Deep Ellum retro pin-up shop opens in late October

by Jessica Harp

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Photographer Shoshana Portnoy said her clients were having trouble finding burlesque accessories anywhere other than online.

DEEP ELLUM — The art of pin up and burlesque has been around since the early 20th century. Recently, there has been a resurgence of both art forms, and burlesque entrepreneur and supporter Shoshana Portnoy wants to make the visually provocative culture more prominent in Dallas.

Portnoy’s clients who frequent her pin up photography studio, Through the Looking Glass, would often tell her that it was difficult to find the kind of suggestive clothing useful for a pin up photo shoot. Many would turn to the Internet, but would end up disappointed when the risqué outfits and accessories didn’t fit properly. Dallas Pin Up – a shop where women can find retro outfits, makeup, accessories, tips, and tricks – was created by Portnoy to fill that need.

“Dallas Pin Up is a one stop shop for the retro-minded gal,” Portnoy said via email. “The popularity of burlesque and pin-up is soaring, though the fashion elements and tools to achieve 'the look' are still hard to find. We look to serve the ladies who are 'redefining beauty through vintage culture,' and show gals that each and every one of us is truly beautiful and that classic beauty is always in fashion.”

The store will have booths spaces similar to that of IndieGenius, a DIY shop in Oak Cliff where artists and designers can sell their retro-inspired merchandise. Dallas Pin Up also serves as a photography studio for Portnoy. Burlesque workshops, classes, and boot camps taught by local and touring talent will also take place within its walls.

Portony has recruited local, female small business owners to team up with in her newest endeavor and has chosen Deep Ellum as the right location for the shop. Dallas Pin Up opens its doors from 6-10 p.m. on October 26 during a grand opening event.

“Deep Ellum has been one of my favorite neighborhoods for as long as I can remember, and while it’s seen many evolutions and a rise and fall in popularity, it is certainly back on the rise and I am excited to be a part of it,” Portnoy said. “The eclectic and artsy nature of Deep Ellum is a perfect fit, and it helps that I am three doors down one of my favorite restaurants in Dallas, Monica’s Aca y Alla.”

Dallas Pin Up Features several booths, including:

• Madame Fiery: a retro clothing boutique
• Retro Designs by Darla: a seamstress who uses vintage patterns to create a custom fits
• Mom’s Closet: a boutique that carries high-end lingerie, plus true stockings and high-heeled shoes
• Poisoned Creations: a local artist and designer who creates feather fascinators, hats, and pasties
• Hold Fast Vintage: a local artist who creates hair flowers and vintage accessories
• One Star Designs: a local jewelry artist
• Ladonna Stein: a make-up artist who carries Besame cosmetics, a retro make-up line only available in DFW at Dallas Pin Up
• Azrael's Accomplice: a local artist who creates both custom and off the rack steel boned corsets
• Sacred Sexy U!: creator of The Burlesque Experience, a self-acceptance based burlesque intensive
• Through the Looking Glass Studio: Portnoy's photo studio

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