Shopping Los Angeles | Shelter Half

posted by Michael Williams

Out in L.A. last week, my buddy Nick Maggio took me on a little retail tour of a burgeoning stretch of South La Brea. First stop? The temporary retail spot Shelter Half which is organized by Environment furniture’s Davide Berruto (with some assistance from Mr. Maggio and others). The shop is a mix of clothing, objects, furniture, leather goods and vintage books – all under the concept of made in America. Brands like RTH and Save Khaki (among many others) are involved and have set-ups within the big open space that is loosely divided up between brands. The shop is an interesting mix of stuff and feels more crafty than heritage-y (not a word, I know), which is refreshing.

Before heading across the street for Mexican food from Tinga (which is sublime) Nick and I stopped in and chatted with Davide (who is a really engaging and nice guy) about the concept and how Shelter Half came to be. It’s an interesting play on things, especially because Davide is there most days to interact with customers or people that are just passing by. That’s one thing we love about the Pop Up Flea. It gives people a chance to really interact with the people behind the brands, the people that dream up the things they buy.

No word as to how long Shelter Half is going to be around, but when I stopped in Davide seemed like he was having a good go of things there and it will continue on for at least the near future. Also, it seems that run of La Brea will continue to evolve and grow. Not sure if this is going to be another 3rd Street situation, but as of right (even with Shelter Half being temporary) things in that stretch of L.A. seem promising.

SHELTER HALF | 161 S. LA BREA AVE. LOS ANGELES, CA. 90036 | 323.936.0225

Comments on “Shopping Los Angeles | Shelter Half”

    justin on January 3, 2012 4:55 PM:

    do you recall the maker of this stool? http://acontinuouslean.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_4561.jpg

    Michael Williams on January 3, 2012 5:06 PM:

    Justin — it is environment.

    justin on January 3, 2012 5:13 PM:

    thanks michael. i’ve been looking for something that size.

    Camilla Trigano on January 3, 2012 6:03 PM:

    You can find them at Environment, either in one of the showrooms (New York at 352 Bowery) or LA, or Atlanta. You can also buy them online.

    Sparrow Hall on January 3, 2012 8:09 PM:

    Love this concept, and the fact that it’s only up for a limited time. It adds to the draw. I like the vibe of the casual displays, but do things start looking a bit thrown around after an afternoon of customer traffic? Or is that what they’re going for? I hope I’ll be able to get back to LA to check this out before it’s over. Beautiful shots, BTW.

    O. Del Orso on January 3, 2012 9:50 PM:

    Sometimes I see things like this and think to myself, “I should really stop hating on LA so much.” Also, whatta rug.

    Scott M B Gustafson on January 3, 2012 11:10 PM:

    Looks great. I will have to make a trip over there this week.

    Richard on January 4, 2012 2:24 PM:

    This looks great. It is nice to see that that whole retail world is no longer national repetitive stores.

    Creativity is always appreicated. In this case, admired based on the merhcandise and choice of locations.

    Best of luck to the owers and we hope it becomes a permanent addition to the La Brea scene.

    mat buckets on January 4, 2012 2:42 PM:

    looks freaking ace, we don’t do this very well in the uk

    Sparrow Hall on January 4, 2012 4:47 PM:

    Mat, I was just in the UK and I was impressed with the Upmarket on Sundays in Shoreditch. Have you been?

    Camilla Trigano on January 4, 2012 5:38 PM:

    Thanks a lot! Come by any time.

    MOJO Projects on January 4, 2012 6:50 PM:

    We took a few pics there too. Great people, products and project! See http://www.mojoprojects.com for pics.

    Andy on January 4, 2012 8:07 PM:

    Stopped in there last week as well and was greeted and engaged with by a friendly and a human staff. Kindness, not merchandise, is what much of LaBrea lacks and this courteous store with its unique merchandise is welcome.

    Invictus on January 5, 2012 1:59 PM:

    Michael, did you by chance ask where the name came from?

    I’m curious if it derives from the old canvas military issue ‘pup tent.’ In the old days, GIs were issued a stake set, a pole set and one shelter half, the theory being that as you were issued only half a shelter, you had to find a buddy to be able to set up the tent.

    Smith & Ratliff on January 5, 2012 6:33 PM:

    Great lookin store.

    Larry Lamb on January 8, 2012 12:59 AM:

    I’m enjoying your Kodachrome website. Such depth of color and clarity. How many years of Kodachrome film is still available ? I know it’s no longer manufactured so you must have a supply somewhere ? Keep up the good work.

    Daniel on January 12, 2012 10:45 PM:

    Lovely looking CPO shirts. I hate to be a pest, but does anyone know the maker?

    Davide on January 13, 2012 3:35 PM:

    you are right it does, it’s about the idea of people coming together to make a shelter.

    Davide on January 13, 2012 3:36 PM:

    Daniel

    The CPO shirts are from Save Khaki

    Matthew on January 14, 2012 6:44 PM:

    Skate stoppers on that ledge. Haters.
    Cool store though.

    jame on January 23, 2012 9:16 PM:

    hi, thanks for this. does anyone know who makes those great-looking blue jacket/shirts lined up on the canvas bunk in the second photo?

Comments are closed.