In the Cooper Building, Misty Castillo, US Sales Manager of Closed, busily answered several phone calls and confirmed last minute appointments in preparation for this week’s ENK Show in Las Vegas. ENK is a tightly merchandised event directed towards fine retailers, featuring contemporary brands in full sportswear, denim, dresses, accessories and footwear for men and women. From August 22-24, Closed will showcase their women’s summer 2012 collection at the highly anticipated, influential tradeshow. Appropriately enough, the anticipation is vice versa. Closed is one of the hottest, European brands hitting the contemporary US market today – and its home base is in Los Angeles.
Having a strong background in denim (Hudson, Citizens of Humanity, Adriano Goldschmied) and working internationally at the time, Misty saw a Closed store in Switzerland and immediately knew it would fill a need in America.
“It was so fresh, so new, I fell in love with it right away,” Misty said. “It had the American basics like tops and cardigans, but with a European twist.”
After a few calls and meetings, Misty got the green light. In 2010, she launched Closed in the US and made the LA Fashion District its headquarters. “I love the aesthetic and feel of the Cooper Building [in the Fashion District]. It’s very modern and is really the up-and-coming building here,” said Misty. “Plus, all the denim companies are in Los Angeles.” Similarly, Misty’s husband Eduardo Castillo also saw a need in the LA Fashion District. He recently opened Pattern Bar with partner Alejandro Meza, a restaurant that has really enhanced the excitement in the district’s nightlife.
What has only been a little more than a year since its launch, Closed has been very successful; they are already in various top accounts such as specialty stores Ron Herman, American Rag and Traffic.
“It was so fresh, so new, I fell in love with it right away,” Misty said. “It had the American basics like tops and cardigans, but with a European twist.”
After a few calls and meetings, Misty got the green light. In 2010, she launched Closed in the US and made the LA Fashion District its headquarters. “I love the aesthetic and feel of the Cooper Building [in the Fashion District]. It’s very modern and is really the up-and-coming building here,” said Misty. “Plus, all the denim companies are in Los Angeles.” Similarly, Misty’s husband Eduardo Castillo also saw a need in the LA Fashion District. He recently opened Pattern Bar with partner Alejandro Meza, a restaurant that has really enhanced the excitement in the district’s nightlife.
What has only been a little more than a year since its launch, Closed has been very successful; they are already in various top accounts such as specialty stores Ron Herman, American Rag and Traffic.
 |
| The women's collection in the showroom Photo courtesy of Closed |
 |
| Women's collection Photo courtesy of Closed |
 |
| Basics and denim in bold colors in the men's collection |
Dubbed the “J.Crew of Germany”, the Closed collection is casual and sophisticated, expertly translating trends into a timeless look. For example, their basic bottoms come in different washes and fits for each season, including flare, straight, skinny and cropped in dark, light, patchwork and more. For the spring and summer, the brand infused color with denim and chinos in brights and neons. For summer 2012, it’s all about soft fabrics, neon colors and easy, airy silhouettes.
Moreover, what’s unique about the brand is that it is one of the few that are a lifestyle collection. Though it started in Italy in the 1970s, Closed was relaunched in 2005 by three friends Gordon Giers, Hans Redlefsen and Til Nadler in Hamburg, Germany. They expanded the brand into shoes, belts and sportswear while denim and chinos remains the core of the company’s collection.
Moreover, what’s unique about the brand is that it is one of the few that are a lifestyle collection. Though it started in Italy in the 1970s, Closed was relaunched in 2005 by three friends Gordon Giers, Hans Redlefsen and Til Nadler in Hamburg, Germany. They expanded the brand into shoes, belts and sportswear while denim and chinos remains the core of the company’s collection.
 |
| Men's outfit from Closed's winter collection |
 |
| Women's outfit from the winter collection |
 |
| Striped, colorful men's socks. These look great when styled as a peek-a-boo with cuffed jeans/chinos |
 |
| These patent men's shoes give an outfit just the right amount of punch and surprise |
 |
| Women's belts in colorful patterns and interesting textures |
 |
| Men's denim |
 |
| An adorable men's ensemble. Color is key, guys! |
Have we piqued your interest enough? For those of you who want to get a hold of Closed, in addition to their retail stores and online store, we’re happy to report that they will be having a sample sale at the end of October. We will update you on the details soon!
Closed US
860 S. Los Angeles St. #321
Los Angeles, Ca 90014
(213) 627-5000