On this week’s edition of Closely Knit, DeNada is
featuring longtime friend, local wardrobe stylist, and visionary behind Los
Gitanos Vintage; Tara Papanicolas. We first met Tara several years ago when she was a
buyer for a local boutique that carried DeNada’s first knitwear collection. We have always looked up to her phenomenal style. Constantly keeping us on our toes, she never fails to gives us a fresh and inspirational contribution to the DC fashion scene. We were excited to work with Tara on Closely Knit to hear her take on DeNada, DC fashion, and the unveiling of her new vintage collection - Los Gitanos Vintage.
D.C. has not always been known for its
fashion scene, what do you
think the city has to offer the industry?
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| Tara wearing the Turban - Photo by Lise Silva |
DC has such a big art and music
scene. Those two scenes alone influence the industry. I think DC has a
lot to offer, it's just the fact that people don't see it. It's inspiring to
see Howard students
walking the city streets. I feel that they're the kids with
the best style in DC. Sometimes, I just drive through the Howard campus
just to get some inspiration from the students.
As a stylist, how do you
think local companies like DeNada fit into the city’s style scene?
Well first off, let's start with the source. Of
course it does! Knitwear is highly sought after, especially a company like
DeNada. The styles are so fashion forward, but at the same time they are
universal and can be worn by everyone. DeNada knits are accessories alone!
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| Tara wearing the Turban, Infinity Braids and the Eternal Fringed Scarf - Photos by Lise Silva |
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| Photo by Lise Silva |
Can you tell us about Los
Gitanos Vintage and how you add to the collection?
Los Gitanos Vintage is a women's vintage
collection. The collection encompasses the 1930's through the 1960's, with
some Victorian pieces thrown in. I've always been drawn to the
Victorian era. I'm very picky about what I add to my collection. Everything has
to tell a story. Every piece should have a story behind it.
Los Gitanos Vintage is sold from local store, Blue’s Hard Goods. Can you tell us a little bit about the store
and how this partnership came about?
Blue's Hard Goods came about as a vision of owner Andrew Nguyen's passion
towards the "Americana" vintage and denim scene. BHG specializes in
vintage, hard goods, denim and denim repair, which we do in house. After the
company I was working for for 5 years went bankrupt this past April, I decided
to venture out on my own and start collecting and selling vintage. Andrew approached me over the summer and asked me what my passion was. I
told him I was starting a vintage collection. He was in the process of
rebranding the store and pitched the idea of us collaborating. His exact
words were "you help me, I'll help you."
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| Photos by Lise Silva |
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| Photo by Lise Silva |
What about your personal
style and aesthetic drew you to DeNada and the Closely Knit project?
I think Virginia and I have a very similar taste
in style and vision. She's kinda dark like I'm kinda dark. Creative
minds coming together, that's what it's all about. I dig the Closely
Knit project for that reason. Thank you! DC really needs people like you guys.
Has living in D.C. changed
your personal style or your vision for Los Gitanos Vintage?
I was born and raised in Chevy
Chase Md, right outside of the district. Living in DC has actually made me even more
inspired. A lot has to do with the fact that a lot of vintage actually
originates from Washington DC. I remember going to Garfinkel's and Woodie's, where
my grandmother would
scour the beautiful racks. Now when I find a
piece from Garfinkel's, whether it be a mink coat or a fox hat from the
1960's, I have to have it. It makes me feel good, like I own a piece of
history, and that to me is inspiring. I have to be inspired on a daily
basis. If I don't feel I'm being challenged every day, I don't feel alive. I
may as well be dead to the world.
Los Gitanos Vintage and Blue’s Hard
Goods take a cooler approach to vintage style, does it at all reflect the style
of the district?
What is DC's style? It's hard to say. At BHG
& Los Gitanos Vintage we are dedicated and here to educate clients of our
beliefs and the direction we think the industry is going. We're bringing a
taste of NY & LA to DC.
I feel that my experience as a stylist as well as my own style reflects the vintage collection I have brought for Los Gitanos Vintage. When people ask me what the meaning of style is, I always say style is a mood. Of course every day is different. I believe change is good and refreshing.
I feel that my experience as a stylist as well as my own style reflects the vintage collection I have brought for Los Gitanos Vintage. When people ask me what the meaning of style is, I always say style is a mood. Of course every day is different. I believe change is good and refreshing.
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| Photo by Lise Silva |
Los Gitanos Vintage offers one-on-one consulting and
wardrobe styling. Clients also have the opportunity to rent pieces from
the Los Gitanos Vintage collection for all occasions.
Shop Los Gitanos Vintage at Blue's Hard Goods:
1803A 14th St., NW
1 comment:
thanks for share...
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