Introducing Los Angeles

Example Cultural Experiences

GRIFFITH PARK

Perched atop Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles's Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory boasts sweeping views of the city, making it the ideal location to observe the stars (of the celestial kind) in the City of Angels. Wander through the observatory's exhibition halls to learn more about the cosmos while enjoying a fantastic view of the Hollywood sign.

LOS ANGELES FASHION DISTRICT

Spanning 100 blocks in the heart of Downtown L.A., the Los Angeles Fashion District is the hub of the L.A. fashion industry, featuring more than 2,000 independently-owned retail and wholesale businesses with apparel, accessories and footwear for the entire family. The district is also home to the lively Santee Alley, the largest selection of fabrics and notions in Southern California, and the L.A. Flower District, the largest flower market in the United States. About 80% of the District is dedicated to wholesale business.

Example Site Visits

REFORMATION

Sustainable womenswear and accessories brand, making “killer clothes that don't kill the environment.” Every Reformation product is designed, made, photographed and shipped from their innovative eco-facility in downtown Los Angeles. And each style is made using repurposed vintage clothing, salvaged deadstock fabric or new sustainable materials.

The company is now fully headquartered in Los Angeles, with an office in Culver City and a sprawling new factory Downtown it moved into last November. Eighty percent of Reformation's inventory is manufactured there by a growing staff of 289 people, who are able to produce a garment from concept to marketing within 42 days, helping Reformation CEO’s goal of creating a true "sustainable fast fashion brand" into a reality.

PATAGONIA

Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company based in Ventura, California. With its mission being to “save our home planet”, the company is recognized internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, donating 1% of sales annually, contributing over $100 million in grants and in-kind donations since 1985.

A visit to the company’s Ventura Headquarters is an eye opening experience for anyone with a preconceived notion of what it means to work in fashion. The company’s culture is embodied through everything - from the decor, facilities and ambience, right through to the employee vegetable garden!

FIDM MUSEUM & GALLERIES

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising  (FIDM) is a fashion-oriented university, commonly known to be one of the world’s best.

The Museum & Galleries is located on the ground floor of the school’s Los Angeles campus and houses a collection of over 12,000 costumes, accessories and textiles from the 18th century through the present day, including film and theater costume. The Museum also houses the early Hollywood Costume Collection on loan from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Parks and Recreation. It presents the annual Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition at the galleries.