Tucked away in Los Angeles' Fairfax strip near Santa Monica Blvd, this rock-n-roll vintage t-shirt, jeans and jackets haven is the ultimate handpicked mothership when it comes to rare and mint condition threads. Originally based in New York City, owners Maggie Fox and Mike Sportes relocated their infamous fashion abode of cloth, cords, denim and leather to Hollywood, where they temporarily called the store Tabloid. But Filth Mart is back in full effect, and it truly is like entering a wardrobe archive from Rolling Stone Magazine circa late-60s/early-70s.
Amongst fitted Levi's and leather vests, hand braided belts and boots, the history of band shirts line hot pink walls. From Bob Dylan to Bob Weir, Jim Morrison to Jimi Hendrix, the most obscure and psychedelic treats entice and leave the customers salivating for more.
Behind the counter where Waylon Jennings wails, a 1976 Hollyweed tee hangs languidly, covered in sprouting green buds perched atop the iconic hill, the result of a college prank to commemorate the famous sign.
Perusing through the piles you can easily come across a one of a kind Farewell Fillmore East shirt, the last linen made for the last concert at the greatest unforgotten venue.
With jewelry and scented oils, floppy hats and baby moccasins, it is impossible to leave this visually stimulating palace of time. There is so much eye candy it is easy to get lost in the detail of each piece, to wander off into a dazed dream of a colorful, aurally explosive world of sight, sound, magic, hedonism and freedom.
And when you open your eyes, you realize you are in a friendly store that praises history, resurrecting a culture, lifestyle and philosophy that is sacred. No pretentions, no stares, just warmth, stories and smiles from an impeccably immaculate and fervent Filth Mart.
THE MUST BUY: Everything
THE DETAILS: Filth Mart
1038 N. Fairfax Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
+1.323.848.8613