My love for vintage clothing began in my Philadelphia childhood, spent scouring Village Thrift stores for paper-thin ringer tees, flannel shirts, disco-era fur-lined suede jackets, 80s puffers, and worn-in denim. My older sister and I would transform these finds, slitting denim down the sides and adding colorful fabric inserts to create unique flares. The thrill of the hunt for clothes with decades of history woven into each stitch, coupled with the camaraderie among fellow thrifters and the nostalgic soundtrack of soft rock hits, made these excursions unforgettable. Even at 13, I found comfort in the musty vapors of the past and the satisfaction of sorting through my treasures at home.
My passion for vintage continued after a difficult move to the Midwest for college. Homesick for the diversity of Philadelphia, I found solace in exploring the local thrift stores along highways 64/40 and Interstate 44. My scavenging evolved into a small business, selling my finds for profit. My roommate and I even repurposed old garments into new creations, fueled by beer and the hum of her grandmother’s Singer sewing machine in our dorm room. Some of these less successful experiments ended up at Rag-O-Rama, a local vintage haven.
While my early creations were far from impressive, the process of deconstruction and reconstruction taught me the value of breathing new life into old garments without erasing their history. My college education faded into the background, but my memories of Rag-O-Rama remain vivid: an impossibly soft, original Peaches Records baby tee; high-waisted black, boot-cut Brittania jeans that survived countless repairs; rare, original Air Force 1s that I still wear; and the iconic Wrangler denim jacket, a piece of Rama Fashion that has endured far longer than a relationship with a naysaying ex-boyfriend.
This Wrangler jacket, a symbol of resilience and personal style, has been my constant companion from St. Louis to New York, and eventually London, Milan, and Paris. It’s a piece of medium-blue denim armor that has provided warmth and protection throughout my journey. A recent tear on the left elbow, a testament to its well-worn history, remains unrepaired, a badge of honor showcasing its enduring character.
