This week we spoke with DJ, Drag Artist, and Stylist Victoria Valenzuela, ‘Vick Jagger’, who spilled her go-to vintage spots and creating an inclusive nightlife scene in LA for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Victoria via @vickjagger_
Thank you so much for doing this interview with me, I’m a big fan! For those who might not be familiar with you, can you briefly tell everyone a little about who you are?
Thank you for having me! It’s my pleasure. For starters, I’m a 2nd generation Chicana who grew up in LA & SoCal my whole life. I’m a DJ, Drag artist, event organizer, stylist & I’m currently in school studying film! My goal is to be a Screenwriter, Director & an Art director
As a vintage lover who lives in LA I adore The Way We Wore. How long have you worked there, and can you tell me a little bit about what you do?
Absolutely. I’ve worked there for a year and a half and it’s by far the best job I’ve ever had. In short, I help with the website & also work in store. I assist buyers with their needs. Some days we get to pull looks for designers, costume designers, productions, photo shoots, celeb clients & more. It’s such a fun & exciting job! I’m honored to be apart of the family. Everyday I’m excited to go into work!
Victoria via @vickjagger_
I noticed that you’ve been very involved in LA nightlife and creating a place for the LGBTQIA+ community. Can you tell us about how that came to be?
Yes! I started DJing in 2016 & realized quickly that there wasn’t much of an inclusive nightlife scene in LA for queer people & femme identifying folks. Specifically BIPOC. My 2 siblings & a few friends created a collective called the Haus of Flamboyance and together we started throwing drag brunches, shows & viewing parties for the community.
With that being said, is there one particular event you’ve hosted or participated in that really stands out from the rest?
I would have to say our Pose viewing parties were extremely special. For 10 weeks every Tuesday night we’d premiere the newest episode of POSE and afterwards throw a themed drag show. It was intimate, beautiful and extremely special. The message of Pose was always so powerful & always transcended in the drag shows- the performers would be so full of life, love & freedom & it showed. It was by far my favorite event to throw and be apart of.
You have such an incredible style, do you have any tips for those who might want to start shopping for vintage clothing, but don’t know where to begin?
I appreciate that! Honestly - I like to thrift at lower end shops like Goodwill, Savers & Salvation Army. It’s so important to exercise your eye. Thrifting isn’t for everyone, but if u look at it like a treasure hunt it’s a lot of fun. You gotta have a lot of patience for it, but you definitely will come up on so many great pieces! Make a game plan of where you wanna go and give yourself a full day. You won’t regret it.
Victoria via @vickjagger_
Do you have any favorite places to shop in LA or online?
Honestly, I don’t do much online shopping for clothes. In LA, I love to shop at Jet Rag, Out of the Closet, Wasteland, American Vintage, Buffalo Exchange, Lemon Frog Shop & Squaresville just to name a few!
Is there anyone who you feel inspires how you dress? If so, who are some of your style icons of the past?
Oh yes! I love 20th Century Pop Culture. The 60’s, 70’s & 80’s play a huge part of who I am as a person. The heavy hitters for me are Prince, Bowie, Mick & Bianca Jagger, DIVINE, The Beatles in 1967/1968, Freddie Mercury & last but not least my girl, Selena!
I can imagine you see some amazing archive pieces on a daily basis. Who are some of your favorite designers to come across?
Always! My favorite designer hands down is Bob Mackie. I love how flamboyant and eccentric his pieces are. Other designers I really love are Mugler, Moschino, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Bill Blass & Halston.
Victoria via @vickjagger_
If you could raid the closet of anyone in the world, who would you choose?
It goes without saying, but I’d raid Princes’ archival closet in a heartbeat. His style was unlike any other- full of color, ruffles, coats, boots, hats, jewelry and the list goes on. I also love the fact that everything was custom made for his petite frame. I admire his style so much that I run a side instagram account called @PrinceGotTheLook that showcases all of his fabulous outfits. It’s a dream of mine to one day try on the cloud ensemble he wore in the “Raspberry Beret” video!!
And lastly, is there one particular trend from the past that you would love to see come back into fashion?
YES! I’d love to see bouffants make a comeback! Big hairstyles in general. I feel like we’re so on the go now a days that people don’t really think about fun & different ways they can style their hair. If I had more time, I would definitely be stepping out with a 2 ft Bee hive everyday.
Victoria via @vickjagger_