Beyond the bustling streets of Santee Alley lies a treasure trove of fashion gems known primarily to industry insiders and savvy locals. From wholesale havens to designer sample sales, these hidden spots offer authentic LA style without the tourist markup.
The Cooper Design Space
Not just another wholesale building – this Art Deco masterpiece houses some of LA’s most exciting sample sales. The last Friday of each month transforms the lobby into a designer paradise, where past-season
Diane von Furstenberg and Theory pieces go for up to 80% off retail.
New Moon
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you. This textile wonderland supplies fabrics to major fashion houses, but savvy shoppers can access the same materials.
Their Japanese denim and Italian wools rival anything you’d find in Europe, often at half the price. The owner, Mrs. Kim, has an encyclopedic knowledge of fabric properties.
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The Beehive
This collective of vintage wholesalers supplies costume designers for period films, but it’s open to the public. The carefully curated selection spans from 1920s beaded flapper dresses to 1970s leather jackets.
Unlike typical vintage shops, everything here is cleaned and ready to wear.
California Market Center
Focus on the 5th floor – that’s where young designers showcase their collections before they hit mainstream boutiques. The monthly sample sales are less crowded than Cooper’s but equally rewarding.
Keep an eye out for the pop-up showrooms featuring emerging LA designers.
The Button & Trim District
A three-block stretch of haberdashery heaven. Label Queen specializes in designer-overrun buttons (spot the Chanel castoffs if you’re lucky), while Pacific Trimming offers every kind of embellishment imaginable.
Many suppliers here provide materials to luxury brands.
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Michael Levine’s Loft
Skip the main store and head upstairs to the ‘Per Pound’ loft. Designer fabric remnants sell for $2.50/pound – we’re talking Mood Fabrics-quality materials at pennies on the dollar.
Patience and a good eye are required, but the treasures are worth the hunt.
The Mandarin Plaza
This hidden courtyard houses several Korean-owned boutiques specializing in Seoul street fashion. Most items arrive weekly via air freight, meaning you’ll find trends before they hit mainstream stores.
The café on the second floor serves excellent boba tea – perfect for mid-shopping refreshments.
Lady Liberty Building
Focus on floors 3-5, where showrooms specializing in contemporary women’s wear offer wholesale prices to the public during the last week of each month. The building’s strict no-photos policy hints at the exclusive nature of its merchandise.
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Label Lane
This unmarked warehouse specializes in designer overstock – think last season’s premium denim and contemporary brands at 60-70% off. The inventory changes weekly, and regulars know to check their Instagram for the best drops.
Cash payments often earn additional discounts.
The Alley Gallery
Look for the black awning near the middle of the alley. This curated space focuses on emerging LA designers, offering small-batch productions at direct-to-consumer prices.
The owner has an eye for spotting the next big trends before they hit mainstream.
Los Angeles Fabric District
Skip the front-facing shops and explore the warehouses behind them. These wholesale-only spaces are often open to the public after 2 PM, offering incredible deals on designer fabrics.
Building #127 is particularly known for its collection of European imports.
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The Phone Booth Collective
Named for the vintage phone booth at its entrance, this appointment-only showroom specializes in avant-garde Japanese and Belgian designers. Their bi-annual warehouse sales are legendary among fashion insiders.
St. Vincent’s Plaza
This former church now houses a collective of vintage dealers specializing in designer resale. Unlike traditional consignment shops, these vendors source directly from stylists and costume departments, ensuring exceptional quality and authenticity.
The Box Collective
A group of minimalist Scandinavian-inspired boutiques hidden in a converted loading dock. Their focus on sustainable and ethical fashion makes them unique in the district.
The monthly makers’ market showcases local designers and artisans.
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Fashion Alley Archives
Don’t let the dusty entrance deter you – this appointment-only archive supplies vintage references to major design houses. The public section offers carefully curated vintage pieces at surprisingly reasonable prices.
Their collection of vintage Levi’s is particularly noteworthy.
Discover the Evolving World of the LA Fashion District
LA’s Fashion District rewards those willing to venture beyond the obvious. Whether you’re a designer seeking inspiration, a fashionista hunting for unique pieces, or simply someone who appreciates quality at reasonable prices, these hidden gems offer something for everyone.
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