Unique LA Summer Market showcases local talent

The long-awaited annual retail-event Los Angeles makers and shoppers alike anticipate returned this weekend to Los Angeles. In the heart of the fashion district, vendors from the greater Los Angeles area gathered to showcase their talents in fashion, food, and design.

At the California Market Center, the 7th Annual Los Angeles Summer Market took place for two days. The admission to the two-day event included entry into the event, free drinks from various beverage vendors, DIY craft projects, photo booth portraits and more. Besides fashion, the event included vendors that sold stationery goods, baked goods, handbags, home decor, jewelry, plush toys, bath and beauty items, and more. Although the event brought together many industries, the fashion took a dominant role in the event. The penthouse had approximately over 30 apparel booths. The brands represented included Clean Aesthetic, BeetxBeet, Continuous, Gull + Marie, Jessica Faulkner, 1138 Clothing, Suburban Riot, MNKR, Forever Faded Jeans, Pocket Square Clothing and more.

One of the apparel vendors included Nikii Blak, known for its mod, monochromatic aesthetic. Based in Los Angeles, the designer and owner Monika Amey wanted to pay a homage to the event by participated. “I grew up in L.A., went to school in L.A., [and] based in L.A.,” said Amey. As a customer in the past, Amey felt it was time to partake in the vendor side of the event. “I love [the event]. It’s good energy and lots of fun,” said Amey. Amey’s brand offers tops, tanks, dresses, and more. The color palette for Nikii Blak includes mostly dark, black colors with a couple vibrant pop colors. Amey’s sophisticated pieces range from 40 to 250 dollars in price.

Another emerging designer was Christina Pellerin of Pellichriss Clothing. Harboring a vintage, bespoke, Los Angeles ready-to-wear brand; Pellerin got involved in Unique LA to help share her love of design with others. “It’s a unique opportunity. It happens once a year and it’s a great way to get my brand out there and share inspiration about fashion and sewing,” said Pellerin. Starting the art of sewing from childhood, Pellerin wanted to share her passion at Unique LA as a first time participant. Although, her first time at the annual event, Pellerin is no stranger to temporary boutiques. “It’s my first time doing the show, but I do pop-ups all over,” said Pellerin. Pellichriss Clothing ranges in pieces from rompers, skirts, tops and more that encompass a bohemian, elevated style.

The event was successful in bringing together different vendors locally to help showcase their talents. The event was created by creative director and former TV design personality Sonja Rasula. The idea of the event was to bring local-made design and arts to the masses to help support the economy. Unique LA was the first market of the event and debuted in December of 2008. Currently, the event has over 20,000 attendees and approximately 350 hand-selected designers and artists altogether. Unique hosts three shopping events in LA per year and once a year in New York City and San Francisco.