New Stuff @ AERO & Co.

Edith Palm Fall 2011 Installation

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 22:44:00 +0000

Designer Sarah Aaronson with her Edith Palm Fall 2011 collection at the Eigth Veil Gallery in Hollywood, December 10-12. "This collection combines the bold colors of Egon Schiele’s palette in conjunction with the cold chromatism of Eastern European winters and the dark sensibility of traditional Hasidic garments."

Kittin Hawk Spring 2011 Installation

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:47:00 +0000

KittinHawk Spring 2011 Installation, Concept LA Fashion Week, Spring Arts Tower, Downtown Los Angeles

MartinMartin Spring 2011 Runway Presentation

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:38:00 +0000

MartinMartin Spring 2011 "Angels of Debauchery" Runway Presentation at Concept Fashion Week, Spring Arts Tower, Downtown Los Angeles

Ai for Ai Spring 2011 Presentation at E.P.I.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:51:00 +0000

LA design duo (and sisters) Elizabeth and Carol Ai channelling outer space with their "Astral Traveler" collection for Spring Summer 2011. The presentation at EPIC boutique for Los Angeles Fashion Week featured an electroluminescent wire sculpture installation by artist Owen Schmit.

Geoffrey Mac Installation at Skybar Hollywood for LAFW

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:06:00 +0000

Geoffrey Mac started as a latex designer and did costumes for Lady Gaga's tour. This is the official launch of his ready-to-wear dress collection.

Incubation Period.

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:52:00 +0000

I'm taking some time off and rethinking the aeroandco.com website. In the meantime I'll be hitting a few events during what's left of LA Fashion Week. (Actually there's more going on than what I anticipated.) I'll do my best to post something interesting about this upcoming week. Tonight it's Geoffrey Mac at the Skybar Hollywood hosted by 944 and the Gen Art Foundation which seems to have risen from the ashes from it's recent implosion. Hope to find out more on that tonight and to see who this Geoffrey Mac person is.

VF Daily | VanityFair.com

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 01:03:00 +0000

Up in the Aero

by Nora Zelevansky

With the shuttering of beloved Los Angeles boutique Aero & Co., what will become of the Third Street neighborhood?

Yellow sale tags dangled not only from the clothes and accessories but also from the register counter itself. Aero & Co. boutique co-founder Alisa Loftin chatted with customers as usual, but this sunny March day in Los Angeles was far from typical: Loftin and her business partner, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent fashion designer Cynthia Vincent, were shuttering their shop—for good. “People discuss the closing like it’s the end of their own personal era,” nearby store owner Hillary Rush says. Indeed, the closing of the decade-old Aero & Co., which championed burgeoning L.A. designers and gave rise to Third Street’s indie-fashion reputation, signals a shift in the neighborhood’s identity.

“It was 10 years. We had a good run,” Loftin says. “I’m sad, but I’m excited and optimistic too.”

In 1999, Vincent and Loftin (who was once Vincent’s publicist), opened a boutique on an undeveloped Los Feliz side street, a few miles away from their shop’s eventual Third Street location. “The store was a creative vehicle to explore retail in a unique way and to showcase great artists in L.A.,” Vincent says. “We set up one of the first lifestyle stores.” The women, who socialized largely with the area’s up-and-coming artists and designers, stocked their friends’ work. “We let people show more of themselves instead of being subject to buyers,” Loftin says. “It was almost unheard of. Curve, American Rag, and Fred Segal were the only options, and those were limited.”

Aero & Co. soon became an underground success, but needed a more visible location. When it came to moving, Third Street was the only place Loftin would consider. She liked the neighborhood’s funky and authentic character, which she had experienced in the mid-90s working as a buyer for Joy Wear, a little-known British street-wear shop on the stretch that introduced designers such as Patricia Field and Ben Sherman to L.A. Back then, the store’s only neighbors were mom-and-pop shops, a punk store called Funk Essentials, and the café Quality. (The restaurant is the only one of the businesses that remains today.) Still, Joy Wear attracted fashion types such as designer John Galliano and stylists for bands including Stone Temple Pilots. More than a decade later, Loftin was drawn to Third Street once again: “It was 2002. Only Ethel, Noodle Stories, and a new Sigerson Morrison were here. I felt it could be a cool destination for specialized boutiques.”

Hillary Rush agrees. “Third Street was the closest you could get to, like, old-school Nolita,” she says. Rush helped open a now closed Lulu Guinness store on Third Street the same year; the location was inspired by a 2001 New York Times article by actress and musician Moon Unit Zappa, who wrote about her secret “favorite street.” “It’s still one of L.A.’s only real walking streets, though now it’s in guidebooks,” Rush continues. She opened her own store there in 2005.

On Third Street, Aero & Co. developed a reputation for inspirational trunk shows, showcasing inaugural collections—accompanied by installation art and crafts—by unknowns like pre–Project Runway Rami Kashou, Magda Berliner, and Jasmin Shokrian. “Rami would call and say, ‘I woke up at six a.m. and made this dress. Can I bring it in?’” Loftin laughs. “Often, the dress would sell the same day.”

The Third Street scene quickly became more and more saturated and competitive as boutiques such as Satine, Hillary Rush, Built by Wendy, Milk, South Willard, Filly, and Scout moved in and participated in energetic block parties with gratis taco stands, gelato, and cocktails. Homeless people no longer celebrated happy hour on the bus-stop bench outside Aero & Co., and crisp “West Third Street Business Association” flags lined light posts. As proprietors began to vie for Aero & Co.’s designers, Loftin noticed another issue: “When designers grew their lines, they often outgrew my customer in aesthetic and price point.”

Loftin was already beginning to struggle in 2007, but when the bubble burst, the weakening economy became particularly damaging for Aero & Co.’s bottom line, as recession shoppers gravitated toward brand-name basics. By mid-2009, empty storefronts and sidewalks quieted Third Street. The exodus of stores such as Zipper and Filly had a huge impact on the vivacious energy of the neighborhood. After almost 10 years in business, Loftin decided it was time to pack it in.

She and Vincent will officially part ways, though Vincent’s role has been less pronounced for a while now. Loftin plans to launch Aero & Co.’s online shop and also an appointment-only space for stylists and dedicated customers. She’ll also likely represent and encourage young designers, such as Maxine Dillon, who are trying to get their legs and may not know a lot about marketing, merchandising, or distribution. Meanwhile, Vincent boasts a new handbag line and a Target capsule shoe collection, launched this week.

Some Third Street stores, however, weathered the recession: Satine recently expanded, Hillary Rush thrives, Plastica—next to the resilient New Stone Age—is growing into Aero’s space. Old-school stores such as Polkadots & Moonbeams and Jacob the Jeweler (not to be confused with his celebrity namesake) are hanging on, too. “There are fewer businesses, but I do think Third Street will retain flavor,” Rush says. “Big-box stores eyed the street but got scared because of the economy. Maybe that’s good. There still hasn’t been one Starbucks.”

A mysterious block-long development does rise in the midst, and Deborah Walsh, the owner of Ethel and co-creator of the local business association, is worried. “Their spaces will be very expensive, so renters won’t be stores like Aero, me, or O.K.”

In the meantime, though, new independent shops such as Reformation and Elaine Kim have opened doors. The strip is now an established destination, sandwiched between the Beverly Center and the Grove. “Third Street has really strong eateries now like Joan’s on Third, Toast, reopened Doughboys, and Little Next Door, which bring energy,” Loftin says. Standards such as Mishima, Izakaya by Katsuya, and A.O.C. also draw visitors. The vibe has become more mainstream.

Loftin does hope to once again see what she calls “the time of the edgy designer,” but she recognizes that survival in this new marketplace requires adaptation. “There’s a part of me that’s completely devastated that my vision for working with young designers wasn’t enough to sustain a business,” Loftin says. “I really worked hard to help young designers develop and bring their lines to Los Angeles via Third Street, and I’m proud of that. But I’m also happy looking to the future.”

AERO & Co. Store Closing Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:12:00 +0000

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Customers,

After 10 years of bringing local, independent and emerging designers to the
City of Los Angeles AERO & Co. is closing its’ retail shop at the end of this month.

It has been a genuine pleasure working with some of the most progressive and innovative designers Los Angeles has to offer and I am grateful to all of our customers that have supported my vision over the years! I am truly proud of what was accomplished here and I will sincerely miss every aspect of running AERO & Co. as a retail location.

Please join us for the Store Closing Sale now in progress:

30% - 50% off current & past merchandise
including furniture, fixtures, props & displays

Last Day is Sunday, March 28th

Stay tuned for updates on future AERO & Co. projects including an online retail store in the works.

Follow me on the Web until the new aeroandco.com website is up!
http://aeroandco.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/aeroandco
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aeroandco/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/AERO-Co/95316717293

Sincerely,
Alisa Loftin
Owner
AERO & Co.

8403 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-653-4651
Mon – Sat 11- 6, Sun 12 – 5
Free Parking in Back

AERO & Co. is TEN

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:54:00 +0000

On December 17, 2009 AERO & Co. threw it's ten year anniversary party (Nov. 5, 1999) along with jewelry designer Jenny Dayco celebrating her five year anniversary. Artist and DJ Jorge Nunez provided the soundtrack for the event.

AERO & Co. founder Alisa Loftin (center) and shop girls Ariela Marin (left) and Maxine Dillon (right) who also designs for AERO & Co. and her own eponymous collection.

Jewelry designer Jenny Dayco (second from left), partner Toshina (second from right) and friends.

DJ Jorge Nunez.

Toshina wearing Jenny Dayco.

The party scene at AERO & Co.

Aero & Co. Vintage

noreply@blogger.com (Ela Marin) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:34:00 +0000

Clockwise from top left: Abraham Lincoln bookends $54 SOLD, marble bookends $78 SOLD, black leather wallet SOLD!, Morris Moskowitz navy silk purse $85 SOLD

West Third Street Ongoing Public Valet

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:58:00 +0000

West 3rd Street PUBLIC VALET PARKING happens every Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 a.m. for $3.50. Customers can drop off and pick up their cars at one of any of the 3 orange-colored umbrella stations located along West Third Street from Fairfax to La Cienega.

NEW 2K by Gingham

noreply@blogger.com (Ela Marin) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:50:00 +0000

All 2K by Gingham shirts $36

Hand-Made from Argentina

noreply@blogger.com (Ela Marin) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:23:00 +0000

AN-012 $75 (SOLD)

All necklaces range from $70 - $75 (All SOLD)

AERO & Co. Limited Edition Themed Grab Bags

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:39:00 +0000

AERO & Co. Grab Bags make great gifts on the go. Give them as is or add your own personal touch. Girlie Grab Bags $25 each, limited edition of 5, each one slightly different.

80's Neon Grab Bags $20 each, limited edition of 4. See our Flickr photostream for more themed grab bags.

Cheek-ie Puff Bracelets

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:16:00 +0000

Neon puff bracelets from Cheek-ie make a great gift for girls who like to layer their bracelets. These add a pop of color and texture to a skillfully stacked bracelet montage, $22 each.

Vintage Cameo Dots

noreply@blogger.com (Ela Marin) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:32:00 +0000

Earrings: $15 per pair, Bracelets: $18 ea.

Popomomo's CURATORIAL

noreply@blogger.com (Ela Marin) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:10:00 +0000

This is Popomomo's new side project, CURATORIAL. They design contemporary and eco-friendly shapes using vintage dead-stock fabric.

(Left: Walkaway Dress $78, Right: Buckminster Dress $78)

Vintage Brass Animals

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Brass Lion $68, Elephant $45, Giraffe $32 All SOLD

Brass Mouse $48 SOLD

Brass Duck $21, Owl $32 SOLD, Mouse Trap $59

Brass Man in the Moon Bookends $89 SOLD

Aris Geldis Holiday 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:57:00 +0000

Brass Ring Bracelet $198
Brass Ring and Swarovski Crystal Pendant $348
Brass Rings with Swarovski Crystals $123

Brass chain bracelets with Swarovski crystal rings $225

Aris Geldis is our only jewelry collection from Paris. For Holiday 2009 we've added this small group to our ever expanding collection of his work. The designer has collaborated with Chanel, Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Couture, Ungaro Couture and he designs for the Haute Couture of Christian Lacroix.

Vintage Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:46:00 +0000

1970's Razza Libra Pendant $207.

1970's Italy - Scandanavian style clip-ons $108.

1950's Elsa Schiaparelli clamp bracelet and clip-on earrings set $315.

1980's Italy - Jean Andre gold chain $60. SOLD

Vintage Bags

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:44:00 +0000

Oversize 80's yellow leather envelope clutch $35. SOLD

1960's cognac leather adjustable chain bag $55. SOLD

1980's taupe metal mesh evening bag $55. SOLD

Assorted vintage dead stock wallets $12 - $45.

Margarita Saplala Winter '09

noreply@blogger.com (Ela Marin) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:05:00 +0000

Left: Digital Floral Dress w/ front zipper $290
Right: Roll Sleeve Dress $260

Left: Cape Tunic $220
Right: Green Layered Tank Dress $250

Margarita Saplala, based in New York, designs her own original prints -- this time exploring digitized flowers!!! We're even carrying her digital floral "stitched" scarves.

AERO & Co. is TEN!

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:35:00 +0000

Ten years ago today AERO & Co. opened it's doors in Los Feliz. The mission: to showcase the new crop of emerging designers in Los Angeles. Thanks for all of your support!
The original location in Los Feliz.

V magazine shoot at AERO & Co. 2001. Alicia Lawhon, Rami Kashou, Michelle Mason, Grant Krajecki, Ina Celaya, Jared Gold, Magda Berliner, Kime Buzelli.

West Third Street interior 2002.

Octopi window.

Loyal shop girl and talented designer Maxine Dillon.

The penguin family mascots.

AERO & Co. LA Designer Hall of Fame
(incomplete and in no particular order)

St. Vincent
Magda Berliner
Grey Ant
Alicia Lawhon
Michelle Mason
Jared Gold
Rami Kashou
Jasmin Shokrian
Brett Westfall
Katy Rodriguez & Mark Haddawy
MartinMartin
Nick Verreos
Louis Verdad
Nathalie Saphier
Brian Lichtenberg
Maia Sarmanian
Ismael Gardea
Ina Celaya
Koi Suwannagate
Maxine Dillon
Anita Arze
Stacy Kiehl
David McMillan
Hazel Brown
Franny
In Vintage Veritas
Ottoshop
Ynnub/Squirrel Pageant
Jenny Dayco
Sid Vintage
Kucoon
Ankh by Racquel
Moss Mills
Lockets
Gabriela Artigas
Helena Hirvela
Lupita Peckinpah
Mike & Chris
N.E.D.
Unhee
Myla & Co.
Rachel Jane
Eugene Ong
Jack Rabbit
Brigid Catiis
Ponderosa
Anzevino & Florence
Alex & Chloe
Blood is the New Black
and the list goes on...

New Vintage Dead Stock Sunglasses

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:51:00 +0000

VDS-120 $32

VDS-YS003 $60

VDS-115 $24

The new shipment of Vintage Dead Stock sunglasses has arrived with another shipment on the way. These are my top three picks.

80's Clip Ons - Jean Andre Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Alisa) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:27:00 +0000

SOLD

1980's clip-on earring from Jean Andre Italy $60 each.