Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Zoot Suit Junction
A zoot suit was once as much a statement as it was a fashion, and
Valentino's
Zootsuit Connection
5
(907 S. 6th St., Suite 103;
%
702/383-9555; www.
valentinoszootsuitconnection.com; Mon-Sat 11am-5pm)
is no different. Zoot suits,
which were first made popular in Harlem jazz culture in the late 1930s, consist of
wide-legged trousers with tight cuffs and a long, matching coat with wide lapels
and padded shoulders. The style was once poetically described by an unknown
observer as “A killer-diller coat with a drape shape, reet pleats, and shoulders
padded like a lunatic's cell.” The zoot suit's popularity spread, and it quickly
became popular among young Latinos and African Americans in Los Angeles.
The outfits were actually banned by the War Production Board in 1942, which
called the suit a waste of valuable material during wartime. As is always the case
when a ban goes into effect, the style became even more popular, and in 1943 it
was the cause of L.A. riots between groups of military men and Mexican
Americans—the servicemen claimed they'd been assaulted by a group wearing
zoot suits. That led them to attack every Mexican American they could find wear-
ing the fashion, and the subsequent violence became known as the Zoot Suit riots.
It was somehow later deemed that racism was not a factor.
With a history like that, there should be more stores dedicated to the get-up.
Valentino's is owned by a husband and wife team (both former fashion models)
and carries clothing from zoot to gabardine and western wear to evening gowns;
they also have hats of all varieties, shiny shoes, and a small but quality collec-
tion of vintage women's clothing. The exquisite lamps and charming pillows,
purses, and other accoutrements add character and grace to this savvy shop.
VEGAS SPECIALTY STORES
When most people think of Vegas, they think of gambling, showgirls, and sex,
among other things. Where there is demand, there is also supply. An array of retail
stores help fuel our fulfillment of those industries.
BOOKS
The Gambler's Book Shop
(630 S. 11th St.;
%
800/522-1777 or 702/382-7555;
www.gamblersbook.com; Mon-Sat 9am-5pm)
is to Las Vegas what Powell's is to
Portland and what The Tattered Cover is to Denver. Though a fraction of the size
of the aforementioned shops, its mission is similar: to serve and reflect the com-
munity where it roosts. It's been doing that since 1964, when it was opened by a
couple named, appropriately enough, Luckman. Back then, men would gather to
discuss gambling in a nonjudgmental, clublike atmosphere. Times have changed
and gambling is more accepted, attracting men and women to the store who are
interested in beating the casinos, intellectuals who are devising new games to play,
Hollywood producers in need of a crash course in gambling for their next project,
and more. Now the shop is owned by Howard Schwartz, who's a local gambling
