DTLA's Renegade Craft Fair brings in local makers

On July 11 and 12, local artisans and designers gathered for an annual haven of handmade crafts. In downtown Los Angeles, over 300 artists attended the two-day affair at Grand Park.

The indie market was located in the outdoors, fittingly for the crafters’ natural, bohemian designs. The preeminent series showcased emerging talents from the modern maker community. Varying from D-I-Y curators, handmade item connoisseurs, and local designers; the marketplace brought together shoppers and makers alike to participate in retailing activities. Vendors that participated in this year’s event in Los Angeles included a myriad of pieces for shoppers: jewelry, apparel, accessories, beauty products, furniture, art, and more. Makers included Guy Miller Belt Co., Factory 43, Woll Jewelry, Wild Habit, The Poster List, The Bee’s Knees, Eleventy-Five, DKNG Studios, Biken, Bici Couture, and more.

This year, the event really marked beyond its fashion, apparel, and homemade goods by incorporated various aspects to create an experience. The fair included a D-I-Y workshop by Tandy Leather, helping facilitate the brand’s teachings on how to create your own hand-crafted goods. In addition to its indie pieces, the fair also boasted an impressive amount of food trucks including famed Son of a Bun, Tokyo Doggie Style, The Deli Doctor, and Palazzolo’s Gelato Truck. Other special features included Gold Ink Tattoo handing out trendy, metallic tattoos. The Library Store on Wheels was also set up on site with a selection of books for interested readers.

Overall, guests were able to shop, dine, and enjoy the design allure of local Angelenos. The Renegade Fair passes through major cities such as Portland, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, London, Chicago, and more. Founded in Chicago in 2003, the underground community has since marked an eminent spot in the design market. The fair attracts over 325,000 attendees in total across the 22 events nationally.