If you’re planning to tour downtown LA’s buzzing Arts District anytime soon and want to glimpse the future of retail, be sure to stop by Alchemy Works. The latest mixed-space project by Raan Parton, who pioneered social entrepreneurship in fashion almost eight years ago with his Apolis brand, Alchemy Works functions not only as a rotating gallery but also an event space and lifestyle retail environment representative of Parton’s coastal upbringing in Santa Barbara.
“This project offers an entirely new sense of flexibility, creatively,” Parton explains. “From a wider perspective, there’s a myriad of brands that we respect and have always wanted to work with.”
To that end, Alchemy Works features a 1959 Fiat Abarth Spyder (the only one of its kind in the US), home furnishings by Fog Linen, a custom reissued Swiss military blanket by Fairbault, Shinola Blacked Collection bags and watches, photographs by Will Adler and new watches by Weiss. Additional items include an exclusive assortment of Gitman Vintage shirts presented by Wittmore, the retail store, and cool picks by Armor Lux, M.Nii, Nisolo, Office of Angela Scott, Heidi Merrick, Bellroy and Imperial Barber.
Other highlights of the converted warehouse space comprise a recessed property line that toys with the idea of indoor/outdoor space and a spectacular wooden boat truss ceiling.
Future plans for Alchemy Works include a larger dedicated space for Will Adler, a group show with undiscovered artists and a coffee bar, just in case you can’t make it to Stumptown, Handsome Coffee and Urth Caffe.
Alchemy Works, 826 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. (303) 919-2409.
