I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the Vanguard Award. She has contributed so much to our culture; musically, physically, spirit, mind, body, & soul.
– June Ambrose on her longtime friend, muse, and declared sister receiving this year’s MTV Video Vanguard Award.
Every year celebrity stylist/ costume designer, and style architect, June Ambrose opens her doors to the public and adoring fans to shop her designer goods at her Closet Cleanse Sale. Can you image snagging and authentic Valentino genuine leather bicker jacket for only 300 bucks. That is a deal so unheard of you have to see it for yourself to believe it. The original price tag for a piece like that can easily read from $5,000 to $7,000+. The sale was held at Selima Optique Boutique in New York City.
Fans came in from city to city, state to state, and even internationally. Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Diego, and South Africa were among some of the places fans traveled from. Many flew in just to catch the sale and their chance to meet the fearless trailblazer.
Homemade watermelon lemonade and vegan treats were on sale by the #Rockmom’s mini-me Summer Chamblin.
Many know Ambrose’s famous and iconic patent leather “trash bag” design from Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott’s “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” video. When high-end designers did not want to dress a curvy Hip-Hop artist from Virginia, Ambrose took matters into her own hands. Ambrose and Missy Elliot were Hip-Hop’s perfect match. Their creativity and innovation has shaped the way we see style and fashion in Hip-Hop, R&B, and even Pop today.
Missy Elliott will be honored at the 36th annual VMAs, which airs tonight August 26, 2019 on MTV at 8 p.m. ET/PT
I had the opportunity to chat a bit with Ambrose exclusively.
Check out full interview below.
Special thanks to The Knockturnal’s good friends over at Knoteworthy for capturing and providing the exclusive interview.
Interview & Photos by TammyB
