New Shop IX II II Takes Downtown L.A.

Javier Laval of Android Homme at the IX II II boutique.

Downtown Los Angeles’ boutique scene has been growing, but it took a great leap forward Aug. 30 when designer co-op IX II II (Roman numerals for the shop’s address) opened at the still dicey corner of 9th and South Olive streets.

High fashion and street designers Javier Laval of Android Homme and brother and sister act Sarah and Brandon Scott of Scott X Scott teamed up to open a 1,500-square-foot, gallery-style, retail space at 922 S. Olive Street, which is just a few blocks from the California Market Center.

The designers were attracted to this neighborhood because the place is burgeoning with great expectations. Just a block away from IX II II, an Ace Hotel is scheduled to open summer 2013 at a grand, 85-year-old building, which housed the former United Artists theater on Broadway near 9th.

However, the co-op’s new ’hood could be kindly described as transitioning. The area is home to “hostess” dancing bars, single room occupancy hotels, as well as glitzy nightclubs and restaurants which attract foodies with fine palates.

People still doubt the neighborhood’s possibilities for retail Laval said. “The building’s owner must have asked us 50 times if we were sure if we wanted to open a luxury store here,” he said.

But Laval and the Scotts thought they would take a gamble, Sarah Scott said. “We live in downtown, and downtown has been rapidly changing.” She expects artists, musicians and fashion business people to shop at the IX II II. Eventually, people from outside the neighborhood, stylish tourists and the more fashionable members of the wider public will shop at the boutique.

Others will follow the example of IX II II. Patrick Dylan Riley and a group of entrepreneurs plan to open fashion boutique and events space The Well at 1006 S. Olive later this year. Fashion designer Maria Janossy has maintained offices at 920 S. Olive St., and is considering opening a boutique at her space.

And the debut party for IX II II was a big scene.More than 800 people traipsed through the space, and for the party soundtrack, M83 stopped by to DJ a set. It was a coup for IX II II. M83 headlined the giant indie music concert FYF Fest Sept. 1 in downtown L.A.

And we wouldn't leave without posting a few pictures from the rockin' debut party. Check 'em out!

M83, left, with Brandon Scott, Sarah Scott and Javier Laval.

The Designers: Javier Laval, Brandon Scott and Sarah Scott.

Sabi, a singer/songwriter/actress parties at IX II II.

From left, singer/songwriter Nire Alldai, Marissa Perez and model Tawni LaVordo.

"From left, Mens Fashion Week LA's Pamela Williams with Manuel Jackson of Ekquality Style Hause and Farah Shah of Mens Fashion Week LA.

"Raychel Gregg, a model and actress.