Mercenary of Couture

Designed to feel like a boutique in the Marais District of Paris, Guerilla Atelier carries some of LA’s most exclusive couture. Owner Carl Louisville envisioned opening his first store in downtown Los Angeles amongst abandoned factories that are rapidly becoming galleries, cafes, apartments and luxury retail shops. What began as a 30-day pop-up store in the Arts District in May 2013, is now a permanent space in the burgeoning neighborhood. Upon first glance at the way cool Louisville, it’s obvious he has been a pioneer in the fashion community. The former Prada Epicenter Director loves all things beautiful- specifically beautiful people and beautiful things- and it was while giving the president of Prada a tour of downtown – who felt that the new energy was one of the most exciting he’s ever felt, anywhere- Louisville then realized he had to open his own lifestyle environment there focusing on a raw, industrial aesthetic.

The idea of selling designer labels in downtown LA seems to be working, as several Guerilla Atelier customers are also downtown dwellers. Fashion- women’s and menswear lines- home decor and furnishings make for an eclectic mix of high-low brands, both emerging and well-known, in an open floor plan that also showcases art. In addition to art shows, Louisville hosts meet-and-greets with designers such as Annelore, Venus et Judes, Fineamore and La Vera. A new partnership with Ron Robinson of Fred Segal offers a full range of apothecary- Hotel Costes- and home decor from the likes of Missoni Home- towels, candles and throws. Five Zero Table Conservations dinnerware and Philip Manzanares custom-made furniture can also be found with Lousiville’s other curated goods at Guerilla Atelier. Pay a visit and you just may walk away feeling like the Che Guevara of style. www.guerillagalleries.org