by Samantha Scott
Daily Lobo
Free radicals are atoms or molecules that incite chemical reaction.
But free-thinking radicals John and Nan Morningstar try to bring people together through the punk rock ethos embodied by their shop.
"You try to give back, and you try to give people a reason to go somewhere, to get out of the house," John Morningstar said. "If they don't have that, there's no reason to buy any clothes because there's nowhere to wear them. So, for us, it's about growing Free Radicals and growing the Albuquerque scene, and that's kind of one in the same."
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Free Radicals, the Morningstars' niche boutique, recently celebrated its fifth anniversary by moving across the street to a more spacious and character-infused location at 300 Yale Blvd. S.E.
Now housed in the former R.C. Hallett bicycle shop, Free Radicals continues its mission of making counterculture accessible to Albuquerque.
A trip inside the leopard-print building reveals the revamped fashion. The shop offers clothing and accessories from designers Demonia, Lip Service and Tripp NYC.
Free Radicals stocks Manic Panic makeup and Special Effects hair dye. Manic Panic makeup is typified by its selection of dramatic eye shadows, ranging from deep cobalt Voodoo Blue to vermilion Vampire Red.
Besides carrying a wide array of fashion and beauty products, Free Radicals has a distinct business philosophy that sprung to life as the Morningstars searched for the right place to make their business dreams a reality.
"Something I've learned over these five years is that I'm happier working 100 hours a week than I am carrying inventory that I don't think is worthwhile or is attracting people that I'm not interested in talking to or meeting," John Morningstar said. "I want this store to succeed by my definition and my terms."
In 2003, the Morningstars founded Albuquerque's first burlesque troupe, Lonely Hearts, which then spawned Bella Donna Burlesque Revue. Albuquerque's latest burlesque troupe, Burlesque Noir, was inspired by and includes former members of Bella Donna. Burlesque Noir supports Free Radicals by using the store as a source for burlesque accessories.
"Although Holly Rebelle, who's the head of Burlesque Noir, was never in Lonely Hearts, she's a good friend," John Morningstar said. "I've actually got pasties for her as soon as she comes in."
Duke City Derby, Albuquerque's all-female roller derby league, was also founded by the Morningstars. John Morningstar said derby members were instrumental in creating the hand-painted, leopard-print storefront.
Free Radicals
300 Yale Blvd. S.E.
Monday-Saturday
1-9 p.m.
Wednesday
1-6 p.m.
FreeRadicalsHQ.com
