In a world of uniformity and likeness, the internal desire to have a sense of uniqueness and self-expression screams from within. But, with rows of metal racks housing identical fabric prints and styles in boutiques everywhere, it becomes increasingly more difficult to find outfits that symbolize one’s self-expression and don’t blend in with the latest trend deemed popular on social media.
However, Time Warp Boutique, located in the heart of Mid City, opens its doors to anyone hoping to find themselves through fashion.
As the only vintage boutique in Baton Rouge, Time Warp carries any and all types of clothing and accessories from all decades and eras, with everything from the Roaring ‘20s to ‘60s Woodstock to ‘90s minimalism.
Each garment at Time Warp is put through extensive process before it can even be sold. Three staff members travel anywhere from Austin, Texas, to Los Angeles, California, collecting hundreds to thousands of pounds of clothing and then, two to three pieces are then hand selected to be sold. But that’s not the end of it, the clothing is then hand-washed, steamed and mended before it can be placed out onto the sale floor. Because of this, Time Warp isn’t limited to a certain age group. The boutique has something for every individual, whether it be 16-year-olds looking to pair vintage cut offs with some funky shades or 70-year-olds hoping to relive their teenage years.
Joshua Holder, owner of Time Warp, said he was always interested in fashion and found himself dressing differently than the norm. In 2002, Holder transformed Time Warp from the small corner store that only sold a few pieces of knock-off vintage costumes to the largest vintage clothing store in Louisiana.
After quitting the life of grey business suits and corporate offices, he said he decided to dive into his passion of fashion and create something like no other.
“I decided I was going to do this [Time Warp] for myself, so I created a space that basically incorporates anything and everybody,” he said. “Our store doesn’t have a gender or color; it’s just one of those spots where everyone who comes through that door can be whoever they want.”
The atmosphere in Time Warp Boutique is unique in itself. As shoppers wander inside, they’re hit with an array of pleasing colors, wall-to-wall accessories, clothing and merchandise including anything from candles to dream catchers to handbags.
Music from different eras blasts from the speakers, lifting any spirit or mood, allowing the shoppers to get lost in the decades of clothing that surrounds them.
After two decades of business, Holder said he walks into his store every day with the same love and passion that he had back in 2002. Time Warp Boutique has unmatched customer service and the staff can perfectly craft a unique outfit to any shopper who walks through the doors.
“You won’t find anything else like it,” Holder said. “It’s an imaginative exploration of self and fashion where you can be whoever you want to be. There are no boundaries and that’s the coolest part about it. We are selling you ‘legit-self,’ not a box that is going to tell you a set theme of what’s cool at the moment. If you want to dress like a man or a woman or whatever you want, then you can, because it’s personalized. So, come in and find yourself within this store.”
Time Warp Boutique offers 15% off on Wednesdays for all teachers and students with an I.D. The boutique is located at 3001 Government St., or you can find them on Instagram @timewarpbr.
