The
New York Fashion Lineage:
Brooklyn fosters a new crop of talent
By Sarah Frances Kuhn |
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Now that Williamsburg is on the so-called fashion map, it
makes sense to marvel at how Bedford Avenue became such
a world-renowned pseudo catwalk. At any moment of the week,
some of the most quirky, off-the wall, and creative visions
of street style are on show in Williamsburg. Some of the
major fashion magazines have even taken notice, with photo-shoots
that visualize the overall trends, consequently contributing
to Williamsburg's reputation as the dish-of-the-day on the
New York fashion menu (see V magazine's Jan/Feb 2002
issue or the Spring 2003 Men's Fashion of the Times 'Band
on the Run' Interpol shoot to name a couple).
Such youthful and artistic sartorial fashion statements
are something the New York fashion media have been longing
for since the 1960's when people such as the designer Betsey
Johnson and Andy Warhol's entourage experimented with the
meaning of fashion and lifestyle. These icons opened stores
with wacky names like Paraphernalia, Splendiferous, and
Abracadabra that challenged previous notions of shopping
and fashion in New York. Suddenly these 'happening' spaces
became integral to the artistic life of a modern city. The
Williamsburg fashion scene of today harks back to the days
when freedom of expression was encouraged and celebrated
in clothing. This feeling of a counter-cultural existence
and benign sense of anti-establishment seems to have successfully
caught the attention of the larger global fashion bigwigs.
One of the pioneers of this Brooklyn fashion diaspora
is the owner of Fluke vintage, Karen. Karen decided to open
her store, located strategically between The Greenpoint
Tavern (yes, the one with the Styrofoam 20 oz.!) and Pita
Power two years ago, when she arrived from her native West
Coast. Through the glass door, down the hall past the bizarre
psychic's box, you will find a room full of her own personal
selections of vintage delicacies that she buys simply using
her well-honed fashion instincts.
It is safe to say that she is amongst the sharper fashion
knives in the drawer. She has that certain je ne sais
quoi essence of style that most fashion souls struggle
to acquire. She is Williamsburg's very own style icon. Certainly
she would deny this, I mean when we were getting ready for
the shoot (seen here), she said that she had not worn makeup
in over a year and has a hard time even conjuring up the
energy to wash her face.
Karen also has an entire room in her Greenpoint residence
dedicated to her own private collection. She rarely sells
from her private collection which includes clothing from
every decade of the past century.
A true connoiser of vintage clothing, Karen panics every
time something sells. She simply does not like to let go
of her treasures. You can visit her or her lovely assistant
Stephanie (who will most certainly be dancing to music provided
by in house record dealer extraordinaire Rodney) Tuesday
through Sunday.
Information:
1. The Feast: Karen, on the left, wears a
1960's olive green Impero tent dress from the Amarcord showroom
collection. Stephanie wears a pink and gold velvet gown
from the Fluke special collection, handmade leaves necklace
of gold coral necklace worn as a tiara from Amarcord and
golden Sergio Rossi sandals from Amarcord.
2. Songs of Love: Karen, seated and swept away, in golden
1960's shift dress, black paten platforms, and black gloves
from the Fluke special collection. Stephanie, singing sweetly,
is dressed in a beige 1980's tube dress with suede ruffles
from Amarcord, crème hooded robe, gold chain, white
purse with gold chain, and Grecian summer sandals with coloured
stones from Fluke. Gold wristbands are stylists own.
3. Karen, Dutchess of Williamsburg wears red Grecian
halter-wrap top and a yellow print skirt both from Fluke.
Jewelry was part of the her royal inheritance.
4. Lady Clementine, show us your beautiful face. She
wears ball gown by Fluke.
5. Portrait of a Lady, Stephanie of Williamsburg: She
chose to be remembered in this 1960's electric purple mini
jumper dress with white suspenders by Fluke. Earrings and
knit flower also by Fluke.
6. A Sunday Stroll: Karen has on a white sparkly flapper
dress, white Sunday promenading hat both from Fluke, shell
flower bouquet by Lake(East Village). Stephanie wears 1970's
cotton pique peasant dress from Amarcord. Her hat, white
paten lace-up boots and pearl necklace worn as a bracelet
are from Fluke. The book is not the bible! This is the Church...
Fluke
Bedford Avenue(between N.6th and N.7th)
Hours:Monday- Closed
Tuesday- Saturday- 1-8
Sunday- 1-7
And please take note that Karen wants the public to feel
free to bring in vintage pieces that they may have for sale
Amarcord
223 Bedford Avenue(Betwwen N.4th and N.5th Street)
Williamsburg
718- 963-4001
Or
84 East 7th Street( Between 1st and 2nd Avenue)
New York
212-614-7133
Or
Showroom Williamsburg (by appointment)
242 Wythe Avenue('N.3rd)#9
Williamsburg
Credits
Photography: Todd Netter
Concept and Styling: Sarah Frances Kuhn and Kim Ficaro and
the girls from
Fluke Karen and Stephanie
Art Direction: James Wilson and Kim Ficaro
Artwork: Kim Ficaro
Prop Styling: Kim Ficaro
Rigging: James Wilson
I.T. Assistance and digital enhancements:
Tim Regan for Blackbird Productions
regan523@hotmail.com
Models: Karen, Stephanie, and Clementine
 
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