With her flowing vivid fabrics, tailored vintage clothing, plunging necklines, otherworldly accessories and of course—those signature cat eyes, ‘DJ Rashida’ Robinson has fast become a fashion icon in Los Angeles. While some of the biggest parties in the world compete for her DJing prowess, magazines like
Vogue Italia and
People scramble to feature her look.
DJ Rashida grew up feeding her dance additction by sneaking into clubs in Atlanta and procured her first set of turntables at age 18. She began collecting vinyls and making beats in her bedroom, which apparently paid off as she soon found herself touring with his royal Purple-ness.
Her signature mixes of hip-hop, funk, soul, dancehall and house music landed Rashida her first major residency at the famous Sunset Strip House of Blues (now shuttered). This is also where Prince first whisked her up into an international tornado of parties and events. Now, she’s a sought-after performer for some of the biggest music events in the world, from Lollapalooza to
Glastonbury. It comes as no surprise she can rattle off an impressive list of superstars who she’s toured with and worked for: Kelis, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, John Legend and Jay-Z. For the past seven years, she’s been resident DJ at
Chateau Marmont's chic
Bar Marmont and also mixes for
LACMA and
The Music Center LA. No matter the location, she's always notably put together.
Rashida describes her personal style as “Mixed Media,” but we wanna know where to get our hands on those bold, sassy ensembles that she so effortlessly throws together. She shared a few of her secrets and you’ll be relieved to know that they’re all right here in our backyard.
The Way We Wore
Hancock Park, $$$
Rashida Robinson: Here they have everything! Truly amazing vintage finds, especially for the 50s & 60s era.
DJ Rashida dress from The Way We Wore. Image courtesy of DJ Rashida
The Reformation
Beverly Grove, $$$
RR: Repurposed vintage alongside original designs. Whenever I'm in a dilemma for an event, I can always find something to wear here in a pinch.
DJ Rashida in Reformation. Image courtesy of DJ Rashida
Vivienne Westwood
Beverly Grove, $$$$
RR: One of my all-time favorite designers. I love collecting her classics in different fabrics & textures.
DJ Rashida in Vivienne Westwood. Image courtesy of DJ Rashida
Rosebowl Flea Market
Pasadena, $$
RR: The Rose Bowl* is great for vintage denim, shirts, global jewelry, as well as furniture. There’s always so many unique pieces. This is my fav place to find things for my casita.
*The flea market is the second Sunday of every month. Tickets: $9
DJ Rashida in shirt from the Rosebowl Flea Market. Image courtesy of DJ Rashida
Lotta Stensson
Beverly Grove, $$$
RR: My go-to for beautiful one-of-a-kind kaftans and exotic fabrics. Lotta has been dressing me for events for the last ten years.
DJ Rashida in Lotta Stensson. Image courtesy of DJ Rashida
Church Boutique
West Hollywood, $$$$
RR: Perfect for one-of-a-kind high-end finds.
DJ Rashida at Church. Image courtesy of DJ Rashida
CITIZINE's picks for best vintage shops in LA
Playclothes
Burbank
Here you’ll find a vast vintage collection that spans into the 1980s, but with solid items hailing from the 40s-60s, too! Head here for reasonably priced clothing alongside prints, lighting, home accessories and even furniture without the high prices.
Chuck's Vintage Inc
Fairfax
Boasting the largest selection of vintage denim in LA, this is a go-to for vintage western and denim. Heads up: you’re gonna pay top dollar for top denim here.
Wasteland
Fairfax and Studio City
A Melrose Avenue icon, Wasteland stocks plenty of designer seconds alongside vintage and items cast-off just last week. The store allows you to sell your own wardrobe for cash or store credit.
Shareen Vintage
DTLA
A ladies-only store specializing in any 20th century decade you seek to embody. The warehouse is stuffed full of dresses, gowns and accessories—ideal for a very girly afternoon indeed.
Los Feliz
Some of the best vintage on the Eastside, all hand-picked by SquaresVille’s quirky fashionistas. A buy-sell-trade store with unique, unusual, classic and retro fashion and accessories.
Tavin Boutique
Echo Park
Tavin is run by wardrobe stylist, Erin Tavin, who curates a boho lifestyle collection reminiscent of Joplin’s LA. Vintage and refurbished vintage, eco-friendly designer pieces, children’s clothing and tons of easy breezy dresses.
Belinda Gosbee is an Aussie writer, actress and coffee snob based in Los Angeles. Follow her jaunts on twitter @belindagosbee or instagram @gos22