Strange Fruit Vintage

Behind-the-scenes of SFV

2011-07-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, we had the opportunity of shooting with the great Darius Williams of Aquarius Creative Studios for our Summer 2011 collection of rad vintage finds.

Models Ava Martin, Najee Strickland and S. Julian added the fierce. SFV added the fashion. Rachel B. and Kimmie added the fun. Here are a few behind the scenes shots...very soon what you see will be for sale on our site!!

Strange Fruit Vintage is progressing... (once again)

2011-07-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

All our progress is an unfolding, like a vegetable bud. You have first an instinct, then an opinion, then a knowledge as the plant has root, bud, and fruit. Trust the instinct to the end, though you can render no reason.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"art is the issue" freestyle (c) 2011

2011-07-06T23:14:00.000-07:00

art rises to the occasion
waking when you become complacent
grab the brush it's time for creatin'
poems read.
canvas red
marks made either way
alive at night
you sleep i write
you rest, i'm restless
trying to realize dreams
trust issues with sleep
she wants me to waste away
knowing all the while
i'm just trying to find a way
to be the artist i am at night
during the day.

"I am writing as I go" 4-27-09

2011-05-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am a writer, a poet of sorts,
raised on Mule Bone and the Ballot or the Bullet
I learned eloquence in penmanship from the best
it matters not how it looks
but how it resonates with the people

I stood before crowds, or just you, and poured my soul
in vowels and verbs leaving the last drop for periods
to end that...and begin the next
journey... thought...fight!

Pick it up and put it back down
this applies to handwriting, books and love
And I am at this very moment doing all three
handwriting my book about love
more importantly the lessons in the lack there of...

It will be long...
discipline for those of you that have acquired an appetite for 160 characters
an a lack of appreciation for vowels
it will be full of relationships some lasting mere chapters
but making lasting impressions in and on my life
it will be gut-wrenching and heartbreaking and awe-inspiring

forward written by Ilyasah Shabazz
family should always come first
published and edited by the grace of God

dripping tears on pages at times, hopefully more joyful ones than not...
not
knowing all the while that this has been my life and the experiences are engrained in my mind
so there is no fear for lost content
there is a fear of duplication duplication duplication duplication

this is where the writing should resonate...
I am writing as I go and as I grow people...bare with me
It WILL end perfectly...

Petey (C)

The Beautiful Ones...

2011-05-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

Out of sheer respect, here's the Prince version, but Mariah and Mr. Thong Song killed it too in '97.

2011-05-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

Waiting for you.

2011-05-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

How divine...humbling...settling and awe inspiring it is to know that your dreams are unique and patiently waiting just for you. just for you. I will be back soon, I'm currently cruisin' in my dreams.

THEY SHOOTIN'...aww made you look!

2011-04-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

Strange Fruit Vintage will be shooting new looks this weekend for the online store in partnership with the fab photographer Darius Williams of Aquarius Creative Studios. Many stellar vintage pieces are about to make their spring debut!!!! It's about damn time. right?

He's what you want, I'm what you need.

2011-04-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

I fell absolutely head over heels for The Weeknd a week or so ago. You should too if your heart beats. Also you can download the full album here for FREE and we can have matching ipods The Weeknd - House of Balloons.

Billie Holiday's Rehearsal Tape circa '55

2011-04-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

2011-04-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

stone wash.

Happy Birthday Billie Holiday

2011-04-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

Southern trees bare Strange Fruit
like writers, designers and actors,
painters, poets and dancers,
expressionists,
knowing that life is what you make it.

-Petey (R) 2009 in honor of Billie Holiday and you.

Monterey Jazz Festival, 1958
Photograph by Jerry Stoll

2011-04-06T12:15:00.001-07:00

Foreverland.

2011-03-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

South Africa.

2011-03-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

2011-03-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

I do.

2011-03-21T09:35:00.001-07:00

Oneness

2011-03-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

Haiti x Japan

2011-03-16T07:49:00.001-07:00

Field of Yellow Dreams...

2011-03-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

It's common knowledge that "if you build it, they will come" (Field of Dreams circa '89). This week, particularly this dreary Monday, we are wondering "if we blog it, will they come?" They, meaning sunshine of course, because we are so over winter and so ready for fields of sunshine dripped dreams, starring high-waisted denim shorts, wide brim hats and plunging (because we cut 'em up) necklines.

Here goes something...lovely shots of sunshine inspired hues from some of the internet's best self-proclaimed stylists. Let us know if this brings out the sunshine in your neck of the woods.

2011-03-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

Life is exact. That don't make it fair.

Singers worthy of the throne: Introducing KING

2011-03-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

KING is a soulful, organic trio of young women here to bring a fresh creativity to music and change the world through their art.

2011-03-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

Marie Claire Italia March ’11

2011-03-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

Swear & Shake and smile if it helps...

2011-03-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

2011-03-10T08:49:00.000-08:00

Fille de Joie

2011-03-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

This time last year, I was definitely a fille de joie (girl of joy), enduring sleepless nights as I multi-tasked working a job and creating a dream. I interacted with commodious amounts of rodent poop and mold in search of the best vintage finds at somebody's mother's mother's estate sale. I traveled to seven cities, racking up frequent flyer miles and wearing out Iceberg Slick (my car). I unpacked years of memories from beach cruisers to family photos to recreate a decade. I enlisted 22 friends and family and prepped them to become overnight sensations and lifelong loves. I prayed, as I usually do, because in the midst of all of this, from conception to creation, I knew then, what I know now, that I am but a vessel for my creator's gifts. Lastly, this fille de joie, sought inspiration, from people, places and decades that shared my love for vintage and my passion to share it with you.

As Strange Fruit Vintage prepares to celebrate one magnificent year of creativity, collaboration and vintage exposition, I can't help but be reflective on all that we've accomplished and hopefully inspired others to accomplish on your journey. We are working to create a robust online experience so that supporters worldwide can experience what Memphis has enjoyed for a year. We are streamlining the SFV inventory to feature only the best of the best vintage items that you aspire to own and we sought to find. We are preparing for our Spring/Summer look book which will continue a world changing theme of love. We are planning our one year anniversary festivities and lastly, this boutique de joie, is continuing to seek inspiration.

Last year, this time, Brooklyn's own Fille de Joie held an intimate fashion show plush with persian rugs, props and pretty people. They inspired us to not only sell vintage clothes but recreate atmospheres.

This year, during New York Fashion Week, Fille de Joie, held it's very own peep show. May you be so inspired by my rant, and by pictures from the peep show, to show us (the world) what you got!

-Petey

These boots were made for walkin'

2011-03-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

Amazing VINTAGE Italian leather caramel colored thigh high boots with embossing. Bossing.

I like to jokingly call myself a "gold digger" because I think "picker" sounds gross and "thrifter" sounds far too simple. I am a Gold Digger and these boots might as well be the California Gold Rush.

2011-03-08T21:33:00.001-08:00

"Trying to turn a lover into a friend is like potting a tree."

via Dream Hampton 

The stuff that my dreams are made of...

2011-03-08T21:23:00.001-08:00

"MOVE" Rachel Roy Spring 2011 film from Dominique Palombo on Vimeo.

refreshment in breathlessness.

2011-03-08T21:15:00.000-08:00

"I have known the joy and pain of friendship.
I have served and been served.

I have made some good enemies
for which I am not a bit sorry.

I have loved unselfishly, and I have fondled hatred
with the red-hot tongs of Hell.

That’s living."

- Zora Neale Hurston

We almost fell in love with Puck-Man instead...

2011-03-08T07:18:00.000-08:00

Released in 1980 as an arcade game, Pac-Man is still the little pellet muncher that we all love and the game my sister still crushes me on. In a recent Yahoo! article, we learned a few more things about our on-the-go (or on-the-run) guy. Starting with the fact that his original name was Puck Man, but they changed it because you little American heathens would potentially scratch off parts of the P and make him more relatable....

1. Chic Magnet. The reason Pac-Man was created was to attract female gamers. The arcade center was a playground for boys and it was dirty and grimey and the only way to clean it up, in essence, was to attract girls.

2. Goal-oriented Ghosts. Even though it may feel like everyone is after you, Blinky, the red ghost, is the only one who doggedly pursues you throughout the game. Pinky, the pink ghost , simply wants to position itself at a point that's 32 pixels in front of Pac-Man's mouth. The blue ghost, Inky, is seeking to position itself at a similar fixed spot. And Clyde, the orange ghost, moves completely at random.

3. Food Enthusiast. Pac-Man is completely food oriented all the way down to his design which is symbolic of a piece of pizza with one slice missing. In Japanese, "puck puck" is akin to the U.S. saying "munch munch". So the original name - Puck-Man - translated as "Munch man". (A savvy Midway Games official changed it to Pac-Man when the game hit the U.S. to discourage vandals from shaving off part of the "P," thereby creating an obscene word.)

Just because you are now more informed about Pac-Man, doesn't mean you are any better at the game. Challenge, let's go!

Super Mario & Friends

2011-03-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

David, vintage inspiration meets current trends, styled by Super Mario.

We are walking vintage. Every single day that we walk out the door and into the world, our goal is to kill all other outfits. Sometimes we fail, all the time we try. That's the great thing about fashion, you can continually reinvent yourself and your style, every day that you walk out the door and into the world.

Recently, I got up with my friend David and I asked him why vintage is so important to him?

His response “Vintage is important to me because each generation adds something to the fashion world. I can now pull fashion from past decades to create fly outfits today. and the vintage era might have been the most fashionably era that there ever was.” Fresh words from a fresh man.

-Mario

Love is the only thing that can save us all.

2011-03-07T18:55:00.001-08:00

Born This Way

2011-03-06T22:14:00.000-08:00

Sure wish I still had that fanny pack. Niagara Falls circa '89

2011-03-02T08:49:00.000-08:00

"The most beautiful clothes that can dress a woman are the arms of the man she loves. But for those who haven’t had the fortune of finding this happiness, I am there."

— Yves Saint Laurent

Iman for YSL, French Vogue, 1980

Intern "Super Mario" is the game changer for SFV

2011-03-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

The reality is when Super Mario Bros. came out in 1985, our fly intern wasn't even born. Getting over that small earth-shattering detail, our Super Mario has an impeccable sense of style, a love for vintage clothing, a pure writing ability, and a thirst for all things fashion. All of this, plus that pretty face, make him the supreme addition to the Strange Fruit Vintage family. Hopefully, you met him at our last Pop-Up Shop, you will see some of his styling ability in our upcoming spring look book and you can always check him out here, on the SFV blog.

"Innerview" with Mario:

"Vintage is classic. It means much more than a big "E" Levi's jean jacket or a pair of deadstock Ray Bans. It's a lifestyle clothed in items and a time period long gone. Vintage has a huge impact on today’s fashion world. The reality is, if it wasn’t for the originality of past fashions, trends, cars, furniture, and hair styles then we would have nothing to build upon, finesse, and make our own today.

Yesterday’s portrait drips paint on today’s canvas.

With my personal style, I am paying homage to creators and hopefully inspiring new creations. I'm glad to be a part of the Strange Fruit Vintage family because SFV is working to keep the past a part of our present. Think of it as a bit of history, in your closet."

follow him on twitter @Supa_Mario_Bros

Sample Clearance: He put the Will in Willow.

2011-03-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

The Last Day x The First Day.

2011-02-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

Today signifies the last day of this year's Black History Month. It also signifies the first day of the rest of your life. I am redefining what that means for me, what my history will look like, I invite you to do the same.

Bitches Brew for Efrem and you.

2011-02-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

I felt Dizzy and Sonia, heaven and Miles between my thighs

Better than love, we made delicious

INNERVIEW: Kendrick Daye creator of Art Nouveau Magazine

2011-02-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

We got the dope opportunity to chop it up with creator of Art Nouveau Magazine, Kendrick Daye.

This Thursday, Art Nouveau Magazine celebrates three years of avant garde art exposition with a party featuring THEOPHILUS LONDON! For tickets visit www.an-mag.com/3. Accept the Nouveau.

SFV: What are three things attendees can expect to experience at the anniversary party?
KD: 1> Debauchery 2> Bass Infected Pop Music 3> Theophilus London

SFV: During your artistic journey to realizing your dreams, what have you learned to be true? What have you learned to be false?
KD: What I've learned to be true is that there really are no rules. Everybody is after the same thing, but not everybody goes about it the same way. If you keep at it long it and do you long enough people are going to have to notice. What I've learned to be false is other people's opinions. When you have a vision and you believe in it so much, what they have to say doesn't matter.

SFV: Some really fly individuals in the fashion, art and music scene have graced the pages of Art Nouveau over the last three years including Coco&Breezy, J*Davey and Ron English. What can readers expect this year in the pages of Art Nouveau Magazine?
KD: The next issue entitled GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS will be our tribute to the art of the pinup. Expect some visually stimulating art & design.

SFV: I sell vintage clothes with Strange Fruit Vintage and I spend a lot of my time and energy introducing or re-engaging people in all things 80s and 90s. So, it's only right that I ask the person who spends his time introducing people to the "nouveau" a question about the "vieux" (old). Who are some artists, long gone, who have inspired you as a creator?
KD: Andy Warhol. Picasso. Basquiat, Keith Haring and Milton Glaser.

SFV: What mind blowing experience are ATliens, and any person smart enough to make the commute to Art Nouveau Magazine's 3rd Anniversary Party, in store for when Theophilus hits the stage?
KD: I'm a fan and I don't know what to expect. This is the first time I'll have seen him live and I'm just uber amped to see the songs I've hummed along too for so long played live.

Thanks Kendrick! Here's to many more years of creativity, insanity and Art Nouveau Magazine.

Follow the leader:
@artnouveaumag
www.an-mag.com

Video Killed the Radio Star

2011-02-17T22:19:00.000-08:00

Recently, the lovely crew at Live From Memphis ~~tortured~~ invited me to watch music videos in preparation for the upcoming 6th Annual Music Video Showcase.

In two hours, I saw a host of really good and really not-so-good music videos from all over the country. And while my lips are sealed on which is what, late night reflections on the event made me wonder how we could possibly resurrect radio, quickly. Because, some things just shouldn't be seen and by the same token, some things are meant to be seen again and again.

Here are some of my favorite vintage music videos. I am in no way arguing that these are the best, I'm merely saying they left a lasting impression on me all these years.

Also, if you're in Memphis or have the urge to travel, join us for the Music Video Showcase, the weekend of March 12 and watch the new videos that several of us selected as "made for TV viewing pleasure."

8 of the full 18 minutes...Shuh-moan

Sanrio celebrates 50 years of pick pocketing parents!

2011-02-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

Pencil protectors, erasers, pencils with the eight colors of ink, back packs, thermos, plush animals, folders, lip gloss, gum and a whole host of expensive items I had to have or I would just DIE remind me just how awesome Sanrio is and my childhood was. It also reminds me of just how much dinero my mom shelled out so I would fit in with the other 5th graders.

Fret not dear readers, I was on a quest to be different even back then. My friends pretty much all loved the sweet faced "Hello Kitty." Who wouldn't? And it wasn't until fairly recently that I found out the store wasn't named "The Hello Kitty Store." I on the other hand loved an underappreciated frog.

Introducing the original lady killer...

Happy Birthday Sanrio! Kiss the frog for me.

Love is...

2011-02-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

without a shadow of a doubt.

Happy Valentine's Day you sexy things!

2011-02-14T07:32:00.000-08:00

Love4DaHater Compilation Album AVAILABLE!!

2011-02-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Memphis hip hop artist, Jason Da Hater, was helping a complete stranger put air in her spare tire at a gas station on Poplar. During that short time span, and while he was preoccupied lending a helping hand, someone jumped in his car and sped off. They ended up stealing his paid off car and cell phone.

As you may or may not know, Jason "Da Hater" Harris is a staple on the hip hop music scene. In addition to that, he is also a football coach at Whitehaven high school and consistently transports many of the boys to and from practice. While he's made a reputation for being known as "Da Hater" there are hundreds of us who know what a genuinely good and loving person he is.

19 Memphis area hip hop artists, a few deejays and producers and all of his friends and supporters are getting together to raise money, and show all of our LOVE FOR THE HATER!

Your donation large or small will help us raise money to help Jason.

We also want you to enjoy the Love 4 Da Hater Compilation Album by clicking the below link!

DOWNLOAD HERE DOWNLOAD HERE DOWNLOAD HERE

Thank you for the LOVE! SPREAD THE WORD!!

POOF! (THE POP UP SHOP!) RECAP

2011-01-31T18:18:00.000-08:00

DJ Manus

SFV's secret weapon AKA Mario

Get fresh crew.

Modest Fellow Lee

Shalishah "Petey" Franklin featured in Rediscover: Memphis doc

2011-01-31T10:11:00.000-08:00

So several months ago, I leaked some behind the scenes photos of a 20 person production crew invading my Strange Fruit Vintage studio.

Now, that the project has come to fruition I am happy to share! I, along with a few others including my dear Kerry Crawford of the I Love Memphis Blog, got to share our city from our view. Produced by Fremantle Media for Buick and featured on MSN.com here are a few videos and an extremely well written article about me! Enjoy.

http://rediscover.msn.com/default.aspx?id=26415088&tab=video&videoid=21

http://rediscover.msn.com/default.aspx?id=26415088&tab=video&videoid=20

http://rediscover.msn.com/profile.aspx?cityid=26415088&id=27289404

2011-01-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

L'amour.

2011-01-24T18:15:00.000-08:00

“The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along.”

-Jalal ad-Din Rumi

I am one of Memphis Flyer's Top 20 < 30

2011-01-23T21:48:00.000-08:00

So, a few weeks ago I found out I made the Memphis Flyer's Annual Top 20 Under 30 list! A few days later I found myself jumping on a trampoline. You know, to exude all of my youthfulness in print!

I am very proud of this accomplishment and of the other 19 fabulous 20 somethings sharing the pages with me! This is indeed a great accomplishment and an even greater birthday gift. It is also my last chance to get the nod, unless they expand the list to under 31. #sigh

Casio Gold Databank Watch+Memphis Tigers Vintage Tee+Cream Vintage Cardigan+70s Prison Jeans (literally). All Strange Fruit Vintage!

To read about me and the crew click here memphisflyer.com

Customer Love: Shelby Ann with an oversize fly SFV purse

2011-01-23T18:46:00.000-08:00

Thank you!

SFV presents POOF! (THE POP UP SHOP!)

2011-01-13T16:48:00.000-08:00

100+ items under $20.

you know you want some.

see you there.

Hand Ball.

2011-01-12T09:40:00.001-08:00

Ease on down.

2011-01-05T12:39:00.001-08:00

Customer Love: Nick Bailey in SFV Lacoste Pullover

2011-01-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

Thank You.

Customer Love: Corey Chism in french wool sweater. Oui Oui

2011-01-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

Thank You!

An Appletree full of friends...

2010-12-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

sparked by Brandon Tolson of Artistik Approach.

My Speech: MULYP Change Artist of 2010

2010-12-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the Memphis Urban League of Young Professionals for the inspiring work that many of my friends and peers do to make our city greater and for recognizing individuals who also believe in this community through our actions! I would also like to thank my fellow nominees longtime friend Ron Herd and Adrian Williams.

If you did not have the pleasure of attending this year's inaugural Change Agents Awards, below is my speech. I hope that you know, I wrote it for the artist in you....

8th grade girls from the Neighborhood School experience the world-renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Company perform to Stax own Otis Redding at the Orpheum Theater.

Children in Smokey City, pass by a mural on the Dave Wells Community Center that depicts children just like them donning hats of possibility, firefighter, graduate, football player, chef.

Caritas Village and NIA Artist Collective host art exhibitions to bring about awareness of our community’s epidemics including HIV/AIDS, Breast Cancer and Infant Mortality.

20 Memphis area artists create and donate original artwork to raise more than $3,000 in just four hours at I heART Haiti art benefit. That money is then donated to rebuild a Haitian school for children with disabilities.

Children receive cost-effective and sometimes free ballet classes in Midtown because Collage dance Collective has dedicated its mission, energy and money to increasing the diversity in ballet worldwide.

A Strange Fruit Vintage fashion show gives 25 models, one deejay, one rapper, one violinist, three singers, two photographers, and one make-up artist an opportunity to showcase their talents to a sold out crowd of 200 people at a collaborative art space in downtown Memphis.

Through my enthusiastic experiences with the arts, I know that the next Frank Lloyd Wright, Zora Neale Hurston, Jean Michel Basquiat, Coco Chanel, Julia Childs lives here, in Memphis.

As artists, we create because it is through this passionate work of art that we speak. In turn, it is through your patronage and continued support that you show us you are listening.

For that and for this distinct honor, I thank you.

Shalishah "Petey" Franklin

Petey's Vintage Excursion in Canada

2010-12-14T12:09:00.000-08:00

I overdosed on vintage shopping in Toronto, Canada recently. I've been a huge fan of the Canadian vintage scene for a number of years. If you've supported me, and Strange Fruit Vintage, that long, than you may recall a great documentary I posted on the blog called Vintage Confidential. It highlighted rag yards, buy by the pound, various boutiques and collectors country-wide and why the vintage phenomena isn't going anywhere!

So with extremely high expectations and unbridled excitement, Toronto had a lot to live up to and I'm happy to report it did not disappoint! So many unique boutiques, so many great finds, so many passionate owners and most importantly an overflowing abundance of community-wide support.

One of my favorite quotes is "I rejoice in the success of others, knowing that there is plenty for us all" by Louise L. Hay. For years I have used this as a personal motto, to maintain my happiness and hopefulness for my own success as well as for all the great people I come across. The reality is, when we realize that we are on our own individual journeys and paths with no "competition," the road solely traveled becomes a lot more enjoyable and a lot less competitive.

I think Toronto, or at least the vintage scene, lives by this motto as well. At one boutique, I was given a hand drawn vintage boutique map, highlighting all of the great stores in the area. And with this our frigidly cold and fun thrifting excursion began.

Some of the great boutiques are highlighted below.

69 Vintage Collective

www.69vintage.com (website being redeveloped)

It doesn't get much more collaborative than three floors serving as home to seven vintage shops;

Tomorrow Never Knows, Stacked, Rozaneh, The Make Den, Buy the Pound, Ransack the Universe and 69 Vintage. There was a whole room dedicated to buying by the pound, and so I did!

Some buy the bar. I buy the pound.

Emma Doll, besides her lovely name, style,

and personality, she's a pretty fly and helpful Store Manager too.

Tomorrow Never Knows

www.tnkvintage.com

The tie that binds.

Because yesterday is a secret keeper.

Rozaneh Vintage Clothing & Textiles

Fantastic furs that would make Peta puke.

69 Vintage (The original location)

www.69vintage.com

I was on a hunt for boots and since none were my size, I photographed them instead.

Kealan Sullivan, the creator, full of life and love.

She wants to visit Texas, I hope she wears some of the boots in the boutique.

Here is a lovely article featuring Kealen and the vintage clothing war.

Magwood Vintage Pop Up Sale

at Chasse Garde'e

Gotta love the logo candle seal.

The cute creator of Magwood.

I'm a huge fan of Collage dance Collective!

2010-12-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

You should be too. www.collagedance.org or "like" em on Facebook!

What she said...

2010-12-13T09:26:00.001-08:00

BluBlockers Commercial

2010-12-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

If you own a pair of BluBlockers, I need you to know this commercial. I rapped the hell out of the first verse in 4th grade. "My name is geek I put em on as a shocka..."

Boombox: Knowledge Nick's new video is so Live

2010-12-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

Knowledge Nick, an emerging, backpack toting, thirsty young hip hop artist from the Memphis area is at it again with a new video! If you remember, Knowledge Nick, rocked the SFV Fashion Show. Follow him on Twitter @knowledgenick

When I say hip...

Shalishah "Petey" Franklin is being recognized as an Agent of Change!!

2010-12-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

I was just notified that I am a finalist in the Change Artist category at the 2010 Agents of Change Awards. As lightly as I typically like to tread it feels so wonderful when people recognize that I'm working creatively everyday to create the Memphis I want to see.

I'm humbled and honored. I highly respect the Memphis Urban League of Young Professionals and the great work my generation is doing in Memphis. Whether I go home with the award or not, I have definitely already won.

Never ever give up.

This event is sold out. Be there in spirit.

Black Student Association x SFV Fashion Show Recap

2010-12-07T11:18:00.000-08:00

Photos courtesy of Darius Williams

Congrats to the Black Student Association for a fly show!

Canada Eh!

2010-12-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

I must apologize for the lack of blogging, inventory posting, tweeting and all that jazz, I've been traveling instead. Canada treated me warm even though it was cold as polar bear toe nails in Toronto.

Here are a few pictures from the northern exposure. Stay tuned for a post dedicated to the lovely vintage shopping excursion in "T Dot."

I kind of hope someone didn't stand at Niagara Falls crocheting this to the

guard rail but it would make for good conversation and for great photos.

If you've seen my "pop up shop" flyer, it's from a 1980s The Bay ad.

Our hotel view of Lake Ontario. Silver linings are worldwide.

Customer Love: Jessica J. in an SFV vintage hat

2010-12-06T17:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome Home Emma Bullock!

2010-11-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

On my way to work this morning I was driving behind a car with one lone Welcome Home balloon in it. I smiled, knowing that life had probably been brought into the world and this indeed is a celebration.

My dear friends, laid their mother to rest this afternoon. This indeed is a celebration of life as well. And I'm smiling inside, because I'd like to believe that my God is giving Emma Bullock her Welcome Home balloon.

-Petey

2010-11-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

via Dirty Pretty Things

Happy Danniversary Pearl Jam!!!

2010-11-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

My sister Danni and I loved Pearl Jam...well technically she loved Pearl Jam and being my fabulously grungy older sister, I wanted to be just like her so, in turn, I loved Pearl Jam too.

Thank you ol' grunge era for making me thrift store, plaid button down shirt, faded t-shirt, holey levi's, dingy vans chic at age 8. Thank you Eddie Vedder for reeking of sexiness...you probably really reeked but it was definitely sexy. Thank you Pearl Jam for starting such an amazing group, 20 years ago this past August. Oh and thank you Rock Band for connecting this amazing group to a bunch of young whipper snappers. Even I thought the lyrics to Alive were "heeey imastead a lie" until Rock Band came out....(don't judge me!)

We are waiting on pens and coke needles for the new Pearl Jam Live album, "Live on Ten Legs."

SFV featured in the Black Student Association Annual Fashion Show

2010-11-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

photos courtesy of Munira Safiyah

New Seven on Sale on strangefruitvintage.com

2010-11-14T23:14:00.000-08:00

here's a tease...

visit www.strangefruitvintage.com to shop this week's digs.

SFV's Last Pop Up Shop of 2010

2010-11-14T17:54:00.000-08:00

Pop-Up [pop-uhp} (of a shop, restaurant, venue, or other small business) intentionally opening and closing for business within a very short span of time: a pop-up shop

Strange Fruit Vintage will be hosting our VERY LAST Pop-Up Shop in Memphis, Tennessee in 2010. We have so much to celebrate including an amazing eight months of business, four pop-up shops, more than 20 media mentions, two fashion show appearances in Memphis and Little Rock, one Strange Fruit Vintage Fall/Winter Showcase, an 80s hip hop party and an entire city infused with a whole new appreciation for high-quality and hand-picked vintage clothes!! Thank you!

We would like to go out with a big ol' bang so we're hosting a TWO-DAY STRANGE FRUIT VINTAGE POP-UP SHOP at an unprecedented event in partnership with the Broad Ave. Arts District.

300 vintage pieces for men and women, giveaways, and I'm spinning records from my personal collection! Check out the flyer below and we'll see you November, 19th and November, 20th!!

cash only please.

Sample Clearance: Somebody's Watching Me featuring Michael Jackson

2010-11-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

So truth be told, I was eating in a restaurant recently and heard what sounded like the "geico commercial" song featuring my love, Michael Jackson, on the hook. So, of course I had to dig a bit to figure out what this jam was...

In 1984 a young kid named Rockwell signed to Motown Records, and with the help of Michael and Jermaine Jackson on vocals, released a chart topping song called Somebody's Watching Me.

The story goes that it wasn't until after the song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984, number one on the Billboard R&B singles chart, and number six on the UK Singles Chart that Motown CEO Berry Gordy found out that Rockwell was really his son Kennedy Gordy. Not sure just how true this is but I kinda like it so we'll roll with it.

To date, this song has been sampled or covered about nineteen times including the memorable and eary Geico commercials.

I prefer this '84 joint because Michael Jackson can even make paranoia sound smooth.

Strange Fruit Vintage has a Crew

2010-11-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

...a production crew invading our studio for a few days and in a few weeks, we can show you why!

ILL STREET BLUES IS TONIGHT!

2010-11-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

here are some jams to get you hyped for tonight!

Nocturnal
1588 Madison Ave.
DJ Hush x Jason da Hater
$7, 21+ 9p-until

Cities Aviv opens for Wu

2010-11-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

This post could be about Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa of the Wu-tang Clan who recently played the Hi-Tone in Memphis. This post could be about the five dope deejays including my homies, DJ Hush and DJ Supaman, that spun for three hours before the show. It could also be about the wickedly diverse group of music lovers who were in attendance, in spite of the pretty penny of a ticket price.

This post is about all of those things. Most importantly, it's about my brother, homey, friend, Gavin Mays ripping the place to shreds....Ladies and Gents, this is Cities Aviv. Love him or hate him and either way he wouldn't give a rats a$$. @citiesaviv on Twitter.

Birds, per his request.

Check, got those!

2010-11-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

A snapshot of my Go Vote Speech presented by Twitter.com with a cameo by LL Cool J.

Groove to this...

2010-10-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

SFV featured on http://www.norococo.blogspot.com/

2010-10-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

These pics are so fly courtesy of Sophorn McRae
http://www.norococo.blogspot.com/

2010-10-27T21:28:00.003-07:00

In View - Photographer Ashle Bailey

2010-10-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

Strange Fruit Vintage Everyday People Fall & Winter Fashion Show pictures courtesy of Ashle Bailey. To see her amazing collection of 200+ pics from the night "like" the Strange Fruit Vintage fan page on Facebook!!

"They've got so much things to say right now" -Lauryn Hill

2010-10-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Everyday People Fall and Winter Fashion Show presented by Strange Fruit Vintage was completely off the chain. Full house of people, love and vintage clothes.

Several photographers captured the night and since I truly can not find the words to express my thanks and gratitude and to describe the experience to you...I'll show you.

These photos are courtesy of Young Fly Richy @youngflyrichy

Memphis Flyer features Strange Fruit Vintage...

2010-10-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

and they add that my "modern sensibility and eye for quality pieces have been the driving force behind Strange Fruit’s success." Just lovely. Read the article here.

Thanks to you...

2010-10-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

TI$A 2010 Footwear Collection Featuring tAz Arnold

2010-10-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

Oh yes I love him like...Egyptian, you want a description?
(the verdict is still out on the Vans inspired shoes though)

tAz Arnold x TI$A 2010 footweAr commerciAl:: from ti$a vi$ion tv on Vimeo.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!!!

2010-10-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

$10 PRESALE ONLY. Available at www.strangefruitvintage.com. Buy em now like Saturday morning Jordans.

NYSee

2010-10-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

homage

i am too.

peace. rest in.

labelmakers

weight control...ordering from a model infused menu.

power.

TASTE: Strange Fruit Vintage Fashion Show, 10/22

2010-10-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Artistik Approach and Cindy Lyles will bless the upcoming Strange Fruit Vintage Everyday People Fashion Show & Pop Up Shop.

Here is a taste of what beautiful music they produce collectively. And a little birdie told me they are going to throw it back, 80s style, for the show! #dope

SFV presents Everyday People Fall/Winter Fashion Show, 10/22

2010-10-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!

BUY HERE

Ode to Keith Electrified

2010-10-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

Saw these lovely photos on http://finoinyourglass.tumblr.com/ by photographer and fashion forward Finas Townsend. If you can't recognize it amongst the booze, beats and blur...those are my "Ode to Keith Haring" murals from the very first Strange Fruit Vintage Pop Up Shop at Odessa. rad.

What do Vintage Clothes, Kanye West and Barbra Streisand have in common?

2010-09-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

This fly Duck Sauce video...

Duck Sauce "Barbra Streisand" from Mr Goldbar on Vimeo.

Sample Clearance: Genius of Love birthed a Fantasy

2010-09-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Me and Mariah go back like babies and pacifiers...but me and Tom Tom Club go back even further. Both go hard in the paint if you ask me.

Congrats to I Love Memphis Winner - Andrea Allen

2010-09-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

homemade and funky fresh gift certificate!

For 30 days Ilovememphisblog.com has been giving away free shwag in celebration of their one year anniversary! I'm a few days late on congratulating the winner of a $50 gift certificate to Strange Fruit Vintage online boutique.

As sweet Kerry put it "Strange Fruit is a Memphis-based shop that sells awesome vintage and urban clothing. Shop owner Shalishah “Petey” Franklin hand-picks all of the items for sale, from the eclectic to the soon-to-be-favorites items. All of the clothes and accessories are affordable, which means that this gift certificate could go a long way."

And the winner is…
Andrea Allen!

CONGRATS WE HOPE YOU JOIN US AT THE UPCOMING FASHION SHOW (10/23) AND REDEEM YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFT CERTIFICATE!!!

Come here Cuties...

2010-09-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

2010-09-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

"there's no equilibrium, inebriated until i'm numb, intoxicated until i'm dumb, to avoid confrontation. these social drugs."

Lauryn Hill - Social Drugs

2010-09-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Stumbled upon Aaron Camper's rendition of Water Runs Dry. I seem to like it. Do you?

Water Runs Dry by BriclynEnt

This week's Seven on Sale.

2010-09-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

{drumroll please} Here are the first seven vintage items for sale on the all new Strangefruitvintage.com. Enjoy and cop your fav piece before someone else does. All items for sale until Sunday, September 12, 2010.

Pendleton Button Down & King Tut snapback.

Striped leotard.

SurfStyle pull over.

Sasson Capris.

Multi-color halter swing dress.

Italian tapestry clutch.

The ALL NEW STRANGEFRUITVINTAGE.COM IS HERE!

2010-09-06T14:47:00.001-07:00