For too long L.A.’s fashion reputation has been limited to that of being the land of Ed Hardy and American Apparel. Determined to prove otherwise, stylist Tristan Scott and eco-fashion specialist Rhianon Jones decided to set up shop stocking the city’s most daring independent designers. Barely into its seventh month, the Echo Park Independent Co-op has already chalked up a roster of more than 50 labels, including hometown heroes such as leatherwear gurus Skingraft and the Lady Gaga-approved Brian Lichtenberg. Equally in the spotlight are lesser-known names such as FIDM fresh-grad trio Roark with its quietly elegant, slightly off-kilter men’s streetwear and the architecture-inspired Les Sang des Betes by artist Trang Chau. Each month local bands and artists are invited to perform or exhibit in the store, all in the name of fostering a creative community. Now this is how “Legalize L.A.” should be done. 1712 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. (213) 483-0260, shopepicla.com.
—Noelle Loh