When West Elm announced they would open a new downtown Los Angeles location at 928 S. Broadway Street, few knew they would bring in their grand opening with such a charitable twist…
With a commitment to supporting emerging creatives, West Elm Downtown LA sells products created by 22 California-based makers and offer pop-ups and workshops hosted by local artists and businesses.
West Elm Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY since 2002, opened its first store in DUMBO, the neighborhood it still proudly calls home. With a mission of harnessing the power of design and human connection to enrich lives, everything West Elm does is designed to make an impact in everyday life, from creating unique, affordable designs for modern living and commitment. From Fair Trade Certified and LOCAL and handcrafted products to community-driven collaborations and events. The brand operates more than 100 retail stores as well as e-commerce websites in the United States, Australia, Canada and the UK, ships internationally to customers around the world, and has unaffiliated franchisees that operate stores in Mexico, Middle East, Philippines and South Korea.
The DTLA location takes up 11,221 sq. ft. and is located on the ground floor of the Broadway Palace Apartments and marks West Elm’s fourth location in the Los Angeles area.
DTLA: Meet your new interior designers
West Elm Downtown LA will also offer Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s cross-brand design consultation program Design Crew, which pairs customers with experts who can provide design, installation and registry services.
“Our Los Angeles LOCAL program is among our largest and most successful roster of local artists and designers, offering a wide selection of handcrafted art, furniture and accessories,” said West Elm President Alex Bellos. “Our new Downtown LA store brings us to the heart of the city’s creative community where we will continue to cultivate relationships with talented artists and invest in their development with programs such as our artist residency at West Elm Santa Monica, and the ‘Best of LOCAL’ program on westelm.com.”
A selection of locally made products by California-based makers and artisans will be showcased as part of the West Elm Downtown LA LOCAL assortment.
Among the 22 artists featured in the store are:
● Dandelion Paper Co.: Artistic prints inspired by California’s flora and fauna made in Elverta
● Dear Doggy: Dapper pet leashes and feeders made in Los Angeles
● Eric Trine: Colorful, handmade geometric planters and pedestals crafted from steel in Long Beach
● Janel Foo Glassworks: Stained glass decorative objects handmade in Los Angeles
● Masterson: Geometric wooden terrariums and planters handmade in Los Angeles
● MFEO: Los Angeles-based woodworkers making planters and wall shelves
● Miriam Dema: California-themed and vintage-inspired pennants and patches made in Los Angeles
● Myan Soffia: Los Angeles-based photographer capturing dreamy California-inspired prints featuring L.A.’s urban fabric
● Nickel Designs: Natural coir welcome mats hand-painted in Costa Mesa
● Rachel Brown Art: Watercolor artist based in Los Angeles painting southwestern skull portraits
Downtown Weekly joined the grand opening celebration, with the new store opening on Thursday, September 20th, which included, sips by Urban Espresso, California inspired poké bowls of Sweetfin, Cool Haus Icecream, local DJ and refreshments, including cocktails provided by Urban Palate. A portion of the night’s proceeds went to Inner-City Arts, a local nonprofit dedicated to engaging young people in the creative process.
Los Angeles residents are invited to enter the West Elm sweepstakes offering local customers a chance to win a $2,000 gift card. Does anyone know who won?
West Elm DTLA is located at 928 S. Broadway Street, Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90015. For more info www.westelm.com
[/ihc-hide-content]
