The Cultured Wasteland Trunk Show was a vintage haven for the discerning fashionista, simply because online vintage shops came to life–literally. The event was comprised of vendors that sold trendy, pre-loved clothing, some of which included: Hardcouture, Joellenlove’s Closet Shop, and Vagabond Youth. World Class Youth, a company that hosts and produces community service events based on fashion, held the Trunk Show last weekend on July 2nd.

Photo credit: Joellenlove’s Closet Shop

Photo credit: Joellenlove’s Closet Shop

(HardCouture’s Kristine Lopez) Photo credit: Joellenlove’s Closet Shop

Analyssa Benedict, CEO and founder of World Class Youth, noticed the seeming-so everlasting vintage clothing trend, which is typically found at online shops and at high-end vintage boutiques in Los Angeles. She wanted to make it convenient for those who are unable to pay for shipping and want to save a little gas money by holding the event in Bellflower at the cute and cozy Angel City Cafe.

“I’m thinking, you know, a lot of customers wanna see this stuff in person,” Benedict said. “So why not have a little event and have these vendors all come and sell from their online stores?”

When first walking into the venue, we noticed that music was playing at a high, groove-able volume, yet tolerable enough to talk over without shouting. We found Analyssa, dressed in a chic feathered cape and a leopard dress, greeting customers behind a table covered in leopard cloth. Tickets for the event were $4, and a portion of the proceeds go to the Red Cross.

Photo credit: Joellenlove’s Closet Shop

We first stopped by Joellenlove’s Closet Shop, which sold many designer vintage pieces, including Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs. Joellen, the owner, finds many of her clothes from vintage boutiques, thrift stores, and estate sales. T-shirts for her band, Asian Girls Luv It!, were also sold in-person for her fans as they were selling at a high demand online. She shared a booth with Hardcouture and Cayliek.

Get this: they even had a $2 bin filled with vintage goodies.

Photo credit: Joellenlove’s Closet Shop

Vagabond Youth’s booth had clothing that ranged from the 1960’s to the 1970’s, and, for those “I love high-waisted anything” fans, they also had DIY high waisted jean shorts. They were studded, cut-off, destroyed–you name it. The slogan for their shorts line is “Get high. Waisted.” Clever, right?

Patrick, a customer who purchased a cardigan and a leather jacket, thought that the event met his expectations. “It’s pretty awesome. Sexy people, nice dressers everywhere,” he said.

Yeah, there definitely were “nice dressers everywhere.” Girls in floppy hats, maxi dresses and skirts, high waisted shorts, piled accessories, and heels were seen all around the room.

Thought you missed out? Round two of the Trunk Show will be held at the same place on July 30, from 10am to 3pm.

World Class Youth will also be having a fashion show on August 23rd to help raise awareness on human trafficking, and some of the designers on the lineup will include Lisa Michelle and Daisy Gonzalez.

“Each month, we have a new charity,” said Andrea Trejo, PR director for World Class Youth. “We’re trying to get back with what we love to do, and that is working with fashion.”

For more information, make sure to visit: 
http://joellenlove.blogspot.com/

http://shopjoellenlove.tumblr.com/

About the Author

Mory Men is currently studying Literary Journalism and Digital Arts at the University of California, Irvine. She produced the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network’s “Changing Lives” series and blogged for UCI’s Fashion Interest Group. Aside from writing and website designing,she enjoys going to concerts, shopping, and reading fashion blogs.

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