FASHION

Tucson Mask Makers

July 12, 2020 |
Camouflage mask by NAK

Mask up and shop local! Tucson mask makers and shops are helping to keep our community safe by offering face coverings in a range of designs and styles. Here are a few makers and places that caught our eyes.

ADIA JAMILLE

Adia Jamille is a textile artist who explores heritage and self through embroidery and quilting. In addition to home textiles and hand printed items such as baby blankets and hand dyed silk scarves, her triple layered face masks come in a range of modern prints. Her masks are 100% cotton and washable and they feature a pocket for a filter and a wire in the nose for a tighter fit. There is an option to purchase a mask and hand sanitizer duo (the hand sanitizer is made by Latina owned, Medicine Nuestra). 

Cost: Child $8, Adult / Large $10. Shipping is available. 
IG: @JamilleTextiles
FB: Jamille Textiles
www.AdiaJamille.com/face-masks  

Mask by Adia Jamille

DESIGNS BY MW

One night in between studying for finals, Michelle Willis stayed up and taught herself how to sew masks using her mom’s sewing machine. Inspired to give back to her community, she donated over 700 masks in Sahuarita and Tucson while balancing nursing school and parenting. Now her masks are available to purchase through her Facebook page and on Etsy.  

Cost: $10 for adults and children. Custom orders available. Local pickup available or $5 flat rate fee. 
FB: Designs by MW
www.Etsy.com/Shop/DesignsMW  

Masks by Michelle Willis

LAURA TANZER ATELIER

Her first series of masks were made from scraps from her own garment production. She uses natural fibers such as cotton and instead of elastic, uses two pairs of ribbon, one you tie behind your head and the other you tie behind your neck.

Laura makes sure small droplets are not coming in from the sides or below the chin or around the nose, so she has engineered her masks to include some insulated copper bell wire across the top of the mask so you can fit to your nose, eliminating the gap that can let in droplets, and also great for glasses wearers. She sews in Filtrete 1900 air filter material, between the interior cotton layer and the exterior cotton layer. The result is not medical grade N95, but it is much better than cotton by itself.

Learn more at https://lauratanzerdesigns.com/we-are-in-this-together/
410 N. Toole Ave
520-981-9891

Laura Tanzer, right, in her shop.

MILDRED AND DILDRED 

This popular toy shop offers stretchy cotton face masks for toddlers and kiddos in a range of kid friendly prints, made by their local seamstress team. 

Cost: $8.50 for all sizes. Offers delivery, curbside or store pickups.
520-615-6266
IG: @MildredandDildred
FB: Mildred & Dildred
www.MildredandDildred.com

Space Dinos mask by Mildred & Dildred

NAK MASKS 

Shauna Smith had recently opened Needles and Knots, a sewing and design school when the shutdown occurred. Soon customers were requesting masks and so within a few weeks she developed a mask with a unique style, the NAK M820 and a lighter weight version, the NAK M1720 “Swoosh”. With a minimalist design and modern prints, her masks are comfortable and use a sliding bead to easily adjust the fit. 

Cost: $15 for adult and kid sizes. Free local pickup is offered as well as priority shipping. 
520-261-9548
NAKMasks@gmail.com
FB: NAK Masks
www.NAKMasks.com

Cactus Stubble mask by Needles & Knots (NAK)

POP-CYCLE

This women owned shop is a beloved favorite for gifts, featuring locally made art and goods, often with recycled or quirky elements. Recently their team has been busy sewing masks with fun and gender neutral patterns available to purchase or donate one to someone in need. Over the last several months they have donated masks to the Navajo and Tohono O’odham Nations. Their masks are made with 100% cotton and elastic straps and available in two styles. One style has 3 layers with a wire sewn over the nose but a string can be added if a tie on mask is preferred. This style is a tad wider and can accommodate a bigger nose or face. The second style has two layers with an opening for a filter. 

Cost: $14 for adult and kid sizes. Shipping is available.
520-622-3297
IG: @PopCycleShop
FB: Pop-Cycle Shop
www.PopCycleShop.com

Pop Cycle Masks

QMULATIVE 

Known for his hand crafted pocket tees, Quinlan Wilhite has turned his Phoenix Fashion Week Designer of the Year sewing skills towards masks. His masks are cotton with a filter pocket, elastic hoops and they are washable. When you purchase a mask, he will donate a mask to an individual in need. 

Cost: $15 for ages 6 and up. Shipping is available.
IG: @Qmulative
FB: Qmulative
www.QmulativeBrand.com

Masks prints by QMULATIVE

SWEET NOLA BOUTIQUE 

What started out as making masks to donate to frontline workers in Tucson evolved into an effort to make over 4,000 masks sent to the VA Hospital, Banner, Emerge Women’s Center and other facilities and community front line workers across the country. Now masks are available to individuals for purchase or by donation to organizations and facilities that need them most. Their masks have 3-layers with 100% cotton face covers and 3 styles are available: pleated, face conforming or rope tie. Custom requests for wording, logos or embroidery are welcome. Random prints are sent for online orders. If a donation is needed please email riapatino09@gmail.com for consideration and pick up arrangements. 

Cost: $7 for adult and children sizes. Shipping and local pick-up is available.  520-260-0271
FB: Sweet Nola Baby Boutique
www.SweetNolaBaby.com 

Sweet Nola Baby Boutique

TINY & TOOTHLESS 

Tiny and Toothless was started in 2015 by Ruth Latona, a high school art teacher and mother. She primarily makes baby bibs and bandanas, but when the pandemic shutdown occurred, she quickly pivoted to where the need was strongest and started sewing masks. Her masks are contoured with three layers of 100% cotton and ties. Custom made for small children up to larger sizes. 

Cost: $10 regardless of the size. Shipping is $2 to anywhere in the U.S.A, no matter what quantity is ordered.
Tiny&Toothless@gmail.com
IG: @TinyandToothless
FB: Tiny and Toothless
www.Etsy.com/Shop/TinyandToothless

Tiny & Toothless cactus mask

WHY I LOVE WHERE I LIVE 

This popular gift shop celebrating our city, offers a range of fun local goods from clothing and jewelry to stickers, books, toys and games. Their face masks are cotton with elastic hoops and a filter pocket, and are created by their in-house seamstress and for every mask sold, they will donate to a local organization in need.  

Cost: $15, for ages 6 and up. Shipping is available.
520-422-5770 
Info@WhyILoveWhereILive.com
IG: @WhyILoveWhereILive
FB: Why I Love Where I Live 
www.WhyILoveWhereILive.com

Tucson Together mask available at Why I Love Where I Live

WORST WESTERN 

Known for handmade lingerie with an artistic flair and ready to wear garments, Diana Williams, designer and seamstress of Worst Western, believes that learning a trade like sewing not only empowers you but allows you to be of service to your community. She began offering free masks to encourage their use to those who may have been resistant to the idea or for those who are not able to afford one. All masks in the shop are hand printed and pieced together at a sewing machine by Diana. Her masks come in a range of materials and feature elastic straps. Strings can be added. 

Cost: $8 to $25, adult and kid sizes available. Free shipping. WorstWestern@gmail.com
IG: @WorstWestern
www.ShopWorstWestern.com

Black & White Dust Mask by Worst Western

Zocalo Magazine – November 2018

November 2, 2018 |

December 2015

December 3, 2015 |

Holiday Gift Guide and a look back at 2015. Read the digital edition here.

Zocalo Magazine December 2015 cover

Tucson Modernism Week

October 1, 2015 |

Sakellar

Photo: On Saturday, October 10, 5pm, join Architect Dino Sakellar (son of Nicholas Sakellar) for an exploration of the life and work of one of Tucson’s iconic mid-century modern architects. The son of Greek emigrants Nicholas and his bride, Phyllis, moved to Tucson soon after World War Two. Over his 50 years of practice he created many of Tucson’s most beautiful buildings. He is one of three architects credited with bringing modern architecture to Tucson.

Exploring Tucson’s Mid-century Design Heritage

After four years, jam-packed schedules and a slew of innovative lectures and events, you’d think the organizers of Tucson Modernism Week might start running out of ideas.

Not so. This year’s Tucson Modernism Week is busier than ever, the line-up arguably its most impressive to date.

That’s due in large part to the small army of volunteers behind the nine-day event. And it’s due in equally large part to the stories that abound here in Tucson, says Demion Clinco, Chief Executive Officer of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, which organizes Tucson Modernism Week.

“I think that Tucson was definitely an epicenter of design in Arizona and regionally and in some ways nationally and we don’t give our community credit for that,” says Clinco. Added to that is the fact that retirees who settle here bring with them their own “incredible” stories, he says.

In fact, the more Clinco and his team digs, the more fascinating tales of mid-20th-century Tucson it uncovers. Some of those stories take longer to emerge than others, however.

1950s western wear dresses by Tucson based Dolores Gonzales (Dolores Resort Wear), a special exhibit of Tucson Modernism Week. Image courtesy of the Dolores Gonzales Family Collection.

1950s western wear dresses by Tucson based Dolores Gonzales (Dolores Resort Wear), a special exhibit of Tucson Modernism Week. Image courtesy of the Dolores Gonzales Family Collection.

Clinco first spotted the 1950s dresses of fashion designer Delores Gonzales in archive materials more than a year ago. It took many months and some detective work to locate her remaining family, now living in Colorado and California. That set in motion the creation of a fashion exhibition of Gonzales’ western wear, to take place in the lobby of the Tucson Convention Center on October 3rd and 4th.

Delores Gonzales was born in Sonora, Mexico in 1907. In 1914, at the age of 7, she moved with her family from Agua Prieta to Douglas, Arizona. The story goes that a bullet from a Pancho Villa raid had landed on Delores’ pillow. Her father said “Enough” and moved the family over the border. Gonzales learned her sewing skills from her mother Beatrice and honed them in Los Angeles where she was a pattern cutter. Bad asthma forced her to return to Tucson where she owned a factory and a store.

“She was quite well known in Tucson and societal circles,” says Bob Gonzales, Delores’ younger son, who with his brother Leo used to roll braid and rick rack in the factory as a child.

She was also influential in the fashion world. “Cele Peterson credited her as being a major component of the whole movement of patio and western dresses,” says Clinco. This “Tucsonan chic” style – which incorporated the colors and Native American influences of the southwest – was picked up by national department stores. Says Clinco: “There’s no one person who you can credit but [Delores] comes as close as you can get.”

“I think that it’s overdue,” says Dolores’ daughter-in-law Karyl Gonzales of the Tucson Modernism Week exhibit. “She more than won any accolade anyone ever gave her.” Karyl, who will attend the event, remembers Dolores as a “party girl, party giver and party goer.” She first set eyes on her future mother-in-law at a function at the Pioneer Hotel on Stone Avenue. “She had white hair pulled back in a bun. She was wearing a black gown. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen,” says Karyl.

Karyl married Dolores’ son Leo (known as Lee) and she and Dolores bonded over fashion; Karyl studied theatre at the University of Arizona and went on to work in costuming. Karyl and Lee’s daughter Lisa Marie Gonzales – whose childhood wardrobe was filled with outfits Dolores made just for her – carries on the fashion legacy. Lisa Marie now owns the fashion line DCC Diversified Clothing Company in California.

Fashion is a strong theme of this year’s Tucson Modernism Week. Ted DeGrazia’s textile designs will be on show at the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, while the closing party is a 1965 fashion show and silent disco at the 1965-built Murphy Wilmot Library.

Other Tucson Modernism Week highlights include: a furniture and home goods expo at the Tucson Convention Center; a mid-century modern home tour featuring buildings by Arthur Brown, Louis Coon, Nicholas Sakellar and William and Sylvia Wilde (and special lectures on architects Nicolas Sakellar and William and Sylvia Wilde); and the annual vintage trailer show.

Firebird III GM Concept Car. Image courtesy GM Media Archives

Firebird III GM Concept Car. Image courtesy GM Media Archives

One of the stand-out events will take place at MOCA Tucson: the arrival of the Firebird III [see sidebar]. This futuristic concept car was developed by General Motors in the 1950s as part of a series of car designs that were never intended for production, but rather to showcase just how far GM could go with its technology and design.

The car barely leaves its home at the General Motors Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan. On October 3rd, thanks to a collaboration between Tucson Modernism Week, the General Motors Heritage Center and insurance firm AIG, it will be on display for one weekend only at MOCA. Also present will be two of its designers, Norm James and Tucsonan Jim Ewen – reunited for the first time in more than 50 years.

The significance of the Firebird’s journey to Tucson isn’t lost on Thom Sherwood, a local Pontiac enthusiast and volunteer for Tucson Modernism Week. “It’s as if someone were to ask the Louvre in Paris to send the Mona Lisa to a backyard barbecue in Podunk, Arkansas. It’s a testament to the respect that GM feels towards its legacy and their designers, that it is undertaking to get the car shipped just for the weekend,” says Sherwood, who as well as moderating the Firebird III lecture, is overseeing a show of vintage “finned” cars outside the MOCA building on the same day.

On Saturday, October 10, 3pm, join Demion Clinco for a look at the Architectural Work of William and Sylvia Wilde, pioneers of Modern architecture in Tucson, and designers of Tucson Police & Fire Departments, built in 1974. Photo by Garardine Vargas

On Saturday, October 10, 3pm, join Demion Clinco for a look at the Architectural Work of William and Sylvia Wilde, pioneers of Modern architecture in Tucson, and designers of Tucson Police & Fire Departments, built in 1974. Photo by Garardine Vargas

Fun and fins aside, the organizers of Tucson Modernism Week hope their annual event does more than entertain. Its mission is “to educate the community” about the mid-century period and its renaissance, says Clinco. Volunteers try hard to hold their events in mid-century modern spaces. Architects who did influential work here in the middle of last century, but are not widely recognized for it, are celebrated. Clinco says that since Tucson Modernism Week began he sees the Tucson community taking more notice of the city’s mid-century buildings – some of which are hidden in strip malls. “Three years ago we didn’t see that happening. That makes me really thrilled. I’m confident people will be a little bit more conscious about mid mod design and not just cover it up with stucco.”

Last year’s Tucson Modernism Week pulled in 4,000 to 5,000 people, says Clinco, up from 3,000 the previous year. He reports ticket sales from the East Coast, Texas and even London. So why all the interest in the middle of the last century?

For one thing it was an exciting time in design, says Alan Hess, a Los Angeles historian, Tucson Modernism Week speaker and author of Googie Redux: Ultramodern Roadside Architecture. “The mid century period of the 20th century was a time of experiment and really talented architects [who moved] in a lot of different directions. The sunbelt generally was booming, people were moving there, there was development going on that attracted architects,” says Hess, whose lecture Modernism’s Back takes place at MOCA on October 3rd.

In the Arizona desert in particular, architecture was also functional, he says.“Modern architecture was about solving a problem. It was very very practical, especially when you were building a house in the desert and you have the sun coming into the house, the heat, the soil. All these things shaped the house.”

Luckily for Tucson and its mid century heritage, the Mad Men era is, quite simply, in vogue. Says Hess: “Every architecture style goes through its cycle. It’s new and then it gets to become old fashioned. It might get torn down, it gets rediscovered. It might take 30 to 50 years and it’s re-appreciated. This is just modernism’s time.”

For tickets and a complete schedule of Tucson Modernism Week happenings, please visit TucsonMod.com

La Musique | TYP Annual Fashion Show

September 4, 2014 |

Model Kenze Waxlax wearing a design by INDI Apparel at a previous TYP fashion show. Photo: Neil Peters

Model Kenze Waxlax wearing a design by INDI Apparel at a previous TYP fashion show.
Photo: Neil Peters

Tucson Young Professionals present its 7th annual fashion show on Friday, Sept. 19 with a runway show featuring styles inspired by some of the most influential musical genres. Fashion show producer and Tucson Fashion Group founder Yekatherina Bruner presents a diverse ensemble of local designers, fashion stylists, boutiques and brands including: Phillip Manus, Buffalo Exchange, Crown The Shop AKA Cry Baby Couture, Francesca’s, Leyda Herring, Swindlers, Grand Central Clothing, and Banana Republic.

Friday, Sept. 19
Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
6:30 p.m.: VIP Doors Open
7-8 p.m.: VIP Reception
7:30 p.m.: Admission Doors General Open
8:30–10 p.m.: Fashion Show
10 p.m.: First Fridays After-Party at Playground

$40 general admission/$65 VIP reception. Purchase online at TYPfashion.eventbrite.com.
Other details are at TucsonYoungProfessionals.com/tucson-fashion-show/.

Putting Tucson on the Fashion Map

October 12, 2013 |

Handmade designer fashion jewelry by Bowman & Hock will be showcased during Tucson Fashion Week.
photo: Ali Megan

This month, Tucson fashion enthusiasts can enjoy one of the most awaited events of the year.

Tucson Fashion Week (TFW) hits the scene Oct. 17-19, in a glorious three day blaze of style, art and cuisine. Celebrity guest appearances by designer Betsey Johnson and Project Runway designer Bert Keeter are the icing on the cake.  Through fashion events, charitable partnerships, unique experiences and iconic collaborations, TFW is putting Tucson on the national fashion and retail landscape.

Creative Directors Paula Taylor and Melanie Sutton of the House of PM have taken the event to the next level by producing a series of outstanding showcases that provide a professional platform for emerging designers, independent retailers and established companies to present their work locally and nationally to consumers, buyers and industry leaders.

Tucson Fashion Week kicks off on Oct. 17 with a special gathering of its creative team, sponsors, designers and guests at the beautiful Tucson Desert Art Museum, 7000 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Guests will have the opportunity to view the museum’s historic collection of Native American art and textiles as well as the Designer Fashion Presentation and Student Textile Competition, showcasing exceptional fabric designs created by students from Pima Community College, and the Art Institute of Tucson. An inspired fashion presentation will feature the works of local designers, Jan Traficanti of Belsita Couture, Esteban Osuna, and Desert Vintage.

The second evening, Oct. 18, hosts the Premiere Runway & Ensemble Presentation at the Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave., benefiting The University of Arizona Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing and The Center for American Culture & Ideas. This extraordinary evening begins with The Lounge by Playground featuring fun food and drinks and fashion presentations installed by local designers teamed up with hair and makeup artists and a mixologist. Highlighting the talents of some of Tucson’s top mixologists, guests will enjoy cocktails and culinary creations inspired by original Betsey Johnson collections. A premiere presentation and runway show sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Tucson will follow, showcasing the collections of nationally renowned designers Betsey Johnson, Donni Charm and Frans Braveria as well as that of emerging local and regional designers, Cybil White of Julia Love, Laura Tanzer, Elizabeth Denneau (Albert) of Candy Strike, Too Strong USA and Oceana Kim.

The last evening, Oct. 19, is The Runway Wrap-Up & Fashion Presentation Awards Party at La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Dr., highlighting national designer Nicholas K, emerging designers, local retailers and celebrity guest designer Bert Keeter from Project Runway. Awards will be presented to the winners of Friday’s Premiere Runway and Ensemble event.

For tickets, times and complete details, visit TucsonFashionWeek.com.

Fashion Inspired Art

July 2, 2013 |

Eleonor Leon and son, Emmanuel Spiro

by Allie Knapp

The merchandise ranges from vintage clothing to graphic design artwork and from 8-tracks to fashion art pieces made from computer keys. The room is splashed with light pink and green and features a large vintage chandelier hanging in the center. This new 6th Ave storefront is sure to be like no other around and it joins the downtown shopping scene July 13.
 “Psychedelia mod Willy Wonka – except you can’t lick the wallpaper.” That is how Eleonor Leon, an award-winning artist and the owner of La Fashionista, would describe the feel of her store. You may find yourself wondering if you have stepped into an alternate world when you leave the busy streets of modern downtown and enter La Fashionista. Feel free to get your groove on while browsing. We can dig it.

The long-time dream of opening a store became a reality for Leon in January when she and her father began the process of creating La Fashionista.

“I think people kind of think you’re crazy when you just go out on a limb. I just decided that I was going to do it regardless,” Leon said on starting this new venture at 43 years old.

Leon received a bachelor’s degree in visual communication from The University of Arizona and also studied fashion design at The Academy of Art University and FIDM. Many of the items for sale at La Fashionista are handmade by Leon, who enjoys all things design and is also a designer for Tucson Fashion Week.

Costume designer and graphic artist, Leon says that she is “a fusion of her parents.” Her love for costumes began at a very early age. “My mother loved to dress up in costumes so she would bring us downtown to find clothes at vintage thrift shops,” Leon said. “My mother was the fashionista. She would dress up and she was spectacular.”

Inspired also by her father, a sheet metal mechanic, Leon enjoys drilling and creating things out of metal and other materials.  A few of her unique items on display at La Fashionista include jewelry crafted from guitar picks and computer keys.

While Leon’s artwork is shown throughout the store, an art gallery featuring the award-winning artist Domingo Toledo will also be on display at the entrance of La Fashionista. Toledo received an Addy award while under the instruction of Leon, who has been an instructor at The Art Institute of Tucson, Tucson Design College and Pima Community College.

Leon moved to Tucson as an infant and lived downtown during the early years of her life.  She finds great value in historical pieces of Tucson and is happy that she has been able to “save part of Tucson history” by collecting many treasures from old downtown locations to showcase in her store. The original cash register and bar stools from the old hotspot Grill can be found in La Fashionista.

The grand opening of La Fashionista – what Leon dubs a “retro eclectica” shop – will be held on Saturday, July 13 at 45 S. 6th Ave from 6-10 p.m. Fashion art designed by Leon will be modeled at the event.

Heap Collective Celebrates Local Artists

February 23, 2013 |

photo: Joie Estrella

Inspired by the 1960s fashion, musical and cultural  Youthquake (movement), Tucson’s Heap Collective is creating a stage for Tucson artists, musicians, and taste makers to share their talents with the community with monthly pop-up shows. Heap Collective are Tucson locals and artists Joie Estrella, Matthew Banquet, and Claire Mirocha.

The name Heap Collective stems from its dictionary definition; to load, supply, or fill abundantly: to heap a plate with food. In this case it would be art, which many agree, is food for the soul. “Heap is about the masses… combining all people in celebration of the creative minds our desert oasis embodies,” says Estrella.

The first Heap Collective event opened on January 12, 2013 on a Second Saturday. It was held at an empty Peach Property space behind the Rialto Theatre. Each show has a theme.  This one was titled Happy Hour. An estimated four to five hundred patrons attended that fun and lively evening.

Displayed in the space were the works of twenty local artists, including photographs, drawings, paintings, and installations.  Local artist Pat Foley and his Carne and Queso winter collection of tee shirts, sweatshirts, skateboards, and candles were admired for their happy go lucky apocalyptic theme. Desert Vintage presented an Americana inspired clothing installation. Outfits were suspended from wire in front of an old American flag and over sized white balloons. Other standout work included a drawing of a nude skull-faced witch flying on her broom by artist Sharon Moon and also the dreamy photography of Krysta Jabczenski.

Local bands set the scene at the event including an epic ten-person “tribal punk” drum jam.   The music finale was a performance by Cy Dune of the Akron Family while Altrice composed the sounds in between bands. Seis Curbside served food from their truck and Dish for Dosha served warm Ayurvedic drinks.

The Heap Collective’s future plans are to create an online database for local artists and in the future create Heap’s own music festival. Be in the know by browsing the Heap Collective on Facebook and look around town for their rad poster art. You don’t want to miss the next Heap Collective event downtown in February.  These events are a great way to help celebrate the innovative and artistic happenings in Tucson.

Contact: heapcollective@gmail.com




 

Desert Vintage

December 6, 2012 |

Almost 40 years after Desert Vintage was opened by Kathleen Lauth, the 4th Avenue vintage store is enjoying a rebirth under new ownership. The new owners are the visionary couple Salima Boufelfel and Roberto Cowan. The tradition of the store is being carried forward with a fresh global appeal.

Salima Boufelfel was born and raised in Tucson. She traveled with her parents when she was young through Africa and France. Her parents settled in Tucson when she was six. Her father is North African and a professor of physics. Her mother is local artist Linda Cato. Salima studied history and French at the University of Arizona. Salima’s passion was born in high school when she started her own vintage clothing collection.

Roberto Cowan was born and raised in Tucson as well. His father is from Bisbee and his mother is from Sonora, Mexico. He lived in a California suburb during his youth outside of Hollywood for a short time. Roberto’s mother was an avid shopper and from an early age he accompanied her many shopping excursions. Roberto attributes these early childhood memories as experiences that sparked his interest in fashion. Roberto took business and fashion design courses at Pima College where he earned a  liberal arts degree.

Salima and Roberto met in 2009 while they were working at Buffalo Exchange. There was an immediate connection between them; one might say it was kismet. They bonded over vintage items with historical relevance and eccentric quality pieces. Both became buyers at Buffalo and Salima even gained managerial experience.  They were mastering their eye for style and fashion and learning the business of recycled clothing.

This year Salima and Roberto packed their bags and headed to Paris for an adventure.  They attended Paris Fashion Week with the crème de la crème of fashion.  Salima was exposed to an eclectic group of people and fashion while working for Mamie Rose, a vintage emporium.  In this creative environment, Salima and Roberto gleaned knowledge from many sources, especially the buyers. The vision to start a store transpired in this milieu. Their concept was to include vintage clothing, modern brands, various art forms, and incorporate art installations. Their idea was to have a global-minded approach. Initially they had considered opening a store in Paris. Due to complications with visas the time to start a store in Paris did not seem right.

Salima and Roberto came back to America with the intent of renewing their visas and returning to the famous “City of Lights”. It seems destiny had another plan for Salima and Roberto. On a serendipitous day while shopping at Desert Vintage, they were informed by the owner, Kathleen Lauth, that she was retiring. Kathleen inquired if they would be interested in purchasing the business. Initially they were excited to have the opportunity, but soon they had second thoughts. They were concerned about their ability to continue in the tradition that had been set by Kathleen. As they contemplated their choice and weighed the odds they began to feel this was a grand opportunity that had been put before them. They put forth an offer and it was accepted in July 2012. They immediately began renovations. The grand opening was on August 4th, 2012.

“We’re shoppers”, Salima quipped,  “We love Tucson.  There are great people here. Tucson has a unique twist on things and a unique inventory to pull from.”

We are lucky to have these globe-trotting, trendsetting collectors with their own style and panache in the Ole Pueblo.

Desert Vintage will also be expanding to an online store which will be up and running within the new year.

Desert Vintage is located at 636 N. 4th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85705 620-1570.

Tip Your Hat

November 12, 2012 |

by Sydney Ballesteros + Claudine Villardito

Among fall’s many pleasures is the opportunity to indulge my appetite for accessories.  Living in the desert, I am starved for weather that gives me an excuse to pull out—or acquire more of—the scarves, gloves and boots that punctuate autumn looks. The accessories I get most excited about, however, are hats. Time was, a woman wouldn’t be seen walking to her mailbox without her head covered.  And why not?  Hats draw attention upward, they frame the face, instantly glamorize, and pull whole wardrobes together.  What’s more, hats—especially vintage ones—are wearable sculptures; fine millinery takes such skill that to wear a beautiful hat is to be a work of art oneself. This month’s editorial celebrates the power wielded by beautiful accessories, with special focus on the artistry of the hat.  And who better to illustrate it than one of history’s most notorious milliners: Elsa Schiaparelli. The black and white number is one of her divine creations.

P.S.–A black turtleneck goes with everything!

Credits

Creative Director + Stylist: Sydney Ballesteros, SydneyBallesteros.com

Photographer: Stacia Lugo, StaciaLugo.com

Makeup: Tangie Duffey

Hair: Raul Mendoza

Model: Katie Reed

Wardrobe: Black Cat Vintage, BlackcatVintage.com