Written by Emilie Kefalas
Photo courtesy of the Urban Gypsy Facebook Page
Elle Erikson is part stylist and part performance personality in her popular traveling trunk show, “Urban Gypsy.” Erikson is returning to Savannah Friday, Jan. 22 through Sunday, Jan. 24 at Sulfur Studios, located at 2301 Bull Street to sell and showcase her vintage trunk of clothes and good vibes.
Erikson is thrilled to be returning to Savannah where she has made several stops in the past couple years. When she first visited, she said she felt a connection and appreciation from the community, particularly from SCAD students.
“I really, really love the people there,” said Erikson. “I did my first show there years ago, but it was so well received by the community. I felt really embraced there from the students and the community. It seems like they really appreciated it.”
In addition to giving hugs and greeting returning shoppers, she is looking forward to welcoming newcomers to her “Urban Gypsy” experience, glitter included.
“I feel like SCAD just ate it up, and I’m kind of a weirdo so I ate it up,” said Erikson.
She describes herself as, “eccentric perhaps, definitely not normal and certainly not boring.”
The concept of “Urban Gypsy” is similar to a mobile clothing boutique combined with Erikson’s impeccable flair and vintage ambiance.
“I like to say it’s kind of like a party that also has clothes,” she said. “I like to keep the music up and get people dancing. It’s just a high vibe. I really don’t care if you buy anything or not.”
Erikson emphasized that the “Urban Gypsy” experience is not solely about shopping or hunting for bargains.
“I like to inspire people to just have fun, try on something they normally wouldn’t try on, maybe let me put glitter on them. It just kind of elevates your mood. I just want people to leave feeling inspired and just beautiful really.”
Erikson first entertained the thought of starting her own traveling trunk show when she went with some friends to a pop-up shop a couple years ago in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“It was just racks and racks of clothing from someone’s house, and I was like, ‘I can totally do this,’” said Erikson. “I’ve always liked to treasure hunt.”
The name “Urban Gypsy” was in Erikson’s head as an idea for a couple years prior to realizing she could use it as the branding for her business.
“When I figured out what to do, that was the name. It’s just been in there waiting for me,” she said.
Currently based in Asheville, North Carolina, Erikson did not initially plan to take her show on the road. So far, Savannah is the farthest destination for her trunk show, but Erikson always tries to apply her destination’s talents to her event.
“I usually source out the local healers, entertainers or things like that to accompany me,” she said.
Wherever Erikson takes “Urban Gypsy,” she always tries to give it a festival-like atmosphere.
“It’s super fun. I just encourage people to have a good time, be there, listen to me get on my soapbox. I use a lot of humor, and I love to make people laugh. Clothing is great. I like fashion, but it’s not my number one passion. My passion is to inspire people.”
As for her personal style, Erikson credits living in Asheville to her current look.
“I really don’t even know designers,” she said. “I just go out and find what’s cute. It’s one of my weird talents.”
According to Erikson, the clothing to be sold in Savannah this weekend is recycled and priced low, which provides for a guilt-free shopping experience.
“It’s just a mix of designer and one-of-a-kind stuff,” she said of the variety of clothing options available. “I’m bringing a lot of vintage slips and lingerie this time and shawls, but it’s just across the board. Everyone’s going to find something they’ll fall in love with.”
