It takes a special kind of person to nab a space in an up-and-coming area and turn it into a successful vintage store.
After Saturday's grand opening, it looks like Andrew Vincent, owner and manager of Public Image Vintage Clothing, is that special guy.
The store has technically been open for a month and already has gained a mini-cult following among the local gay and vintage-loving community. That's no surprise given Vincent's innate ability to find and repurpose beautiful pieces from bygone eras.
By 6 p.m., the place was packed with both sexes pawing through clothing, reading books, and trying on shoes. Vincent worked the floor with incredible magnetism and charm that only enticed the ladies and gents further.
The timing was perfect. Public Vintage teamed up with Radio-Active Records' Record Store Day celebration. They brought in food trucks like Boba Station and Ms. Cheezious. Vendors sold vintage jewelry and music accessories behind the building to locals swigging brown-bagged Colt 45s.
Inside, the crowd was gained momentum. Ricardo "Gaps" Tejada performed a few songs from his new album, Live to Love Another Day, for a crowd of at least 50 people. If you have yet to visit the store, that's more than a packed house.
Vincent was pleased.
Everything in the store was 15 percent off, and on top of that, Vincent took a few higher-end items off the shelf and threw them into a rummage sale pile. The girls who found the pieces really knew what they'd uncovered.
There was another treat at checkout.
Vincent is already planning the next big event with Radio-Active Records -- an idea that might please the regulars.
He wants locals to know he supports them. He's currently showcasing shirts created by Brooklyn native turned local Jordan Levy. If you're an indie designer, he's interested in talking to you.
To reach him, email [email protected]
New Times on Facebook | County Grind on Facebook | Twitter | e-mail us |
