ReTales: Maggie Fox, Owner of Filth Mart

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When Maggie Fox decided to leave New York last year, she didn’t originally plan to bring Filth Mart with her. The East Coast native was hardly sure she’d like Los Angeles and decided to play things by ear. But the Fairfax location was nearly handed to her, and although there isn’t much passing foot traffic, the non-residential strip allows for plenty of in-store parties without the complaints of cranky neighbors. Fox hand picks the vintage pieces for her selective customers, and also opts to carry some newer private labels, including her own baby line, Filth Mart Kids.

Why this store, here on Fairfax?
We had the store in New York and we weren’t sure if we were going to continue when we moved out here. But a friend of ours had a vintage shop in this location that also catered to a high-end clientele, like we had in New York, so that was convenient. Meant to be, I guess.

What’s been flying off the racks?
Mostly our T-shirts. Two types do really well: the sheer, thrashed T-shirts that are thin and tattered, or our really high-end collectible rock tees. High-priced items sell really well. We try to offer lower priced items but people don’t seem to care and go for the high-priced stuff.

What are you most excited about, in-store right now, that maybe isn’t flying off the racks?
We have jewelry and accessories, but people don’t anticipate that because our New York shop had mostly tees. We have killer leather, bomber jackets light enough so they’re wearable for LA.

Say you have $100 to go shopping anywhere in LA—where do you go?
Trader Joe’s. I live for Trader Joe’s.

Make that $1,000.
I’d go to Agent Provocateur for some fancy panties.

Lame leggings: fave-sies or faux pas?
Love ‘em. We almost got some by Kova & T for the store, but we would have had to buy the whole line.

What trend are people suckers for now that you think they'll regret later?
That boyfriend jean look. I’m wearing baggy, ripped jeans right now, but if you follow it up with the Katie Holmes rolling? I did that when I was younger and I cringe now.