When it comes to the vintage scene I've always come across people such as Chema, Turt, Retrosphere Vintage, Lazarus, and Vintage Worm as examples. It's interesting to see how the people within the scene are taking the step outside of just appearing in pop ups along with people such as Lazarus and Vintage Worm hosting their own pop ups for the community. I'm referring to those who open up their own space. Their own space to do what they wish and house what they want or as FKC would say "fuck it we do what we want, it's hot" as one of the members of Fat Kitty Club, Iysha states. Fat Kitty Club isn't exactly "new", but it's new! We'll be diving into that shortly. This is Fat Kitty Club RGV.
Let's begin by knowing who is a part of Fat Kitty Club!
We have Nelly, Iysha, and Jena who describe and say that Fat Kitty Club "specializes in clothing. A vintage and apparel shop. Apperal which will be handled by Iysha and Jena." As Nelly says while Iysha mentions "In terms of custom clothing Jena enjoys working on clothing. Such as printing and custom patches." From the custom clothing I did notice t-shirts already printed with what appears to be an FKC logo which means we might see merch drops down the road along side other customs? We shall see. Nelly did mention as well "jewelry" so it feels like with 3 people together they're combing their shared interest in clothing and creation to bring it all to the table.
So we know the crew and the name, but how did it all come to be as Iysha states "hmmm around 5 years ago! We were at this yellow house, at this INFAMOUS yellow house due to the amount of shows we would throw. From metal, punk, hip-hop and so much." As they all agreed "it was fun, it was a good time" with the amount of years in this house Iysha continues by saying "the house by the highway so it was already loud. The house was destroyed especially the walls due to the moshing from the bands (as she laughs) eventually we took a break, but we did not forget the people we met. Now with our new spot we're back and all the people we've met are excited!" I actually saw Nelson post about Fat Kitty Club. He posted images on his socials. I may not have experienced Fat Kitty Club back then, but just seeing the images of a crowd and a band in the middle is sick as fuck. He called it the "Fat Kitty Club Trap House" to which they reacted by laughing joyfully as I brought it up.
To what was once the "Fat Kitty Club Trap House" in Edinburg to now open in Mcallen. From the yellow house to the "infamous" title set to what they've done with those years. How do they feel coming back to a new location as they agree "it's a beautiful spot! It's a rather impulsive decision, but we're pretty glad we made this decision." Nelly does say that "there is no turning back and as of today they are OPEN." They're set up quite nicely with free beers and drinks to the public on their grand opening. Meeting them today I'd have to say that all three of them have added their own charm or rather a piece of themselves to the shop. Seeing the custom patches on the shelves, to the clothing, and Nelly's plushie collection. It's really nice to see these three besties working together.
Besides the grand opening they do have an event Saturday Dec 3rd and on the 4th. It's back to back, but how did they organize this? Are they used to doing this due to their experience with Fat Kitty Club before as Iysha says "I feel like back then we would space them out" as Jena says "yeah at least one one weekend, but not three events." With how Iysha states "we just got a little excited and fuck it! Let's just to be stressed all week! (as she laughs)." I mean it's cool to see what's happening in their space this weekend, but when it comes to the organizing we don't know what happens behind the scenes with organizers. For sure appreciating the effort for what they're bringing this weekend as Nelly says "the opportunity just came up honestly like the show on December (flyer posted for more info) especially with people hearing our return we've had people hit us up about shows. I hope after these days we could get some rest because it's a lot." I mean organizing all of this yeah it's a lot, but they aren't alone. I feel that with their experience they can pull it off and get the rest they deserve.
When it comes to the shows Iysha states "it certainly is a bonus when it comes to the space" and says "the fat kitty club from back in the day to today, we are super d.i.y in a sense that we do whatever the fuck we want, however we want it. It's how we want it. We've been best friends 10+ years and we're all from mercedes lol and y'know we little a ghetto too...a hot ghetto (as they laugh)"
With so much happening this weekend. They're making their comeback in Mcallen, but how do they wish to go with Fat Kitty Club? Especially with how they were before? Do they have some sort of mission statement as Iysha states "I think all three of us have different views on why we do what we do. I studied environmental science so the idea of saving all this beautiful clothes from the landfill is important to me. Saving this clothes from the landfill is important to me. I didn't think that way with the old Fat Kitty Club, but now I have a new perspective. That inspired me get into the whole clothing game." Jena chimes in as she says "I've always been interested in making stuff in general. From stickers and customizing stuff. I enjoy making food so I look forward to the vegan snacks I'll be making." Nelly shares her statement "as for myself It's something I've always wanted to do. It's something I loved especially just going inside the stores. When I got older it became doable. Doing it now it's super cool like fuck creating a space like this is amazing. To be able to do this again, to be able to continue doing it again. Why not create a beautiful space for others to be a part in." Nelly continues by saying "we are encouraging the usage of the space for shows or events. We have people asking, but hey the space is here."
This is Fat Kitty Club as they share one final comment,
Iysha: We really like to party lol we like to party and hang out with the homies. There's something really beautiful about supporting each other. I've heard from others outside of Texas that's the vintage scene is rather hostile compared to here where we can be like "hey that shit is HOT let me buy that!" It's just more chill and nicer here and it's been a nice experience.
Nelly: Hopefully y'all can make it out to one of our events and keep an eye out for FKC!
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