Could there be a better place for images of rock royalty than Punk Majesty? Opening Sat/1 at Alisha Amnesia’s eco-conscious, DIY store, Leee Black Childers: ‘70s Punk & Glam (runs through March 15) will feature prints from the Warhol protege’s original negatives, created in collaboration with British musician Smutty Smith and Childers’ estate. The show is the first US exhibition of the photographer’s work in the decade since his passing.
Picture it: rare and never-seen photos of raucous and rebellious punk and glam icons lining the Punk Majesty Showroom. The selection will include shots of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Debbie Harry, Siouxsie Sioux, the New York Dolls, Patti Smith, members of the Sex Pistols, Malcolm McLaren, and Vivienne Westwood.
The exhibit will also feature as part of Moth Belly Gallery’s SF First Thursdays Art Walk on February 6 and be viewable by private appointment seven days a week.
Located since November in the heart of Lower Nob Hill’s creative hub, just steps away from Music City San Francisco and Dark Entries Records, Punk Majesty Showroom has injected rock ‘n’ roll energy into its upcycled leather jackets, trench coats, bomber jackets, gloves, graffiti-style bags, and jewelry.
The space also showcases rock and punk photography from private collections by Ruby Ray, Mick Rock, and Jérôme Brunet, along with additional designers and artists. It stocks vintage clothing, custom designer accessories, and memorabilia from legendary local music venues.
Amnesia was drawn from Dallas to move to San Francisco in 1996. She worked at storied spots like The Red Devil Lounge, The Fillmore, The Elbo Room, and The Regency Ballroom, and began her career as a publicist, promoter, columnist, and editor before launching Punk Majesty for musicians (including guitarist Neal X of ’80s band Sigue Sigue Sputnik) and music lovers.
I spoke with the designer about her scene-stealing fashion, the monumental Childers exhibit, and building her brand at the intersection of style and musical rebellion.
48HILLS Tell me about the birth of the Punk Majesty Showroom.
ALISHA AMNESIA The Punk Majesty Showroom was born from my determination to create a space for punk, rock ’n’ roll, and music-inspired eco-conscious fashion and art in San Francisco.
After years of cultivating a dedicated following with Punk Majesty online and in boutiques across San Francisco, NYC, and London, I lost my most vital platform. I was the top-selling independent designer in the highly regarded I NEED MORE boutique in NYC when it closed during the pandemic. Despite setbacks, including being chosen as a finalist, but ultimately passed over for the Vacant to Vibrant storefront grant, I decided to find a way to forge my path and build something uniquely DIY punk.
It’s not just a shop; it’s a creative hub that keeps the punk spirit alive and thriving in San Francisco and supports other artists.
48 HILLS How did you go from customizing clothing to launching a fashion brand?
ALISHA AMNESIA I’ve been customizing my clothes since I was 14, driven by my love of music and a need to express myself. One of my first creations was a spray-painted T-shirt inspired by Robert Smith from The Cure after he buzzed off his iconic hair. It said “Robert Buzzed” and caused enough of a stir at school to land me in the principal’s office—I was sent home.
Around the same time, I got my first leather motorcycle jacket. It got stolen at a nightclub while I was off dancing, so when I got another, to make the replacement jacket unique and easier to identify if it was ever stolen again, I taught myself to spike and stud using supplies from a leather craft store. That DIY ethos stuck with me, becoming a way to customize clothing that felt personal, necessary, and rooted in my love of punk, post-punk, and other genres. I also dyed my Doc Martens a custom color that wasn’t available. A friend showed me how to use a sewing machine, and suddenly, I could reshape my oversize band t-shirts to fit my body, which was a game changer.
A vocal cord issue sidelined my work in nightlife and music. I was stuck at home, cleaning out my closet to make a few bucks, when I stumbled on a couple of jackets to experiment with. I customized them, shared photos online, and was amazed by the response. People encouraged me to start a brand, but it happened by accident. It was a side hustle for years, even after my first runway show in 2016. I only began treating it seriously as a brand in 2018, when I explored getting into stores and finally got my chance in New York. [Amnesia went on to debut a Punk Majesty collection at New York Fashion Week in the fall of 2022.]
48 HILLS What sets Punk Majesty apart from other punk wear, and who’s your target customer?
ALISHA AMNESIA What sets Punk Majesty apart is that it’s not a “punk clothing brand” in the typical sense. I’d call it “punk-inspired,” drawing from the rebellious spirit of ‘70s punk and the raw creativity of ‘80s street graffiti. Unlike mass-produced, cookie-cutter “punk” uniforms that harm the environment and lack originality, Punk Majesty is eco-conscious, upcycled, and one-of-a-kind. Every piece transforms existing clothing into something fresh and meaningful—fashion with a story and purpose, and often an empowering message.
When it comes to a target customer, I’ve learned it’s hard to pin down. My original vision was for people aged 40 to 60—those who grew up in the punk and post-punk scenes, still love live music, but want an elegant more polished custom piece like my upcycled suit jackets, ties, and trench coats.
Over time, though, the brand has evolved to include pieces that resonate with younger audiences, too. Ultimately, Punk Majesty is for anyone who connects with its designs, ethos, and individuality.
Recently, I was commissioned to make a wedding tuxedo, a bat mitzvah jacket, and a prom jacket. One of my jackets appeared on a London punk event flyer promoting an event at the legendary 100 Club with a member of the Sex Pistols and The Go-Go’s—both bands I grew up loving!
48 HILLS Why is a brand like Punk Majesty important now? I noticed that you opened the showroom the same month Trump won the presidency.
ALISHA AMNESIA I decided to open my showroom just before the 2024 election, never imagining Trump would win. I’ve been wearing a jacket I made that says “F*** Trump” since 2016, and people always stop me to photograph it in public. But regardless of who was elected, my mission remains the same: to create a space in my home of San Francisco for my brand, foster community, and support other artists.
While the election outcome brought uncertainty about the future—financially, politically, and socially—it will not stop my determination to keep moving forward, even in challenging times. Obstacles push us to places we never expected yet lead to growth and innovation.
As for why a brand like Punk Majesty matters now, I think it’s because of the values it embodies. Caring for the planet and rejecting fast fashion’s harmful practices are more important than ever. It’s about merging style, individuality, and responsibility in a way that reflects the times we’re living in.
48 HILLS How did you come to host the Leee Black Childers exhibit and what can you share about the opening party?
ALISHA AMNESIA I decided to host the Leee Black Childers exhibit because of my connection to his incredible legacy through my friend Smutty Smith. Smutty, a rockabilly musician who started his music career with a band called Levi and The Rockats in London in 1977, was managed by Leee, who became a father figure to him. Leee was deeply embedded in the music scene, working as Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers’ tour manager during the legendary Anarchy in the U.K. tour with the Sex Pistols, as well as with Iggy Pop during Raw Power, and David Bowie during The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.
Smutty has shared stories about Leee for years. After Leee passed away in 2014, Smutty began working with Leee’s estate as a curator-representative to ensure Leee’s groundbreaking work wouldn’t be forgotten. When I opened the Punk Majesty showroom, collaborating on this exhibit felt like a perfect fit—an opportunity to honor Leee’s vision, share it with others, and bring it back to San Francisco, where Leee lived before he ventured off to NYC and London.
As for the opening party, attendees can expect an intimate look at music history through Leee’s lens with these up-close, behind-the-scenes photos capturing icons. It’s not just an exhibit—it’s an experience.
Guests will also see the evolving Punk Majesty showroom, a space entirely dedicated to music, fashion, and art, unlike anything else in the city. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of punk.
48 HILLS How does the exhibit align with your brand? Do you foresee more exhibits at the showroom?
ALISHA AMNESIA The exhibit perfectly complements Punk Majesty because my clothing is deeply inspired by music and art. I design statement pieces to be worn at concerts, special events, or wherever people like to dress to express themselves—pieces that are artistic, empowering, and rooted in the love of music. Hosting exhibits like Leee Black Childers’ iconic rock photography aligns with my vision of blending fashion, music, and art into one cohesive experience.
As for future exhibits, absolutely! That’s a big part of why I opened the showroom. I want to spotlight rock ‘n’ roll photography, the early punk scene, and even early hip-hop, which shares a rebellious, DIY ethos with punk. The crossover between punk and hip-hop is a huge inspiration. This space is about celebrating all those intersections and creating a hub for music, art, and fashion while honoring the roots of these legacies.
LEEE BLACK CHILDERS: ‘70S PUNK & GLAM Opening Sat/1, 5-9pm. Runs through March 15. Punk Majesty Showroom, SF. More info here.
