Vendor of the Week: Half Meaningless

Half Meaningless gets Williamsburg vintage. Owner and eye-for-style Yanna Wilson knows that the thrill of the find is about the hunt and she has set up shop at Artists & Fleas accordingly, showcasing an ever-rotating treasure trove of goods from trips, travels and closet raids up and down the NorthEast. And more than anything, this gal digs the 1980s and so should you.

Artists & Fleas: Tell us about Half Meaningless.
Half Meaningless: My collection is a mix of vintage and vintage-inspired pieces. Most of my collection is right from my mom’s storage, which dates back to the late 1960′s. Other things are purchased from different shops in my hometown of Harrisburg, PA. I’m looking forward to raiding my dad’s storage next so I can have more pieces for the guys (and the girls who like to wear their clothing!)

A&F: When did you start collecting?
Half Meaningless: I got serious about collecting last year when I did my first weekend ever at Artists & Fleas. My parents have been collecting vintage records, electronics and clothing for as long as I can remember. I think they still have my Teddy Ruxpin from the 80s!

A&F: Is it hard to sell the items you truly love?
Half Meaningless: It’s hard to sell items I really love and I stay pretty firm with their pricing. Everything else is negotiable, but if they like my favorites as much as I do, they’ll pay up. On the other hand, I’m surrounded by so many amazing vintage vendors here that I know I can find an even better substitute.

A&F: Do you have a favorite era of vintage fashion?
Half Meaningless: The 80s is my all time favorite era. I feel like so many of the trends now are influenced by the 80s. The 1920s have the best costume jackets though, and you can see that in today’s fashion too.

A&F: What are the hot items that people seem to be looking for?
Half Meaningless: Customers love plain silk camisole shells. Depending on the brand, I sell them dirt cheap so they’re gone as soon as I put them out. Camis look great with a high waisted pant which is why I think they’re so popular. I anticipate fur to be huge this winter, for the people who love it.

A&F: What do you like about selling at Artists & Fleas?
Half Meaningless: Artists & Fleas is a true artist community. I’ve learned so much from all of the vendors. It has helped me to improve my display and my inventory.

A&F: What fashion tip could you not live without?
Half Meaningless: Sometimes it is easier said than done, but wear what you feel like wearing. If you can’t there are options. For example, if you feel like wearing sweatpants at an inappropriate time – opt for sweatpants or nice cotton pants. I think that fashion is a great form of expression. I love Japanese fashion because it is very free and unconventional. That should be the way of the world.

A&F: Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
Half Meaningless: It’s important to have markets like Artists & Fleas for vendors and for shoppers. We make it a personal experience and build ongoing relationships with customers. You can’t get that in most other places.

Check out Half Meaningless Saturdays & Sundays at Artists & Fleas Artist, Designer & Vintage Market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn from 12-8pm. Stay connected to Yanna Wilson and her forthcoming t-shirt line being launched in collaboration with sketch artist Steve Mill called ILLOinc in November.