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Adventures in Shopping: LA's Fashion DistrictIn June I had the pleasure of going on a wild fabric shopping adventure in LA's Fashion District. Janie Midgely, who shared a booth with me at Cairo Carnival, let me drag her to one of the best fabric shopping areas in the US. It had been several years since I had the pleasure of visiting this region to shop, and although we were a bit tired from a weekend of vending, and our visit was short, we unearthed some great deals and incredible finds! When I was in fashion school down in San Diego, I used to drive up to the garment district whenever I needed a length of cloth for a class project. When I went to work as a theatrical costume designer, LA was the destination of many pre-show swatching expeditions. After many trips to the area, it was a place that I felt comfortable just driving up to. Living in Northern California made quick jaunts impossible, so I was really looking forward to beefing up my fabric stash. Janie, who had heard of the wonders of fashion district, was eager for her first trip to this shopping mecca. Since her goal was to hunt down some stretch fabrics for transforming into body stockings and stomach covers. Her list consisted of 4-way stretch fabrics in velvets, laces and mesh. With this in mind, we headed for the center of the fabric area. Where to begin?Known by a variety of names including the Fashion District, Garment District and the Textile District, this area is just south of downtown LA. But, within this larger region, there are smaller subsections devoted to specific areas. The heart of the textile area is at 9th and Maple. Well established stores who have been there for years, such as the landmark Michael Lavine's , are crammed in with an ever rotating crop of shops. Most have roll up doors that leave literally open one wall of their shops to the street. Fabrics tumble forth and line every inch of available wall space indoors and out. Finding parking is fairly easy. Flagmen stand in the street and wave you to parking lots that are hidden from view behind buildings. We found a space conveniently located on that top of the Fashion Gallery building on the corner of Maple and 9th. Their lot is on top of a four-story building, and there is a convenient elevator. Parking close to the shopping is a necessity. I wound up making four trips back to the car to stash armloads full of fabric. This building also has a bathroom, which is locked, but if you buy some fabric from one of the stores they will generally walk you to the restrooms and unlock them for you. Restrooms can be HARD to find. However, you can use the map available on the Fashion District website at: www.fashiondistrict.orgFun and Games!Janie and I started on Maple and worked our way down the block. Janie was all eyes as she fondled fabrics, hunting and looking for bargains. I didn't have a particular agenda. When I knew what I wanted, I would get it. In the fourth store we entered I saw something that caught my eye. Two bolts of faux assuite! Janie and I eyed the bolt and contemplated costumes. I took the roll to the cutting table and asked for 10 yards. Enough for a dress or two! I negotiated an excellent wholesale price. Janie swooped in and bought the last four yards and he gave her HALF the price I paid because it was a short length. Laughing we teased each other, and Eliot who was cutting brought out a book of business cards. So many dancers shop at his store, Fiesta Fabric, Inc, that he collects what he called 'Belly Dancer Trading Cards.' He showed us his collection of famous faces who have bought lengths of yardage from him. Janie added her card to the pile. I was impressed and felt honored to be in such illustrious company. Giggling, Janie and I made our way up and down Maple, and then along 9th. We walked in and explored nearly a 100 shops in our three hour foray. We never did get to either the clothing area, especially the Maple/Santee Alley or to the California Mart. We finished off our foray with a duck into Levine's, a landmark fabric store with a huge notions section. With bags bulging, we made our way back to our car. We both left with lighter wallets but a phenomenal amount of fabric. If you are searching for something particular, you might not find it. Go with an open mind about what you are looking for. Take swatches of cloth you already own to match. There are lots of stores that sell trims, beads, rhinestones and other embellishments. Set a reasonable budget and try to stick to it. It's easy with such an abundance to overspend. Negotiation Tips:
Dressing for Shopping:Many of the stores are daunting. Rolls of fabric on the sidewalk, piles up and down every wall and tables heaped nearly to the ceiling with tubes of fabric. These places are grungy so wear clothes that are comfortable and form fitting. Loose pockets can grab and drag on bolts of cloth and this could cause an avalanche! Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking back and forth to your car to deposit your purchases. A small backpack or tote bag is essential to carry snacks and beverages. In parts of the garment district, food can be difficult to find so make sure you have a power bar and water. Backpacks are easier to control than purses and leave your arms free for carrying your purchases.
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