After the success of the Chanel Paris-Moscou Matryoshka doll purse, Uncle Karl has created a similar purse for the Shanghai collection. The matching drop earrings are adorable – I wonder if he used these little ladies on any other accessories? Lagerfeld also reinterpreted the classic 2.55 bag with large sequined palletes in red and jade.
My other favorite bag is Chanel’s rendition of the classic takeout box – with leather chain strap and all! The Chanel cuff is also especially beautiful and is reminiscent of Chinese pottery and vases.
This is just a little glimpse into the details of the collection and I can’t wait to see more!
M.I.S.S. was invited to check out the grand opening party of No. A Friday night, a boutique in the Little Tokyo district of L.A. that caters to men and women in search of a little international panache or just some good old domestic flair. Among co-owners Alana and Nate’s friends were curious shoppers filing in to enjoy a live DJ, complimentary drinks and ice cream sandwiches, and goodie bags, which included shirts from No. A’s own line.
No. A's grand opening goodie bags
The clutter-free boutique’s interior would never suggest the location was once home to an American Apparel. Hand-painted trees span the walls, complemented by colorful bursts from the scarce but beautifully detailed flowers and birds. Clothes and hats are displayed on vintage furnishings, which range from wagon-esque tables to wrought iron stands. The store’s collection includes international lines exclusive to No. A, including Swedish men’s clothing and music brand Uniforms for the Dedicated and Australia’s self-describedly unconventional My Pet Square. No. A is also home to a wide range of US brands, such as DimePiece, MadeMe, and CTRL, and accessories by the likes of Han Cholo, Alex & Chloe, and Cubannie Links.
Be sure to check out No. A if ever in downtown Los Angeles – with such an extensive and hard-to-find selection, there’s a good chance you won’t run into an outfit twin on the streets.
If you’re ever out in Vegas, skip the strip and instead, head over to the Fruition, a hot spot fashion stop that will stimulate you more than any bright lights and clinking sounds could ever do. From the outs, you won’t find any crazy gimmicks and flashing lights, but once you step in the door, be prepared to travel back in the days when you were young. Yes, you’re not a kid anymore, but now you can rock what you only wished your mama would buy, thanks to the fashion archivist, Samantha Jo Alonso. She’ll greet you with a wholesome smile and because it’s 100 degree desert weather outside, she’ll even offer you a cold bottle of water because she cares like that. From the walls to the racks, Samantha Jo hand-picks everything in the shop, making each item a piece of history- and a piece of art. Whether you have something in mind, or you’re just looking for something to appreciate, stepping into Fruition is like finding a fashion fiend’s time capsule. This fashion-forward female digs in the past to bring back what’s needed for the future, reminding us that street fashion often recycles ideas from long ago, and she’s got the proof in her products.
Samantha follows her dreams, and encourages others to do the same.
But no, that’s that all. On top of co-creating one of the freshest stores ever, she’s made a name for herself in the styling world. With her inventory, from deadstock to exclusive collab drops, it only makes sense for her to bless some of the most flossy with her flavor. Kanye? Yes. M.I.A.? Of course. But does she let that prestige get to her head? Of course not. Samantha Jo Alonso created Fruition as a place for creativity to bud and bloom, where inspiration cultivates and grows into something new and different each day. She’s an innovator and a risk-taker, making her a part of street fashion hall of fame and a crowing her as a woman making history.
Her style inspires many.
What’s is Samantha Jo Alonso really about? Check it out….
Infinitely striving to inspire those around her to pursue their own dreams, Samantha Alonso is cultivating minds through her conceptual retail space FRUITION. A native from Las Vegas, a city notorious for it’s dated ideas of fashion and beauty, Samantha opens eyes to a forward thinking world built on positivity, education, and inspiration….not to mention a style that can’t be found anywhere else on the globe. Everyday holds the key to a more grand success as she has created a revolutionary shopping experience where FRUITION has become an international beacon of what’s next in progressive street fashion. Her beauty, electrically charged attitude and evolved style, all reflect the wisdom that is behind this hustler. Though this go-getter girl is only 25, her success shines through Fruition’s exclusive collaborations with some of today’s most innovative and groundbreaking designers including Avant Garde king Jeremy Scott, Dr. Romanelli & Cassette Playa. Recognized as an idea factory, FRUITION has held inspiration for everyone from Samantha’s star-studded clientele to fresh kids off the block. Having articulated a dream of a limitless future where anything is possible, Samantha lives each day with purpose, passion and vision and is taking over the world one victory at a time!
To match the true fashion of her shop, Samantha took old images and made a collage for her survey. Get inspired!
What else drives Samantha? Read the Q&A and you’ll see…
M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?
I’m inspired by every woman who is beautiful first on the inside and then out. A woman who is comfortable in her own skin and has a strong knowledge of self is so captivating and refreshing to me!
M.I.S.S.: How did you get your start?
Striving towards my potential has always been my purpose in life and my motivation but I think the first step to getting started is being interested in success. My start began with enthusiasm and an unremitting devotion to the things I wanted to see change / happen. With that being said, I built a door of opportunity for myself to execute my gifts and talents through what I love….Fashion. I ultimately wanted to seize the opportunities around me and from there I planned purposefully, prepared prayerfully, proceeded positively, pursued persistently!
Inspired by every woman who is beautiful first on the inside and then out.
M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on?
Every project we take part in is always executed at the highest level so they’ve all been my favorite!
M.I.S.S.: Who do you want to style/collaborate with?
My roster is limitless. At the end of the day our door is always open to those who want to elevate their level of design/style through fashion and art.
High stylin' 'n profilin'.
M.I.S.S.: What part of running a vintage boutique/vintage styling is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?
One of the best / most challenging part with owning a conceptual retail pace is being a part of the entire creative process. I curate everything from the Buying, Visual Merchandising, Styling, Modeling, Photography, and Editing. Being open for 4 years I’ve realized that this opportunity has shaped me to be a multi-faceted individual and has allowed me to refine my craft by flexing different muscles in different areas of creativity. FRUITION really and truly awakened talents within myself that I never knew existed before opening FRUITION.
Like they say, opportunities multiply as they are seized!
In regards to dislikes, I’m fortunate to say that there’s nothing to dislike about living a dream everyday! There are indeed obstacles but I always use my difficulties as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block knowing that there is always a lesson to be learned and something positive to gain from every situation. I strive everyday to advance myself to be better and growing to be the best I can be inside and out!
M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career path similar to yours?
This is for all the ladies who are in the process of manifesting their dreams to come to FRUITION……You were born for a purpose, at just the right time with just the right gifts to fulfill a plan nobody else but you can fulfill!
Samantha Jo does it all....from the Buying, Visual Merchandising, Styling, Modeling, Photography, and Editing.
Throwback!
To step into Fruition without stepping on a plane, visit the Fruition website at FrutionLV.com, where you’ll also get a friendly greeting from Samantha herself! Check out the newest, fabulously-styled products from the past in the Fruition Shop Blog. And, for more inspiration and daily words, follow Samantha Jo Alonso at twitter.com/SammyJoFruition. Hopefully she can inspire you to follow your dreams and turn your ideas into fruition.
Women Making History: Lien & Lindsay of C.C. Rider
The “C.C.” in Lien Gray & Lindsay Pfeiffer’s C.C. Rider doesn’t stand for ‘carefully curated’ but we’re wondering if it should because that’s the first thought that comes to mind when stepping in to the San Francisco store.
The second thought (or maybe it’s the other way around)? A drawn-out “Duuuude. Aweeeesome!” even if you’ve never said a ‘dude’ in your life.
So what is a “C.C. Rider,” you ask, besides an independent San Francisco skate/thrash/rock oriented collective and store that carries products made by small time artists and designers and the main hustle of this week’s Women Making History features?
Well, a “SEE SEE RIDER”, also known as “C.C. RIDER” or “SEE SEE RIDER BLUES” or “EASY RIDER” is a popular American 12-bar blues song. It was first recorded, and copyrighted, by Gertrude “Ma” Rainey in 1924, and since then has been recorded by hundreds of amazing artists throughout the last few decades.
Check out a rockin’ version from 1966 below!
So, besides the name of the store, what does this have to do with C.C. Rider owner Lien & partner, Lindsay?
It’s the vibe, baby! There’s a certain feel to the song and the rider the lyrics talk about and these ladies have done a eerily-awesome job at translating it into the essence of the store.
C.C. Rider: Threds, Art, Gifts, Jams
Lien & Lindsay break it all down below:
First off, I’d like to note that CC RIDER SF has just moved. The new location is on the same street a few blocks away from where we originally existed. This decision was made because the new location surrounds other independent shops that cater to similar clientele. We’ve sandwiched ourselves in between Bar 821, Mini Bar, and Everlasting Tattoo and have taken over our good friends from Still Life’s old location. The new CC Rider SF is on Divisadero Street between Fulton & McAllister in San Francisco.
HOW WE GOT INTO THIS BUSINESS:
An everlasting obsession with art, design, rock and roll, attitude, individuality, and community…
THE C.C. RIDER BACKSTORY:
I wasn’t able to find things out there that appealed to my tastes for classic craftsmanship and rock and roll. Many stores that have a similar aesthetic were either way out of my price range, kind of cheesy, or manufactured cheaply. I wanted to provide well made products with a sense of refinement yet affordable, laid back, and edgy. CC RIDER SF was born after tracking down individuals and artists who share a passion for these same sort of values and wanted to participate in the creation of an affordable lifestyle collection. Now CC Rider SF has become a collective team encompassing the values of humor, timeless youth, with a laid back attitude towards fashion and style.
OUR PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUNDS:
I went to school for fashion design and worked for several years buying, managing, and traveling for various independent clothing companies before deciding to make the break and start something from scratch. I wanted something that danced to the beat of my own drum and something I could really pour my heart and soul into.
My father is a retired hippie and graphic designer and his father was an American painter. I learned to understand the importance of uniqueness and quality in product design and was influenced by their attention to detail.
I was drawn by the San Francisco punk scene at a young age. My youth was riddled with rebellion and question. I spent countless nights at shows & gatherings, bouncing ideas about living a lifestyle which didn’t advocate large corporate business and generic product. There was a lot of emphasis on DIY business and self contained micro communities. Customization of style and handmade clothing were abundant and found this to be incredibly inspirational. The music scene, which was also closely connected with the SF skate scene, was a melting pot of characters who shared my enthusiasm for rock and roll and rebelliousness. I met a lot of interesting people during that period in my life.
THE PATH WE TOOK THAT LED US HERE:
The Highway to Hell and the Stairway to Heaven.
A look inside C.C. Rider, San Francisco, CA, USA.
THE VIBE & INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE STORE:
CC Rider SF is a cozy little hole-in-the wall packed full of wonderful things new and old. The inside of the store is a friendly environment where music, art, and counter culture enthusiasts convene to clothe, swaddle, and immerse themselves in treasures. The shop pays homage to the 60’s by showcasing locally hand crafted and hard to find items. Everything is attainable at realistic prices, making it easy to incorporate style into a skim budget. The store has a laid back and entertaining feel, it shows positivity and encouragement for the SF art and music scenes, and is top to bottom rockin! PMA all day!
WHAT WE HAVE IN THE STORE/WHAT WE CARRY:
Vintage rocker shirts, denim, sneakers, skate mags, a select collection of collectible skateboards, beer coozies, locally handcrafted belts and leather goods, T-shirts, outerwear, rare vintage eyewear, flannels, posters, photographs, skate and art videos, photobooks, trash novels, zines, badges, buttons, converse, vintage clothing, deadstock items, handcrafted jewelry, charms.
Cheap monday, Kill city, Look fromLondon, Keep shoes, Altru apparel, Thrasher T’s, Vans, Blood Wizard, Rebel 8, Lowcard, Vintage Casio, Rare Eyewear, Vintage Pendleton, Maximum rockn’roll, Worn Free, Featherwitch, Bandit Brand, The Driven by Jason Jessee, Rock n roll workshop, Rayban, Maui Jim, Vuarnet and tons more..
OUR CUSTOMERS – beautiful losers, rockers, skateboarders, fashion and music enthusiasts, artists, and everyone with a liking towards unusual but super sweet finds.
ONLINE SHOPPERS- we’re about to unveil the new online shop and website we’ve been working on for what feels like decades. Stay tuned!
FABULOUS THINGS FROM OUR STORE THAT PEOPLE SHOULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT:
Rare Vintage designer sunglasses ($45-175), a stone washed bandit brand t-shirt ($35-40) , and a 24k gold dipped chicken foot charm ($25) – (its voodoo luck babe).
Now, the ladies each break it down to what’s really important (turn ons & turn offs, yeeeeaaaah!) via the M.I.S.S. survey!
Lien of C.C. Rider
Lindsay of C.C. Rider
THE FOLLOWING IS A COLLABORATION OF ANSWERS FROM BOTH LIEN GRAY and LINDSAY PFFEIFER OF C.C. RIDER SF:
M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?
LIEN GRAY: JOAN JETT, LOT LIZARDS, OPRAH,
LINDSAY PFFEIFER: Malia Spanyol of Pop’s, Thee Parkside, and Red Rat Industries. She seriously kicks ass.
Inspiration for the C.C. Rider...
M.I.S.S.:How did you get your start?
LINDSAY PFEIFER: Asked Lien, she birthed CC.
LIEN GRAY: I haven’t “birthed” anything….more like REGURGITATED…THE CREATIVE SIDE OF MY BRAIN!… into this little treasure trove where you can kind of creep inside my mind and purchase little pieces of all the things that swirl around in it…. with a dazzle of Lindsay and Brette’s (another co conspirator) minds sprinkled on top. We’re basically treasure hunting for cool beautiful wearable things and thought provoking goods.
All these projects started with obsessions over nostalgia and love for unique and thought provoking design. San Francisco bay is one of the most culturally diverse areas in the states and the years ive lived here have cultivated my appreciation for style and lay a groundwork for my enthusiasm for travel and craftsmanship. I tend to lean towards local products or items that evoke understanding or conversation of historical and cultural movements of the area. The culmination of all those things paved the way for the way for the inspiration used to create something that I could immerse myself and friends into and support ourselves to live while doing so…
The walls of a young C.C. Rider's bedroom would be covered with this stuff!
A young C.C. Rider's high school locker would have this inside!
M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
LIEN GRAY: Digging through massive hot sweaty time warp towns for buried treasures and driving my car fast to get there. Then being able to bring smile after smile on people faces when they are so stoked to see and purchase these hand picked items.
LINDSAY PFFEIFER: Supporting my friends and hanging out on Divisadero Street.
M.I.S.S.: What is your goal for the store?
LIEN GRAY: To create a community center where you know you’re always gonna find something rad.. to buy, to wear, to read, to listen to, to go out and do… we’re inspired by inspiring others to get into their own rhythms and live rad and creative lives.
LINDSAY PFFEIFER: To make the shop into a one stop destination for anything you’d ever need in life… that’s awesome.
C.C. Rider girls.
Gear for the C.C. Rider...always stocked!
A C.C. Rider can be a guy or a girl!
M.I.S.S.:What part of your work process is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?
LIEN GRAY: Not having enough time to accomplish everything I want to do…. You really have to love this sort of thing.. cause its long hours for mediocre pay.. but the happiness of being surrounded by people and stuff you love everyday is PRICELESS, man, PRICELESS! Shop Local! Support the little guys.. they’re totally working hard for it these days.
LINDSAY PFEIFFER: Not having enough money to hire some help around here! We’re looking for interns San Francisco!
C.C. Rider rocks the jewelry!
C.C. Rider does art. Most of their ads are hand drawn and they sell some awesome posters and magazines.
M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career path similar to yours?
LINDSAY PFEIFFER: BEWARE OF LURKERS!
LIEN GRAY: haha.. yeah.. being able to read situations well and not get ripped off or taken advantage of is key! Be confident in yourself but be real…treat people with respect and concentrate on making this world a more enjoyable to hang out in… Concentrate on the quality and value of your product and what it means to your customers…Support other local businesses around you and never give up. TRUST THAT KILLER INSTINCT!
So if you ever find yourself in San Francisco—first, make sure you wear a flower in your hair—stop by and say hello to the ladies of C.C. Rider and buy yourself a thing or two from the store!
FLAGSHIP RETAIL STORE LOCATION:
C.C. RIDER SF
835 DIVISADERO ST
SAN FRANCISO, CA 94117
415-418-4265 (shop manager)
415-596-2182 (buyer)
415-441-4484 (shop)
Italian based Moschino is opening it’s NY flagship in the Meatpacking District, a haven for boutiques opting for the chicness of Soho but a bit more off the beaten path. The boutique is scheduled to open this fall at “401 West 14th Street in what used to be a local landmark, the former Quality Meats building. ” The Moschino US flagship will carry “Moschino, Moschino Cheap & Chic, Love Moschino and Moschino Uomo clothing[,] . . . as well as shoes, accessories and fragrances.” I love the Moschino brand – it’s always so fun and over the top. Always girly and flirty and not afraid to make a statement. I’m so excited about this store opening and the boutique will be a definite must see for any future NY shopping trips.
