Adria Garcia runs vintage clothing boutique Indian Summer on Capitol Hill, Seattle. Along with being a beautifully curated shop in the city, it also acts as a cultural hub connecting artists and creatives in the community through self expression and a diversity of events. In a time when Seattle is growing rapidly and it’s demographics are shifting this space is actively in the heart of it all.

Q : Tell us about yourself.

I’m a Taino Indian, new mother, raised by Disco dancers, in the tropics. Haha, this is the short version, but key.

Q : Can you share a bit about your boutique name?

I wanted a store name to represent my Native pride and start conversations around Native activism, art, regalia and more. Indian Summer is a time of harvest and plenty, a happy time for the tribe.

Q : What is the ethos for the apparel you carry? Do you have a general concept and/or aesthetic you strive for?

The shop is in essence a personally curated glimpse into my closet. I love color, prints, texture, natural fibers, man made fibers……I get a theme or envision a person and design mini collections based around those ideas……collections like “Shipwreck Neutrals”, combining, muted linen boxy shapes, with woven fabrics, rope & silk or “Acid Mother”, which was a collection of psychedelic 60s pieces, neon florals, caftans and 80s gold chains.

Q : Your shop provides space for a variety of activities alongside shopping, how do those happenings come about?

I’m an artist, musician, feminist & the community around me is also made up of artists, musicians, activists, people I share my space with so I can continue to be surrounded by creativity and provide a space for others to create and envision. And also serve others, I center many of my events around fundraising and donation drives for our cities homeless citizens and young musicians.

Q : What percentage of your time is spent at Indian Summer?

Most of my time is spent finding the pieces, then I spend a considerable amount of time, curating the shop making it a beautiful, safe space for folks to shop and enjoy.

“I get a theme or envision a person and design mini collections based around those ideas”

Q : Who are the driving forces around you? What nurtures you?

My family, my friends, community, music scene, queer scene, MY DREAMS, imagination and candy, tons and tons of candy.

Q : What music have you been listening to this year?

Genuine/ Pony…….1997 forever…..

Q : Where do you source inspiration?

Grace Jones music videos. The streets. MY FRIENDS. The past. The future. My Baby. My Lover.

Q : How would you describe your own style?

Uninhibited, I dress for me.

Q : What would you like to see in future fashion and designs?

Freedom from societal norms, gender lines blurred/shattered/erased, radical fatty black glamour embraced and celebrated…….ALWAYS.

“Freedom from societal norms, gender lines blurred/shattered/erased, radical fatty black glamour embraced and celebrated…….ALWAYS.”

Adria is styled in a selection from Indian Summer and our online collection.