‘Urban Gypsy’ travels back to Savannah
Photos by Caroline Bailey
Traveling gypsies were subjects of fascination to writers of profiles like the late Joseph Mitchell and young adult fiction author Libba Bray. Those stories were set in a time when gypsy culture was more prevalent, but what about the modern gypsy?
On May 1, the Urban Gypsy Trunk Show set up shop for their Savannah opening in conjunction with the First Friday Art March at 13 Bricks Clothing. Just for the weekend, this one of a kind pop-up found home in Savannah before packing up shop and moving on to another city.
Elle Erickson, the “Urban Gypsy,” is the mind behind the traveling store. She doesn’t travel with a “band of gypsies” but instead collects her band along the way and meeting new friends with every city she brings her store to. Erickson herself is part of the shopping experience.
“There are all these great clothes but it’s also a platform for me to be really silly,” said Erickson. “And I’m a huge extrovert so I like to get goofy and make people laugh.”
At 13 Bricks, Erickson flitted around the room, commenting on items that fit shoppers just right, suggesting funky pieces and offering free glitter to anyone who wanted some extra sparkle.
“Some people think it’s going to be a rack or two, but it’s like a store,” said Erickson. “There are hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of clothes.”
Erickson knows, because she handpicked each item. Customers of all sizes, shapes, genders and ages could find something that worked for them, especially with the prices. Most items at the trunk show were between $4 and $10.
The clothes are constantly moving around to different racks, being sold and replaced with different pieces, so there was always something new. Erickson works to replenish the clothes along the way so that there is an ever-evolving stock to choose from. For Erickson, it is not just about the clothes, it’s about the experience.
Hand-painted signs, parasols, posters and Erickson’s own styled outfits filled the space creating the lovingly curated gypsy vintage bohemian vibe that she described. Outside the store customers could have a tarot card reading; inside the store, glitter and clothes. All around, customers could expect conversation.
“I want to stress that it’s something that I want people to bring friends to. Bring a bottle of wine, bring your lunch stay a while. It’s a good place to meet other people and definitely try on some clothes that are out of your everyday style and have fun with it,” said Erickson.
This is the fourth time Erickson has opened up in Savannah — the city is a favorite of hers — and it certainly will not be the last. Erickson wasn’t clear on when she plans to return, just that she does.
“I’m going to start doubling the amount of shows I do because, well, I can,” said Erickson. “And I love it so much.”
For further information on the Urban Gypsy Trunk Show, or more info on Elle herself, visit her website.
