Book Club: Native Funk & Flash

Growing up in northern California, I always thought that hippies were pretty gross. But after moving to a metropolitan area I developed an appreciation for patchwork skirts, cannabis motifs, embroidered denim, and all things crafty. But not patchouli. Never patchouli. Native Funk & Flash by Alexandra Jacopetti is the quintessential hippy fashion book. It features the work of obscure bay area designers from the seventies, most notably Kaisik Wong, whose patchwork vest was famously plagiarized by Nicholas Ghesquiere. I suspect that Miuccia Prada also drew inspiration from Wong for her S/S 08 accessory collection for Miu Miu. I am most impressed with Mary Ann Schildkenecht’s psychedelic shirt. Look at it---the ENTIRE thing is embroidered! She made it out of bed sheets while serving a two year jail sentence for smuggling hash. But anyhoo, Native Funk & Flash is long out of print so I recommend checking ebay stat. Peace Out!


Linda Bacon


Mary Ann Schildkenecht


Laurel Burch




Kaisik Wong