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View Winners → Archive May 14, 2013
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UniqueLA’s spring show was this past weekend, a gathering of the best craft vendors in the city. You shouldn’t have missed it, but if you did, here’s a recap of artists and designers that stood out for great use of color, material, technique, or just having that je ne sais quoi. If you loved their work as much as we did, click each artist link to learn more about them or shop their wares.
BEST USE OF LASERS: [un]possible cuts
Laser cutting/engraving is the new big thing. We’re calling it now. While there were a few vendors with laser cut acrylic necklaces, [un]possible cuts took the technique and ran with it. They came up with a huge selection of cute and clever earrings, rings, pins, necklaces, and even clocks. Whether your flavor is cutesy or geeky, chances are, they had something you’d want to take home.
THE MOST CHARMING LITTLE PRINTS: Dan Bob Thompson
Aside from being a really nice and cool looking dude, Dan Bob Thompson also used to work for Disney and Cartoon Network. He’s got big design chops, and his playful prints reflect that. Just look at his command of color.
BEST WAY TO RECLAIM YOUTH: Tattly temporary Tattoos
Everyone loves a comeback story. Tattly is bringing back every kid’s favorite accessory: the temporary tattoo. Irreverent without being cheesy, Tattly curated great collections of bright, durable, and trend-conscious tattoos. How great are those friendship bracelets?
BEST WAY TO LOOK HOT AND IRREVERENT: ROJAS
I love Freddy Rojas. He’s a hustler, and can be found working it at every craft fair, art walk, and sidewalk sale in LA. He also happens to design what consistently remains one of my favorite collections. Rojas stays on the forefront of style, while staying true to the Chicano flavor of Los Angeles.
BEST WAY TO LOOK PRECIOUS: Fleet Collection
If bustiers as tops aren’t your thing, or if Zooey Deschanel is your spirit animal, Fleet Collection might be for you. This adorable collection of dresses stood out because of it’s smartly limited but carefully selected color palette. Mint, mustard, navy, coral. All great. All there.
BEST USE OF ECO-CHIC: EJH BRAND
EJH started with their beautifully detailed animal prints, and extended that to pillows (which happen to be made of hemp, cotton, and hypoallergenic down alternative), stationery, and two delicious-smelling coconut wax candle lines. Check out that living sign. Beautiful.
BEST USE OF TROMPE L’OEiL: KOKOCANDLES + Recycculents
Tell me those KOKOCANDLES don’t look good enough to eat. Well, except for the poop. But it comes with it’s own portable turf and that is too adorable to not love even if you don’t want to eat it. And that “pineapple” from Recycculents is full of good choices. But what really kills me? Recycculent’s cactus made of succulents. Perfect.
LEAST GUILTY SPLURGE: Flea Market Girl
Flea Market Girl is another booth that pops up pretty often around LA, and I can’t help but stop and look through all their necklaces. At only $5 a pop, why not pick up a cute or ridiculous necklace. I wish I knew where they got their charms, because their selection is amazing. Treat yourself, and don’t look back. It’s only $5, why not?
THE GATSBY HOOK-UP: The Feathered Head
Of course you’re going to a Gatsby party. Of course. And you’re going to look fabulous. And The Feathered Head can help. Just look at all the salvaged and repurposed vintage treasures that are now one-of-a-kind pieces waiting to sit on your pretty head. Those feathers’ colors? Unbelievable. And that gem covered grasshopper? The best.
FOR THE BLACK THUMB: blooms in the air
I’ve killed three air plants. All they (allegedly) need is air, but they’re dead. If you can relate, blooms in the air has something beautiful for you that won’t die. From peonies to terrariums, BiTA’s stunning hand crafted paper plants will have you swooning.
NICEST FORM OF ANARCHY: Greenaid Seedbomb
Who doesn’t like sticking it to the man? How about doing something to improve the world? Greenaid Seedbomb is the answer. Check out their “menu” for what you can grow.
Missed the Spring show? Don’t worry, there are two more shows this year!
The Summer Show will hit Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar on July 13+14
The Holiday Show will be at California Market Center December 7+8
For more info, head to UniqueLA’s website here.
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