Meet Dawn Maldonado | Wardrobe Stylist and Vintage Shop Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dawn Maldonado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dawn, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
In the end, when all is said and done, I want to be well known for my contribution to the creative arts. I want to have made an impact. Whether it be through wardrobe styling on productions, designing, creative direction, music or other, I want to be proud of my work as a creative, enjoy my accolades and pass along my knowledge and talents to others … from a remote island, of course!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always been a creative individual. It just comes naturally to me, and I have always enjoyed creating different things, from drawing to poetry to song writing. But whether it was unconventionally dressing my Barbie dolls or styling impromptu photoshoots with my friends from around the way in high school, fashion and style have constantly been at the forefront of my action. Vintage fashion became a passion of mine back then because I like the feeling of standing out as an original individual who no one can copy, mock, maybe, but not duplicate. This is how I gravitated to thrifting. I have a firm belief in style over fashion. That is my mantra. Anyone can obtain fashion but without style, it can be hit or miss. It takes an especially focused person to sift and scour for pieces what can be looked at as a chaotic environment. But I thrive in that area. So, thrifting for vintage became my specialty. As a wardrobe stylist that is my niche – vintage. When I style my clients, there is consistently a vintage touch. That’s how I stand out in my profession, and I am proud of that. I started out with up-and-coming artists with little to no budget for wardrobe. I would find thrifted treasures and create looks for them for the low. Having the finances is wonderful and abides more options and opportunities to shop or rent from showrooms but I prided myself in providing fantastic looks with a modest budget. The thrill of the hunt excites me and finding unique pieces for people gives me great sense of happiness. Acts of service is my love language.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the closest people to me is here in L.A. We love to venture out together and we always find cool things to get into. I’m an adventure seeker just as much as I am a homebody, if that makes any sense at all. Haha!

Here are some cool things we like to do:
Hit up as many of So-Cal’s amazing thrift shops as possible
Lunch at Gyu Kaku in Beverly Hills, for Yakiniku BBQ
Brunch at Castaway in Burbank (sick views!)
Catch a cool nostalgic movie at Rooftop Cinema in DTLA
Sunbathing in Malibu Beach
Visit some dope pop up exhibits at museums like MOCA or The Broad
Stop by LACMA for IG worthy photos at the lighting installation
Happy Hour at Candela on La Brea
Swan Paddle Boat ride at Echo Park
Morning hikes through Griffith Park all the way up to the Observatory
And, of course, cannabis dispensaries and swimming pools! Lol!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to acknowledge and express my gratitude to my Mom for always seeing in me that I have a creative mind, spirit and talents that should be shared with the world. And, to my mentor and business partner, Donald XL Robertson for teaching and guiding me through the business aspect of the creative industry and encouraging and supporting me as I navigate through my endeavors!

Website: https://prettyillvintage.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goyahoney/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmaldonado/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DAWNGUN

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawnstouches

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DawnGunTV

Image Credits
JonArthur Photography Paige Wlson Chinadu Nwadibia Brianna Nakatani