Kitty." Who wouldn't? And it wasn't until fairly recently that I found out the store wasn't named "The Hello Kitty Store." I on the other hand loved an underappreciated frog.

Introducing the original lady killer...

Happy Birthday Sanrio! Kiss the frog for me.