Ironically, I met Mr. Reese on a indescript, spring afternoon. He wore enormous, gold framed, non-prescription glasses that were reminiscent to an homage of M.C. Hammer. I knew instantaneously that this man;- Was interesting.
- Had an acute sense of humor.
- He enjoyed toying with fashion.
Months have past by and I have confirmed each assumption. Between silly jokes and his infectious laughter, his precious bow ties, coupled with a snappy collection of hats and glasses, all accounts accuse him of being anything but blasé.
Infatuated by Paul's personal style, I wanted to uncover his inspiration and history. Paul is a product of California: born in Pomona, raised in Fontana, and now residing and working in Long Beach. Mr. Reese is a retail manager on the infamously dubbed, "Retro Row,"
{click for info.} an entire street dedicated to vintage fashion, furniture and coveted regalia. Paul manages the men's vintage clothing store christened Na Na La, which translates to 'sunflower' in Hawaiian. Paul describes the focus of the store as being without genre.
"We pride ourselves on being genre-less. We are eclectic embracing all styles, while appreciating the art of fashion."
Curious about the evolution of Mr. Reese's personal style, I inquired as to where, and when he started wearing vintage. "In 2002 I became tired of shopping in malls. I felt limited based off of what I "should be" wearing rather than what I wanted to wear. When shopping vintage, I find one-of-a-kind pieces. Some of the pieces have become personal, and living memories I take with me where ever I go." I can relate to Paul's view on garments becoming jealously guarded treasures. My favorite dress is an asian inspired silk, floral of my mother's. The frock has become an old, reliable, dear friend. I'm sure many can relate to Paul's confession.
What inspires Paul's fashion choices and personal style? Art. An advocate of unorthodox color combinations, Paul looks to paintings for inspiration. And like a mood ring, his color pallet often reflects the mood he's brewing. "I'm also inspired by kids from high school. High school is hard, and in those circles you are constantly judged by your appearance. I love to see what bold things they are wearing. It just reaffirms that what I'm doing is right." I can commiserate with Paul here as well. High school kids {particularly in Los Angeles} are extremely bold and creative with personal expressions of style. It amazes me to see kids crossing the street in high-waisted shorts, and brocaded blouses paired with vintage bags. The school halls are a breeding ground for creative wardrobe choices, and the cusp of what's next in fashion.
Paul went on to explain that he remembers how he was teased in high school for his clothing. Shockingly most of the laughter came from black males on his campus. "I used to get laughed at because I didn't dress in the norm for my race. My ass wasn't hanging out of pants that were four sizes too big for me. I didn't wear shirts with Sean John written across the front." It's fascinating what clothing says about the individual. Even more intriguing is how people are affected by what their neighbors are wearing. Why were Paul's peers sneering at his creativity? More than likely they were envious of Paul capturing a distinct style of his own.
Aside from Na Na La Vintage, and their sister store for women: Imonni {which translates to potato in Japanese.}
Paul suggests these vintage stops:
- All the Thrift Store in the Centos, Long Beach area.
- Aids Assistance Thrift Store: {click for info} Paul explained, "They have a great collection largely made from the closets of the elderly women volunteer's, and their dead husband's wardrobes."
- Old Town Pomona on 2nd St./ Gray they have great shops and consignment stores.
- Retro Row of Long Beach
