Community Service
Cooper Design SpaceSuite 1135(213) 624-0824
Launched by two sales veterans, Lisa Loeff of the L-Squared showroom and Natasha Silver, a former partner at Cynthia Vincent, the fledgling Community Service showroom is building its brand roster and breaking in its new space. “We’ve only been in business for one year, and we’re doing so well. I think we’ve accomplished a lot,” Silver said. Last fall, Loeff and Silver moved from their 1,800-square-foot space on the Cooper’s second floor to a 4,300-square-foot gallery on the Cooper’s 11th floor. “We’re the only showroom up here, but we love it,” Silver said, acknowledging the palatial space is a big leap from Community Service’s previous digs. “We certainly didn’t need this much space; we only had a handful of lines. But we took the attitude that if we build it, they will come,” she said. The pair hired Los Angeles–based interior designer Cameron Smith to help them achieve an airy, eclectic space to best highlight their clients’ fashion. “We created a space that we think inspires designers and that they feel good about showing their designs in,” she said. The new space features modern furniture, a stunning downtown view and stark white walls balanced by oversize art. “There is a good energy here,” Silverman said.
With the expanded space comes an expanded roster. Community Service, which launched with Rich & Skinny, Joie Rucker’s latest denim line, now reps several up-and-coming contemporary brands, including Rory Beca, Leyendecker and Jemm, a new collection from William Beranek of Nickel. Rounding out Community Service’s lines are JulieBrown , a collection of printed silk jersey pieces; Kritik, a lifestyle brand of terry and cotton fashion pieces; Daft Bird, a collection of upscale basicswith a twist; and Torn, a line of printed staples. “We’ve got a great mix,” Silver said, adding that she and Loeff plan to add select contemporary brands as they are able. “With this new space, so many doors are open to us. We rolled the dice and we’re so happy with the result.” —Erin Barajas
