There are a cadre of stylists throughout the nation; men and women with a keen eye for fashion, that bring forth the inner glam to those in need. Many stylists can be identified by the signature looks they create, whether it be edgy, couture, or varied expressions of fashion that fall scattered in the middle. Enters Ferris Mason, a Bay Area fashion stylist that has tapped into an area of style traveled by few: vintage. Mason is CEO of Urban Vintage, a custom fashion destination offering a multitude of services. Under the UV umbrella you will find wardrobe styling services, personal shopping, wardrobe assessment, as well as make-up artistry. UV has quite an impressive resume also, having worked on the "Thighbone" video by Ise Lyfe ft. Zion and "Different Person" by Jimmie Reign (shown below). You can find Urban Vintage clothing, shoes, and handbags at Green Boutique located at 432 Santa Clara Ave. in Oakland, CA. Starting May 1st, and every first Saturday thereafter, Urban Vintage will be hosting a Vintage sale at Green Boutique. Stop by between the hours of 3P-7P to enjoy music, cocktails & appetizers, and the first 10 customers will receive a 5% discount. Below is Q&A with Ferriss Mason, the mind behind Urban Vintage.
How did you get started styling?
I have always had the "gift" of putting outfits together and having my own unique style. My dad always love to say, "as a baby, she use to pick out her own diapers." I never really thought I stood out with my dressing or that it was so different from the norm, but looking back to high school I can now see it. I wore tie dye, polyester vintage shirts, Hawaiian shirt and vintage dresses I got from my grandmother - and I graduated in 1999! LOL. Certainly not the norm for that time in history.
As I got older I was able to hone in on what I liked and developed a good eye whether shopping at Neimans or a thrift store. I believe style and fashion is about quality not name brand. I was always asked by friends and family to help them put outfits together or they would even just ask for my opinion. From that I knew I wanted to dress other people, at that time however I had no idea what it was called or how to make it happen. During this time I had an associate whom encouraged me to model in an upcoming fashion show, I was hesitant. While I was 5'10 and at that time probably a size 6 I never had thought of modeling. I finally agreed and did the show and it was GREAT! With this impetus I continued to go to castings and was able to participate in fashion shows and photoshoots. This was my blessing in disguise, being in the fashion community I was then able to formulate how to become a stylist. I met tons of models, muas (make up artist), photographers and clothing designers. I soon made up my mind to focus on my passion and love, styling. With that Urban Vintage came into inception. I was then and continue to try to fill the void I see with women wanting to dress their best without spending all of their hard earned money, thus incorporating vintage items which can usually be found for cheap to reasonable prices.
What interests you about vintage clothing?
Vintage clothing to me is like looking at works of art, the amount of detail in some items and the great craftsmanship is amazing. Even the durability of many of the items attest to the quality at which many items where made in the past. I love that fact that many vintage items are still relevant today and can be worn just as easily as something bought at a store today. As with world history, fashion history too repeats itself and nothing new is really new - while a fabric or a cut may change generally not much changes. I too love the thrill of knowing that I will be wearing something that for the most part no one else will have one. And for any women I can attest that can be a big deal. Vintage clothing also encourages you to be more creative, and I feel that dressing yourself or others is an art and a great form of self expression.
Who do you have on your wish list to style and why?
Wow !! What a question- Really there are sooooooo many folks that aren't famous that I would love to work with. Its more so the art of creating a fresh, fly look than putting that on someone famous. While yes that is a and would be the greatest of pleasures to style someone famous, it is of no guarantee that they will look good in it. We see it all the time with red carpet photos and the like, famous people looking well to say the least a mess. But of course I would love to work with Rhianna, Charlize Theron, Scarlett Johansson, Shingai Shoniwa of the Noisettes whom always seem to stand out and steal the crowd even in them most simple of outfits. Really there are many, many more as any stylist would love to have a long list of star clientele.
Where are your favorite places to find vintage items?
Well I cant give away all my secret spots!!! LOL I shop at really accessible thrift stores - Goodwill, Salvation Army and even garage sales. Its really about having an eye for it, because someone without the eyes for it would not see what I see. Many times I find designer labels(Ferragamo, Michael Kors) and when purchasing them I feel like am getting away with something. Fashion as with anything else too has to be studied so that you are aware as to what vintage is of value, because not all of it is valuable or even worth the few dollars it cost.
What can one expect on your thrifting trips?
The thrifting trips where designed for those that like vintage clothes but hate going into thrift and or vintage stores. Many people are overwhelmed by the amount of items in these stores and too sometimes the smell. What can be expected on a thrifting trip is that we will go to 2-4 stores and each client will receive one on one time to help them find vintage items that fit there needs, style and budget. Too, some time will be taken to help them train their eye on what is worth it and what is junk.
You can find Urban Vintage on Twitter and Facebook serving up daily fashion tips, and at the Ashby Flea Market in Berkeley selling UV apparel. Ferriss Mason can be reached at ferriss@urbanvintagestylemgmt.com
Follow Oakland Style & Fashion Examiner Chira on Twitter
Comments