One could easily imagine a food truck parked front and center at a local farmer’s market, especially this being Los Angeles where the food truck trend originated- and is still hugely popular. However, these days it isn’t just culinary goodies hitting the streets, fashion trucks now share the road and have become visible everywhere…even at my neighborhood farmer’s market, which is where I had my very first four-wheel-fashion experience.
There are now a dozen or so truck-shops- whose whereabouts are easily tracked through social media- doling out clothing and accessories, ranging from local vendors to haute-couture. The first one to roll up was the bubble-gum pink Le Fashion Truck, which debuted in 2010. A former sales executive and jewelry designer teamed up to offer casual and artisan inspired pieces, as well as eco-friendly jewelry. Usually stationed at Santa Monica’s Pier or downtown LA, Le Fashion Truck can also be found at events such as the Venice Meet. www.lefashiontruck.com
Runaway Runway is a flashier 28-foot version, and is equipped with a flat-screen TV and air conditioning…even its exterior was designed by a French illustrator. Launched last year by a clothing designer, this tricked-out fashionista ride is available for private parties and corporate events, and can be seen lingering outside a swanky Malibu restaurant, awaiting the ladies-apres-lunch crowd. www.shoprunaway.com
Shop Truck LA belongs to Rebecca Marciano- the daughter of Guess co-founder Armand Marciano- a film costumer who carries designer stock at wholesale prices, providing extra perks such as alterations and delivery. Like the others, Shop Truck LA is available for private parties, in addition to pulling up at the monthly downtown fashion truck & sample sale. Since these roaming boutiques don’t have to contend with real-estate and leasing issues- except potentially harsh parking tickets- these finds can be sold for as much as fifty percent below retail prices. www.shoptruckla.com
