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Thursday, February 4, 2010

Interview & Ticket Giveaway: FASHION FREAKOUT


Alright friends. There is something happening on Friday that I am so excited about, it requires all of my willpower to not inundate you with exclamation points right now.  It's a snappy fashion event here in Austin called Fashion Freakout, and let me tell you - freaked (the eff) out is precisely what I did last year when I went.

Now in its third year running, but its second year at the Mohawk, Fashion Freakout is the brainchild of Jason McNeely and Audrie San Miguel, owner of Prototype Vintage off South Congress.  The show styles local Austin cuties in second-hand wares from vintage shops, sending Austin's rock n' roll fashion down the runway in street style spirit.  What's so great about the whole thing is, even though a few of the outfits are deliberately over-the-top (think blouses made of chainmail), all ensembles are literally pulled right off the racks of local, affordable recycled clothing stores. The looks are edgy, but accessible; eccentric, but sexy as hell.


Fashion Freakout 2009, photo credit: Me!

Audrie was sweet enough to do an interview with Austin Eavesdropper last year about the event, and this year, she's back to tell us about the surprises they've got in store for FF 2010. The Carrots? Check. Crazy psychedelic light show? Check check.

After Audrie, enter a comment below for a chance to win a pair of tickets (valued at $20) to Fashion Freakout. I'll select a winner by 3pm Friday.  Just leave your name, email, and answer this question: What's your favorite fashion item in your closet?

Here we go!

Welcome, Audrie! Tell us about Fashion Freakout 2010. Who's participating, what's new for this year's show, etc.  Also, give us a brief history of this smorgasbord of awesomeness.

For the third year running, Fashion Freakout will feature style for miles from Prototype Vintage Design, New Bohemia and Buffalo Exchange.  There are a few new and exciting additions to the event this year, including Avant Salon and Spa, who have been coming up with some amazing hair and make-up ideas.  We’re also hosting a “happy hour” with rock-n-roll DJ sets and a black and white Proto-Photo Booth snapped by Alison Narro that’ll have a vintage theme.  The Carrots, one of the most well dressed bands in town, will play two special sets, and Matt Bearden will host for the first time, fresh off of a comedy tour.

The stage and runway design, created by Prototype and Ace San Miguel, will be bigger and better this year, with a lighting installation that’s gonna get some rocks off.  We have several vintage lighting machines operated by a professional technician that will create the perfect atmosphere for a psychedelic freakout!

History:
Three years ago, Jason McNeely and I wanted to collaborate on an event where we could spotlight fashion in the local underground music scene.  Naturally, vintage is an Austin style staple, because it’s affordable and one of a kind.  Each of us agreed that we bought the majority of our wardrobes from Buffalo Exchange, New Bohemia and Prototype, so we threw together a runway show in a rock-n-roll setting!

Why host a vintage fashion show?  Why do you think that theme appeals particularly to Austinites?

Austin has a very relaxed vibe when it comes to fashion.  The artists, musicians, students, and creative business owners that are the life and blood of the music capital of the world aren’t label-conscious mall-shoppers.  They are eco-responsible independent folks that feel good about recycling fashion, standing apart in a crowd, supporting local businesses, and doing so on a limited budget.  The appeal of vintage is far and wide, and every fashionable retailer carries styles influenced by the past.  The difference is that in Austin, people young and old prefer buying the original styles to the mass re-produced knockoffs. 

This is a little off-topic, but I've always wondered how you got Prototype Vintage off the ground. It really is an amazing store. How did you even begin to envision it, and slowly move from dream to actual badass shop?

Wow, it’s always rad to hear our store described as “badass!”  Eleven years ago, I got my start as a vintage vendor at Room Service, which is still my favorite store in Austin.  At the time, me and my best bud Emily Larson would scheme and dream about having a vintage store where everything was organized and arranged in an inviting and inspiring way.  We wanted to provide a vintage shopping experience where everything for sale was what we would consider to be a highlight item, merchandised in an environment similar to the great department stores of London in the swingin’ sixties.

When a space became available in the popular South Congress shopping district, we jumped at the chance to start our own business, and Prototype was born, with the slogan we live and breathe by: All killer, no filler!

Since we opened in 2005, we have had the luxury of expanding to include a storefront devoted to the best in vintage home décor, and a flagship location with a focus on vintage fashion for men and women.  We are a family business since my little brother Ace San Miguel and his woman Sarah Evans merged their La Luz location with Prototype in 2008.

With our new set-up, we have more creative minds to contribute to our side business of set styling and wardrobe for print, film and television, and our decorating services for special events keep our work fun, interesting, and challenging. 

Prototype’s merchandise rocks so hard because we have people all over the country scouring the most unglamorous of locales to find true rare vintage gems.  Our combined experience in the biz has helped us to create a network of friends and colleagues committed to contributing the best of the best.

I asked you this last year and will ask you again: What's the best fashion item you've ever thrifted?

My buttery brown leather Frye boots from the 70’s match everything I own and I’ve had them resoled too many times to count, but they just get better with age.  I’ve hiked mountains, trudged through muddy music festivals, and cut a rug on many a dance floor in those iconic boots.  They’re truly versatile and comfortable!

Do you have any last words on Fashion Freakout?

I encourage everyone to buy tickets in advance because they’re going fast!  It’s such a huge production, between models, entertainers, stylists, hair and make-up, and store staffs, the amount of people just supporting the participants is enough to sell this baby out!
Thank you for the interview, Audrie!

29 comments:

Stephanie said...

Stephanie
multitaskingmama.shop@gmail.com
My fave item of the moment in my closet right now is my Bootimus Prime boots from Modcloth. I just got them after Christmas but man oh man I'm wearing them like they're gonna go out of style! They go with just about everything and I love that they convert from ankle boots to tall boots to accomodate every outfit.

Mavis said...

Chain mail blouses? Love it!! My FAVORITE fashion items of all time are these black leather boots with chains draping over the top. Instantly make me feel tough.

Mahshad said...

i have this amazing Diana Ross-esque cream colored top that is completely covered and encrusted with sequins, dangling jewels, glittery thread, and sounds like rustling leaves when I walk. I bought it from a totally unhip, unssuming vintage shop in NYC several year ago (this is kinda gross but it even has sweat stains from previous owner -- that didn't stop me), and have only worn it twice because it is so precious to me and I don't want anything bad to befall it. I LOVE YOU, AMAZING TOP!!

Veronica said...

I am in love with my pair of sequined platform sling backs I bought from Betsey Johnson! They are not very practical, but who cares about that! They make every LBD go from blah to wow!

Etheline said...

adriannea@gmail.com
....right now in this weather, i am loving the revival of leg warmers and covet mine! paired with an ankle boot, i am ready to strut my way down to mohawk on friday.

Austin Eavesdropper said...

Ah!! These responses are all so fun and it hasn't even been an hour! Bootimus Prime boots + black leather chain boots + bejeweled cream Diana Ross top + sequined sling backs + leg warmers = HOT LADIES

Unknown said...

I love my Naughty Secretary Club bracelet! My chunky metal ring from Paris, enamel pendant and cuff from Leighelena.com. Tights...in all colors. Oh yes, & vests/mini jackets to pair and layer:)

Jen said...

Vintage New York Dolls t-shirt. I've worn it to shows, dates, and formal affairs.

Hipstercrite said...

Awesome post!
I'd have to say that my favorite item in my closet is my Free People knit cardigan jacket in cream. It's the only expensive thing I've paid full price for and I treat it like a child.

Mallory said...

Mallory
mallorylmiller@gmail.com

Right now I'm loving my leggings with faux leather patches on the knees from H&M. Picked them up on a NYE trip in NYC. I can dress them up or down and the best part? Elastic waist baby!

garann said...

Garann
(at gmail)

I have this blue uniform dress I bought in high school that looks like it's made out of tablecloth material or something, but it is amazing! It's cut perfectly, it has big pockets, it's the perfect length. The day it falls apart/doesn't fit anymore, a little piece of me is gonna die.

Pink Sun Drops said...

Ooh, I just became available late Friday night! I may have to buy myself a ticket any way. I looooove these type of events : ) .

Rose
sundrops@gmail.com
My favorite fashion item in my closet have always been my earrings. Preferably huge, shiny earrings that reflect light. They pull an entire outfit together, and add that final touch that makes one say oooh. As a bonus, they seem to fool people into thinking I'm always pulled together. Oops, I just shared my secret. Shhh, don't tell anyone.

jessamaka said...

michael kors zebra print short sweater dress for some but not for me cause i am too tall so i wear it as a top. bought it at a thrift store and i can't. stop. wearing. it. i like to throw it on with short denim shorts with my american apparel cream tights that have black lines going down the backs of both legs and my black booties from target. i hate that my tights were the most expensive part of this outfit... and they are already torn! darn you american apparel.... why you have to be so cute yet so overpriced... and already torn. ugh-a-lug.

Unknown said...

kgclute@gmail.com

My favorite thing sitting in my closet is my Grey Opening Ceremony Desert Boots from Tres Bien Shop in Malmö. I've never been to a show and I want to meet everyone and see what it's like here in Austin.

"Julie" said...

ahhh my fave is this yellow and white vintage coat i have from old school houston "sakowitz". It's very "mod" and amaaaazing!

Anonymous said...

jessicapages at gmail

My favorite thing is my 1940-ish military dress...it's really heavy...i rescued it from a vintage bin and now hangs proudly in my closet

Anonymous said...

My favorite thing in my closet is my vintage YSL scarf from the 70s. One of our family friends who lived in France gave it to my mom forever ago. I found it in her garage of all place a few years back and now I couldn't live without it! It's bright kelly green with gold lame and hot pink and bright yellow. I wear it with everything!

lizkelley7@yahoo.com

Michelle said...

I think my favorite item would probably be my Fluevog engineer boots. I scored 'em for $60! at last year's vintage vogs sale in Chicago. They've got a ton of wear lately - they go with everything and they're comfy as hell!

& my email is michelle at wicked-whimsy dot com

Ajay M. said...

Austin Vida also interviewed Audrie about Fash Freak. Check out this Q&A conducted by our writer Alysha Hernandez:

http://www.austinvida.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=270:fashion-freak-qa

jessamaka said...

dang i didn't leave my email, sorry! it's jessicacramer1@yahoo.com

Kelly Rae said...

Went Last year and it was amazing. Can't wait!!!! ooo and the Carrots are playing...they are super cute!

kellyraeburns@gmail.com

Tiffany Diane said...

I totally just saw that we had commented bout meeting up at this event last year... Did we? Or was that just Yelle? I can't remember which event came first anymore.

Anyway, now I am in it! Can't wait to see you there!

Ryann said...

Ryann
ryann@vollmerpr.com

That's a tough one! I guess it would have to come down to a Thunderdome/cage match situation between a vintage Chanel jacket I found at a resale shop, and a vintage Christian Dior swing coat I actually bought at Prototype when they first openend. Two coats enter, one coat leaves!

Anonymous said...

Sarah
sarahbhopkins@gmail.com
My favorite fashion item is.....a silver corset 70s belt!

Anonymous said...

Karen

karenasnider@gmail.com

I love my black blazer! I wear it over everything: dresses, jeans, everything. Yay for being unemployed, graduating college and buying a full suit just to wear the jacket out to bars! haha

SPARK said...

LizaGarrett@gmail.com

A couple of years ago for my birthday I spluuurged and bought a pair of royal purple over-the-knee (thigh high?) suede high heel boots with a fish scale detail down the side from a vintage store here in Austin. I treasure them!! They look great with a little black bandage dress for that POP of color. I wish I could wear them more often but I just can't let them go anywhere near all the outdoor bars with rocks and gravel so they don't get seen enough.

Can't wait to see all the fantastic things tonight!! Great post

Jordane said...

My favorite item in my closet is my red suede bra top with golden studs. I found it in a thrift store in perfect condition. I feel like a super hero in it. Check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38682059

Austin Eavesdropper said...

You guys - I am lo-ving your fashion favorites. I'm picking a winner at random in an hour, but I just want to say: damn y'all. I hope you wear these things you're describing tonight at Fashion Freakout.

Austin Eavesdropper said...

And we have a winner....

Drumroll....

**GARRAN!**

Thanks for entering everybody, and sharing a few of your favorite things. This was one of the best giveaways because you guys are so cool and witty.