Predictions for LA Retail in 2013 From Our Fave Fashion Insiders

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As 2012 draws to a close, we're surveying our friends in the fashion industry about the year's biggest news stories and most exciting developments. So far, we've looked at the best trends, worst purchases and much more; now, our experts gaze into the future with their predictions for 2013. Readers, let us know what you think in the comments.

Brenna Egan, editor of Refinery29 LA: "Hollyweird's finally getting the recognition we deserve on so many fronts, especially from the art world. And, hello, HEDI lives here now! I've never been more impressed by the designs I've been seeing churned out by our native ladies and gents, so I expect those newcomers will skyrocket to epic proportions. However, my crystal ball also tells me we'll see many more NYC retailers heading to the wild wild West, too."

Cher Coulter, celebrity stylist and JewelMint designer: "It's only going to get better. Destinations like Melrose Place will only grow."

Yael Aflalo, founder and owner of Reformation: "We are definitely going to see a surge in sophistication in Los Angeles shopping. A lot of new stores and chic boutiques where you will see the merging between the fashion and art world. Shopping is slowly becoming more and more of a cultured experience here."

Ilaria Urbinati, celebrity stylist and co-owner of Confederacy: "I think custom is becoming a huge thing especially for men. We just started a custom suit program at Confederacy because the demand was so high. I'm hearing of it more and more from my clients as well as from designers."

Cameron Silver, founder of Decades: "Independent retailers are coming back strong."

Brigham Yen, DTLA chronicler at Brigham Yen: "I think we'll find out several new locations for Uniqlo and potentially another Topshop outside of The Grove."

Aimee Song, interior designer and blogger at Song of Style: "I hope more shops will open up with cool interiors and cool products."

Marlien Rentmeester, Lucky West Coast editor and blogger at Le Catch: "More people will be shopping online! And ideally, same-day delivery service from local boutiques."

Alisa Gould-Simon, co-founder of shopping and style app Pose: "Shopping will truly start becoming cross-platform: from online to mobile to offline."

Kelly Wearstler, designer: "I hope to see more international flagship stores in LA."

Melissa Magsaysay, author of City of Style: "Melrose Place seems to be bustling again. I think that whole surrounding area of Melrose (Melrose Place and the street spanning from San Vicente to Crescent Heights) will become even more robust with boutiques, high end nail salons and restaurants."

Elizabeth Kott, founder of Closet Rich: "Topshop realness."

Kate Albrecht, designer and founder of Mr. Kate: "Hopefully more shops will re-open on 3rd street in LA and I predict the Melrose Flea Market will keep growing."

Kara and Brit Smith, designers of of Elkin: Brit: "Personal prediction: I will continue my vintage shopping obsession and never stop buying. I've tried, I just can't kick the habit." Kara: "Well, Topshop opens in LA, sooo...."
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