The News

Cooper Design Space Lobby F (213) 892-8822

Since The News, a New York– based showroom and public-relations company, opened its Los Angeles showroom at the Cooper Design Space in 2004, it has been known for championing up-andcoming young designers. Notables Vena Cava, Alexander Wang, Band of Outsiders, Jovovich-Hawk, and Shipley and Halmos (the new line from former Trovata founders Jeff Halmom and Sam Shipley) call the showroom home. The cavernous 4,400-square-foot space just off the Cooper building’s lobby is home to approximately 15 brands, including Australia’s Josh Goot, Cheap Monday, Habitual, Clu, Lutz & Patmos, Wayne, Sea and Rose, the new line from Los Angeles–based stylist Britt Bardo, during fashion markets.

Despite the slew of young designer and contemporary brands that read like a who’s who of fashion upstarts, founder Stella Iishi says there is no overlap among the brands. “They are all very different and distinct so that no two lines conflict,” she said. Rose is packed with gorgeous, simple takes on closet staples, including slouchy T-shirts with inserts of delicate mesh. Jovovich-Hawk doles out feminine vintage-inspired pieces with a modern edge, and Josh Goot makes sleek, modern pieces with color-block details and lots of sex appeal. The News also stands out because it represents the same clients on both coasts. “I think that’s pretty important, to have one person giving the same message for the brand,” she said.

Straddling both coasts, The News is in a unique position to track buying trends. But lately, New York and Los Angeles buyers seem to be on the same page, Iishi said. “In the old days, it used to be that the West Coast bought lighter stuff and the East Coast went heavier. Now people everywhere are doing light and layering—more like California, so the California style of dressing has filtered through to the East Coast.”

A favorite among high-end Los Angeles specialty boutiques, including Ron Herman, Fred Segal Flair, Diavolina, American Rag and Satine, The News is only open during markets, which gives it an exclusive air. “We don’t have any windows either, so we may seem a little closed off,” Iishi said, but she encouraged buyers to stop by. “We have something for everybody. About 90 percent of our lines are young designer and contemporary.”—Erin Barajas