The Patio Stands Alone

Elliot Hans and Kaya Burchak of Literature Noir, a contemporary men’s and women’s line, and Nick Friedberg of NSF, a contemporary men’s tops and outerwear line, have joined forces to open The Patio, their take on what a showroom should be.

At 4,000 square feet—including a sunny outdoor patio overlooking the Los Angeles Fashion District, hence the name—The Patio is putting a new slant on what a showroom can be. “We want to do something different than what was offered to us when we were first starting out,” Hans said. “We’re over here in this building by ourselves—but we’re close enough to everything so that we’re still in the middle of it all. We created the outdoor patio space because in the summer it will be amazing, but we also created an environment that is cool and comfortable and facilitates sales. We all have a rich history in independent showrooms, and we’re putting together all of our past experiences to create this whole new idea.”

Friedberg, whose experience encompasses production, sales and design for a variety of brands, including James Perse and YaYa, said the showrooms that focus on up-and-coming brands are few and far between. “Young designers never get what they deserve— and they need the most. Our concept is an incubator concept. Our experience is such that we can help and advise brands on everything from production, sourcing, shipping and design,” he said.

So far, the partners have yet to take on any young brands, but word of their spacious and modern showroom has attracted several brands that are showing there during the March 14–18 market, including Apolis Activism, Plain Jane, Nude Footwear, Skin&Bones and Property Ofhellip;.

The Patio is located at 824 S. Los Angeles St., suite 401. For information, call (213) 622-2318. —Erin Barajas