January 14, 2012
So, a couple months ago I had a wonderful chance offered to me by my friend,Esther Jean. And that was to share a studio space with her in the FIDM Mercantile Building in the fashion district in LA. Of course I jumped at the chance!

It's a small space, but it's the first step to someday soon getting my own live/work studio. But for now, our little space works, although at times it's a bit cramped in there. I haven't taken any official photos of the vintage studio space, just Instagram... so *drum roll please*... welcome to the Adorevintage Studio!

The vintage work studio in downtown Los Angeles
This is the exterior of our building, very Art Deco, don't you think? We are on the 5th floor and there are 12 floors I believe. The other tenants all work in fashion as well. Some are designers, some are small ecommerce shops, others are pattern makers or accessory designers.

The vintage work studio in downtown Los Angeles The vintage work studio in downtown Los Angeles
My work table is against the windows so I have a pretty lovely view. I usually keep the windows open while I'm working (day or night) to let in fresh air (is there such a thing as fresh air in Los Angeles?). At night I get a lovely view into the lofts across the street. LOL. But they can see me just as clearly. I should wave to them once in awhile.

The vintage work studio in downtown Los Angeles
My studio mate makes these gorgeous headbands and wreaths from vintage millinery flowers and dried blossoms. Aren't they gorgeous? We share supplies, so once in awhile I'll use her scissors, needles, thread...and she utilizes my vintage dress forms and hat blocks.

The vintage work studio in downtown Los Angeles
Ashley and I have a lot of fun in the studio. On one particular Saturday I came in and she had bought A TON of flowers from the Flower Market a few blocks away. Our entire studio was filled with the scent of roses! I was busy photographing vintage dresses that day and she had to jet off, but I snapped this photo of the pretty mess that is our studio and sent it to her...in which she replied "Ahh Home Sweet Away From Home"

The vintage work studio in downtown Los Angeles
The view while inside the loading elevator. I love that you can see all the way up!

The vintage work studio in downtown Los Angeles
Behind the studio. Some of these vacant spaces look so cool and industrial, but unfortunately I can't afford the rent *le sigh*

The vintage work studio in downtown Los Angeles
A 1930s slip and an Edwardian gown fitted on dress forms and inspiration boards...

--- FIN ---


Well, there's the Adorevintage/Esther Jean studio! It's small, but for now it works for me and what I need it for. I dream of having an actual live work studio where there's a specific area to photograph vintage, an area for mending/cleaning, and a merchandised area and women can come by and browse/shop. Sort of like an atelier I suppose. I know I'm one step closer to that... so it's really exciting for me to have taken this move.

7 comments:

  1. Oh, it looks gorgeous! I so want to raid all your rails.

    xoxo.

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  2. what a lovely space. that building is beautiful!

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  3. These dresses are amazing! Do you design these yourself?

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  4. What fun to see this great space!

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  5. Congrats on your new space!!!! It's so beautiful, and it looks like the building so inspiring too. That must make each day so much fun.

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  6. Aww, it looks beautiful! I love all the wee details, and those windows, wow! Congratulations! I am super jealous! I live in a teany tiny room that doubles as not only my studio but my boyfriends too! So this looks like luxury studio space to me! I sew on my bed and at my dressing table! haha! Have a wonderful week and enjoy that gorgeous space! Zoë x

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  7. It looks like heaven I'm very jealous!!

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Thank you for taking the time to leave me a little comment, I do try to respond back as often as I can. Have a lovely day! xoxo - Rodellee