Perched on the western edge of the continent, at the sweet spot between north and south, Santa Cruz catches a multitude of currents swirling through the stylistic universe. For our fashion issue this year we decided to explore three unique Santa Cruz looks arising from this fertile cultural meeting place: the DIY buckle-and-feather chic that takes its cues from the tipi-dwelling denizens of 1970s coastal California; hip-hop style adapted to Santa Cruz pride and sporting unmistakably local humor; and upscale fashion with a defiantly playful twist entirely appropriate to the Santa Cruz worldview. Thanks go to all the photographers, stylists and models who put time and effort into this project and to shopkeepers who loaned us clothing; all names and items are listed below each slide show.
On Sophia: Vintage reconstructed blouse by Arielle Rose ($?), vintage belt with buckle ($32), black Bandit Brand tee ($24), vintage fringe skirt ($?), vintage Dingo western boots ($80).
On Hannah: pink Idylwild tank ($36), vintage woven belt ($28), Minnetonka fringe boots ($80), denim western shirt ($24).
On Sean: Black Bandit Brand Ride Hard tee ($24), white Bandit Brand Willie tee ($24), vintage Pendleton shirt ($36).
All clothes from Idle Hands Dry Goods
Stylist: Rachel Edelstein
Photographer: Alex Zamora
On Rachael: Hoof and Horn leather headpiece ($26), blue prairie dress ($25), vintage belt ($34), vintage cowboy boots ($46), white Bandit Brand tee ($24), vintage prairie skirt ($20), vintage black fringe vest ($50).
On Angie: navy Horse Bird crop top ($26), black studded Minnetonkas ($80), black fringe vest ($50), white Bandit tee ($24), tan Idylwild long-sleeved tee ($48).
All clothes from Idle Hands Dry Goods.
Stylist: Rachel Edelstein
Photographer: Anthony Mayes
On Krishan Simonpillai of Santa Cruz hip hop group Can’t Stop Us, black Pray for the Weak T-shirt by So Fresh ($24), black BLVD hat by Primitive ($40) and orange and black SC hat by So Fresh ($35). On Alwa Gordon, also of Can’t Stop Us, black LRG cardigan ($69), red, white, green and black CALI hat by So Fresh ($35) and maroon Expensive Taste hat ($35).
All clothes from So Fresh Clothing
Stylist: Tessa Stuart
Photographer: Chip Scheuer
On Maya Weeks: Black and white striped modal tank by Covet ($46 at Stripe), black silk shorts by Lush ($26.50 at Sway), apple red footless leggings by Hue ($12.50 at Legs), Doll black booties by BeautiFeel ($259 at Sockshop & Shoe Co.), two-toned natural Helina hat by Helen Kaminski Australia ($184 at The Hat Company), vintage necklace ($40) and earrings ($16) from Stripe. Antique peach silk blouse by line & dot ($64 at Stripe), chestnut tights by Hue ($12.50 at Legs), Bloom Boom Boom knitted knee-high stockings with bows ($20 at Legs), black Cusus booties by Tsubo ($130 at Sockshop & Shoe Co.).
On Tara Apriletti: silk Atlas top by line & dot ($58 at Stripe), MeMoi black leggings ($30 at Legs), Acrea pumps by Tsubo ($110 at Sockshop & Shoe Co.).
Stylist: Maya Weeks, with assistance from Traci Hukill
Photographer: Chip Scheuer
Studio: Digital Media Factory
