Monah Li Joins the Downtown Renaissance
While many apparel industry workers are finding urban living to be a new experience, designer Monah Li has been there before. A native of Vienna, Austria, Li has lived in lofts in the middle of that medieval city as well as alongside the grittiness of the Los Angeles River.
Now the veteran designer, known for her handcrafted bohemian-inspired pieces, is back in a loft in downtown Los Angeles after living in suburbia for the past four years. Earlier this month she took up residence at the Little Tokyo Lofts, a 161-unit complex occupying what used to be called the Westinghouse Building, a vintage deco structure built in 1922. The building served as factory space for leather works companies until it was converted 11/2 years ago. Now it’s home to a number of young urban professionals.
Unlike many of the singles and empty nesters that move into urban apartments, Li has a 13-year-old daughter she’s rearing, yet so far she has found downtown living conducive to her lifestyle.
“My daughter loves the pool they have here. I like having people around. It’s great so far,” said Li. The move downtown didn’t hamper her daughter’s education at all. Li drives her to a private school near their former home in Glassell Park. “It’s going against traffic, so it’s easy.”
Life is also easier without a yard, she added. “I moved into a [single-family] home because it was the thing to do. But I got tired of the garden, things like trash cans and neighbors—not that I didn’t like them. I’m just not a housewife.”
Li’s loft isn’t the traditional artist’s or factory loft built above shops or manufacturing space. “It’s more like a nice apartment with very high ceilings,” she described. She likes the exposed ductwork and concrete. The complex has 24-hour security patrols and a list of amenities like the swimming pool.
“It’s cool and hip. Most of the people here are in their 20s and 30s and are creative people.”
As for disadvantages, Li said “it’s a little noisy,” and the surrounding streetscape isn’t for the weak at heart since Skid Row is only a few blocks away. The proximity to the Fashion District is a plus for Li since she’s taking a new turn in her career; she recently joined Los Angeles–based Spy Zone Exchange as a contributing designer for the company’s sportswear line. Li is among those responsible for helping to usher California-based fashion into the international spotlight. She’s a co-founder of Coalition of Los Angeles Designers and her West Coast looks have attracted celebs such as Selma Hayek, Christina Ricci and Nicole Kidman. —Robert McAllister
