Michelle Larcom of Jokell Vintage pairing a bright vintage graphic tee with '80s red corduroy shorts by Gloria Vanderbilt.
Jack Ryan
We came, we saw, we thrifted. The scene was beyond wild at Tacoma’s first-annual
Northwest Thrift-Con, a new event hosted on July 21 and created by
All-Star Vintage founders Richard and Desi Sjouwke and previewed not
once but
twice on this here blog, Slog.
Thrift-Con was a veritable smorgasbord of vintage clothing representing nearly every imaginable style and era of 20th-century fashion, spread out across 40 vendors inside, outside, and down the hallways of the historic Court House Square. Some 1200 ticketed guests turned out for the event, according to Thrift-Con co-founder Richard Sjouwke.
I caught him outside taking a quick breath around midday, the sun shining, the building packed. “We’re just getting started with this event,” he tells me. “At the end of the day, brother, this is our family and we’re going to keep building for the next ten years.” I sure hope it’s true—there was some truly one of a kind wild shit available at this event, and if this was just year one, I can’t wait to see how it grows in 2020 and beyond.
Here’s a dozen or so of the coolest pieces and fits we saw at the show, with photos by Jack Ryan.
Journalist and bin picker Kade Maijala scored this super clean Nickelodeon orange and teal early '90s Nike ACG parka via Get In Where You Fit In, one of the show’s many exhibitors.
Jack Ryan
Epic late 1980’s UW Husky sweatshirt complete with Nike kicks, via Josh Tanueco’s Plug Seattle booth. Jack Ryan
Sellers Leta Troka and Kate Burkett of Deja Vintage model vintage early '70s bohemian wear from hippy brand Young Eduardian. Jack Ryan
Wow! Spokane-based seller Dee Casillas (of Rewind Time 1984) displayed this incredible officially licensed 1990 “Bartman” kid’s sweater. Jack Ryan
Another gem from Kennewick, WA-based sellers Get In Where You Fit In—an epic 1993 Philadelphia Flyers shirt. Note the “Prince Of Wales Conference, Patrick Division” text that only an early '90s Canadian would think sounded cool. Jack Ryan
Truly a blessed t-shirt. This mid-1970s airbrushed Joni Mitchell fan art was just one of a whole rack of stunners on display by Christopher and Nikki Bauknight of Bauknight Vintage. Jack Ryan
A holy grail of Tacoma vintage, this “City of Destiny” shirt via Tacoma vintage legends UXC depicts the ASARCO copper smelter tower (1917-1993) in all its 20th century polluting glory. Jack Ryan
An exhibition called “The Holy Grail” took pride of place at the heart of NW Thrift-Con, co-curated by Rio Estolas (Throwbacks NW / All-Star Vintage), legendary Bay Area musician Eric Robles (E-Bone 415), and Danny Clasevilla (DJ Supreme LaRock). The collection included vintage boomboxes and music production equipment from the golden era of hip-hop, plus select styles and sneakers from brands like British Knights, Lotto, and of course Adidas. Jack Ryan
A jaw-dropping late ‘80s corduroy Ellesse hat from “The Holy Grail” collection, in pristine condition. Jack Ryan
Mix the old with the new! Sellers Rebekah Davis-Yates and Meachell Horton of Portland’s Wyld Stallyn Vintage, pairing ‘80s silk lounge jackets and vintage Wu Wear with contemporary Gucci glasses and Adidas sneakers. Jack Ryan
One of my favorite fits of the day. Seller Josten McInnis of Major League 360 channels late ‘80s Spike Lee in an early ‘90s Cherokee silk shirt, Casio digital watch and Prince hat from 1993’s “Emancipation” album. Jack Ryan
My other favorite look at the show. Karen Chou of Pom Pom Chou in Easter egg pastel shoes by FILA, vintage ‘90s mall pants, a homemade bum bag and Brandi Melville top. Her entire booth matched this aesthetic. Jack Ryan