Pounding the pavement

Funky South Austin vintage shop opens in 10,000-square-foot space

A popular Houston vintage shop is opening a second location in Austin.

A massive vintage and resale clothing shop specializing in hard-to-find items is moving into town. Pavement promises a "a welcome dose of fashion excitement in the midst of a long, hot, sheltered summer" when it officially opens its doors at 611 S. Lamar Blvd. on August 14.

Pavement specializes in both new and recycled clothing, shoes, and accessories for women and men, offering what it calls a "thoughtful, spirited approach to local shoppers." The company began in Houston in 2011 when it opened Pavement's sister shop, The Leopard Lounge, in that city's Hyde Park neighborhood.

“We’ve been working on this store for at least a year, and [are] thrilled to finally open the doors and give Austin the most exciting, satisfying, surprising shopping experience of their lives,” said co-managing partner Avery Robinson.

Buying for the massive, 10,000-square-foot South Austin shop has been underway for the last 12 months, notes a release, with buyers actively seeking out looks tailored specifically to Austin's fashion scene.

"Austinites have such a wide range of street style and fashion flair — we’re the perfect fit for this city,” said co-managing partner Trent Sellers in a release.

"People love the elements of discovery, high-energy creativity and great value, which is our claim to fame.”

Along with poring over the warehouse-sized space for their new look, customers can recycle their old clothing for cash or trade-in value. "Our buy counters are open all day everyday for you to drop off clothing you no longer wear and grab some cash or trade in exchange for them," the company says on its website.

Current and on-trend items — including clothing, accessories, and shoes — should be gently worn, notes the release. Sellers looking to unload unique pieces or vintage clothing should make sure everything is freshly laundered. For detailed buying and selling instructions, head to Pavement's social media pages, website, or call 512-551-3132.

The shop is currently open for buy only, meaning it's only purchasing items to add to its inaugural inventory. Now through August 12, customers interested in selling their clothing will receive 40 percent off the store’s retail price to customers (sellers usually receive 35 percent) or they may opt for a store credit at 50 percent of Pavement’s retail value.

openings where-to-shop

HAWT COUTURE

Central Texas designers dazzle in avant-garde sustainable fashion show

Photo by Ima Shoots

Alive by Benjamin Medina's "Placebo" collection.

The members of the design collective Bloodbath Studios have a knack for showcasing visionary fashion in unconventional settings. In 2022, they combined queer representation and Americana at Willie Nelson's Luck Ranch. This December, it sent models down the aisles of Austin's Central Presbyterian Church.

The spectacle was part of Metanoia, an avant-garde fashion show documented by local film director and producer Hannah Varnell. As usual, she teamed up with Bloodbath's resident designers, Danielle Shephard, Benjamin Medina, and Navarr Gonzale s, who are creative directors of all the collaborative's shows.

The presentation broadly explored rebirth through the lens of sustainable fashion. Shepard tells CultureMap that her collection used 100 percent natural materials like wool, linen, metals, and leather for the first time.

Contrasting with the harder-edged pieces shown in 2023's Veneration show, Metanoia introduced ethereal elements like feathers, blurred animal prints, and soft draping. Even the more armored pieces featured a new lightness. A chained dress from Medina wrapped the model's body like gossamer, and a fierce metal bandeau from Shepard was paired with a wispy skirt.

In addition to showcasing work from Bloodbath's members, Metanoia made room for other underground creators. Conceptual artist Melanie Alva and ecologically minded brands Prior Waste and Sommestella presented mini collections.

The core designers led CultureMap through the inspirations of this season's designs.

Flamer by Navarr Gonzales

"FLAMER is inspired by all the different forms and curves of each body the brand dresses," writes Gonzales. "Pulling back all the layers and reforming them to emphasize the true form of the wearer. Leather is the core material used and a foundation of all my inspirations. I pull from subcultures within the queer community. The hidden corners of our experiences that are enticing and sensual."

Flamer by Navarr Gonzales A dramatic feathered piece in the Flamer collection.Photo by Ima Shoots

Flamer by Navarr Gonzales A ghostly vision in the Flamer collection.Photo by Ima Shoots

Alive by Benjamin Medina, "Placebo"

"Placebo embodies the quiet, powerful shift that occurs when belief is the only thing standing between stagnation and transformation," writes Medina. "Placebo is not just about change—it's about strength in the face of it. It's the unspoken force that drives you to rebuild, even when you can't see the path ahead."

Alive by Benjamin Medina Draped chains create the illusion of fabric in the Placebo collection.Photo by Willie Wang

Dashe by Danielle Shepard

"Personal style can also be a type of armor," writes Shepard. "This collection drove that home while also putting superior materials and couture techniques on the front lines. My aim is to create personalized heirloom pieces to combat the abysmally expensive cost-per-wear of cheap, poorly made fast fashion garments."

Dashe by Danielle Shepard Shepard says she considers individual clients' styles when creating designs.Photo by Ima Shoots

Dashe by Danielle Shepard The work in the Dashe collection is meant to lastPhoto by Willie Wang

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