8 LA Based Fashion Brands Who Made Their Name Online
By Robert Joneja
Los Angeles is the new fashion hub and new brands are born every day. Start-up companies need to hit the market fast, which rarely gives them the time or money to set up a brick and mortar shop. Unless the company has solidified itself in the industry, it really doesn’t make sense for them to open a retail store. As a result, e-commerce skills are a necessity for these brands to survive and we appreciate that here at Storitz, as an online self-storage marketplace. A lot can be learned from fashion start-ups and how they leveraged online marketing to build their brands. Here are 8 L.A. based brands that became huge through their online presence:
Tobi:
Founded in 2007, Tobi’s woman’s line includes dresses, jumpsuits, bodysuits, rompers, and crop tops. They design it all from their DTLA studio and sell it exclusively on their online store. Tobi has become one of the biggest brands in the industry, with customers from over 100 countries. All of their designs are influenced by the L.A. lifestyle and are relaxed yet risqué at the same time. Their website is very aesthetically pleasing with easy to navigate sections.
http://www.tobi.com/
John Elliott + Co:
At the age of 8, John Elliot he sent a letter to Nike on how to improve Bo Jackson’s shoes. Fast-forward to 2015 he collaborates with Nike to design a pair of kicks for LeBron James. Headquartered in Culver City, the L.A. based label has taken the industry by storm without a brick and mortar. His products are high end but with a simple approach. Complex Magazine states that it’s “understated yet extremely high quality” and the company website screams it. The label is only four years old, and Elliot has been soaring ever since.
https://www.johnelliott.co/?gclid=CPyEuejSiNECFUpNfgod5kcFAg
Born x Raised:
Founded in November 2012 out of Venice Beach, Born x Raised mixes the history and present-day culture of Los Angeles. They didn’t start the street wear brand to make money, but instead to take a stand against gentrification in Venice. The cause grew in popularity amongst the locals who could relate, which helped them generate a big following. There is no brick and mortar shop, and their website is very interactive with cool videos and a blog. They frequently collaborate with popular L.A. retailer, Union.
d.RA:
Started in 2011 by designer Diana Ra, this woman’s line is easy to wear, fun, while still being elegant. Her products include dresses, tops, bottoms, and outerwear. Her website states, ”the collections are soft, sunny and fluid, but look a little closer and you’ll find crisp lines and tailored shapes.” The label has been co-signed by the likes of Beyonce and others.
https://draclothing.com/
LNA:
Founded in 2007, LNA burst onto the scene with a different approach that wasn’t huge at the time, men’s-influenced clothes for women. What started with just t-shirts has now grown into a full label that includes sweaters, jackets, dresses, bodysuits, and more. Their designs have since been featured in every leading fashion magazine and worn by some of tinsel-town’s elite. LNA’s website has a classy Californian feel that is integrated with sweet features from their Instagram.
https://www.lnaclothing.com/
Crap Eyewear:
In a sunglass industry dominated by luxurious brands, Crap Eyewear went the cheaper route and found its niche. Founded in Venice in 2009, the company was strictly online until finally opening a showroom in 2015. With prices ranging from $50-$125, Crap combines awesome style with an affordable price, making their products a must-have. Not to mention they have an A+ website that breathes Venice vibes and has an overall awesome interface.
http://www.crapeyewear.com/
Stampd:
Although they recently opened a brick and mortar on La Brea this year, Stampd had been killing it online since its creation in 2011. Founded by Chris Stamp, the brand brought the street and surf culture to a more modern and classier look that men could wear every day. Their simple designs are minimal in color and the opposite of flashy, yet boast a very luxurious look and feel. Their products include various tops and bottoms but also surfboards, hats, shoes, watches, bracelets and other cool accessories. Their website resembles the simplistic design of LNA’s and includes interesting sections such as Chris’s Tumblr and a blog that introduces new collections. In 2015, Stampd was nominated by GQ for Best New Designer, and did a footwear collaboration with Puma in 2016.
M.Nii:
Brought back to life in 2012, this Hawaiian-influenced brand makes some of the coolest surf-wear in the industry. John Moore, who had previously designed for Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, teamed up with his agency Pop Studio in Culver City and never looked back. Their website is one of a kind and has a layout that looks like an old-school newspaper. It also features a blog that educates you about the history of the culture behind the brand. Moore has since been succeeded by Nicole Rye who has continued his mission. This brand is a must-have for any sunshine dweller.
http://www.mnii.com/
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