The cultural zeitgeist of vintage appeal has exploded in the past couple of years. Fei of Fei Vintage was born into it and has built her reputation upon it. A stylist, content creator, artist, small business owner and overall lover of arts can sum up the core of who Fei is. Her style is centered around sustainability with an eye catching flare sure to make you ask yourself, “Where did she get that?!”
Fresh off the opening of her new online vintage store, Fei Vintage, Fei is determined to dress up Indianapolis one outfit at a time. I got to sit down with the fashion based artist to find out more about her journey as an entrepreneur and her origins of meshing sustainability and fashion flawlessly to create her unique style. To learn more about Fei and her style check out the interview below!
Name: Fei
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Occupation: Wardrobe Stylist, Content Creator & Boutique owner.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Louisville, but I grew up here in Indianapolis. I went to Arsenal Tech high school.
What is your earliest memory of a noticeable interest in fashion?
My family has told stories about me when I was young and going shopping with my aunt. I would pick out matching head to toe outfits, by myself. I was probably like three or four. It’s like I have always had an interest in fashion whether I knew it or not.
Who or what influences your style?
My grandfather is a buyer and seller of old antiques. Growing up we would go to flea markets and yard sales. We went to Value World a lot and that sort of taught me the value of being able to find fashionable items that don’t cost a fortune. So my upbringing of being around people who repurpose has had a huge impact on my fashion sense being vintage centric.
What are your favorite Instagram accounts to follow?
Tiana Parker, She’s a model and so inspiring. Another is named Slim Jawn, she does really interesting denim cutouts. They almost look like chaps. She is all about reusing and repurposing old clothing. She is very original and inspiring to me.
Describe your personal style in four words or one phrase.
Boundless. If there is one thing in this world that I don’t feel falls into a box is my sense of style. Age shouldn’t be a restriction for style. I feel like you should like what you like no matter your age, size or appearance.
What’s your go-to item in your closet?
I love earrings. Earrings are a must for me.
Did you ever consider leaving the Indy area? If so, what made you stay?
I believe big things can happen in smaller sectors and I have always been about bringing talent together in the city. I am much more concerned with staying here in Indy and growing the arts here than going to an already established city known for arts. To be honest I have never really felt like being in Indianapolis is limiting so I have never felt the urge to leave.
What trends are you noticing for (next season’s) fashion?
Me being a vintage lover, you always come back to trends whether they are in season or not. I don’t ever feel like I put much thought into fashion trends. I don’t typically follow what is trending. I move to the beat of my own drum. When it comes to fashion I try to express myself to the fullest and not care too much about what the world is wearing.
What’s next for you? What short and long term goals are on your list?
Within the next year I would like to be settled in being an entrepreneur. I want an organized system where my boutique is marketed well and I am getting consistent results. Second, I just want to find more opportunities in the city for wardrobe styling. Lastly I would like to find better ways to shine a spotlight on the creative culture here in the city.
Define fashion.
Being who you want to be. Telling your story. Everyone has one and I think fashion is a huge part of telling that to the world.
Last but certainly not least, name your favorite fashion icon.
Outkast. Specifically Andre 3000. He’s super swaggy. Erykah Badu and Missy Elliot are both fashion icons in my eyes. A lot of the fashion icons I admire are from music.
