Avita Co-Op Flees Moldy Building
On Feb. 27, pioneering eco-fashion boutique Avita Co-Op moved out of its address at 8213 W. Third St. in Los Angeles because the building is contaminated with mold, according to Mark Werts, owner of the American Rag chain of boutiques and fiancé of Avita owner Amanda Shi.
When mold spores are concentrated in a large quantity in a building, it can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in some people.
Werts said Avita Co-op is involved with a lawsuit with the building’s landlord regarding the mold issue. Avita will reopen in another location soon, Werts said, possibly on La Brea Avenue, where American Rag is located.
Avita Co-Op opened Earth Day—April 22, 2007—and has focused selling apparel that is both fashionable and constructed out of environmentally sustainable materials. One of the lines sold at the boutique is Shi’s eco-fashion label, Avita.
Amanda Shi
Recycled cashmere dress by Avita, clutch and knit shrug by Unnur on the runway at Avita co-op in April 2008
