Where Alpha's Darren Gold Shops for Menswear in DTLA

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Los Angeles has more stores than anyone could physically tackle, but somehow we always keep returning to the usual suspects. To break out of the rut, we've asked some local shopping and fashion gurus to provide their hidden retail gems—those unique stores around LA that we might not all know about. Cue the Beatles: We're about to get a little help from our friends.

Image via SkyScraper

Darren Gold is the owner of Alpha, a menswear boutique he recently relocated from WeHo to the Raymond/Lawrence market place in Palm Springs. An advocate of the DTLA retail scene, he filled us in on his favorite new shopping spot on South Spring.

"Lately, I've been obsessed with the DTLA retail scene. While the stores may not have the branding acumen of Melrose, et al, and most still stay closed on Sunday, there is something exciting about discovering these gems just before they're ready for their close up.

My latest find, CLADE in the Historic Core, is just what the doctor ordered for someone, mainly me, who doesn't always feel like wearing the latest heritage blazer, woodsman shirt, or Americana boot. This is LA after all and designer Maya Reynolds, a graduate of Otis, has cooked up just what the denizen of a modern, temperate, West Coast metropolis needs. The designs are futuristic, deconstructed yet simple, and remind me a tad of...dare I say Rick Owens, LA's prodigal son. BUT they don't feel put-on, or forced, and the beautifully fitted leather jackets won't put you out a few grand.

As an added bonus, and a common thread in many DTLA stores, the design studio is right behind the store, separated merely by a utilitarian linen curtain. There is something totally satisfying about knowing the clothes you are buying were conceived in the same space. This is the future of LA."

· Alpha Man [Official Site]
· Clade Menswear [Facebook]
· All Shopping Confidential Posts [Racked LA]

CLADE

600 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA