Essential Guide to the Los Angeles Fashion District | Where to Shop (2024)

Rodeo Drive may be the best known address for shopping in the City of Angels, but the true heart of the city’s shopping scene—and the West Coast’s entire apparel industry’s hub—is downtown, where nearly 100 square blocks form the Fashion District. DTLA’s Fashion District has been booming with activity since the early 20th century, and today, more than 1,000 independent retailers, it still draws in-the-know Angelenos on the hunt for formal attire (often fresh off the catwalk), jewelry, swimwear, denim, and household goods. And the best part? Many of the clothing on offer comes from brands you love, but at wholesale prices.

So before you venture to Beverly Hills, follow the locals and use this guide for shopping in the Los Angeles Fashion District.

Getting To The Fashion District

The LA Fashion District covers the southern portion of DTLA, just a mile southeast of major attractions like the Staples Center (and Hotel Figueroa).

Accessible from major freeways like the 110, 101, 10, 5 and 60, the Fashion District has more than 100 parking lot located throughout the area. Those using public transportation can get there via the Metro DASH Bus – The LA Fashion District located along DASH D& E lines, but a car is recommended if you plan on doing some serious shopping. The entrance into the Fashion District varies based on where you’re coming from, but the map below shows which streets form the district. Check out the official LA Fashion District Map here.

When To Go

The Fashion District is at its liveliest on Saturdays and Sundays, but shoppers can get their hands on discounted goods from select retailers every day of the week. General hours are 10:00AM-5:00PM, though exact hours for each vendor may vary.

What To Bring

Cash is king in the Fashion District, and while some retailers accept credit cards, it’s recommended that you bring cash or prepare to use one of the many ATMs in the area. Comfortable walking shoes are a must if you want to see as much of the district as possible, and there are plenty of restaurants and food vendors in the district if you work up an appetite.

Where To Shop

Looking for menswear? Hoping to say yes to the dress? The LA Fashion District is roughly grouped so that you don’t need to wander far. Here’s a rundown:

Kids’: Kids clothing (formal and informal), is centered on the two square blocks of Pico Boulevard and 12th Street between Maple Avenue and San Julian street.

Men’s athletic and casual wear: Main, Los Angeles, and Santee streets from Pico Boulevard to 16th Street

Men’s formal: Los Angeles Street between 7th and 9th streets

Textiles: The four-block area from 8th Street down to Olympic Boulevard between Maple Avenue and San Julian Street

Wedding and prom gowns: Santee Street from Olympic Boulevard down to 14th Street

Wholesale Marts (for trade members): On the corner of 9th and Los Angeles streets major wholesalers likeCalifornia Market Center,Cooper Design SpaceandNew Martoften hold sample sales open to the public, usually on the last Friday of the month. Plus: San Pedro Wholesale Mart on the corner of 11th and San Pedro streets; andLA Mart (located inside The REEF) at South Broadway and Washington Boulevard

Women’s: The vast majority of the LA Fashion District is devoted to women’s clothing, and you’ll find boutiques across the area. Particularly popular corridors for women’s stores are Pico Boulevard between Main and Santee streets; Santee Street between 9th and Pico; and Wall and Maple streets between Olympic and 12th.

And don’t missSantee Alley,the pulse of the Fashion District’s retail offerings. The pedestrian-only shopping bazaar is home to designer-inspired apparel—plus cosmetics, luggage, and toys—at enviable prices.

And Don’t Forget The Flowers

Shop or browse beautiful blooms at the Los Angeles Flower District, a six-block collection of wholesale and retail flower vendors located within the Fashion District along the 700 block of Wall St. between Maple St. and San Julian St., and from 7th to 8th St. Here you’ll find theOriginal Los Angeles Flower Market, a 50,000 square-foot space that is the largest flower market in the country, as well as theCalifornia Flower Mall.

For more information on the Fashion District, visit the official website here.

Essential Guide to the Los Angeles Fashion District | Where to Shop (2024)

FAQs

What do I need to shop at LA Fashion District? ›

The LA Fashion District is the premier west coast destination for buyers and retailers from all over the world.
...
In order to shop LA Market Weeks, buyers and retailers must provide the following:
  1. Business License or Seller's Permit and/or.
  2. Business Tax ID Number.
  3. Purchase Invoices (typically 2-3 industry related invoices)

Is the Fashion District in LA worth visiting? ›

Globally recognized as the West Coast hub of fashion, this neighborhood's roots are steeped in rich culture and history, with a sense of belonging and identity going back over a century. With a distinctive cultural vibe, the LA Fashion District is a place for inspiration and exploration, and continues to evolve.

Is Garment District cash only? ›

With over 12,000 square feet of retail space bursting with more than 40,000 unique items at any given time, you'll always find a large assortment of options at affordable prices. The store is open every day, and accepts all major credit cards.

What is LA's most famous shopping street? ›

Rodeo Drive

Why: The Holy Grail of shopping is located on the west side of the Los Angeles metropolitan area between Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards. This world-famous street spans three city blocks and provides couture-crazed fashion darlings with over 100 upscale apparel stores and luxurious one-off boutiques.

Can anyone shop in LA Fashion District? ›

The district is open to both the public and the trade. Designer showrooms and wholesale businesses are for the trade-only. However, Santee Alley and retailers in the surrounding area are open to the public, as are many of the businesses on the west side of the district.

What are the necessary items you must arrange in order to organize a fashion show? ›

5 Key Tips for Planning a Fashion Show
  • Utilise technology as much as possible. It's important for anyone planning a fashion show to embrace technology. ...
  • Choose the right models. ...
  • Make sure the atmosphere is right. ...
  • Schedule in practice runs. ...
  • Make guests feel special. ...
  • Final thoughts.
Jan 16, 2020

What is the hippest neighborhood in LA? ›

West Hollywood

Trendy, creative and welcoming of all walks of life, this neighborhood is lined with rainbow flags and is world famous for its bustling scene of buzzworthy restaurants, bars, dance clubs, boutiques, comedy clubs, chic hotels and live music venues. There's never a dull moment in West Hollywood (WeHo).

How safe is the Fashion District? ›

Fashion District

The crime rate is 33% higher than the Los Angeles average but 68% higher than the national average. During the day, this neighbourhood is not very safe due to the broad mix of people and several businesses that draw visitors.

What time does the Fashion District open downtown Los Angeles? ›

In general most businesses in the Fashion District are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Santee Alley and the surrounding area are open seven days a week.

What happens to cash for clothes clothes? ›

Where recycled clothes go? Everything is exported, and provides an affordable source of clothing to disadvantaged people in the developing world and emerging countries in Eastern Europe.

How much is parking at the Fashion District? ›

Up to 3 hours parking for a flat rate of $9. rates. Parking is not discounted for vehicles exceeding the 3 hour validation period.

Does the garment district take credit cards? ›

Bring a little cash. While most stores accept both cash and cards, there are some stores and/or parking lots that accept cash only.

What is the richest shopping street in LA? ›

No visit to Hollywood is complete without a stroll down the iconic Rodeo Drive. No need to save up your pennies, unless you are a local or incredibly wealthy visitor, this place is window shopping only.

What is the main shopping strip in LA? ›

Santa Monica Blvd., Wilshire Blvd., and Crescent Dr., Beverly Hills) -- Everyone knows about Rodeo Drive, the city's most famous shopping street.

Can you wear jeans in Los Angeles? ›

Los Angeles Style

Just like our attitude, our clothing is also casual and laid-back. Denim is an everyday staple, sneakers and flip flops are normal, and the way these items are worn will vary from person to person.

Is the garment district and Fashion District the same? ›

The Garment District, also known as the Garment Center, the Fashion District, or the Fashion Center, is a neighborhood located in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. The dense concentration of fashion-related uses give the neighborhood its name.

What city has the best Fashion District? ›

According to FashionUnited, New York City and Los Angeles have competed for the top spot for years. However, New York always seems to come out on top, and was even named the top global fashion capital of the decade, says the Global Language Monitor.

What are the 5 qualities of a suitable fashion show venue? ›

5 Characteristics a Fashion Show Venue Should Have.
  • An advantageous location :
  • An evocative – and appropriate – backdrop :
  • The right practical amenities :
  • A track record and reputation in fashion :
  • Sufficient capacity for the invitees :
Jan 3, 2019

How do you plan a fashion show checklist? ›

Consider these needs: Staging Area for Backstage Dressing rooms o Plenty of room for make-up and hair artists & models o Carpeted area in case the models want to try on their shoes o Food and beverage o Rolling racks for clothes plus a way to put the model's name on their hangers of clothes o LOTS of mirrors o Seating ...

How many looks do you need for a fashion show? ›

Remember, fashion shows last 17 – 20 minutes during which time the designer will present up to 70 looks, so depending on how many models are hired, it could mean up to three changes per model – a very difficult feat.

Where is the black community in LA? ›

Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw, Los Angeles, 71.3% Ladera Heights, California, 71% Hyde Park, Los Angeles, 66% Chesterfield Square, Los Angeles, 58.6%

What is the poorest city in Los Angeles? ›

Compton is the poorest city in Los Angeles County, having the greatest poverty rate. It is a city in Southern California located in south Los Angeles County.

Is the Garment District safe at night? ›

Garment District

A Manhattan neighborhood of 4,586 people. The risk of crime is 27% higher than the National Average.

Is downtown LA safe at night? ›

Is downtown L.A. safe to live? Downtown Los Angeles is not a safe place to live. Skid Row is one of the most dangerous, gang-dominated neighborhoods where many drug addicts live, and homeless camps exist. The area has a high violent crime rate and is unsafe for tourists and locals to live in.

Where not to stay in Los Angeles? ›

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Los Angeles
  • Downtown. Downtown Los Angeles has plenty to offer, including bars, restaurants, and museums. ...
  • Compton. ...
  • West Adams. ...
  • Skid Row. ...
  • Glendale. ...
  • Encino. ...
  • Los Feliz. ...
  • Playa Vista.
Aug 23, 2022

Does the Fashion District have a parking lot? ›

There's over 110 parking options in the LA Fashion District.

What is fashion street famous for? ›

Brimming with over 150 shops, Fashion Street is truly a shopper's paradise on the famous M.G. Road. This market sells a wide array of products from clothes and accessories to footwear, gadgets and more. Most of the shops at Fashion Street are set inside decades - old buildings that bear traces of Gothic architecture.

What train stop is the Fashion District? ›

What's the nearest train station to Fashion District Philadelphia? The Jefferson Station station is the nearest one to Fashion District Philadelphia.

What do stores do with the clothes they can't sell? ›

Secondhand clothes that don't sell in the US or go into textile recycling are often exported. Roughly 700,000 tons of used clothing gets sent to other countries annually, reportedly creating a big market and contributing to job growth.

What to do with really old clothes that Cannot be donated? ›

Items that aren't suitable for reuse or donating to charity can be recycled and repurposed into new items. Make sure old clothes and shoes are disposed of at recycling points rather than being put into the bin and destined for landfill. You can use our locator to find a clothing recycling bank near you.

Are old clothes worth anything? ›

Expert clothing resellers advise pricing second-hand fashion items at an excellent price-quality ratio. On average, pre-loved clothes sell for between 30% and 40% of their original retail price. As a rule of thumb, price your used garments for a third of new similar items cost.

What time is the Fashion District open? ›

The Fashion District is at its liveliest on Saturdays and Sundays, but shoppers can get their hands on discounted goods from select retailers every day of the week. General hours are 10:00AM-5:00PM, though exact hours for each vendor may vary.

Where to park at Fashion District? ›

LA Fashion District
  • 805 S. Spring St. 805 S. Spring St. Lot. ...
  • 1109 S. Main St. 1109 S. Main St. Lot. ...
  • 1109 S. Main St. 1109 S. Main St. Lot. ...
  • 835 S. Hill St. 835 S. Hill St. ...
  • 1045 S. Hill St. 1045 S. Hill St. ...
  • 401 E 8th St. 401 E 8th St. Lot. 0.3 mi away. ...
  • 808 S. Olive St. The Lot Garage. 0.3 mi away. ...
  • 601 E. 9th St. 601 E. 9th St.

Is Garment District expensive? ›

While items here are often more expensive than the $1/pound section, they are still very reasonably priced. Overall, the Garment District is a great place to stop by if you're in the area.

What items do clothing banks take? ›

When visiting a clothes bank, you can deposit the following:
  • All types of clothing, from coats and jackets to nightwear, underwear and socks. ...
  • Shoes, boots, sandals, trainers and pumps, as long as they are in a pair.
  • Various accessories like handbags, hats, scarves, gloves and belts.

Can you buy clothes with a debit card? ›

You can use your ATM/debit card throughout the U.S. to pay for purchases at grocery stores, pharmacies, clothing retailers, convenience stores, department stores, gasoline stations, home improvement stores, discount chains and many others.

What is the most popular mall in LA? ›

1. Glendale Galleria. Offering a unique shopping experience, the mall is one of the largest and most popular ones in the city. They have over 200+ stores, a wonderful food court, eateries, a children's play area and spas and salons.

What is the flea market in LA called? ›

The Rose Bowl Stadium hosts the Rose Bowl Flea Market on the second Sunday of every month. The market boasts a variety of vendors selling both new and used items, but the real find for fashion fans is the section dedicated to all things vintage and antique.

What is the most luxurious shopping street? ›

Bahnhoffstrasse has the reputation for being the most expensive shopping strip in the world. Some of the most famous fashion houses have outlets here – Armani, Gucci, Prada. Amongst them you'll find stores for companies like Rolex, Cartier, Tiffany.

Where do rich people in LA shop? ›

West Hollywood

High-end stores like Kitson, Chanel and Intermix are all celeb faves. Paul Rudd, Serena Williams, Sharon Stone, Kathy Griffin, Ben Stiller, Paris Hilton, Lauren Conrad, Katherine Heigl, Jessica Alba and of course, the Kardashian/Jenner clan are just a few of the stars that have strolled these few blocks.

What is the most famous street in LA? ›

Arguably the most famous street in Hollywood, the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, where 2,400 personalities are immortalised in a pavement star, stretches fifteen blocks along Hollywood Boulevard.

What is the famous market in LA? ›

One of the most iconic markets, albeit overwhelming, is the Rose Bowl Flea Market. With over 2,500 vendors each month, this market is not for the indecisive.

What is the famous street for shopping in Beverly Hills? ›

Beverly Hills is known around the world as one of the most fashionable places to shop. In the heart of it all sits Rodeo Drive – undeniably one of the most famous streets in the world. Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Chanel can all be found in this iconic fashion district.

Where is the most popular shopping area in California? ›

  • Two Rodeo Drive. 368. ...
  • Great Mall. 446. Shopping Malls. ...
  • Santa Monica Place. 327. Shopping Malls. ...
  • Cabazon Outlets. 249. Factory Outlets • Shopping Malls. ...
  • Glendale Galleria. 297. Shopping Malls. ...
  • Del Amo Fashion Center. 239. Shopping Malls. ...
  • Beverly Center. 387. Art Museums • Shopping Malls. ...
  • San Diego Factory Outlet Center. 119. Shopping Malls.

What part of LA is fancy? ›

While Malibu, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica are home to many of L.A. County's most expensive neighborhoods, you'll also find some of West Los Angeles proper's wealthy enclaves near the top of the list. Mansions abound in L.A.'s wealthy Westside neighborhoods.

Is there a dress code for clubs in LA? ›

GENTLEMEN: We encourage you to wear nice jeans or slacks with a button-up or collared shirt and dress shoes. LADIES: We encourage you to wear co*cktail or upscale attire with heels or fashionable flats. Nightclub items that are PROHIBITED: Weapons.

Can I wear jeans to a nightclub? ›

Yes. All nightclubs allow both men and women to wear jeans. We suggest not wearing bagging denim. Jeans can have rips and tears in them, but not an excessive amount of rips.

Can I wear jeans to Arts club? ›

The Arts Club operates a smart dress code and we ask that members and their guests ensure their attire complies, when visiting the club. Those who fail to do so may be refused entry. Jeans, in a solid colour with no rips. A round or V-neck T-shirt, worn with a tailored jacket which must remain on in the club.

What is the most popular nightclub in Los Angeles? ›

10 Best Nightclubs in Los Angeles
  • Avalon Hollywood.
  • The Three Clubs.
  • La Cita Bar.
  • Echoplex.
  • Exchange.
  • The Mayan.
  • Academy.
  • Cicada Club.

What are the four fashion cities? ›

Called the "Big Four", the most prominent fashion capitals of the world—in chronological order of their eponymous fashion weeks, are New York (Manhattan), London, Milan, and Paris, which receive the majority of press coverage.

Why is it called Fashion District? ›

The district's name is derived from the area's role in the garment industry. In the early 20th century, numerous textile and fabric factories and warehouses were located here due to the proximity and easy access to shipping and rail lines.

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