Made in the USA: True Collaborative Showroom

We recently gave you an inside look into True Collaborative showroom in the Cooper Design Space. But this time, we met with its owner, Tracey Forrest, who has been successful in translating her experience from the liquor industry to fashion. Coming from outside the industry, Tracey still uses similar skill sets in her showroom like creating a brand, instilling excitement in her sales team and getting to know her customers. However, one thing that is different is that she gets to represent five unique brands that are at the frontline of an emerging fashion trend - "made in the USA".

This topic was recently covered in the Los Angeles Times by fashion critic Booth Moore. Clothing made locally is quickly becoming a feature consumers are looking for. The public is more conscious of where things are made and are taking an initiative to purchase these items that will boost the economy. Additionally, companies are finding that they can produce here at home with only a minimal price difference to the cost of importing. On the manufacturing side, speed, quality control and cost-effectiveness are just some of the benefits.

For Tracey and her team, this trend and the shifting of the public’s mentality have created a niche for the brands they carry. Moreover, there is a bigger appreciation for the great craftsmanship that goes into each piece.

Prarie Underground

Prairie Underground is the showroom’s top selling line and is a favorite among working moms. Made in Seattle, the lifestyle, outerwear collection is a comfortable and functional line made with sustainable materials such as hemp and organic cotton. It is even packaged in recycled boxes. However, the line does not lose out on fashion. The silhouette and seaming of the jackets are figure-flattering and wearable for a night look once paired with stilettos.

Another brand is Pendleton. Founded in the 1800s and produced in Oregon, this company is known for its intricate patterns of Native American, 100% wool blankets inspired by ancient designs and legends.

Pendleton. via highsnobette.com

Koch is another brand that is made in Dallas, Texas. A travel lifestyle brand, Koch is inspired by the bohemian style of La Jolla, CA and the glamour of Dallas, TX. They specialize in hand-printed, custom prints on luxurious, feminine fabrics.



Koch



SeaBags

Sea Bags, based in Maine, is a line of hand bags made from repurposed sail boats.

While True Collaborative is a strong advocate of brands that are made in the USA, they also appreciate and support well designed artisanal products that have a positive impact on the environment. For example, the fifth line they carry called Mady By is a collection of hand knitted sweaters, scarves and hats that have been made using a fair trade agreement. These pieces are knitted by skilled Peruvian women artisans who use alpaca wool which is environmentally friendly. The artisans receive fair wages and are highly skilled. They even sew their name on each of the items they make. This kind product is something that True Collaborative believes in and is still highly prized as a specialty good for boutiques and their customers.


The artisan's name sewn on the tag



Made By knits



True Collaborative Showroom

Cooper Design Space

860 S. Los Angeles Street

Suite 320