When I'm not busy styling clients, I love to go window shopping around Seattle. The city has many hidden gems, especially the scores of vintage shops tucked away in each neighborhood. I love mixing new items with vintage clothing, and my favorite vintage shop to visit is always Bon Voyage Vintage. The owner, Keith, and I have spent many hours over the years talking fashion.
Recently, I popped into the store and saw a leather jacket hanging on the rack. Let me tell you, when I see something special, I know. I had to have it. Keith told me, "You've got to meet this designer. He's from Seattle, and his name is Avery."
I learned that the designer, Avery Tien, had started teaching himself to make clothes during the pandemic. He uses a method called upcycling, taking found clothing and reworking it into creative pieces all his own. I put on the leather jacket, and the rest is history. Once I finally got the chance to meet Avery, I was taken by his bold, strong sense of style. He was kind, funny, and cool, and I became an instant fan, following his work and watching his career begin to take off.
When ARTE NOIR approached me to start writing a quarterly style column, I knew that Avery was the first designer I wanted to highlight. We planned to present a style showcase for the First Fridays CD Art Walk, where we could collaborate together, spotlighting my styling skills and Avery's designs. Our worlds came together so effortlessly. Putting the looks together and watching his genius at work was exciting, and it challenged me to think about fashion and the story we were telling in a way I hadn't done before. We brought in live models to showcase his designs in ARTE NOIR's gallery, and the space was buzzing with excitement—with art walkers, people from the fashion world, and newcomers to the space. He sold nearly all of the one-of-a-kind pieces he brought to the show.
I sat down afterward to reflect with Avery and learned that he became interested in fashion around middle school and that he is inspired by Virgil Abloh, Rick Owens, and streetwear. With his brand, he hopes to open the door for more young Black designers and bridge the gap in that way. He told me, "Fashion is a powerful way to express myself without talking. It's all about feeling good."
I learned so much from working with Avery. New ideas mixed with classics made the perfect pair—a new relationship from an old relationship. We became fashion friends, and collaborating together has been a highlight of my year. People often ask where the fashion is in Seattle. The new crop of visionary Black designers is right here in our midst, and I can't wait to keep styling with them and telling their stories.
To schedule a style consultation with Justin, connect with him through Lafayette 148 New York.
Photos from the pre-showcase style fitting and the February 7th Style Showcase event at ARTE NOIR. Credit Hilary Northcraft.
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