INSPIRATION STATEMENT
Hot Fun in the Summertime, Baby!
Well, it’s here! Those long hot summer days we dream about in the middle of January have indeed arrived.
July: everyone's favorite month. This gorgeous mountain valley is in the height of its beauty and outdoor abundance. From coast to coast, summer is serving up plenty of fun and celebration. We remind everyone to behold the moments that bring you joy this season and keep the best memories deep in your pocket to be remembered on those gloomy, grey days that will eventually find us come winter’s onset.
THE MAKING OF A POP-UP
A look under the hood of how we bring the magic to a city or town near YOU!
HOW DO YOU DO THOSE POP-UPS?
Or a more frequent question: What’s a Pop-Up?
In around 2010, when we had the Flagship Store in Downtown Seattle, we were faced with a need to promote our new website. According to the database we had assembled, we had acquired a good number of customers in both Portland, and Sun Valley Idaho.
We did some research, and purchased our first van. The van would be customized to hold a maximal amount of product, all the way up to the rooftop. All tables, and fixtures would fold down, and line the van floor below the hanging clothing.
This early formula would take us back and forth between those two markets for several years.
We also did local pop ups in Seattle in various neighborhoods, while still running the downtown store.
We also did local pop ups in Seattle in various neighborhoods, while still running the downtown store.
Fast forward to today, with a newer, more efficient van, and the use of a large cargo trailer, also specialized to hold a ton of product.
To find a location, we typically do an R and D trip in advance, looking for vacancies in areas that we’d like to operate.
Landlords are not always keen on short-term arrangements, but now that our resumé of short-term retail is deep, its often easier to convince them that this will effectively merchandise their vacancy, and bring a couple hundred visitors through the door. We also carry an ample amount of insurance. It also helps to return to a neighborhood we had been to previously, where there is a good chance that landlord saw our store before, and may have even shopped there.
Understandably, they would love us to sign a long-term lease.
Most of you have seen us in person, and the thing we’re most proud of is that our Pop-up stores feel as good as our permanent stores. We pay close attention to our signage, light temperature, window displays, and overall experience in-store. For me, I always have a critical look at the neighboring stores we operate next to, and wonder why they didn’t put a little more effort into little things like cleaning their windows.
The set-up is always the same: first, get the stockroom in order (which often involves building selves and racks) then set up the rudimentary Shipping Department, which we always have with us, since we are also online 24/7.
I’m told we make this look easy. This is a high compliment, because it is not easy.
Our traveling kit contains everything we need to make a store. Most times we move into a previous retail space and if we’re lucky there may be fixtures in place that we can use. More often the space is merely a shell, with nothing in it at all. On a few occasions I have had to install track lighting, and provide heat. We carry all of this equipment with us.
We have on the ready: Cash wrap, utility tables, fitting rooms, shelving, racks, floor coverings, printers, music, and portable internet.
We have on the ready: Cash wrap, utility tables, fitting rooms, shelving, racks, floor coverings, printers, music, and portable internet.
But, how does this tiny crew do it?
Jill and I are Endurance Athletes. About ten years ago we were fully invested in training for seventy mile Ironman distance triathlons. Training with a professional group taught us to work through discomfort, and to truly adapt a mind-over-matter approach to seemingly impossible tasks.
Before that, we refurbished our 1925 Seattle bungalow. The home wasn’t opulent, but interesting enough to be featured in three national home magazines once we were finished with it.
We also were on every display crew that worked late into the night at the Seattle store; creating theatre, circus, and fantasy for our windows and common spaces.
We love to make a beautiful setting, then invite guests to come enjoy it with us.
We are hands-on owners, and you’ll always find at least one of us in the store at any given time.
For most, the idea of packing and moving your home (for example) is a nightmare, and something you don’t want to do too many times in your lifetime. my only answer to this is that we have done it so many times that it has become easier, at least through repetition.
When its possible, I hire a local laborer to assist me with the load and off-load, but this individual is often hard to find, and when I have a good person in a city we see regularly, I keep them in close contact.
Many times, however, its only Jill and I, and there have been countless instances where we are loading the van and trailer alone, late into the night.
If you ask Siri how far it is to drive from Sun Valley to Seattle, she’ll tell you its about 9.5 hours. With a heavy trailer and a dog, this distance is likely to be closer to 11 hours. I have become accustomed to driving these distances, and over the last few years I have consumed dozens of books on audio. We prefer to drive straight though in one day if possible, since staying at a hotel always involves leaving a fully loaded vehicle parked outside of a hotel. Our rig does not fit in garages.
If you ask Siri how far it is to drive from Sun Valley to Seattle, she’ll tell you its about 9.5 hours. With a heavy trailer and a dog, this distance is likely to be closer to 11 hours. I have become accustomed to driving these distances, and over the last few years I have consumed dozens of books on audio. We prefer to drive straight though in one day if possible, since staying at a hotel always involves leaving a fully loaded vehicle parked outside of a hotel. Our rig does not fit in garages.
Back in 2020, the neighborhood where our flagship store had been anchored for forty-plus years became very difficult. Long before the national televised events were reported, businesses of our size had already been dealing with a lack of policing, due to failed City Council experiments and failed Mayors. By the time the pandemic came around, we had already been operating as if it were the Wild West. We became stewards and guardians of our corner, and our small crew was slowly losing the battle.
At this point in time we had already been doing our pop-up road show for nearly ten years. When the difficult decision came to vacate Seattle, we already had a new place secured: Ketchum, Idaho. The place we had already set up nearly ten times previously. Here, we would tap the small audience we had acquired, and they were very happy to receive us. This would be the biggest move of all, and the Seattle store did not go down without a fight. This job was difficult, and very emotional.
We landed in the center of Ketchum, and worked hard to make the fixtures of a 3000 square foot store fit into our new store, at just 750 square feet.
We made it all work, like we had at so many new spaces, and acquired new storage units to store what would not fit.
We landed in the center of Ketchum, and worked hard to make the fixtures of a 3000 square foot store fit into our new store, at just 750 square feet.
We made it all work, like we had at so many new spaces, and acquired new storage units to store what would not fit.
The Sun Valley area would be a calm and welcoming place for this weary crew, which had now been reduced to just Jill and I, with two other associates remaining, working remotely.
It is our belief that our ability to be nimble is what saved us from the events of 2020, which brought a lot of businesses of our size down. It was our ability to move quickly and tirelessly, and get the new store set up in a new market, that saved us. This would be our pivot.
Back to the Mobile Show.
If you take away the drive, the setup, the breakdown, and the drive home, the days in between are pretty great. We have this time to work the sales floor, and see our people. Our clients always stop in once we send the word out, and we are grateful to see them once again. It’s like seeing old friends. For me, I often need a reminder as to which city I know them from, since there is also a fair amount of crossover residency between Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, and Sun Valley.
Also, since we are now in a big city once again, and we love to take advantage of the big city things. Our stops along the Pacific Rim are a great time to tuck into specialties like ramen, pho, and designer doughnuts. There are amazing coffee shops to be visited, and of course the arts, music, and the finer dining options.
As a kid, I dreamt of joining the circus. I imagined myself not as one of the stars of the show, but rather the person in charge of making the whole thing flow. I was fascinated by the idea that they could move this traveling spectacle from city to city, popping up quickly to reveal a magic and temporary world, then disappearing overnight, leaving mystery and a desire for the next visit.
I’m happy to have become the ringmaster of our own little Traveling Circus today, and I hope to continue this important part of our business going forward.
Here’s a time lapse of a Winter Pop Up we did in Seattle a couple years back. For those who remember, it was in the old Vain Salon, previously the Vogue Nightclub.
MEET THE MAKERS
We have always thought it so important to showcase the artistic talent and vision of our favorite designers. It is a terrific opportunity to let our customers engage with the very designers who create the clothing they have come to know and love. If you have been shopping with us over the years, you know how much we enjoy hosting our designers and reps for our seasonal Trunk Shows, and letting you shop their latest collections and designs. It is not always easy to get them here, as they have incredibly busy schedules and deadlines to produce current work for the coming seasons.
This summer we have a fabulous line up:
MY DEAR TEJAS TRUNK SHOW
Susan Kim / My Dear Tejas starts the season off with a wonderful selection of her incredible deerskin jackets that have become a personal obsession of mine!
July 14 through July 20 in the Galleria!
AQUARIUS COCKTAIL TRUNK SHOW
Lissa Thorson / Aquarius Cocktail makes her debut in Sun Valley
August 8 and 9 in the Galleria
We are mad for the fun and spirited collection of both ReWork designs, as well as the original modern classics we have learned to know and F’ing love, from designer Lissa Thorson. The Aquarius Cocktail collection has a very cool and happy vibe that fills the store with a ray of sunshine, and gives us fans a feeling of joy when we wear it in our daily lives.
As described by the designer herself: “Simple is chic, quality should shine through, and a sense of humor is essential.”
It is easy to see why Aquarius Cocktail is Oh, so Baby!
You will want to come experience the broad range of Lissa’s designs and collection at this exciting summer Trunk Show event!
Artist’s Statement :
I grew up in Texas and Colorado. Following a stint at FIT in NYC, I made my way to Southern California where I hoped for a kinder gentler version of the fashion business.
It worked. I’ve designed board shorts for Gotcha, hoodies for Quiksilver, invented a brand called Roxy, grew it up with Alex Goes, worked Mossimo into Target, created cashmere seahorses for Jill Roberts/Seaton, and infused some style into the comfort of Alternative Apparel. In between, I raised 2 incredible boys, Maxwell Ford and Harris Finn.
Along the way I’ve absorbed the essence of west coast style and the casual confidence that comes out of a certain freedom from tradition…. there is an opportunity to experiment with choices.
I felt I could wrangle this knowledge into a collection of clothing that reflected this journey so I created a small batch design house in Downtown Los Angeles that relies on a tiny but mighty team of local makers and friends to whip up one-of-a-kind pieces as well as limited runs of fresh styles.
Using new & found materials we create a distinctive collection meant to be intermixed allowing for individual expression. Quality fabrics are transformed into easy styles with a nod to couture.
Thoughtful details add to the intriguing mix of high/low, boy/girl, uptown/downtown.
Opposites attract in the best of ways.
LOUIZA BABOURYAN TRUNK SHOW
A sumptuous combination of romantic beauty, prima ballerina costuming, and Paris chic; the Louiza Babouryan collection has become a centerpiece each season at Baby and Company. From combinations of luxurious silk skirts and colorful knitwear, to elegant dresses and tops that make you feel like the Belle of the Ball. The elevated design and craft of each piece stands far and above the standard wares offered from most commercial designers in her field.
You really must not miss this rare opportunity to meet the hands and mind of this very special designer.
August 14 through 16 in the Galleria!
Artist’s Statement:
Louiza Babouryan’s Destiny Was Determined At A Young Age. The Daughter Of A Seamstress Mother And Jeweler Father, Louiza Spent Her Youth Immersed In A Culture Of Art And Creative Thinking. “From The Time I Was Very Young, I Was Playing With All Types Of Fabrics And Watching My Father Spin Gold Into Beautiful Pieces Of Jewelry,” Explains Louiza. The Nostalgia Of Her Childhood Continues To Inspire Her Every Day.
Louiza Babouryan’s Destiny Was Determined At A Young Age. The Daughter Of A Seamstress Mother And Jeweler Father, Louiza Spent Her Youth Immersed In A Culture Of Art And Creative Thinking. “From The Time I Was Very Young, I Was Playing With All Types Of Fabrics And Watching My Father Spin Gold Into Beautiful Pieces Of Jewelry,” Explains Louiza. The Nostalgia Of Her Childhood Continues To Inspire Her Every Day.
Growing Up In Armenia And The United States, Louiza’s Creativity And Passion For Fine Art Blossomed. In Addition To Design, Louiza Trained In Multiple Disciplines, Including Printmaking, Sculpture, And Painting. She Graduated From Otis College Of Art And Design And Went On To Launch Her Eponymous Line In 2010. Louiza’s Romantic Approach To Ready-To-Wear Has Earned Her Numerous Accolades And A Staunchly Loyal Following.
Louiza Prefers A Sculptural Approach To Design, Emphasizing Draping And Fluidity In Contrast To The Cut-And-Sew School Of Dressmaking. Her Signature Style Juxtaposes Simple, Streamlined Shapes With Flourishes Of Feminine Detail. Through Her Artistic Process, She Is Able To Explore The Relationship Between Minimal And Ornate, The Avant-Garde And The Classic.
Louiza Lives In Los Angeles With Her Husband, Celebrated Jewelry Designer Arman Sarkisyan, Continuing The Creative Family Legacy With Their Two Children.
SHOP SALE
