British emerging fashion platform Not Just A Label opens in LA

By

Kate Dingwall

Published
Nov 3, 2016

Not Just a Label is expanding their American roots with the announcement that they will open a flagship initiative in Los Angeles.

This is the brand’s second venture in the American market following a New York pop-up last winter. The initiative will focus on partnering with the area’s strong manufacturing industry, as well as with the city’s status as a strong creative hub.

Not Just a Label is an East-London based editorial and e-commerce platform that covers exclusively emerging design talent. They offer consulting services to brands and design institutions. They currently represent over 24,000 designers across 150 countries. 

Stefan Siegel, CEO, and Founder of NJAL told FashionNetwork,  “NJAL aims to build on LA’s existing manufacturing and design sectors, highlighting the thriving community—while positioning LA as one of the last global creative capitals where the story of a beautiful design product can be traced back from design, to manufacturing to retailing. This presents a unique opportunity for LA to position itself as a center for sustainable manufacturing, and paired with powerhouses represented by the entertainment and tech industry, NJAL is keen to act as a tastemaker and curator for a variety of initiatives."

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This extension follows their recent success in New York City. NJAL hosted a concept space showcasing 100 of the area’s most notable emerging designers. Also in the space, a program of workshops and panels led by fashion industry influencers.

NJAL chose Los Angeles as it is home to the largest manufacturing center in America. The brand will partner with both local emerging brands and with local institutions. In the future, NJAL is looking to host retail pop-ups and concept shops, along with a series of lectures and workshops in Los Angeles.

"NJAL will launch a series of highly curated activations based on previous event formats launched globally: NJAL’s successful speakers series, Authentic Radicalism, will provide for the first platform for discussion between NJAL and the local design, manufacturing and tech community; following pop-up retail activations in London, Dubai, Berlin and New York," Stefan Siegel stated.

This extension is part of a new initiative by the City of Los Angeles. The “Make It In LA” initiative is an effort to strengthen the city’s support of the manufacturing industry.

Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti stated, “Not Just A Label will play an important role in the effort to shift from fast fashion to sustainability; it will be an excellent destination for people to experience fashion and its impact, through its workshops led by industry leaders, educators, and influencers.”