Runway Boutique Goes Its Own Way

Located at 807 S. La Brea Blvd., Runway Boutique straddles Los Angeles’ Miracle Mile district and the area around West Pico and La Brea boulevards, which is a haven for small businesses with an independent vision. Local landmarks Sky’s Gourmet Tacos, a Los Angeles favorite known for unique tacos, and fiction salon Writing Workshops Los Angeles stress the creative and the independent.

In addition to creative cuisine and food for thought, the neighborhood’s shoppers prefer their fashion to likewise have a unique flair. “We have all different types of women who come in here,” Runway owner Fatima Dodson said. “But they are girls who want to be one-of-a-kind.”

The top-selling brand is deconstructed line Boogie Wear. Designer K-Boogie repurposes over-sized T-shirts and makes them into skirts and a host of other garments. Retail price points range from $30 to $150. “Anything that looks deconstructed is a hot item now,” Dodson said.

Also popular is a line that might be Boogie Wear’s polar opposite. Los Angeles–based label Love Story is an independent label selling well at Runway. Unlike the colorful Boogie Wear, Love Story specializes in basics. Its most popular items are tops and tunics in olive and tan. Retail price points are $42 for tunics and $35 for vests.

Dodson hopes that her upcoming fashion line will be a top seller at Runway and other stores. She will debut the as-yet-unnamed line at Runway’s fifth-anniversary party in October.—Andrew Asch