Ramos, Claudill Christen New Store
Designer Estevan Ramos has made another fashion statement with the opening of his EastSide retail store.
The boutique, which is located at Ramos’ 2,500-square-foot design studio headquarters in the Silver Lake section of Los Angeles, debuted April 11 with a party.
Ramos said that the venture—a partnership between him and wardrobe stylist Daniel Caudill, who shares the office space—will provide another creative outlet for his fashion interests.
“It’s a place for us to test new ideas and new clothing concepts,” he said. “I’ll be manufacturing one-of-a-kind pieces for this location.”
Ramos, who is in his sixth year as a designer, said he didn’t originally plan to open in Silver Lake, but high costs led him to see the value of the space staring him in the face.
“We’ve looked around for retail space for years, but there were roadblocks,” he said. “If the location was right, it was too expensive, or often, we’d find the wrong location at the right price.”
The small, 650-square-foot space is big enough for Ramos to merchandise his wares in themes, and eventually the clothing of other local designers. Along with carrying clothes, the store carries home accents and furnishings, books and jewelry. On hand is a gothic/medieval section carrying vintage punk rock clothing and pieces of sculpture. In another section, an ethnic/denim area, items include serape skirts, “cholo” pants and gang-member pillows.
Ramos said sales should reach $200,000 in the first year—a conservative estimate given that EastSide will be open only on weekends and by appointment during the week. He plans to open the store daily in the future. —Nola Sarkisian-Miller
