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Wednesday, February 1, 2012
News Backstage opens for the vintage-inspired
Posted By Allison Campbell on Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 10:45 AM
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting a violinist in the Charlotte Symphony who has a knack for vintage fashion. Judith Beverly Craycraft is the owner of a new store called Backstage. It takes over the old Hong Kong Vintage space down on Central Avenue.
“The whole theme of Backstage is a tribute to the performing arts through vintage clothing, costumes, antiques and collectibles,” Craycraft proudly says. Opening on Jan. 1, Craycraft says she moved the store Asheville because it was bought out by developers. "This [place] has been a vintage location before," Craycraft says, "so, it made sense for us to move in here."
Upon entering the store, I'm reminded of the scenes and costumes in Fred Astaire's movie Top Hat. It helps that soft jazz music whispers in the background. It's apparent one can live out his or her Broadway or burlesque fantasies by shopping here.
What initially caught my eye was the jewelry. A stunning red coral necklace glistening like candy drew me to the center of the store. Craycraft says most of the bohemian and rhinestone jewelry is imported, but she designs red coral, turquoise, and quartz crystal pieces.
The racks overflow with Sergeant Pepper-inspired tailcoats, military jackets, tuxedo shirts with frilly-fronts, and classic smoking jackets. Craycraft says the store is a great outlet for her sewing — she transforms men's jackets into “tricked-out formalwear.” For accessories, she also has military hats, leather tap shoes, and antique shaving cups (a teacup with a mustache rest).
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