See Major's work at the Reimanged Fashion exhibit opening at The Charleston Museum this month
The costume designer and stylist traces his love of fashion to when he was an eight-year-old growing up in North Charleston, dressing his action figures in clothes he sewed from fabric scraps. In high school, the young entrepreneur sold handmade bow ties crafted from upcycled materials on Etsy, and in 2016, he launched his Major Vintage label. Today, Major has styled basketball star LaMelo Ball for a Puma commercial and designed costumes for Amazon Prime’s Clean Slate. Last month, he debuted his “Homegrown” capsule collection at the Gibbes Museum’s Sew Surreal fashion show, and this month, Major is showcasing a design inspired by The Charleston Museum’s textile collection at the “Reimagined Fashion” exhibit opening May 3. Here, Major shares his favorite vintage finds.
Q Is there an accessory that defines your style?
A My current go-to accessory would be the “Major” embroidered beanie from my merch line.
Q What’s one of your most treasured vintage finds?
A I have found the best vintage clothing at pop-up events like Holy City Vintage Market, Charleston Night Bazaar, and Shop the Block. Currently, my favorite vintage find is a 1990s Thierry Mugler sequin, cropped jacket (above) that I never wear to avoid damaging. Ha!
Q Who is a favorite local designer?
A I love Andrea Cayetano-Jefferon’s work at Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets (above).
Q Tell us about one of your favorite looks you’ve designed for a character.
A I recently worked on Clean Slate starring Laverne Cox and George Wallace. Under the direction of costume designer Laura Frecon, I helped create avant-garde costumes for a large dance party scene involving dozens of background actors, each with their own unique style.
Q Tell us about your design for The Charleston Museum’s “Reimagined Fashion” event.
A My design is a tribute to my late uncle John Hezekiah Singleton, who was a shoe cobbler and artisan in Charleston. It pulls inspiration from a Victorian-era wedding dress (right) and a 1960s church hat.
Q What’s the one item in your wardrobe that you couldn’t live without?
A A “Bugle Boy” knit cardigan from the ’80s that belonged to my brother (above).
Photographs by (Major) Joseph barnette & Courtesy of (wedding dress) The Charleston Museum, (basket) Andrea Cayetano-Jefferson, & (jacket & cardigan) Jared Major
