944

Explore Downtown LA's Exploding Fashion Scene

When I moved Downtown I can't tell you how many people thought I had literally lost my mind. Why in the world would I trade my beautiful, rent-controlled apartment, blocks from the Grove for the dirty, urine-streaked streets of the historic core in Los Angeles? Well, for one thing, after almost a decade of living in LA I finally know my neighbors by name and live in a community that is bursting with creative energy that's hard to contain. And one of those explosive scenes is fashion.

It's not the cookie cutter, mass-produced stuff you see on Melrose or the endless racks of overpriced polyester knockoffs at the infamous Santee Alley. I'm talking about emerging designers, boutiques, co-ops, and unbelievable sample sales scattered across Chinatown, the Historic Core and the Industrial district that have that "just stumbled upon" feel. And since I'm feeling so generous today I'll spare you the hours I gave up pounding the gritty pavement and give you a few of my favorites.

If you're not familiar with Chinatown's Central Plaza, Welcome Hunters can be a little tough to find. OK, let's just put it this way, if I wasn't shopping with four of my neighbors I would have been wandering around a bit. Most of the international designers in the store aren't carried anywhere else in the states and if you hit them during a sale it's even better. Some of the standouts include Jenny Hellstrom's gorgeous midnight blue silk dress, bright '80s-inspired streetwear by KTZ and the most innovative gray shirt you can wear a million different ways by Best Behavior of Copenhagen.

One street away is Realm and while they pretty much only sell house wares they do carry Pierre Garms, a French jewelry designer that embeds dainty, semiprecious stones in colorful resin. Prices range between $70-$100.

Another place that stands out in touristy plaza is Fifth Floor, a gallery that opened a few weeks ago. The first time I walked passed it I almost didn't go back because it looked so stark, but the jewelry counter in the back caught my eye. If you love funky, retro looking pieces that are completely affordable (try between $15-$80) it's a must see.

Next stop is my stomping grounds, the Historic Core, where you'll find the Spring Arts Collective, a group of painters, photographers and artists, who've set up shop in a beautiful old building on Spring Street. Every once in awhile they organize a sample sale and invite designers that aren't part of the collective, which is where I discovered my new favorite clothing line, Guy Baxter. The dresses and luscious silk tops have a distinctly vintage feel but are fresh and completely wearable. It's already worn by Rachel Bilson and Sarah Michelle Geller, so get on their mailing list to snag the next invite or check them out online. Make sure you tell Braxton I said hi.

If you're into custom-made dresses, set up an appointment with Stella Dottir on Main Street. While some of her pieces can veer towards the Goth or costume-y side, most have a '20s or '30's starlet vibe and are so affordable that one stylist told me she likes to keep this place a secret.

One street over and several blocks up on Spring Street is Candice Held's new store that carries her signature whimsical, one-of-a-kind vintage scarf dresses. The small storefront is on the edge of the fashion district and has random hours so call ahead to avoid disappointment.

While Morries on Maple Street is definitely not even close to the stores I've mentioned I feel obligated to include it because it's a great place to buy jeans like True Religion, Rock & Republic and my personal favorite People's Liberation for a big discount. And if, like me, you find it nauseating to traipse through the cluttered stalls and endless rows of cheap imports in the fashion district to find the real stuff, hopefully this will save you the hassle.

I've finally come to the best find in the city, so much so that even now I'm wondering if I should keep my mouth shut. It's the only place on the fringes of downtown in a maze of concrete and shady warehouse docks that has a valet stand and lines of Westsiders clutching Marc Jacobs' bags waiting to get in. It's the Rachel Pally warehouse sale and it's unreal. A few months back I bought eight pieces for close to $300. Seriously, it's that good. Just make sure you come early and wear something you can change out in the open because the dressing room is always mobbed.

OK, now get over your downtown phobia, do something distinctly un-LA and take the Metro or walk over to check these places out. You won't die, I promise.

Welcome Hunters
454B Jung Jing Rd., Los Angeles
213.687.9905

Realm
425 Gin Ling Way, Los Angeles
213.628.4663

Fifth Floor
502 Chung King Court, Los Angeles
www.fifthfloorgallery.com

Guy Baxter
www.guybaxter.com

Stella Dottir
www.stelladottir.com
213.623.8464

Candice Held
838 S. Spring St., Los Angeles
213.471.2977

Morrie's
934 Maple Avenue, Los Angeles
213.623.3083

Rachel Pally
2001 S. Santa Fe Ave, Suite F, Los Angeles
818.512.9472
info@rachelpally.com

  Add to Faves