[DaveofCali]

LAist blog has a great article on Downtown Los Angeles' Fashion District:

"Virtually ignored in most travel guides, this 90-block garment district is arguably the most underrated destination neighborhood in Los Angeles. The Fashion District is dismissed by many as an "off the beaten path" kind of area, when in fact it should be among the top two or three places every visitor to the city should see. That's because LA has become the clothing manufacturing center of America, and the Fashion District is its pulsing heart. More than that, it presents a one-of-a-kind experience only possible in Los Angeles, a funky cross between New York’s Canal Street and a Middle-Eastern bazaar (but with Mexicans). You can buy almost anything here, from shoes to toys to a new pet, and there's no place on the West Coast where you can stretch a 10 dollar bill farther. From the charm of its sidewalk cafés to the persistence of its street hawkers, this is the most frenetic, exciting urban experience in LA. It is also one of downtown's fastest growing neighborhoods, as thousands of new residents will attest."


continue reading the article at http://laist.com/2007/07/26/neighborhood_pr_6.php#more

[mello]

Yeah that was a great article, thanks for sharing it Dave. Never been there. But I really don't get it, what kind of clothes are made there, is it like Armani shit or what?? Labels we know of? I thought clothes were made in Asia?

So is this just cheap clothes... Please tell me what the deal is here Dave thanks. Oh and how much of that "90 block area" can you really buy stuff in?

[edluva]

to be completely honest, I nor any of the people I have spoken with about this "fashion district" have ever found the things sold there interesting. Most of the stuff is of low quality and imitation knock-off tackiness better meant for the Santa Fe Springs swap-meet. Aside from the bustling streetlife and delicious "hep-C hot dogs" of course.

But it's always been a fun little day trek.

[DaveofCali]

^ But then again, your always so pessimistic about L.A. that your annoying towards other L.A. forumers (I've asked around) and you are already planning to move away anyway...

[mello]

Dave, could you please answer my question. At least Edluva tried to answer my question. I mean really, is there quality stuff being sold in the Fashion District or is it just a place for less fortunate people to buy clothes for their often large families....

I mean I could just go down to Tijuana if I want to buy cheap clothes.

Thanks Dave...

[fflint]

^ But then again, your always so pessimistic about L.A. that your annoying towards other L.A. forumers (I've asked around) and you are already planning to move away anyway...
Unacceptable. If you cannot refrain from personally attacking those who don't share your taste in fashion, or your taste in anything else for that matter, then do us all a favor and don't post.

[VivaLFuego]

Looks interesting, sounds kinda familiar (but larger) to what's left of Chicago's Maxwell Street market (e.g. a predominantly Mexican bazaar where all manner of things are sold in an open-air unregulated market but with a focus on clothing, set in a semi-rundown yet almost-resurgent quasi-industrial area near downtown)

[ChrisLA]

I love the Fashion District, a very interesting yet unexpected part of LA.

As far as quality goes, it really just depends on where you shop. If you go into the alley, well 90% of the stuff is cheap. Then there are other spots where you can find decent quality clothes. I have bought a few suits down on Los Angeles street which caters to mostly men's clothing. Some shops sell cheap suits, and others sell better and more expensive clothes.

Also there are lot of fabric shops in the area. A friend of mine hired a interior decorator to decorate her condo, and pretty much most of the things came from the Fashion District. From my understanding that is a good place to pick up such items for your home.

So overall I say it just depends on where you shop in the area, its quite a large district. Now if you're looking for clothing with the quality of Rodeo Drive, or even Melrose, then its true you won't find Diesel, and such down in the district, but a mere knock off. These things I don't buy in the Fashion District, and I stick to the more well known stores in this case.

[dktshb]

The flower market is awesome! Cheap, great quality, and worth checking out. :tup: I would never consider buying clothes in the Fashion District but that's just me and my preference so I can't speak on the quality.

[dktshb]

^ But then again, your always so pessimistic about L.A. that your annoying towards other L.A. forumers (I've asked around) and you are already planning to move away anyway...

I don't see it that way, edluva pretty much calls it as it is and is a great spokesperson for the city. Thanks for posting the interesting article.

[LosAngelesBeauty]

Yeah that was a great article, thanks for sharing it Dave. Never been there. But I really don't get it, what kind of clothes are made there, is it like Armani shit or what?? Labels we know of? I thought clothes were made in Asia?

So is this just cheap clothes... Please tell me what the deal is here Dave thanks. Oh and how much of that "90 block area" can you really buy stuff in?

I would recommend that you come up to LA sometime and check it out yourself! (Since you're relatively close in SD) But to answer your question, from my experience, they sell pretty much everything from t-shirts to suits to perfume to, yes, designer-knock-off bags.

LA is the manufactoring center for fashion in the United States. It is the high-fashion casual capital of the world. Pretty much all expensive denim is designed and made here like 7 for all mankind, Antik, True Religion, Paper Denim, A&G, etc. Also, there are other well-known labels made here including: American Apparel, Monarchy, and LA Denim Atelier.

http://www.bant-shirts.com/images/photos/label2.jpg
Photo from Ban Tshirts.com

[svs]

Although the majority of the stuff is cheap, you can find almost anything in the garment district including high quality mens suits if you know where to look. Also the flower mart is the biggest mart in the US and I believe the second biggest after the one in Holland.

[plinko]

From a consumer standpoint, my understanding is that for fabrics (for clothes, furniture, whatever), the 'Fashion District' really can't be beat in terms of quality and price. For clothes? Not so much (though I'm sure there are some wonderful tailers for things like suits).

Most of the fashion houses (local manufacturing) is further east though, centered around Alameda and points all the way out to Atlantic Blvd. in Commerce (Guess, ABS, Laundry, etc).

And while many high fashion companies have offices in the area and small manufacturing shops, the majority do their primary manufacturing in the Pearl River Delta in SE China.

[suga]

Dave, could you please answer my question. At least Edluva tried to answer my question. I mean really, is there quality stuff being sold in the Fashion District or is it just a place for less fortunate people to buy clothes for their often large families....

I mean I could just go down to Tijuana if I want to buy cheap clothes.

Thanks Dave...

A lot of people harp on Edluva, but he speaks the truth, the truth many folks overly smitten about LA cannot handle. But dave also gets a load of crap for loving his town obsessively, props to both of them for their passion.

The callejones/alleys have tons of cheap shit and plenty of good stuff if you are willing to look, but the experience is what makes the magic. I cant say anywhere in the US matches the vibe of the alley, its just magical.

[DaveofCali]

A lot of people harp on Edluva, but he speaks the truth, the truth many folks overly smitten about LA cannot handle. But dave also gets a load of crap for loving his town obsessively, props to both of them for their passion.

Los Angeles Beauty deserves props for loving L.A. obsessively, not me. I've already expressed my dissatisfaction with L.A. quite a bit before. But IMO, L.A.'s pro's still outweigh its cons and there's nothing like L.A. in the rest of the U.S.

[Echo Park]

I agree with those who say the clothes in the Fashion District is cheap looking and far more geared toward a swap meet in Santa Fe Springs than some shop on Melrose.

[DaveofCali]

Let me get this straight though, some people on this thread here are suggesting that L.A.'s fashion district is full of cheap stores and is thus worthless as an attraction or even as a neighborhood?

You guys obviously haven't gone farther away from Santee Alley if you've been there. About half of the district is just showrooms (which look much more formal than the stores) that are closed to the public and of which attract store owners from around the L.A. area and even around the west (like the california mart). Much of the stores that do sell retail also sell wholesale.

[Echo Park]

No one said it was worthless or not an urban experience. We're just saying the items sold there are not our taste. No need to get defensive.

[sf_eddo]

You guys obviously haven't gone farther away from Santee Alley if you've been there. About half of the district is just showrooms (which look much more formal than the stores) that are closed to the public and of which attract store owners from around the L.A. area and even around the west (like the california mart). Much of the stores that do sell retail also sell wholesale.

Like much of L.A. the most interesting parts of the urban experience to the average joe are often privatized.

Dave - the Fashion District is alright. I've purchased stuff there before. Everything is so cheap. I think you're being a little defensive.

[suga]

^
Although I agree with the assessment that too much of LA's attractions are privatized, I'd say it is unfair to note that as the epitome of the city (unless you are talking about what snobby/consumptive folks or tourists are attracted to).

The basis of this thread is a good example, much of the alleys are full of cheap products but a great destination to visit if you're into vibrant urbanity (that is dirty); my family almost always goes to the alleys to hang out and enjoy the atmosphere, if we're going to get some clothes/etc. there are tons of high end stores that you must search out (as they are not as prevalent in the main alley area around santee, good suits are northward and high end womens clothes are due east down 11th) and generally a shopping trip is structured much differently than a trip to "experience" the alleys.

Anyways, LA's main attractions are the biggest non-privatized aspects: our great weather and awesome geography. We are right next to some beautiful mountains (and great large hills) and abutted by lovely beaches. Becuase LA is so tourist/consumption oriented, it seems as if everything worth doing is at a cost, but most of the best things to do require little more than gas costs. Even tourist oriented locations are great place to hang out and not spend a penny: hollywood blvd, melrose, santa monica pier/promenade, venice beach strip, old town pasadena, etc.; you CAN shop at all of those spots but you can also not and have a good time (I do all the time). Not to mention all the great non-touristy areas to go: DTLA's various neighborhoods, broadway, K-town, dt glendale, the alleys, etc.

[J. Will]

It's ironic that downtown L.A. has such a huge fashion district when many major clothing chain retailers, including The Gap, which is based in California, don't have a single retail store in downtown L.A.

[ChrisLA]

As others have said, and I said in a previous post. Everything isn't cheap quality, the Fashion District is huge. If you get away from the alley, head down the side street. I can speak for the at least men clothes, and there are a lot of nice suits, and shoes. No not the cheap ones you buy for $99 dollars either, that includes the tie and shoes.

I did buy a cheap black belt for $5 several years ago. Can you believe its my favorite belt, and has out last all my Kenneth Cole higher priced ones I purchased from Macy's and Robinsons May. Those broke down in a year, where as this one was still in tact. Only recently I lost it, I think I may have left if at the gym. I think I may have to go back and get another one of those $5 belts.

[edluva]

Let me get this straight though, some people on this thread here are suggesting that L.A.'s fashion district is full of cheap stores and is thus worthless as an attraction or even as a neighborhood?

You guys obviously haven't gone farther away from Santee Alley if you've been there. About half of the district is just showrooms (which look much more formal than the stores) that are closed to the public and of which attract store owners from around the L.A. area and even around the west (like the california mart). Much of the stores that do sell retail also sell wholesale.

no, at least speaking for myself, i'm saying that the fashion district is worthless as a shopping destination, but plenty interesting as a day trek, especially to pass time.

and how do you know "us guys" obviously haven't gone away from santee? because we have opinions which lie contrary to yours?

[totheskies]

to be completely honest, I nor any of the people I have spoken with about this "fashion district" have ever found the things sold there interesting. Most of the stuff is of low quality and imitation knock-off tackiness better meant for the Santa Fe Springs swap-meet. Aside from the bustling streetlife and delicious "hep-C hot dogs" of course.

But it's always been a fun little day trek.

Cheap knock-offs? Low quality and imitation????


sounds like my kind of shopping:tup:

[SD_Phil]

My impression of the fashion district has always been that the cheaper goods are found on the street (and street level retail) and are almost always at least as good as the stuff you can buy in stores like Target or Old Navy etc. Going inside any of the major fashion district buildings however is a completely different experience. Many small designers have stores in the upper floors of the fashion district buildings and the clothes there (while not from a famous well-known designer) is designer clothes nonetheless.

I once accidentally wandered into one when I was helping my sister look for materials for her wedding and was really surprised. If you don't leave the streets and alleys of the fashion district you're likely to leave with the impression that it's a dirty, busy marketplace full of cheap clothes but really that's only part of the story.

[latennisguy]

wow..so much hatred going on here...personally I HATE the gap and stores like that. Aimed at all this teeny bob pop culture that I personally find disgusting. Although, I can admit that i've been guilty of shopping at banana, DK, and all these "pricey" brand name stores. If i want to look good, i can look good with 100 bucks worth of clothes. If I have a very important meeting, then I'll wear the 1,000K suits, but other than that, what's the point? Santee Alley? LOVE IT. No other place like it in L.A. Absolutely awesome density! Who says people don't walk in L.A.? Point the non-believers towards the fashion district and it will completely boggle their minds. this is what I love about this district. Screw the waiting for South Park...or Grand Avenue Project. People are already at the fashion district. I totally love the bohemian quality about it. Again, If you're the type of person that prefers the "big name brands"...then this place is only a "site-seeing tour".

[J. Will]

wow..so much hatred going on here...personally I HATE the gap and stores like that. Aimed at all this teeny bob pop culture that I personally find disgusting. Although, I can admit that i've been guilty of shopping at banana, DK, and all these "pricey" brand name stores. If i want to look good, i can look good with 100 bucks worth of clothes. If I have a very important meeting, then I'll wear the 1,000K suits, but other than that, what's the point? Santee Alley? LOVE IT. No other place like it in L.A. Absolutely awesome density! Who says people don't walk in L.A.? Point the non-believers towards the fashion district and it will completely boggle their minds. this is what I love about this district. Screw the waiting for South Park...or Grand Avenue Project. People are already at the fashion district. I totally love the bohemian quality about it. Again, If you're the type of person that prefers the "big name brands"...then this place is only a "site-seeing tour".


I don't know if this was directed at me, but I don't like or shop at any of those "big name" stores. I was just pointing out a fact.

[lynxwiler]

I find the Fashion District to be hit or miss. True, the Flower and Fabric Districts cannot be beat, but on some days all the merchandise in the Fashion Dist looks the same. I often wonder if some of those rows of stores don't all have the same owner since their merchandise is just so similar. For example, I was just down there two weekends ago to buy socks and every brand was the same — most had stickers that said "Designed in America" but they were all made in Pakistan. Needless to say, I didn't buy any socks that day.

[DaveofCali]

Regardless of whether you like the clothes there or not, you'd be hard pressed to deny it as a unique urban environment (that is quite exceptional in L.A.) I've gone there lots of times and have never ceased to be impressed by the amount of commercial activity there.