Local designer and fashionista Andrea Fenise talked to six young Memphians about how the city has shaped their fashion sense. Here’s what they had to say — and, more importantly, here’s how they show it off.
Faizah Husniyah
“Memphis has influenced my style by simply being the birthplace of rock-and-roll and soul. I’m an oldies girl, and ’70s fashion is where my heart lies. So every time I get dressed, I am channeling that funky, groovy, ‘ain’t-nothing-like-it’ vibe that is Memphis.”
Andrea Fenise
Faizah Husniyah
Outfit: ’50s custom Sara Fredericks silk-taffeta-belted dress coat from Fox + Cat Vintage; ’70s sunglasses from Fox + Cat; earrings from Anthropologie; Red Velvet boots from Dollskill; clutch from Fox + Cat
Katie Gore
“Memphis is a singularly iconic hub for music, dance, and the fine arts. It has been a catalyst for change, but, historically, also a retail destination. My style draws from the convergence of its rich cultural history with its recent revitalization of a vibrant cityscape.”
Andrea Fenise
Katie Gore
Outfit 1(below): 1970s Ja-na of Hawaii pink-and-yellow brocade jumpsuit; shoes, Louboutin; vintage bangles: aqua lucite bangle, ’80s gold-tone watch bangle, ’40s mustard bangle; ’70s dotted sunglasses; ’50s coblentz white leather, top-handle purse
Andrea Fenise
Outfit 2 (above): ’60s Lisa Cobb Serbin white cotton lace tunic, hammered-metal hoops; ’50s yellow, embossed-leather, top-handle purse
Jennifer Hall Burris
“Memphis is a rich blend of people from all over the world. I find great beauty and inspiration in seeing such different individuals coming together to form something greater than themselves. Fashion has become the tool I use to reflect that beauty.
“Memphis evokes both darkness and beauty from its artists. When creating my music for Crown Vox, it felt natural to pour both into my work. When I discovered local fashion designer Mary Sue Ambrose, her creations amplified my vision and created a distinct style that is uniquely Crown Vox.”
Andrea Fenise
Jennifer Hall Burris
Outfit 1: Vintage ’70s playsuit and purse from Fox + Cat Vintage; heels, Gianni Bini; various sterling silver bangles, earrings, Target
Andrea Fenise
Outfit 2: cape and neck collar, Mary Sue Ambrose; clock purse, Alexander McQueen; bodysuit and disco pant, American Apparel; thigh-high boots, Steve Madden
David Quarles
“Memphis culture is based in its celebration of history, and my style is just that. I love pairing classic style with cultural prints and fabrics.”
Andrea Fenise
David Quarles
Outfit: Glasses, Aldo; shirt, Forever 21; Joggers Old Navy Shoes; Cole Haan belt; Xios bracelets IVJD, SprezzaBox
Thuyvi Vo
“Memphis is a true melting pot, so it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly one style that defines us, which is reflective of my personal style. I go through phases as quickly as seasons change. One second, I want to replicate a very simple, modern look with clean lines and oversized fits, and the next, I’m mixing patterns, colors, and mediums. But I think that’s part of the evolution of style: It’s ever-changing. However it translates for you, that’s perfectly okay.”
Outfit: top, Madewell; skirt, Madewell; jacket, Rodarte; sandals, Brand; black
jewelry, Question the Answer
Andrea Fenise
Jacob Ashcraft and Thuyvi Vo
Jacob Ashcraft
“Growing up in the Memphis area, you get exposed to so many different cultures and personalities that it starts to have an effect on your personal style. We’re a working-class urban city, surrounded by a rural Southern landscape. Those two cultures collide into what makes up my personal style. Worn leather boots, Levi’s, a plaid or denim shirt are a usual go-to. It’s just simple traditional workwear but with a modern fit.”
Outfit: Chambray shirt, J. Crew; Jeans, Levi’s; shoes, vintage; glasses, J. Crew
See the photos that didn’t fit in the print feature here:
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