Back in the 1920’s, postindustrial mystics and masters of hypnosis believed that the minds of others could be controlled through the powers of magnetism. In a strange marriage of science and macabre, the 1928 book by Edmund Shaftesbury, “Universal Magnetism,” described unorthodox methods to avoid falling victim to mind control.

Pretty trippy thought, right?

In October 2013, a new marriage of (almost) equal intrigue found its way into Fishtown. Universal Magnetism, located at 434 E. Girard Ave., is the neighborhood’s newest vintage shop. Founded by managing partners Reyna Boyer and Shane Dilworth, the store is the product of two separate passions and one larger vision—Dilworth’s love for dusty vinyl records, Boyer’s eye for haute vintage clothing, and the desire to create a place for local artists to develop, design and distribute their wares.

“I wanted to have a record store,” said Dilworth, an avid music fan and vinyl junkie. “I’ve been friends with Reyna for a while now so I invited her to help me design the store. She brought up the idea for the clothing so that was how the two things met.”

“I love finding things and knowing that I just found [some of these pieces of clothing] for pennies,” Boyer said with regards to the collection of garb that she has put up for sale. “This is something I love and it’s beautiful, so if I can sell it that’s great— if it’s something I can’t wear then I’d love to sell it to someone who can enjoy it.”

In addition to an eclectic array of vinyl (everything from The Cure to The Beach Boys, R&B to Death Metal) and consigned clothing, Universal Magnetism also carries interesting finds like old books, Iron Maiden mirrors and horror movie memorabilia. Many of the items come directly from Dilworth and Boyer’s personal collections and originate from the deep recesses of flea markets and bargain bins.

“I do like going through flea markets, I do like flipping records. It’s fun finding that stuff,” Dilworth said. “But I like turning people on to music too and different kinds of music, so I’m looking for an avenue to do that. The more eclectic, strange and weird stuff is what we are driving toward.”

“Some of these pieces [of clothing] are really special to me for some reason,” Boyer said. “And if they go back to my collection that’s great, or we’ll sell them online, or they get ripped apart and branded into something else and someone else uses them— that’s OK too.”

In addition to the storefront, Dilworth and Boyer want to foster a sense of community and cooperation within Universal Magnetism and allow for like-minded creatives to gravitate to their shop. Which makes sense— everything in the universe carries a magnetic charge after all.

Like a co-op, Universal Magnetism is aiming to invite other artists and designers into their establishment and use it as a headquarters to create their own clothing and art. In exchange for the workspace, artists will man the store for a few hours a week while also being able to sell what they’ve developed in-house. The owners are open to the idea of allowing local bands and musicians to sell their records at the shop too.

“We are trying to turn this store into a brand and be able to facilitate people with what they are doing with their art,” Dilworth said. “Because at the end of the day they need to sell it and we want to be able to mark and brand our stuff by doing that and teaming up. I’m never going to sit down and design a line of clothing, but I am willing to find somebody who would want to carry my name on something they’ve done. That’s where I’d lend my skills or lend space.”

“I’m interested in getting both jewelry and clothing designers in here,” he added, “People that would be willing to put in time at the store and man the store. Obviously at the end of the day you are trying to make money but I am trying to facilitate something for people to have an avenue to move their product.”

Both Boyer and Dilworth have careers separate from Universal Magnetism, so this store is somewhat of a passion project for the two friends. While making some extra change is something that no rational business owner would balk at, this dynamic duo is not looking to turn the store into their primary source of income— they are using it as a vessel for people to find something they consider special, as well as being able to bring in their own ideas, input and art.

“The neighborhood is definitely growing and there are people who are into this kind of stuff. If we turn it into something where people know there’s something interesting here they will come in,” said Dilworth. “It surprises me what people buy… you never know. They won’t look like the person who would want something but they’ll come in wanting a Madonna record… you’re 21 why do you want a Madonna record? But it’s awesome that they are really excited about it.”

Maybe that excitement is genuine. Or maybe it’s just some sort of Universal Magnetism mind-control. This writer’s money is on the former.

You can visit Universal Magnetism Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. You can also check Universal Magnetism out on Facebook and online at universalmagnetism.com.