Fashion designer Meghan Fabulous has always been inspired by the Grateful Dead. In fact, it was her passion for repurposing Dead t-shirts that molded her into the fashionista and businesswoman she is today. She got her first big break when Paris Hilton wore a dress that she fashioned out of a vintage Dead tee in 2004. Twenty years later, it’s impossible to attend a Dead show without seeing fans dressed in her bold and beautiful designs.
Fabulous—who got her pseudonym when a betrayal by her former business partner left her without the legal right to her own name—recently dropped her second line of clothing and accessories featuring officially licensed Grateful Dead art. Like many fans, it was actually the art, rather than the music, that drew Meghan to the Dead in the first place. Growing up, she learned to sew from her mother and developed a passion for identifying treasure at local thrift stores.
“In junior high and high school, I lived for thrift store shopping, and at that time (1988-1995), thrifting was considered something only poor people did…Unlike it is today where it’s so hip to thrift and recycle!” Meghan wrote in a recent blog post. “My family had no money and I had a dozen odd jobs that kept me busy and out of trouble…which made my thrifting hobby such a passion and thrill because I could buy things on the cheap that no other kid in my class had. I could be original and stand out. I’d deconstruct and reconstruct everything I bought, fueling my love for sewing, hand beading, embroidery, everything handmade and totally unique.”
Photo: Jeff Kravitz – Paris Hilton wearing Meghan Fabulous’ Grateful Dead dress at the VH1, Big in ‘04 Awards
The Paris Hilton dress that helped launch her career started out as a 1994 lot tee that she scored for $5, but that was only the beginning of both Meghan’s path in fashion and her creative love affair with the Grateful Dead.
In a world replete with Grateful Dead merchandise, from clothing to coolers and everything in between, Meghan recognized the need for a brand to cater to people like her, who wanted to dress for Shakedown Street while also looking—and feeling—fabulous. Last year, with the help of her Deadhead business partner Steve Dunlap, Meghan obtained the license for her first official Grateful Dead collaboration.
Related: Lot Couture: How Grateful Dead Merch Became Mainstream Fashion
Just as the band developed a following with a musical style all its own, so too has Meghan successfully carved out a niche in the crowded world of Grateful Dead merch. As the band’s fanbase continues to grow and mature, tie-dye lot shirts won’t always cut it for everyone. For those who want to show their love for the band with a little more sparkle, Meghan has just added fresh sequin-studded designs to her extensive Grateful Dead collection. The new line includes pieces decorated with vintage backstage passes, a beaded Stealie purse, luxurious silk scarves, and lots of rhinestone-laden loungewear, as well as other boho-chic designs and playful accessories.
Whether you’re looking to stand out while fitting in on Shakedown Street or just express your Grateful side to the world in a colorful way, the Grateful Dead x Meghan Fabulous collection promises to make you look and feel absolutely fabulous. Shop the full collection here. Just don’t be surprised when strangers stop you and ask just to shake your hand…
Those headed to Las Vegas for Dead & Company‘s Sphere residency can also stop by Shakedown Vegas to meet Meghan and check out the collection in person exclusively at Love on Haight. She has been posted up in Vegas all summer, immersing herself in Deadhead culture and soaking up inspiration. She has also been getting involved in the community through volunteer work with HeadCount—a nonprofit that works with musicians to promote voter registration and participation in democracy.
“This summer at Sphere has been simply incredible!” Meghan said. “From volunteering at HeadCount to meeting all my fabulous Dead Head fans wearing my new collection… all leading up to night after night of incredible shows and eye candy has been a nonstop series of pinch me moments and rapid-fire inspiration for my next collection. Everything I do is inspired by the music and scene in hopes to give fans something totally unique and totally fabulous. Fingers crossed for next summer!!!”
Want your Grateful Dead Fabulous in a flash? Order in Vegas before 12 p.m. and your GD Fab will be delivered to your house or hotel before 5 p.m.! Want to shop in person? Stop by Love on Haight at Shakedown Vegas to see Meghan and her Grateful Dead designs. She will be at the booth on Fridays and Saturdays, excited to meet her customers and share style tips. For more information on Meghan and her other collections, head here.
The post Touch Of Glam: How Paris Hilton & A Grateful Dead Tee Kickstarted Meghan Fabulous’ Fashion Career appeared first on L4LM.
