Thrilling, the Black-owned vintage marketplace founded by Shilla Kim-Parker and Brad Mallow, has launched Vintage Studio Services. It’s the first-ever program to help stylists, costume designers, and production companies source vintage and secondhand items for TV and film projects. What’s more, Academy Award–winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter will serve as brand ambassador.
Carter, who has pledged to use the service in upcoming projects, also serves as a model for the marketplace’s campaign. Its images feature her in styles inspired by her work (she has more than 40 TV and film projects to her credit) and highlight the role fashion has played in telling our stories from the 1950s to today. The goal is to promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices in the entertainment industry. Thrilling has 600 vintage boutiques in its network, and 95 percent of the stores the marketplace works with are owned by women and people of color.
“We launched Thrilling’s Vintage Studio Services program because, as a former media executive, I know how hard stylists and costume designers work to find the right clothing to tell a compelling story,” said Kim-Parker in a press release. “I also know that productions can save time, money, energy, and the environment by committing to sourcing vintage first for their costume needs. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Ruth E. Carter. Her professional legacy, creativity, and foresight, as well as her commitment to inclusion in entertainment, is truly unmatched. We hope more stakeholders join us in helping make their productions more sustainable and supporting the small independent shops that are the heart of our company.”
Carter snagged the Oscar for Best Costume Design for 2018’s Black Panther, making history as the first African American to win in the category. Over the past three decades, she has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest directors, including Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, Ryan Coogler, Steven Spielberg, the late John Singleton. Her passion for artistry shines through her designs, which have appeared in hit films such as School Daze, Do the Right Thing, and What’s Love Got to Do With It.
“It’s thrilling!” said Carter. “I really want to know where this has been all my life. Seriously. I can’t tell you how many small vintage shops and back storerooms I have rummaged through. This idea not only brings the product to you, but it also cuts out all the sneezing. Genius, Thrilling. Happy to support small business, women in business, and inclusion.”
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