Pitchfork   The Dissolve   Festivals: Chicago | Paris
:

Retro pin-ups, leopard print sheath dresses, seamed stockings? Yes, please! In early February, the vintage-inspired shop SlapBack opened its doors in Williamsburg, Brooklyn—making dreams come true for Brooklyn bombshells who would much rather rock 50s glam than the oh so trendy 90s grunge.

Owned and operated by Greenpoint local Renee DiDio, a 15-year veteran in fashion and media, SlapBack feels like a walk through a cheesecake boudoir. Racks of rockabilly, vintage repro, and classic glam pieces line the walls—curve-hugging wiggle dresses by Bettie Page, high-waisted pencil skirts by Rocksteady, sweet cropped cardigans and polka dot cap-sleeve tops by Lolita Girl to name a few. A crimson velvet couch for lounging and a faux fireplace with flasks on the mantle warm things up quite nicely. And Dirty Dolls’ pinstripe pin-up lingerie is, well, hot as hell.

We asked DiDio, "Why 50s and why now?"

"For as long as I can remember I have been dressing in 50s fashion. Not only does it fit my body type better than a lot of modern clothes, but it really exudes femininity. For a long time the only way to purchase vintage reproduction clothing was online, as most of the designers are on the west coast. I really felt like there was a missing niche in New York. I wanted to be able to offer fashion for women, women with curves. I am giving them a place to feel like they could walk in and try on dresses without feeling they had to conform to the standards that are in most of the shops right now. Women should feel like women and be proud of their bodies no matter what their shape and size, because we are all beautiful, and this style really helps a woman embrace that!"

490 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211; 347.227.7133; Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 12pm-7pm

Attention bearded gents of Brooklyn: the days of schlepping to Manhattan for a true barbershop experience are over. Last month, Sam Buffa, co-owner of Manhattan’s F.S.C. Barber, opened the Barber & Supply Flagship in Brooklyn to offer discerning dudes of Kings County a standard cut/shave (and then some…) that’s fuss-free, high on quality and low on pretension.

Truly a flagship, the 3,000-square-foot space—a former garage—was transformed to create a modern, airy take on the time-honored tradition of a communal barber experience. Drop ceilings were removed to expose original beams and a vaulted skylight was added to create a sky-high vibe with lots of natural light. The 1,300-square-foot barbershop area showcases ultra sleek Belmont barber chairs from the '60s. A massive 16-foot Grand Central’esque bench is anchored in the center so fellows can hang out, chat and chill like a crew. The walnut flooring warms the space just enough to curb that “I’m in a cold garage” feeling.

The front of the shop is used as an apothecary that boasts a well-curated collection of fancy grooming tools, as well as products. Hard Water Pomade by Baxter, Alder’s Dry Shampoo and Sage Styling Cream by Malin+Goetz are just a few items displayed on antique glass shelves. Don’t forget to grab a Kent Folding Pocket Comb for on-the-go grooming. Buffa plans to hold rotating pop-up shop collaborations with quality brands to keep it fresh. To check out a list of services or score products, visit Barber & Supply at fscbarber.com.

Barber & Supply, 101 North 8th Street, Brooklyn. Hours: Monday-Friday, 12 pm–8pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 10am–6 pm; (718-522-4959)