New prints, styles, and Textures: Shopping for fabrics and accessories in the LA Fashion District
Im back yall. And with new happenings to report.
I just finished a shopping trip to Los Angeles, California for fabrics and accessories. This is the 2nd time I’ve gone to Cali to purchase fabrics for my business. Each time I go, I always learn more about my business and the industry that surrounds it. I actually made a list of a few things to make sure to do when shopping in LA for your business. (I will list them in a bit, but first…)
I love Los Angeles. The pulse is electric. Yes, its expensive AF. But the energy there is undeniable. Save those coins and make the trip. I was there the 17th thru the 21st. I stayed right off Crenshaw Blvd in a private guest house. The spot was so comfortable and my host was a dream.
Shopping the the DTLA area is unlike shopping other places. There are street vendors everywhere selling giant fruit cups and churros and its sort of like an open air market. You can shop for any type of fashion item there, its just about finding the right vendor that carries the types of goods you are looking for. At this point, price comparison is key. Haggle and negotiate with the seller for the best prices.
While there I tried this vegan market/ restaurant called Simply Wholesome. Loved the smoothie and Jamaican seafood patty. You gotta try it.
Here are a few pic and videos I took during that my time there.
Would you travel to LA to shop for your Fashion brand?
Things to do when traveling to when traveling to the Los Angeles Fashion District
Don’t stay in anywhere Downtown! Yes, the Fashion District is in downtown LA, however that area is extremely expensive. Its also very big. So you aren’t guaranteed to actually be close to the shopping areas. Instead, try researching neighborhoods that are adjacent to DTLA (downtown Los Angeles). Like Inglewood. That’s where I stayed and I loved it.
Plan in advance how your going to get all of your new merchandise back home. SERIOUSLY! TSA is an expensive nightmare. Pack lite, avoid the extra fees and hassles. I personally shipped my new merch home. It was easy to google shipping facilities near me at my airbnb and just hop an uber to the nearest location that fit my needs.
Talk to locals for the real tea on the city. My uber driver happened to be a fashion design student and knew all of the good fabric shops. Score! I also DM’d a fashion designer i met on IG who’s work I admired. We talked awhile back and I dressed some of his clients. I thought this would be a good chance to in person network and I was right. We met up and shopped in Santee Alley, then grabbed vegan food at a black owned market called Simply Wholesome. It was vibe.
Hopes this helps or whatever,
Love yall…
Christina
