The Hidden Treasure of Purses & Handbags on Broadway

http://blogdowntown.com/2009/08/4616-hidden-treasure-chanelli-on-broadway

Below is a recent blogdowntown post on one of the stores open during not just Fashion Walk - but 7 days a week on Historic Downtown's Broadway.


Hidden Treasure: Chanelli on Broadway
By KATIE KAY
Published: Thursday, August 20, 2009, at 02:50PM



DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Anytime one adventures with Brady Westwater they'll need to expect the unexpected. After all, he knows each and every back corner hat shop, the interesting cat lady on Main St and in this case Mark, owner and importer of Chanelli at 625 S. Broadway.

Brady is Downtown's answer to the Pied Piper -- only with a twisted sense of great business and development. As a Downtown boutique owner myself, I am always excited to see what Brady has brewing for the neighborhood.

I was called to Chanelli because of the interesting stock Mark carries. His family makes beautiful leather goods in Turkey, mostly for the European market.

Nestled on a block of Broadway with $2 socks and Quinceañera dresses, I never expected to find treasures like his. The handbags and jackets are made of the most beautiful leathers, unique designs and high-quality stitching. They are produced in the same factories as huge luxury brands with fancy 5-letter Italian names.

Retail in these times is tough and Mark is making the most of it by offering the popular goods for any Broadway shopper -- handbags for $29.99 -- but if you have the chance to stop in, make sure you ask to see the imported offerings. You won't be disappointed, and you'll get to experience the rush of finding treasures buried right beneath your nose.

Katie Kay is co-owner and designer of SKINGRAFT, an up-and-coming design house based in Downtown LA and director of ShopHuntersandGatherers.com. She can be contacted at KatieKay@SkingraftDesigns.com