Hey Pachuco!

Red Light Off: After doing this blog for a few weeks I started noticing that I was missing something… Yes folks, I have yet to interview a guy! My mission for the week was to find a man who had his own unique spark. So here I sat between the LA-5 building and the PH buildings waiting to find some snazzy dressed male. I waited for a bit until finally, there he was, walking in my direction. I felt like a stalker but I quickly stood up and walked towards him. He informed me he had time before his next class, so off we went to the nearest bench to have a chat about his style.


Fedora from eBay $20, Leather blazer online $30, Pants from Urban Outfitters $30, Shoes online $40, Shirt from Second hand store $1-2, Scarf was a gift, Sun glasses from the allies of LA, Rings from a head shop in Northern California


Red Light On: Dusty Tailor, a Santa Maria native, embraces styles from the past with his love for “gangster fashion.” The Fine Arts major is greatly influenced by mid-20th century art, fashion and film. He is inspired by female icons from the 50s and 60s; including such actresses as Audrey Hepburn, Jane Birkin and Anna Karina. Among his favorite leading actors include Hollywood hot shots James Dean and Marlon Brando.

Although mid-century style made him excited about dressing up, Tailor credits growing up in a Hispanic neighborhood as a top reason for igniting his interest. He says that his community was filled with gangsters that were modern day Pachucos, dressing in 40s inspired Zoot Suits. Furthermore he enjoys watching gangster and mob films, “I’m big with Robert De Niro, I love him to death,” Tailor says.

Tailor is a saver when it comes to shopping, “I don’t like to spend too much money on clothes, they are just gonna get worn out eventually,” he says. He finds most of his pieces at thrift stores, however, when it comes to pants and shoes he rather purchase them new. “My wardrobe consists of Levi’s pants, those are like the most durable, and really good quality pants.”

Although thrifting is a great way to find good quality items at low cost, Tailor informs that Southern California is a lot more expensive and has less of a selection than up north. He likes to go to outlets and has ventured to "Retro Row" and Melrose for finds. However, he is also an avid eBay shopper and goes through the trials and tribulations of beating out the competition. “It bugs a lot…sometimes its like you can’t control the bidding wars,” Tailor says. He notes that some people constantly bid and that at times it’s not even worth buying the item anymore, “you have to spend a lot of time on eBay.”

Tailor has a huge collection of hats, “I always gotta have my hats.” Among his favorite style is the Kangol hat, which originated in Britain. He dresses up for the fun of it and believes people should wear whatever they feel most comfortable in, “I just enjoy dressing up, I’m more of like the fine artist rather than the designer.”

Lastly when it comes to style on campus, shoes on men are the first thing that catches his eye. “I’ve seen many guys in Uggs, yea it’s horrible,” Along with other fashion no no’s include men wearing sandals, TOMS, and Crocs. However ladies he is not a stickler to what you wear, and does not mind Uggs on you, so go for it!


Photos/Written by: Alexis Sparks