One of the things that’s always set Stranger Things apart is how real it feels. The clothes don’t look styled — they look lived in. That authenticity comes from the creative minds of Duffer Brothers, and Costume Designer Amy Parris -- who has spent years sourcing original 1980's vintage apparel for the show -- and cares deeply about getting it right.

One of many reasons that 1980's & 90's "retro surf style" has made such a triumphant comeback in the past few years is due to the pop culture success of Stranger Things, the decade it takes place in, and the excitement generated from Amy Parris's pitch perfect costuming and attention to detail for seasons 3, 4 & 5.

Prior to the release of Season 5, Amy sat down with Gecko Hawaii's CMO Mark Schwartz to talk about vintage sourcing, fall layers, windbreakers, and how a box of original ’80s Gecko gear found its way into Hawkins, Indiana for the Stranger Things Finale.

On Opening the Boxes of Vintage Gecko

Mark Schwartz:
“You and your team have sourced so much genuine 1980s vintage apparel, which is part of what makes the world of Stranger Things feel so real, relatable, lived in and authentic. Back in 2023/2024, when you were sourcing costumes for the final season, I remember digging deep into the Gecko Vault with our co-founder Derek Sciaqua to find original vintage apparel from the 1980's to send you. If I remember correctly, we sent you 3 or 4 big boxes.

So... my first question is: I know it's been awhile, but do you remember your reaction, or your team's reaction when they opened the boxes we sent and started rifling through items that most people have not seen for over 30 years?”

Amy Parris:
“I mean, it was amazing. People on my team were excited to see all those vintage shirts & windbreakers!

I’m used to seeing authentic vintage, but I was excited by how excited everyone else was! Of course, I remember Gecko from the ’80s, but some of the costumers on the team are much younger — and because Gecko was much more regional early on, more West Coast — and the filming location was Atlanta and the South -- they weren’t familiar with Gecko. But the second they saw it, they loved it!

I'm being 100% honest and sincere -- they absolutely loved it. And I can’t thank you guys enough because at the end of the season, we had tons of stock that we were able to give out to a lot of the crew members -- and I swear all of the Gecko went first.

Everyone was like, ‘Give me that. Give me that.’

I think part of what makes the show feel so lived in is it is authentic. It’s almost all real pieces from the era.”