People came to slay at the ten-year anniversary Pick-Up party for Content Magazine. Phones were out recording the vibes and rhythms of the performers. The atmosphere of the chilled air invoked the many layers of long sleeves and coats. Ten years of spreading creative content through the imaginative process of art and creativity. Walking around San Pedro Square Market, where the event was held I noticed the brilliance of the creative community. Vendors were displayed their work, featured community members mingled about while Photographers caught every moment as I approached individuals whose outfits I wanted to capture.

The outfits displayed the coming out of the winter season and transitioning into spring. Vests were the noticeable item that many people who attended were wearing. Windbreaker vests, furry vests, and denim vests. Cozy and stylish enough for the occasion. The perfect garment for this time of year. I also noticed that hats were worn all throughout the evening. Mostly beanies with a few dad hats and snapbacks, but the coolest hat type was the fedora. As the South Bay consists of so many different groups of people, the older crowd brought out their best fedoras and sported a “jazz cat” look–to quote Chine Slender. As with the previous Pick-up Party, individuals were wearing the MFA uniform style as well as streetwear. MFA or (jazz cat) had a mixture of styles. The more traditional, like what Kevin Peth was wearing and others with their own personal spin on it like Francisco Graciano and Abe Menor were wearing. Long duster jackets were still worn widely throughout the evening (similar to issue 14.1 Pick-Up Party). Maylea, Shannon, Arely, Joe, Kathryn, and Vincent are all rockin’ this style in their own unique way.

People’s outfits express parts of themselves they want to expose. Engaging conversations were sparked by some individuals wearing the same designer brand. Other friendly chats stemmed from compliments and acknowledgments of some really cool outfits locals wore. I love this because it provides a unique connection purely from the clothes people are wearing, which has the potential to lead to new friendships and connections. They bring out the creative side of people. How they express themselves and how they want to be interpreted by others. Sharing style and taste for fashion are some of the essential things fashion has to offer the community. Many of the attendees were dressed in all-black attire; each one had their own specific way that was different from another on how they styled it. Vincent, Melody, Joe, and David were all in black but David gave the punk vibes; Vincent had that high fashion feel, while Melody and Joe strutted the streetwear looks.

While on this exciting journey of diving deep into what the South Bay style looks and feels like, I’ve gathered that we do have unique styles. There is importance to how we South Bay Areas dress. Even how we accessorize. From Arely’s “Causin Ruckus” bag to Kung Fu Vampire’s blood-red shades. The evening was full of patterns and color and some floral designs, too as we creep closer to spring. I had such a blast interacting with everyone last Thursday at the Pick-Up party. San Jose really showed up and expressed themselves through the aptitude of personal fashion style.

Look for my future post about my conversation with Araceli Vizcaino, the owner, and operator of a thrift store called Thrill of the Luxe. We talk about the importance fashion has in our community. What the power of fashion can do and contribute to the interconnectivity of our community. Feel free to comment on Instagram and share this post with friends. See you at the next Pick-Up party.