Blackburn + Sweetzer Has Moved

Ashanti Fabrics from Viva Vena Cava

Ever since Ma Frangine emailed me the following fabric question (my apologies, it was a while ago), I’ve been avidly following the fashion blog. Always so nice when people reach out! The question?

I am looking for cool fabric shops in LA. Do you know of any good ones? I am looking for small shops that carry eco friendly fabrics and possibly vintage textiles too.

I’ve cobbled together some sort or response—at least in terms of cool shops for new and vintage fabrics—thanks to the help of some fashion peeps!

The answers this way…

Corinne Grassini, designer of Society for Rational Dress:

I always go to International Silks and Woolens for fabric inspirations—they have TONS of amazing vintage fabrics.  I’m sure you’ll get that answer from a lot of people, but it’s definitely the best vintage fabric shop in LA.

Alisa Loftin, owner of Aero & Co.:

For vintage & new fabrics ISW International Silk & Woolens on Beverly Blvd. also Michael Levine downtown Los Angeles. For new fabric Mood on Pico & La Cienega. I don’t know anything about eco fabrics. There’s also Ragfinders downtown which is a “jobber” who buys leftover fabrics from designers but they won’t sell less than 20 yard of anything. Then there is the fabric district downtown for all kinds of trash & treasure hunting.

And then I recently saw this on Vena Cava’s blog:

If you are in Los Angeles, visit Ashanti fabrics located downtown on 9th St. and Los Angeles. I stumbled upon this reliquary of graphic prints when I was in LA visiting our showroom. Never before have I found a store that carries such a rare and authentic selection of wax print and Kente cloth. Prices are reasonable from 3$-8$ dollars a yard. You can even order a custom African style dress from the owner. These fabrics would make amazing curtains, pillow cases, or table cloths…

On the eco-fabric front, if anyone has suggestions, please leave in comments!