Shop Talk: Rocky Banks of Screaming Mimi's

Name: Rocky Banks
Age: 21
Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn
Chosen occupation: Sales associate, since August '08
Unchosen occupation: Living in a van down by the river
Side-gig: Artistic endeavors
Work "uniform": boots, tights, something black
Dress down "uniform": boots, tights, something black

How would you describe the flagship's aesthetic and Laura Wills's retail philosophy?
Laura's retail philosophy is to create a store with a fun atmosphere that doesn't take itself too seriously and offers classic vintage with a modern aesthetic at reasonable prices. We give a lot of attention to merchandising at the store and aim to create head to toe looks for people that are particular to their tastes and represent their style. The Lafayette Street store is edited and styled perfectly to be a place that the employees not only enjoy working at but love to shop in as well.

How were the Mack-Dugan-designed 30-belt-loop jeans celebrating Screaming Mimi's 30th anniversary originally conceived?
Mack Dugan created a wide leg jean for Drew Elliott (of PAPER) that had a sort of modern vintage-raver look that we really liked and we asked him to use this idea and put a Screaming Mimi's spin on it just for us. He then added 30 belt loops in honor of our 30th anniversary... which helps make the jeans completely unique and particular to our store.

What is the typical customer that walks into the store like? Do you have a mostly uptown or downtown clientele?
There is not a "particular" Mimi's customer per se. We get a varied clientele because we carry such a wide array of vintage clothing and costumes. One minute I will be helping models and socialites pick out floral summer dresses and the next I will be putting together spot-on '70s outfits for Wall Street businessmen.

Of the eras carried at Screaming Mimi's, which have been most popular for summer?
'90s everything

What is currently the most coveted item of the staff?
Every member of the staff here has a pretty individual style and seems to gravitate to different things each season.

...and for you personally?
I am usually buying awesome threadbare vintage tees or old lingerie slips.

If you could personally select any designer to be stocked, who would you choose?
In our penthouse we carry a lot of designers that seem to be known only to a select few. These designers have created some amazing pieces in the past and we try to give them the attention that they deserve. For example, in our archival leather collection we have some pieces by France Andrevie –, a French designer with whom a lot of people are not familiar – that are definitely worth coming in to see.

How has the response been toward the CHARITY/WATER items in stock?
The response to the CHARITY/WATER items we are featuring is very positive. People seem to feel less guilty about spending money on fashion during the recession when they know their money is going to a worthy cause.

Who is your favorite designer (and from what era) that you have carried at the store?
I really love everything we have from Yohji Yamamoto from the '80s in the designer penthouse . The shapes that he creates are amazing and the materials that he uses are equally impressive.

What do you most enjoy most about working in the NoHo/SoHo area?
Vegan banana-oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies from Little Atlas

What summer staple does everyone need to run to Screaming Mimi's and snatch up right now before it disappears?
Rompers of all lengths and styles

Screaming Mimi's
382 Lafayette St.
(212) 677-6464

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Previously on Shop Talk...

Rachel Kichler, Rag & Bone

Meghan Farrell, Opening Ceremony

Amy Sall, Pas de Deux

Photo by Phillip C Kim