Branch out.

Notes on feeling (and looking) good doing it.

Last weekend I attended Design.Space LA after learning about it via one of my favorite newsletters, Line Sheet, helmed by fashion journalist, Lauren Sherman. I wanted to attend the live recording of her podcast, Fashion People, where she interviewed Jesse Lee, the founder of Basic.Space — this sort of curated online marketplace that is very eclectic and cool — and Design.Space LA was the IRL version of the website. The photos on their Instagram are better than any that I happened to take so have a look HERE.

I was really into these red chairs by Max Lamb. Shockingly comfortable. They were also very light considering how hefty they present.

It was on the second floor of the Pacific Design Center, set up like galleries, and each seller could go wild with their presentation, which many of them did. It was fabulous, honestly. A total feast for the eyes yet extremely “shoppable.” There was a sales associate pretty much everywhere you looked and they were super friendly if you had any questions — not pushy at all.

During the live podcast, Jesse talked a lot about how Basic.Space isn’t necessarily exclusive (even though all the sellers are invite-only), but rather inclusive in a specific way: meaning that their audience will find them because if you’re into art and design and fashion, you’re very welcome into “their club.” Another thing he said that really struck me was that they are “obsessively curated” and “unapologetically commercial.” They want to sell cool stuff that people actually want to buy. That’s a hell of a North Star. Very Andy Warhol. I’m stealing it. I also loved all of Jesse’s references to LA in the late 2000s when the nightlife here was on a level none of us will see again thanks to social media. Oh, well. RIP Les Deux.

So, this was definitely an industry event and while I am not in the design industry, I request invitations to shit like this all the time because I LOVE being in the company of other artists, no matter the medium. It’s not only inspiring and invigorating and fascinating, but I almost always make a new friend. This event was no exception.

I met Sean, an interior and furniture designer, right on the street just outside the event. In LA! We both parked at the library to save a few bones and ended up scurrying across La Cienega one after the other. Power in numbers since almost no one was stopping at the pedestrian crosswalk. Then we were in lockstep after that on our way to the entrance, to the point where it was ridiculous not to introduce ourselves. “What’s your name?” goes a long way, people.

The two of us hung out for the whole event, attending the live podcast together, strolling through the marketplace and talking about our respective work. I got a real kick out of seeing everything there with a designer because I got insider intel I never would have received otherwise roaming around alone. It was a pure delight and yes, we exchanged our IG accounts. Even more delightful? Receiving multiple compliments on my jacket at an event full of designers. God, I practically floated home.

[Note: I didn’t take a photo of myself wearing the full outfit, but since it was a “chilly” 62 degrees or so, I took the opportunity to wear my Sandy Liang leopard fleece with the pink lining. It was a hit.]

Why do I share all of this? Because I think it’s so easy to stay in your lane, but it’s way more festive to bebop between a bunch of them, even though it takes extra effort. I have more than a passing interest in fashion these days so why wouldn’t I drive across town to check this pop-up marketplace out when the source was a newsletter I inhale multiple times a week? Also, the looks from fellow attendees were stunning, even in the middle of the afternoon. Everybody got DRESSED. It was such a palate-cleanser to see color and shape and texture. I’m seriously so unnerved by the sameness of everything lately. The constant uninspired trend chasing from TikTok. Seeing everyone in a light-wash wide leg jean with a black top. It’s so goddamn boring. Enough already. Branch out. You’ll look good. Or interesting, at the very least.

Okay, I know I’m not the authority on fashion, but isn’t that kind of the point? Developing a personal style is such a thrill because the only opinion that matters is your own really. I’d rather swing and miss than take no swings at all. I may share more of this interest on my Substack because I’ve gotten really into it in the last year. Jumping lanes again. Tell me which one you find yourself merging into. Is this driving metaphor going on too long? Don’t get me started on the “zipper.” I’ll tell anyone who will listen because most people have no clue. Please see below.

xx RKC

It’s this in case you were wondering. This was lifted straight from the AAA website. Acquaint yourself if you aren’t familiar. Your life will change. Let people in the right lane honk all they want or give you the stink-eye or the finger. You know what? Fuck them! They don’t know what they are doing! They are the BAD drivers! And you? You are a GOOD driver!