uniquelosangeles

LA's Salt Swimwear gets 'Lucky'

2010-04-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the fabulous Salt Swimwear line, all made in LA, who were featured in Lucky as an Editor's Pick!

Do we love their colorful prints? YES. How about their use of great details like gold buttons and ruffles? Yep. And what about the (very) revealing bikini bottoms? Borat said it best: "Sexy-time!"

Meet the Salt Swimwear team at the Spring Show, April 24/25, and buy at discounted prices (gasp)!!! They'll be in booth 265.

A Tote to Covet

2010-04-13T23:26:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please....... The 2nd Annual Spring Show's tote bag will feature an exclusive design by (omg) Keith Scharwath! Keith is so successful and super-talented it makes me jealous. What do I mean by successful and super-talented? Um, how's this? Work for Nike, Sony, Beautiful Losers (Aaron Rose, Shepard Fairey, etc.)...

Everyone who attends the show gets the tote bag free with their $10 entry fee, which is what helps us run the show/rent the space/pay for advertising - all things that put money right back into the LA economy. Hooray!!!

The OC's Leatherette Heart gets BUSTed!

2010-04-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Leatherette Heart, who has her work featured in BUST magazine!!! She has been a UNIQUE LA vendor since the very first show and we heart her. Pardon the pun! :)Don't miss her at the Spring Show, April 24-25.

The Spring Show Workshop Schedule is Here!

2010-04-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

The free workshops at the Spring Show are set. And they are going to be amazing! Quayside Publishing authors will be on-hand all weekend to show you how to make cool DOY goods! Come join us, sit down with the kids and have a blast... Take a peek at the great schedule of workshops now.

Amoeba joins UNIQUE LA!

2010-03-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Attention indie rockers, metal heads, vinyl vampires, record collectors, Amoebaphiles... It's official, Amoeba will be creating a two-day Pop Up location downtown as part of the UNIQUE LA Spring Show!
Yep, this means that UNIQUE LA fans can browse and take part in workshops for hours upon end while their cranky lovers/friends/room mates/kids can enjoy thumbing through vinyl and hanging out. After all, there's only so long some people can look at jewelry and organic lotions before freaking out... Though of course UNIQUE LA also offers free drinks and a hosted bar. ;)

Like Johnny and June, this is truly a perfect pairing!

What's blooming this Spring?

2010-03-22T23:25:00.000-07:00

Here is our first sample preview of vendors who will be at the 2nd Annual UNIQUE LA Spring Show, April 24 and 25...

Handmade hats by Bijou Van Ness

Made in LA bathing suits by Salt Swimwear

Gourmet popsicles by The Pop Shop

Recycled leather bags and accessories by dean

Great Mother's Day cards and gifts from Rock Scissor Paper

Congrats Eva Franco!!!

2010-03-19T00:35:00.000-07:00

Eva Franco, one of our favorite dress designers and UNIQUE LA vendors, has a dress from her new Spring/Summer collection featured on the cover of the Anthropologie catalog. WOW that is major... Congrats Eva!

*You can meet and shop directly from Eva at the upcoming 2nd Annual Spring Show, April 24-25! She always sells for less then retail (yay!) and has the incredible talent to pick out clothing for you that fits like a charm and looks fabulous.

All that is old, is new again...

2010-03-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

A true Scavenger, I look forward to "the ultimate score" every time I go hunting. Of course being a collector of just about everything, I tend to score big everywhere I go: "A lot of old golf balls for $5? Ohhhh, I can display them in an old pail!"

But what's a gal to do in between trips to the Rose Bowl Flea Market or to St. Vincent's? Hit up the Newfound Territory gems that await at Three Potato Four. Their perfectly curated collection of 'old world' items give me my fix. I've been a loyal fan since they started back in 2007, and know you'll become addicted too. Just don't buy anything I may want! ;)

East End Girl

2010-03-12T11:49:00.000-08:00

The mailman just delivered this surprise in the mail...

This awesome tote bag was sent from Dust and Co. Woo-hoo!

Music to our ears!

2010-03-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

The fantastic Grammy Museum, at LA Live, will be sponsoring the UNIQUE LA Spring Show this year! Details to come soon, but expect some fun ticket giveaways to the non-profit museum and more...

BTW, I visited the museum today and it's really, really cool. The current Elvis at 21 exhibit is great - what an amazing era in American music. But did you know you can go into a recording booth and sing? H-E-L-L-O! :)

Just another fantastic thing to do downtown...

Just a reminder... Apply by March 10

2010-03-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

The applications for the 2nd Annual Spring Show are due March 10, this Wednesday. We've already had hundreds apply, with some really cool folks from Texas, NY and Oregon... Get 'er done!

Video killed the radio star...

2010-03-04T01:07:00.000-08:00

You will not want to miss the newest video... With some bumpin' bass!

Manifest Equality Hits Hollywood

2010-03-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

Taking over an empty space on Vine St, which used to house a Big Lots, my friend Yosi has created a truly powerful 5 day gallery for civil rights called Manifest Equality... It includes works from over 150 artists including LA's Shepard Fairey and Keith Scharwath, all centered around the theme of equality for all -- bringing awareness back to the ongoing (and frustrating) Prop 8 debate. Since passing in 2008, the proposition has banned marriage between homosexual partners in California. Every single person should have the right to love and to marry who they choose. Period.

While I wander through my often stressful daily life (cramming in tweeting-working-exercising-working-sitting in the car-more working), the one thing I will never know is the incredible stress of not being able to openly/legally marry the person you love. I can't imagine what that is like. Demeaning? Maddening? Depressing? The weight that it must put on one's shoulders...

It's time we stood up, together, through art through voice through pen, and demanded EQUALITY FOR ALL. It's 2010 for F's sake!

The show runs through Sunday March 7th and is free. I really encourage you to go...

The 2nd Annual Spring Show application is online now!

2010-03-01T01:02:00.000-08:00

That's right kids, we are hitting it hard this April 24-25... Food trucks selling eats, more free drinks, great music, and as usual a great community. Apply now! Seriously, you won't want to miss it. :) Last day to apply is March 10th.

Our 'yummy' photo shoot.

2010-01-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

Shawna Dawson and I had pictures taken for our brand-new, and totally delicious, event: the 1st Annual LA Street Food Fest. Thanks to the wonderful people at Studio DNA and Monica, our amazing photographer, the pictures turned out A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I had no idea false eyelashes could be so beautiful... And am left wishing for longer lashes all the time. :)

Lucky's Editor interviews me!

2010-01-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

Amy Flurry, an editor for Lucky, interviewed me for eBay's The Inside Source and dug deep into my world of collections...

Is it a crime to covet vintage Star Wars wallpaper?!

Okay LA, it's time to GIVE!

2010-01-21T00:09:00.000-08:00

I have organized an event that, if I do say so myself (cough-cough), is genius. Instead of the norm UNIQUE LA shopping event, I've gathered over 50 non-profits so you can come "shop" for great causes you'd like to help. With budget cutbacks and an increased need for services, NOW is the time to get off your computer for a couple of hours and find out how you can help. Please join me at CityLabs this Saturday from 11-4 at the California Market Center!

Look at what everyone is talking about: Huffington Post, Causecast.

Hope to see you there!

And the winner is...

2010-01-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

There were many amazing booth designs at the 2nd Annual Holiday Show, held in December of 2009, but one definitely stood out. Congrats to first-time vendors LoveNailTree who won the show's booth design contest! They get a free booth at the Spring Show (April 24-25)... They created an intimate 'store' within their 10X10 feet space, and event built plywood walls! Wow. :)

The runner-up spot goes to Paper Pastries, who created the sweetest little shop ever. Congrats, you get 50% off a Spring Booth!

Join me for the 1st LA Street Food Fest!

2010-01-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

I am proud and excited to announce a delicious brand new festival I'll be doing: LA Street Food Fest! Come eat your heart out while also browsing 30 of the coolest UNIQUE LA vendors. See you there...

FROSTED Cupcakery Opens in LA

2010-01-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

I visited the new Frosted Cupcakery, at 1200 N. Highland in Hollywood, and wowsa was it good. The red velvet cupcake was super-moist, and unlike other places they didn't load on too much frosting. Delicious! Here are some pics I took with my phone...

Bloody Lust...

2010-01-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready to ship back the shirts that Blood is the New Black loaned us, and am so sad to part with this favorite of mine called Annie Hollywood by the photographer Dan Monick. It's so good...

Happy New Year LA!

2010-01-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

I hope you all get everything you want this year! That's my little sis on the left. :)

I Heart my Giant Croc...

2009-12-15T02:24:00.001-08:00

One of my purchases at the holiday show... Is this giant croc, by OLLIN, not the best? It takes up the whole width of the bed!

A brand new design group, they don't have a website but can be reached at ollinobjects@yahoo.com. :)

Eva Franco Holiday Party & Sale today!

2009-12-11T22:50:00.000-08:00

Guess where I'll be at 10am? :)

Krank Press Calendars for 2010

2009-12-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

Both the artwork/photography and purpose that a calendar offers makes it a perfect gift for anyone... So why do people go with generic "favorites" such as Wacky Cats, Flower Photography, Marilyn Monroe, etc.?! Because they don't know about these beautiful Made in America calendars by Krank Press.

They are sooooooooo good! Grab them while you can.

Stock up on stockings...

2009-12-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

Now that the Holiday Show is over, I actually have time to craft, decorate and shop. :) If I don't have time to make some myself, these Graf & Lantz stockings are perfect! I discovered them at the show and can't stop thinking about them - finally, stockings that are modern, simple and durable.

Robot Workshop Pics

2009-12-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

The fabulous Alissa Walker, robot ornament workshop leader, has posted pics of the fun on her blog! The little creations are sew cute...

An amazing Fan Letter...

2009-12-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

When I'm working myself to the bone (or you're working yourself to the bone) for the show, it's things like this letter that keep me going. I get many letters like this, but this one is truly special.

I thank all of the UNIQUE LA fans and supporters out there... You've helped to create something really special in a city known for it's strip malls, fallen stars, and sprawling freeways. Rock on.

SNAP - the 2nd Annual Holiday Show pix!

2009-12-07T02:37:00.000-08:00

We had another amazing show this weekend. Thank you to the 11,000 people who came to support local art+design and join the UNIQUE LA community. Woot-woot! Check out this first round of pics.

We had an AMAZING Saturday!

2009-12-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

Over 6000 of you showed up yesterday, supporting our great designers, artists, sellers! It was amazing to see everyone doing their holiday shopping while smiling. :) Part of what I love about throwing the show is hearing stories from vendors - three of my favorites include:

- There was a cute hipster guy who literally came to get all his shopping done in one day. He had a list with about 15-20 names on it and got it all done!

- One of the vendors had a STUNNING bouquet of flowers behind her. When I asked where she had got them, she told me that her fiance had brought them for her (so sweet!).

- Many of our workshop leaders ran out of supplies because so many people were there to participate! They loved and it so did the crowd, who took home something handmade!

Here is a video that an eco blogger shot yesterday for a little glimpse of the Green Room, where we've got 50 eco designers and YourDailyThread.com. The penthouse level has over 250 designers, 2 cafes, bar, etc.

See you today!!! :)

The Holiday Show Video is here!

2009-12-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks to an amazing crew, and Pabst for supporting our videos, we have launched our brand new holiday video... Sure to bring a smile to your face - especially because of the beautiful song in it by the LA band The Deadly Syndrome. ENJOY!

They love us, they really love us...

2009-11-30T23:40:00.000-08:00

The media is buzzing this week. Yaaaaaay!

Flavorpill calls us "famous"!
The LA Times includes us in their holiday gift guide!
Racked LA wants you to shop with us!
Your Daily Thread has us front and center!

Baby on Board!

2009-11-29T21:25:00.000-08:00

Need to buy gifts for babies and kids? We've got everything you need! Check out the great selection of Baby/Kids sellers this weekend, Dec 5&6 - peek at who will be there online first. And check out just a few of vendors below!

Super-cool art and design for kids by Modern Pop:

Clothing, critters, shoes and more from Tiny Whales:

Great clothing by Applesauce:

Cute made-in-LA (very rare!) stuffed animals from Moncalin:

Win BIG at the show, Dec 5&6!

2009-11-25T17:15:00.001-08:00

Visitors to the 2nd Annual UNIQUE LOS ANGELES Holiday Show will have the chance to enter our Holiday Contest for two amazing prizes...

- Win a one-night stay at the luxurious downtown O Hotel, plus dinner for two! (worth over $250)
- Win a $200 Chronicle Books library of beautiful books, craft kits, journals and more!

FREE WORKSHOPS by Stefan G Bucher of dailymonster.com!!!

2009-11-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

This just in:
Thanks to our friends at 826LA Stefan G Bucher of dailymonster.com will be teaching free monster drawing workshops both days of the event! Yay for monsters!

AVOID THE MALL, BUY LOCAL DECEMBER 5 + 6

2009-11-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

Mini-Market was HOT!

2009-08-31T14:49:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at our first outdoor event at Space 15 Twenty/Urban Outfitters! It was hot-hot-hot, so the free Pabst, Honest Tea and IZZE were much appreciated. You discovered great local design and helped to put $ into our economy - muchas gracias!!!! Pics of the event are linked to on the right-hand nav bar...

Mike, from the awesome band The Deadly Syndrome

Shoppers enjoying the day

The couple behind fab label MNKR

Mini-Market music to make you lose control...

2009-08-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

This just in... Tyler from HVW8 will be spinning tunes at the Sunday Mini-Market event, along-side Jonathan Sager. Don't forget Aug 23, 10-4 at Space 15 Twenty (details below). Rock on... ;)

More Details for Mini-Market, Aug 23

2009-08-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

Take pride LA! Shop from over 60 local brands, designers and artists (plus free Pabst and Honest Tea). Know it. Love it. Spread it. xoxo, see you soon!

p.s. Because the Farmer's Market takes up Ivar and Selma, we recommend parking at the seven-level Arclight lot, located about two blocks down on Ivar (just below Sunset).

UNIQUE LA mini-market is coming to Urban Outfitters, August 23!

2009-06-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce that I've partnered with Space 15Twenty (Urban Outfitters) to throw a summertime mini UNIQUE LA! The outdoor event will take place August 23, 10am-4pm, in the parking lot (on Ivar, near Sunset), during the same time as the Hollywood Farmers Market -- so mark your calendars! There will be about 50 fabulous designers/artists selling their stuff, DJs, drinks, sunshine and lots of love from the super-cool Space 15Twenty folks.

Come see the great designs and deals, plus get your fresh fruit/veggies/cheeses at the fantastic farmers market at the same time! Make sure to sign-up for our monthly newsletter to get the official invite, plus our fav picks in LA!

Video of the Spring Show

2009-06-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the amazing, and might I add sexy, guys at Pabst (who made our videos possible), we've got our first-ever official UNIQUE LOS ANGELES video!

Are you in it? Watch to find out... And please, post it/pass it on/spread the word. :)

A star-studded turnout!

2009-05-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

This past weekend's spring edition of UNIQUE LOS ANGELES was a smashing success...
above: Jimmy Kimmel at the Purrr booth
Above: The stars of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Above: Marguerite Moreau of Mad Men, Cupid, What about Brian

Over 7000 people showed up to support local design and shop from our 275 vendors. The energy was amazing, and the community connections that were formed and fostered were fabulous to see. Even an Oprah magazine editor was in attendance, scouting great products for her 'favorite things'. (OMG!!!)

On top of discovering great designers and shopping, you helped us raise over $11,000 for City-Labs.org, which will go toward creating giant 'community service fairs' in both LA and NYC this September.

Once again I am overwhelmed with the sense of community and encouragement that everyone shows, and am proud to have offered up such a great group of vendors for people to support. I'll see you in December for another UNIQUE, and if you sign up for the newsletter, I'll let you know about everything I do in-between (including a summer event in Hollywood at the Urban Outfitter's Space 15twenty...).

{THANKS FOR A GREAT SHOW}

New Video! Watch as I visit the Two Rabbits studio...

2009-04-28T22:42:00.000-07:00

Visit Bob and Mike at UNIQUE in booth 913... Right next to the Bar/Lounge. ;)

Official after party announced...

2009-04-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know whether it's because i love to dance or because I love working with the DimMak crew, but I am super-excited to announce that Dim Mak will be throwing the OFFICIAL UNIQUE LA AFTER PARTY this Sunday night at Bardot, as part of their world-famous Banana Split Sundaes night!!! Uh, that's run by DJ AM and Steve Aoki y'all.

*Anyone with a UNIQUE wristband will get in for free and doesn't have to RSVP* (get your UNIQUE wristband by coming to UNIQUE either Saturday or Sunday) Sorry kids, but the night is for people 21+.

fun times people...

We're on Page 6 of today's LA Times!

2009-04-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

What a perfect way to end a weekend... I opened my Sunday LA Times tonight and found UNIQUE on page 6 of the Image section! Thanks to Max Padilla of the LA Times Image section for covering UNIQUE; the piece can be read here or of course seen in the Sunday paper. Rock on!

The Hustle

2009-04-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you who think my life of working with designers and artists is all glitz, glamour, free stuff, and party after party... Ha! Try freezing while outside very late at night/early in the morn to poster spots all over the city! We put up about 300 posters around town, and put UNIQUE postcards on about 3000 cars this weekend (at the UCLA Book Fair, the Grilled Cheese Invitational, in WEHO and Los feliz). My feet are killing me, my knees ache and my fingers are covered in papercuts - and yet I've never been so excited, proud, and invigorated!

Who knew using a hammer-staple-gun and walking for hours through parking structures could be SO satisfying?! It really is an amazing feeling...

This wall we did, in Echo Park/Silverlake on Sunset Blvd., is the sexiest thing ever to me right now! It is a huge wall. HUGE. Enjoy. (gotta go design stickers now. Ohhh, the life of a hustler never ends.......)

Support the 'Community Corner' @ UNIQUE this weekend!

2009-04-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

This time we've created a special Community Corner, which happens to be convienently located right next to the Bar/Lounge. You'll find my favorite magazines there (GOOD and Beautiful/Decay), along with Causecast, Narrow Books, and a GREAT community organization 826LA (a non-profit writing/tutoring center in Echo Park).

I encourage you to stop by their booths, subscribe to the magazines/their email list, donate, volunteer... :)

MALO announces POP-UP Eatery at UNIQUE LOS ANGELES!

2009-04-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

The rumors are true, Silverlake's staple bar and restaurant, MALO, will be serving up scrumptious salads, tacos and more ALL WEEKEND!!!! Yum...

UNIQUE LA
Saturday May 2, 11-7
Sunday May 3, 11-5

If the boys of Entourage love it...

2009-04-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

Our fave indie candy maker, P.O.P. Candy (of Santa Monica), just announced that they are officially one of the treats that is given on the set of HBO's Entourage. Now that is sweet news! And yummy. ;)

You can find their delicious treats, like the butter crunch shown below, at the Spring UNIQUE (May 2 and 3) in booth 3009. They just sent me some of the new flavor combos to try, and trust me, their candy is too hard to resist eating the entire bag at once!

DIM MAK is hot.

2009-03-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Dude! DJ superstar, and all-around genius, Steve Aoki brings his record label and clothing line to UNIQUE as a sponsor. That is very hot indeed... They'll be there with their amazing clothing line, but also music-related stuff (if you're a music-geek like me you already know this means stuff from the hot boys of The Deadly Syndrome and Mstrkrft).

Clay Creations a-Plenty!

2009-03-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

I started throwing and hand-building my first clay creations in the 7th grade, and have loved pottery ever since. That is why I am SUPER excited to introduce some great new additions to the Spring Show: pottery and ceramic artists! Here are cool previews:
-nephylsmythe
-Ezme Designs
-R-tista Loca Enterprises
-tARRISON Pottery
-Surly+Ramics

Thanks for Applying!

2009-03-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, it looks like we're going to have 250 vendors at the Spring UNIQUE LOS ANGELES!!!!! Thank you to everyone who applied, we're sifting through everything and will get in touch with everyone on march 31st over email.

Until then, here is a random picture that gives me inspiration... The Daft Punk show a couple of years ago, at Coachella, where I danced until i thought I would collapse. It always makes me smile to look at it. :)

Bling-Bling

2009-03-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

"Oh, Hello Friend"

"Good Friday"

"Dust & Co"

I cannot wait to share this Spring's jewelry vendors at UNIQUE LOS ANGELES. We have got a TRULY FABULOUS group of designers in-store for you. Here is just a glimpse!

Gosh y'all... (I'm being honored)

2009-03-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

Although I am nervous-nervous, because I heard my girl-crush Natalie Portman is attending, I can hardly wait for tonight... GOOD magazine and the Knight Foundation's new website, KnightPulse, are bringing together 5 community leaders for a night of inspiration, discussion and free Red Stripe. My favorite things!!!

If you're in LA, you can attend by RSVPing here.

*I'll be revealing my new CITYLABS org, which will debut in NYC, Chicago and LA this August. Basically I'll be creating giant 'community service fairs', so that thousands in each city can attend and discover/connect/join local and national non-profits and groups. I know we can answer President Obama's call for service. Now is the time, and I'm honored to be using my skills to connect organizations with new volunteers, donors and members. :) YES WE CAN.

Yelp? Yeppers...

2009-03-05T22:55:00.000-08:00

I met with the amazing gals from Yelp today at the new Urth cafe in downtown LA. The free biscotti that we scored was sweet... But not as sweet as Yelp's partnership with UNIQUE LOS ANGELES!

I can't give away too much, but let's just say that shoppers and vendors will be pleased. :)

Onward and upward!
sonja

Apply Now for the Spring Show!

2009-03-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

Woohoo - It's time to show off great independent design+art to the masses.

If you'd like to join the best new show in LA (and I would be so bold as to say the west coast or even the US, hehehe), please make sure to apply online (and make the PayPal payment) by midnight March 24th.

Apply and read the Vendor Info PDF here... GOOD LUCK!!!

The Spring UNIQUE is coming May 2&3!

2009-02-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

With more then 225 vendors, a bigger cafe area, art installations, and more free DIY fun, the SPRING UNIQUE LOS ANGELES is set to rock. Oh yes, rock I said... ;)

Applications will be available online next week, so stay tuned.

Collaboration with Earthlust reusable bottles!

2009-02-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

I am proud to let you know that I have collaborated with UNIQUE vendor Earthlust on their new bottle designs. Expect my usual bright, sleek design aesthetic, paired with inspiration from nature -- birch trees, hummingbirds, flowers, swallows... Ooh la la!

This year challenge yourself to not drink from disposable water bottles, and grab one of the new Sonja Rasula/Earthlust bottles instead. Hehehehe.

Canada's got soul... E Soule!

2008-12-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

Two days before Christmas, during a freezing-cold blizzard, my boyfriend Adam and I ventured out into the streets of Toronto (where we are for the holidays) to do some last-minute gift shopping. Imagine my surprise when I gazed upon Elizabeth Soule's artwork in one of my fav shops, Kol Kid! I met her in SF at the Renegade Craft Festival, we became friends, and she joined us at UNIQUE. She is an amazing artist, and a truly, truly beautiful person.

I love this community of great, cool artists, and am giddy with pride and excitement that we saw her stuff today. Go girl!!!

It's never too late to give!

2008-12-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

UNIQUE was a huge success and I was busy-busy the entire time, which I am thrilled about, but it meant one thing: I did ZERO shopping. Ack! I am sooooooo depressed that i didn't get to shop from, let alone browse, all the amazing talent I pulled together for the city. Sigh.

But one thing is true... It's never too late to give, and it's the thought that counts! So while my gifts may be late by a few days (er, actually by a few weeks depending on the USPS), I know people will enjoy them. I plan to shop from vendors who are online, which I encourage you to do too, as every sale truly affects their bottom-line (unlike buying something from a store or something mass-produced) and allows them to continue producing great work. :) SHOP FROM VENDORS by checking out their websites from UNIQUE. Enjoy!

UNIQUE Photos by Rafael Cruz (a.k.a. genius)

2008-12-16T18:15:00.001-08:00

For those of you who hit-up our FREE photobooth, constructed and shot by Rafael Cruz, here are the pics (click to 'events'). For those who did not make it over to him, make a personal note to self: VISIT PHOTOBOOTH @ THE SPRING 2009 UNIQUE LOS ANGELES. You won't regret it.

Many thanks to Rafael and his crew. I love all of the shots, yet have a special place in my heart for the one above with the girl and her parents... Enjoy!

Need sleep.........

2008-12-16T01:47:00.000-08:00

WOW, what an amazing weekend. It makes me teary-eyed (really) to think of the huge turnout, all the amazing praise I/everyone got, the cool community that was formed, and to simply know that my vision has turned into a reality. Thank you to all who participated and visited!

I am now going to sleep for a day or two...

*promise to post pics on the site soon. Here are quickies of me with the UNIQUE tote bag, our directory booklet, and Rafael Cruz (the photographer for the photobooth)

AMAZING FIRST DAY!!!

2008-12-13T23:51:00.000-08:00

I am so exhausted I can't see straight... Our first day was a HUGE success. Huge as is really big and really amazing, with thousands of people coming through! The feedback from everyone has been amazing (folks at the LA Times, to consumers who were blown away), and many-a-celeb shopped for things like the fab director Penny Marshall and Jon Heder (of Napolean Dynamite fame).

We're stoked for tomorrow and can't wait to see you! Don't forget to visit The Lounge and The Cafe areas for free BossaNova fruit juice, Izze, and Pabst.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,
sonja

*My friend, and great photographer, Rafael Cruz has constructed a photobooth so amazing that you won't want to miss out on the free fun. TRUST ME. It's amazing, with antique picture frames, vintage wallpaper and more... But you'll have to see it for yourself!

Signs of Things to Come...

2008-12-11T23:49:00.000-08:00

I went out with one of the Obey boys who showed me how to paste 'n poster, and they are up all around town now! It's exciting to see them...

Love and tickets from NotCot.com...

2008-12-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

The FABULOUS NotCot.com has posted a ticket giveaway on the website, and I can't calm down! They are a major source for all-things-cool, and have a HUGE membership, so I'm stoked.

I love reading the contest-entry posts, which share what people are looking forward to about the event. So cool. The Not Cot contest runs through Wednesday if you want to try and win tickets!

Buy Tickets Online & Get a 'lil Gift!

2008-12-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

For those who are super-organized, or just like the idea of not having to wait in line at the event, you can now buy your tickets online! Tickets are $5 each, you can purchase as many as you'd like, and you will get a little gift from Illume Candles, along with treats from MySpace & Pabst. :) And remember that 50% of proceeds go to Create Now, a great LA non-profit that brings arts to high-risk youth.

*Please note that in an effort to save trees, you do not need to print anything. Your entry wristband(s) will be at the UNIQUE entry table under your name, so please bring ID.

See you soon!

LA Times Image section!

2008-12-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

Bah humbug to mass-manufactured goods indeed, Max Padilla!

:) Go grab a copy of today's paper. Much thanks to Max, who wrote a great piece in today's LA Times Image section. The buzz around town is definitely becoming a loud collective cheer - which makes me extremely excited, as I'm trying to create a large-scale event in LA that shows off independent design+art, as opposed to discount it (like the ka-zillion "sample" sales that Cali has grown accustomed to, which undermines the true worth of great design). It's time LA took itself seriously, and showed off! This great city is filled with so many talented people...

Mark my words, "Watch out NYC/SF/Chicago, LA ain't just Hollywood!" Hehe.

Metromix Write-Up

2008-12-06T11:05:00.001-08:00

UNIQUE wood block design

2008-12-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

Collected these old wood press blocks for Adam to create the artwork for the bags, show guide, etc. VERY COOL... But I'll keep the design a secret for you to see at the show! :)

LA Times "Best Bet"

2008-11-30T00:14:00.001-08:00

Woo hoo! The LA Times Guide has given us "best bet" status! We love you LA Times!!!

DIY or Die: Fun with Etsy and Fresh Pressed

2008-11-28T22:57:00.001-08:00

On top of shopping from 200 of the best independent designers and artists (seriously, these folks really are the best), UNIQUE LOS ANGELES will feature some super-special Do-It-Yourself fun. Me likey...

The FRESH PRESSED Screenprinting Space
For those who'd rather DIY then buy, come hit our amazing Screenprinting Space! The super-cool Los Feliz shop Fresh Pressed will be on-hand with a variety of shirts and tote bags to help you screenprint one-of-a-kind gifts right before your eyes - all at special discounted UNIQUE prices so you can be create one-of-a-kind gifts and not break the bank. Of course our bet is that you won't be able to resist printing a shirt or two for yourself too! :)

The ETSY DIY Lab
Come show off and be creative with us! The ETSY DIY Lab offers a place to sit down and make your very own gift tags and cards – all for free.

Extra! Extra! The papers show luv...

2008-11-28T20:28:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving... And that you're resting up for the big event in two weeks. Wink-wink.

We had a GREAT couple of days, thanks to the LA Weekly and Metromix who showed us a lot of love. Check out the LA Weekly coverage. And click here to read the Metromix article.

Now go grab a fork, open the fridge and grab a few bites of that leftover pie. Or turkey. Or Tofurkey.

Volunteering this season...

2008-11-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

Do you have some extra time, the yearning to do some good, and want to get involved in the community? [insert sound of angels singing] Tis the season to volunteer!

UNIQUE LOS ANGELES will rely on great volunteer help to run the Etsy DIY Lab, assist in our Holiday Photobooth area, and run the sign-in tables. You must have a big smile, be quite outgoing, and be a lover of creativity and community. This is a great chance to help a new community event!

- shifts are 4 hours long on Sat Dec 12 or Sun Dec 13
- volunteers get to attend a special Staff Party/Orientation, where they will get to create and screen-print a shirt or two! Food and drinks will also be a plenty...
- volunteers will each get a signed and numbered limited edition Two Rabbits poster (1 of 50), which commemorates the first-ever UNIQUE LOS ANGELES. It's going to be DOPE.
- volunteers will also get 5 free tickets to UNIQUE for friends/family

Please email me by December 2 (sonja[at]uniquelosangeles[dot]com) if you're interested in helping out (please use the words Interested Volunteer as the subject line). If you can provide a brief bio/work background/interests, which day you would prefer to work, and a link to your blog/myspace/website/etc. that would be greatly appreciated. MUCHAS GRACIAS!!!

*For loads of other great volunteering opportunities, check out Big Sunday's PDF compilation of listings:
http://www.bigsunday.org/big_sunday_giving_2008.pdf

Desperate for Stella Neptune

2008-11-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

A little bird told me that the Desperate Housewives stylist visited the Stella Neptune bunker for a bunch of pieces! We love Stella Neptune's frocks because they are whimsical and witty, and her line of one of a kind vintage pieces is great. Make sure to stop by her booth for sure!

Variety's STYLEPHILE!

2008-11-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

We love this blog, so we're super-excited to see that we were blogged by Variety mag's Stylephile. So cool... THANK YOU!

RSVP online!

2008-11-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

We're gettin' fancy on ya now... ;) RSVP on Facebook or Going.com to help spread the word. Let's get this party started!

RSVP ON FACEBOOK here!

RSVP on Going below...

Always Sunny in Philly!

2008-11-20T00:50:00.000-08:00

So it's 12:56 a.m. and I'm watching the FX comedy "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia". Loves it! Imagine my surprise when I notice that one of the main characters is wearing a sub-urban riot tee (one of our vendors)! Their RIOT t-shirt looked fab (and I mean fab, wink-wink...) on actor/writer/creator Rob McElhenney. His co-star and partner in real-life, Kaitlin Olson, also rocks one of their cool shirts.

Make sure to come to UNIQUE to grab their great shirts before they're done!

LA Times article about UNIQUE LOS ANGELES

2008-11-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

Woo-hoo... Check out this great piece that the LA Times featured online about UNIQUE. We love LA TIMES, and are are so thankful for all the great community support we're starting to get for this first-time event. Clearly LA is hungry for an event where the entire community can attend and find something - whether young or old, hipster, academic or hippie, we're all unique!

Thank you!

Check out our 165 Vendors...

2008-11-16T17:05:00.000-08:00

"Step right up folks!"

We are pleased to announce that the vendor directory is now online. Check out our 165 amazing vendors who will be hawking everything from soy candles to designer clothing to letter-pressed cards. And take a peek at the special sections we'll be presenting: Eco Chic (green gifts), Gallery Row and Rising Stars (art), and Rockin' Babies & Cool Kids.

Seriously, find everything you need for your little sister, your grandma, your dad, your new crush, etc... And a ton of cool stuff for you too! Remember, 50% of ticket proceeds go to the great LA charity CREATE NOW (see previous post).

It's time to "give good gift" while also supporting the LA community.

The Vendors & Create Now!

2008-11-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

We have spent the past few days going through all the applications, and are THRILLED with the results. There are over 165 amazing participants. Some sell their designs around the globe, while some just started to screenprint or sew in their garages this past summer -- all the vendors represent the amazing talent we have here in Cali, as well as some of the best that Brooklyn, Portland, Vegas and Seattle have to offer! We'll launch the Vendor Directory this week, so you can take a peek at every single participant...

In the meantime, I am proud to announce our new partner Create Now! I've chosen Create Now! as the non-profit who will receive 50% of all admission proceeds. This small-yet-powerful organization does amazing work in the community. Their mission is to change the lives of high-risk and at-risk youth through creative arts mentoring, education, resources and opportunities. For all of us who have grown up visiting museums and being able to express ourselves through art (whether that be dance, drawing, acting, etc.), I'm sure you'll understand how important their work is. They will be at UNIQUE LOS ANGELES with a booth, as well we are donating 30 tickets to the organization, enabling some of their mentors and kids to attend the event - seeing in-person that being an artist or designer is an actual career option. Let's inspire them all!

The Create Now! Vision:
Create Now! will provide at-risk and high-risk youth with information, motivation, inspiration and education through creative outreach resulting in a more well-rounded individual. Participants will have opportunities to explore and develop their skills in literary, music, performing and visual arts and to be matched with a caring mentor who will help them reach their personal, artistic and professional goals.

Due to Popular Demand... Extended Deadline!

2008-11-03T22:47:00.000-08:00

WOW, thank you to everyone who has applied so far - the talent we've seen is phenomenal! While the official deadline was yesterday at midnight, we have received a flurry of emails and phone calls asking to submit late applications. Trust us, with all the election hoopla and a busy Halloween weekend, we understand. We've all been crazy-busy.

So the application will be available online until Sunday, Nov 9th - so fill it out ASAP. We'll alert everyone who already applied on Wednesday (Nov 5), and then send full info vendor packets to all next week (Monday, Nov 10).

Thanks for all the enthusiasm and support... Good luck everyone!

VOTE LA (me on the news)

2008-11-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

Not that any of you need reminding, but remember to hit the ballot boxes tomorrow, Nov 4th. As a board member of YPM, I am heavily involved with the LA-area community, helping to increase the number of young people (24-39 year-olds) who vote in local elections. Yesterday I was out with a team at the Brewery Art Walk, and then hopped over to Fairfax and Third, where we spread the message to vote.

And well, I made the news! :)

We've Partnered with POOL!

2008-10-31T00:17:00.000-07:00

UNIQUE LOS ANGELES and pooltradeshow have partnered to become, what I like to call, The Dynamic Duo. ;)

For those who don't know, pooltradeshow is the original independent tradeshow. A semi-annual event just like UNIQUE (which will occur every May and Dec), POOL occurs every February and August in conjunction with the MAGIC Marketplace, when the apparel industry converges on Las Vegas for the most influential week in the business of fashion. pooltradeshow showcases the best emerging designers, featuring new product ranging from women’s and men’s apparel, to shoes and accessories, and including a variety of lifestyle products — from art, to music, to home.

The reason this is such a symbiotic match, is because it allows independent artists and designers to reach and sell to consumers twice a year (making great profits and creating customer demand/awareness), and also allows them to reach retail and trade buyers twice a year (landing them accounts in which to sell their designs wholesale).

It's a full-circle of opportunity and support - UNIQUE will provide special support and deals to POOL participants, and vice versa! "Gooooooo community!"

Ronald J Llanos: Local Artist and Art Instructor

2008-10-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if he's able to participate at UNIQUE, but am trying my hardest to make it happen. Ronald's work seems very familiar to me, probably because he illustrates what surrounds me here in LA and visual memories that have stuck in my mind since the 80s. His sense of perspective and color, and the moments-in-time that he chooses to document, speak volumes to me. Very simple and subtle, but never plain... Like the 3rd piece above, entitled Dinner, which instantly transports you into the atmosphere once you see the sprawling plastic 'playland' in the background. Shudder. ;)

He is a great example of the talent this city is home to.

Enjoy, and please check out his website to see his work. I especially love the Sidewalk 2 pieces, Toy District series, and Narratives gallery.

Pumpkin Stencils

2008-10-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

Check out these Pumpkin Carving Stencils I helped to create for HGTV. They're super-easy, yet super-cool. We'll be carving pumpkins this weekend... Or attempting to.

:)

Inspiration among empty streets and warehouses...

2008-10-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to an Obama fundraising dinner with an amazing group of writers, artists, filmmakers, etc. THIS IS WHAT I LOVE ABOUT LA. Not a fancy-schmancy, wear a dress and heels kind of fundraiser, but a warm casual gathering in a friend's converted downtown warehouse. This is not Hollywood's version of LA [insert images of the shoreline or seedy streets with so-called gang members], but the city that I know and love. There we were, about 45 people, gathering for hope and change. Most did not know one another, but we bonded over a huge home-cooked meal, cheese and wine. We agreed and disagreed on certain political issues, but we were all there to participate and grow. It was an incredibly inspiring night - very unique. Very LA.

And it made me think about how proud I am to have started UNIQUE. It's all about creating, fostering and supporting community. While the focus is on participants based in Cali, to me 'buying local' and supporting the creative community means buying from great North American merchants who don't use factories overseas to manufacture their products. There are artists coming from Portland, Brooklyn, Las Vegas, and even Canada. I want you to come to UNIQUE LOS ANGELES to discover, support, interact, and enjoy the diversity. Just like at the dinner party, discovering and meeting all the talent that will be at UNIQUE has been incredibly inspiring. Thank you for your support so far - this community is indeed very special and very unique...

Sneak Peek at a Few Vendors

2008-10-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

People keep asking for "just a preview" of who will be at UNIQUE LOS ANGELES. We are still accepting applications, until Nov 2nd, so the list of vendors is not set yet at all. But you wore me down! So without giving too much away, here is just a handful of the amazing, eclectic offerings we will have...

LA WEEKLY PARTNERS WITH UNIQUE LOS ANGELES (OMG)

2008-10-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

YO this is BIG TIME...

You're the first to know that today the LA WEEKLY and UNIQUE partnered. OMG! LA WEEKLY is psyched on our event, and so will be 'presenting it' and doing a lot... Please support them as they are so supportive of our community.

Just a peek at what they'll be doing:
- throw a great VIP Preview Party
- create a cool LOUNGE for relaxing at the show
- will have their street team promoting the event, and then taking pictures during it
- loads of advertising
- emails to over 35,000 subscribers
- text message invites to their subscribers
- just being cool in general ;)

AWESOME. With them on board, UNIQUE is seriously going to be huge. That's it for now... I'm hitting a bunch of fashion shows and Obama events all weekend.... Whew.

DON'T MISS OUT, APPLY FOR THE EVENT NOW!

My other gig... Vote in LA!

2008-10-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

When I'm not organizing UNIQUE LOS ANGELES I'm making sure that LA-area voters, in their 20s and 30s, are registered and informed so they can vote all the way down the ballot in each election. That's right, we get people to vote for everything, not just President and Mayor. WORD.

We produce a kick-ass voter guide for every election. Check out the Young Progressive Majority site and all of us on the executive board.

944 snapped me while registering voters; me and Eric Garcetti talking; our cool stickers; Hot young voters at the Sunset Junction Fest...

Blog Heaven

2008-10-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

So I loooooove design blogs. They inspire, they give me great ideas, they look purdy. Well, the blogosphere is starting to sit up and take notice of UNIQUE! To quote my best pal LaRue, "Gosh, y'all..."

HOLLY AT decor8 POSTED SOME REALLY NICE WORDS ABOUT US

Erin was inspired by UNIQUE!

LACMA thinks we're LA's "most stylish"...

2008-10-06T00:21:00.000-07:00

Really? REALLY. In the most recent LACMA newsletter I noticed this:

"LA STREET STYLE: Check out photos of Los Angeles' most stylish, captured at LACMA's late night art event, LA Flash."

There were thousands of people at the museum that night, so I freaked-out when I clicked the link and saw us!!! They feature the picture I took with Adam, LaRue and Kevin as the main pic. Wow, very cool. I think they liked the "robot stance" we decided to do, but think it was the VOTE shirt that I designed that probably cemented it. ;) THX LACMA!

If you haven't registered to VOTE or need to find your polling station in LA, do it now!

We Rocked Detour Fest!

2008-10-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

A street team of fine, savvy thangs connected with hundreds and hundreds of people at the LA Weekly Detour Fest yesterday/night. People grabbed UNIQUE LOS ANGELES stickers, and as the day went on we saw people wearing them or that they had posted them on street posts and stuff (awesome...)!

The feedback from people was also AMAZING, and makes me feel so good that people are excited about the event. We got hundreds of people saying things like:

"OMG, I love this idea, I'll tell all my friends!"
"We heard something about this from our friends who are here already..." (which was really exciting to hear!)
"I hate the mall too... I will totally come support you guys in December."

Pretty much we rock. A full-on marketing campaign will start soon with postcards, fliers, lawn signs, posters and more. I can't wait!!!!!

*On a sad note, my bike was stolen, which breaks my heart... If anyone has a cheap old bike or knows of a cool place that sells old bikes (not cruisers, but vintage styles or 10-speeds) lemme know...