The Look Book Goes to the ‘For the Girls’ Closet Sale

Latisha “Lalah” Levers

Publicist, Prospect Park South

Adora Mehala

Model and writer, Bedford-Stuyvesant

Ana Escalante

Fashion editor, Murray Hill

You were first in line.

I got here with my friend at 4:45 a.m. I walked in knowing the exact piece I wanted: Gabriella’s Chopova Lowena dress. I had no idea if it was going to be here. I just hoped it was, and because of that small chance, I was like, Let me just be a bit mentally ill and line up early-early. I ended up getting the dress.

Tess Garcia

Journalist and marketing strategist, Park Slope

Lynette Nylander

Executive digital director, Bedford-Stuyvesant

Did you sell anything that was hard to part with?

I felt stupidly sentimental about a McQueen bag that I bought when he was still alive. It was my first big-girl handbag. A girl picked it up, and I was like, “No, I’m going to keep it.” She said, “I swear I’m going to take good care of it.” I knew then it was time to let it go.

Ananda Long

Writer, Crown Heights

Melina Cortez

Architecture-firm project manager, Lower East Side

Deja Rion

Actor and retail associate, Crown Heights

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson

Stylist and fashion editor, Bedford-Stuyvesant

What did you want the vibe to be today?

We wanted everyone to feel taken care of because girls like us are not always cared for by the fashion industry. And everyone was taking care of each other. Instead of spotting the same Dior bag and ripping it out of each other’s hands, it was like, “This looks so good on you. You have to take that.” It was a beautiful thing and fucking girlie as fuck.

Miranda Sanchez

Content creator and social worker, Boerum Hill

Molly Ono

Brand strategist, Bedford-Stuyvesant

Jadan Washington

Writer, Crown Heights

Are you buying this coat?

Oh my gosh, yes. I’m trying not to cry because I just love it so much. I was going along the rack, and I thought it looked slightly familiar. When I looked at the label, I was like, “Oh my God, it’s Calvin Klein with Raf Simons.” I call Raf Simons my fashion father. Gabriella told me it’s a prototype that never made it to production. There are maybe ten of these in the world. It’s the love of my life.

Amanda Joseph

Digital merchandiser, Garfield, New Jersey

Allison Hill

Fashion publicist, East Village

Jenny Willing

Creative food and beverage director, Harlem

Sidney Bechet Blanchard

Hyperpop artist, Crown Heights

Marly Lake

Marketing manager, Chelsea 

What’s the scene like at the sale?

It feels like you’re in your big sister’s best friend’s insane closet and she’s letting you peel shit off the racks. And Gabriella and Paloma, they are mixing with the laypeople, if you will. I have a video of Paloma stuffing a mannequin with paper to make it fatter so she could put a plus piece of clothing on it.