It is my honor to have been a witness, with camera in hand, to so many great moments in African-American drag history.

Afrodite, London Broil and Ebony Jet reviving the fabled “Afro” hairstyle.

Mona Foot receiving her first Glammy Award and breaking off its head.

Peppermint fighting for the right to wear slinky thongs.

Milan crusading for dental hygiene.

Shaquanda Coca Mulatta refashioning the black power salute.

Right on!

Now it’s part of New York University’s bland takeover of Greenwich Village, but until 2002 the townhouse that occupies 10 East 8th Street was the longtime headquarters for stylist to the stars Patricia Field (retail downstairs, her residence above). Downtown outrageousness ruled—crazy nightlife attire for sale, a wild sales staff, and fantastic advertising.  I’ve been holding on to some of the ads since the late 1980s and early ’90s!

Part of a campaign by photographer Tina Paul.
Artwork by Martine.
Anti-Apartheid Era. T-shirt by Keith Haring.
Photo by Michael Fazakerly.

Nowadays Patricia Field Boutique is on the Bowery, and Pat lives next door in a beautiful home she designed herself.

Media maven!  Thanks for the ads, Pat!