People of all ages, genders and backgrounds gathered at a record store in Fort Worth to appreciate clothing and music.
Doc’s Records and Vintage hosts a vintage flea market every third Saturday of the month with live music from local musicians and free beer provided by Fort Brewery. Vendors line the alley behind the building with people flowing in and out to appreciate the live bands surrounded by rows of vinyl inside.
The market is kid-friendly with even some of the vendors bringing their children along. The next vintage flea market will be from noon to 6 p.m. March 21 at 2628 Weisenberger St.
NW student Santiago Lara co-owns a booth where he sells hand-picked vintage clothing. He said his inspiration to start his business, Estrit Vintage, was his grandmother.
“Over there in Mexico, she would sell clothes that she would buy from the U.S., and she would sell it over there,” he said. “So, I began to do somewhat like that over here.”
Lara said while his goal is to grow his business, he also hopes to create new friends within the space with people who have similar interests and hobbies.
Tucked in the alley between several other tents sat Cavalinho Vintage. With earthy elements such as the branches hanging from the tent acting as clothes racks, Cavalinho Vintage stuck out among the rest.
The owner Jasmine Herrera explained that she grew up in the countryside and attributed her two identities of being Mexican American to why she upcycles materials and is such an advocate for thrifting and slow fashion.
“Growing up, I would always go to yard sales, garage sales with my parents and family. And it was truly out of necessity. It was what we could afford,” Herrera said. “I’m also a strong advocate for sustainability and slow fashion. I think that that’s so imperative, especially in our current time and age, that high fashion and fast fashion is taking an extreme toll on our environment degradation in that aspect.”
The pieces Herrera picks to add to her inventory, she said, is a reflection of herself. She tries to pick pieces out that will make people feel like “their most electric self.” She said that’s what drives her.
“What I really love to see is when other people pick up a piece and they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, this would look great with this said thing that I currently have,’” Herrera said. “I’m also a big fan of always saying life is your runway. So, you can dress in some stilettos with a gown to the grocery store. Why not?”
Above all else, a sense of community is what seemed to draw people in.
Shopper Tala Sudad said she has been to events similar to Doc’s but never really had the chance to actually soak them in. She said the casual vibe of Doc’s allowed her to actually enjoy her time.
“I like how easy it is to talk to people,” Sudad said. “I feel like you can just walk up to someone and start talking to them and you’ll find a new person to talk to, like a new friend.”
In a group of friends, Sudad hopped from tent to tent scoping out all the unique pieces looking for the perfect piece to add to her collection.
Even for those who aren’t into fashion, there was still something for them to enjoy. Caegan Damuth said he just happened to be in town and wanted to support some of his friends.
“I just like cool stuff, and I like coming here ‘cause there’s cool music inside,” Damuth said. “The girl that’s in our band, she also works here so we like to come here, see her, support her, do what we can.”
The night before his band, Spurred, performed at the Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios in Denton. He said he’s not big into fashion, but he does make clothes for local bands.
“I’m a screen printer, so I print for bands and stuff,” Damuth said. “It’s cool coming out here and seeing the difference because there’s also people here that do that so it’s cool to connect and see people.”
