Traveling Treasures

 As always, our photo shoots are crammed with bright lights, awesome clothes, and badass models and photographers. This past shoot was no exception. For the first time, fkvintage packed up our trunks and took a trip to Greenville, SC to work with the one and only Eric Graham, master of photography. His rustic restored mill studio space was the perfect backdrop for the day. Partial ruins around the mill took playing dress up to a whole new level.

Jenn and Eric 

Scrolling through the beautiful, and hilarious, Jenn Bianchi's film, was like watching a short movie where she was center stage.

Trisha and Eric

Trisha Wilbanks, our spunky bombshell, and long time friend, started the morning off right. Not only did she kill it in front of the camera, she also saved the day with a pizza break!

Kayla, Maddie, Larrissa, and Trisha

Seen here goofing around the studio while Maddie Sundberg is modeling the amazing sequined sari top.

Danielle

As soon as we met Danielle Willett we knew some of our pieces were meant for her. Seen here in the dani dot blouse, paired perfectly with Docs and some killer shades.

Eric and Kayla

Kayla played photographer and took a few magical shots of Eric by a rad graffiti wall.

We always have our radar up looking for new models, photographers, and super fly people who want to be part of our fk team. If you are interested in shooting with us or using some fk items in a shoot message fkvintage on Facebook or info@fkvintage.com.

Fashion Week Part II: Charlotte

Whew... What an amazing week! As first time participants in any fashion week, we were a ball of emotions and did not know what to expect. By the end, we realized that we have just gained an experience of a lifetime. Charlotte Fashion Week was a blast and such an inspirational time for fkvintage, we were fortunate to share the runway with fellow fashionistas and amazing talent. We could not have been any happier with our hair stylist, make up artist, and our models.

Day one 

fk's backstage rack 

Larrissa preparing Felton for the runway 

Kayla with models, Mon'et and Ciara before hair and make up

Last minute touches with our model, Felton

Ian, Kayla, Hannah, Ciera, and Felton relieving stress before the runway show

The moment we have been working so hard for was finally here. We were nervous, stressed, and relieved all at the same time. Once our models walked out onto that runway a huge rush of excitement went through our bodies. Each and every one of our models literally "rocked the runway"

Not pictured: Felton Worrell

Current City: Charlotte, NC

Ian O'Neal
Current City: Charlotte, NC

Mone't Moss
Current City: Charleston, SC

Ciera McCoy
Current City: Charlotte, NC

Hannah Hayes
Current City: Charlotte, NC

Day Two

Not only did we get to participate in the runway show on Friday night, we got to set up a booth to sell some of our treasures the following Saturday night. As guests were flooding into the lobby eager to watch the recyclable designers hit the runway, we found some of our pieces a new home. This was also a great opportunity to chat about fkvintage with people from all ages, and to scout out some of the coolest fashion forward individuals in Charlotte.

Our lovely intern, Nadia helping us set up

Guests lined up eager to enjoy the show

fellow fashionistas, Kim and Lauren

Kayla, Nadia, and Larrissa ready to sell some product

eek! we sold our first item!

We would like to give a huge thank you to all of those from the Charlotte Seen team, Nadia Becerra for being an AWESOME intern, Luedoria Baker for being a rockstar with hair, Our make up artist for making our models have the coolest lips on the runway, and of course to our beloved fans who attended the event. Be sure to check out charlottefashionweek.com to vote for your favorite recyclable designer by October 4th. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony held October 10th at 7pm located at Bubble Lounge in Charlotte. Come out and enjoy refreshments, fashion, and of course fkvintage.

                          

Fashion Week Part I: New York

As our first runway show in Charlotte Fashion Week approaches, we can hardly contain our excitement. As if the anticipation for our fkvintage collection wasn't enough, this week launched the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC. Awe inspiring looks that never go out of style, it's what we're here for...

Herve Leger:

A house synonymous with body con, just hearing the name alone makes you hold your breath and suck it in. This season was slightly different, zippers were used to control silhouettes- zip up for a fitted skirt, zip down for more flare, and large leather belts cinched the waists to dresses with more relaxed fit than what they are typically know for.

Billy Reid:

Light tweed and linens have never looked so good. The woodsy color pallet lends way to the designer's meshing of Cali boy with southern charm. His mix of boxy jackets and long coats with pinstriped shorts, tunic tops, drawstring pants are casual yet still put together.

Mara Hoffman:

Bright and bold patterns work here like never before. "This collection is about straight-up happiness" said Hoffman, and what's happier than a rainbow? Third eye motifs, serpent patterns, and embellished sheer fabrics play well together, and make Hoffman one of our favorites. 

Jonathan Simkhai:

This collection was inspired by the 1964, Battle of Brighton Beach between the British subcultures, the mods and rockers. "I was imagining beach chairs strewn around, which is where the intersecting lines came from," Simkhai explained. This translated to stripes of all shapes and directions on skirts, sweaters, crop tops and more.

These are just a few of our favorites that have us excited for an extended fashion week. It's not too late to buy tickets for Charlotte. Join us this Friday 9/13 at the Hilton Charlotte Center City to see a glimpse of our spring 2014 collection. Follow @fkvintage on Instagram for coverage behind the scenes and on the runway!

Walking the Red Carpet: 2013 MTV VMAs

Last night was the 29th annual MTV Video Music Awards hosted at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, NY. This year's VMAs were spectacular, as usual, including a few interesting performances and dazzling stars walking the red carpet. We've voted, revoted, and finally choose our top 10 (plus a few we couldn't resist) favorite looks...

As always, Selena Gomez looked stunning in Atelier Versace. Gone are the days of a reserved Disney star, replaced with a daring wardrobe and a Moonman for Best Pop Video "Come and Get It."

Ellie Goulding in Amato Couture by Furne One, Coco Rocha in Fausto Puglisi, and Iggy Azelea in Emilio Pucci.

Lady Gaga in, surprisingly tame, Prabal Gurung and Holland Roden in Naeem Khan.

Best Female Video winner for "I Knew You Were Trouble" Taylor Swift in Herve Leger, Zoey Deutch in Jonathan Simkhai, and the gorgeous Naya Rivera in Vintage Pace Rabanne.

Ciara in Givenchy Couture, Chanel Iman, and Allison Williams in Valentino.

Let's hear it for these boys! Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis walked away with not two, but three Moonmen winning Best Hip Hop Video, "Can't Hold Us," Best Video with a Social Message, "Same Love," and Best Cinematography, "Can't Hold Us."

Who knew robots could be so dashing? Daft Punk shined on the red carpet, glitter shoes and all.

Fast Forward to Fall Favorites

Summer is not quite over, but crisp fall air is in the close future. Even with the autumnal equinox inching closer, there's no reason to pack away all your summer clothes. Here are a few favorite fall looks fkvintage just can't wait for...

#1: Sweaters
         There’s nothing like curling up in a cozy sweater during cool weather. They are great not only for the obvious added warmth, but also for their styling ease. Throw a chunky sweater over a fitted t-shirt dress, skinnies, or leggings and pair with your favorite shoes.  

baller

gramps, colby

#2: Boots
         Black boots, blue boots, suede boots, heeled boots, oh how we adore boots! Everyone deserves a rad pair of boots and knowing how to dress them is the key. Chances are your boots are more versatile than you may already think. Break out your socks that were too warm for summer and mix pieces, both staple and funky, to find new ideas. 

fringe boots

#3: Tights & Leggings
         We're not talking your grandma's stockings here. Spice up your outfit with tights and leggings in a bold color, modified fishnet, or funky pattern. In addition to your skirts and dresses, try them with a pair of shorts. For a distinct seasonal look, pick shorts that are a bit longer, darker, or have a more relaxed fit. 

#4: Colors
         The change to a fall color pallet is exciting and inspiring. New color combinations to play with can make styling each day more fun. Ladies, use this as a chance to test different colors on your lids, lips, and cheeks too!

 

Members Only

  
#5: Layers

          It’s not too cold that you’ll need to grab a full coat, but light cardigans and jackets can transition wear of your summer favorites into fall. Jean vests are perfect for keeping you warm while your arms soak in the last of the suns lingering summer rays. A year round staple, vests, can also be layered under coats and jackets come the winter chill.  Try layering with button up shirts, military, or Members Only jackets for simple and easy style. 

levi vest

Fascinating Fascinators, Hats, and Headwear

We are lucky to be based in a city with such fantastic history and amazing people. The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina featured local milliner, Meyriel Jill, and her collection of handmade fascinators and hats. Meyriel studied traditional millinery at the London College of Fashion, the Wombourne School of Millinery, and in France with esteemed milliners Dillion Wallwork and Bridget Bailey. She has designed hats for weddings, The Kentucky Derby, Royal Ascot, and her creations have even met the Queen of England.

During her presentation she showed how she creates hats and fascinators using different materials and hat blocks. Meyriel uses felt, antique lace, feathers, leather, and sinamay (banana tree fibers) to add brilliant texture, shape, and movement to each piece.  

Meyriel Jill stretching felt over a hat block

Sinamay fabrics and a wedding fascinator created by Meyriel

You may be wondering, what exactly is a fascinator? Unlike a typical hat fitted around the crown of your head, a fascinator sits tipped to the front attached by clips, combs, headbands, or elastic. Fascinators originated in the 1800s as pieces made of crocheted wool that hung from your head. By the 1920s head dresses had evolved to headbands that were worn to keep the wearer's hair perfectly in place. Many of these headbands were embellished with ornate beading that matched to opulence of the times. Eventually, the bands grew into the cocktail hat and continued on to nestle a permanent place in fashion.

Peggy Henry, Muriel Maxwell, Lucille Ball