F.A.M.
a collective:
For Artists + Misfits

PURPOSE

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F.A.M. is the very first retail experience in LA dedicated to championing 1-of- 1 artwear. The current focus is to bridge the gap between online marketplaces and in-person interaction by providing broader access to artwear handmade by LA-based artists.

 

The long term goal is to build on F.A.M. with the launch of a members-only subscription based approach to artwear. This idea is focused on making sustainable pieces more affordable, thereby providing access to underserved groups while helping build community for local artists.

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LOCATION

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As a result of F.A.M. performing exceedingly well at our flagship location in Melrose Place, we are now focused on further building out our next iteration. As a result, F.A.M. has transitioned to currently operating on an IYKYK* basis; if you would like to be made aware of future opportunities to be involved please join our email list.

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* if you know you know

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BACKGROUND​

 

F.A.M. was founded by Sumedhaa Kothari: an upcycle artist herself with a degree in Cognitive Science from UC Berkeley and previous career in tech at both Google and Stripe. It was created initially to explore the validity of an access gap between consumers and undiscovered artists / novel artwear. It now exists as an iterative solution to this growing issue.

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By creating the flagship store, F.A.M. generated exposure for the ever-expanding community of LA artists. Many were eager to have their art be part of this experiment, investing their time and skill in the store’s physical creation. In the galleries below you will see moments reflecting this, as well as pictures from our launch party and the post-launch patrons who discovered our world.

 

ADDTL PROJECTS / PROGRAMS​

 

Free Sunday Community Upcycling:

[currently on hold until our next permanent location is secured] 

Donated clothes and materials (scraps, glues, paints etc) are provided to encourage youth and the general community to celebrate creativity and practice resourcefulness in a zero-cost way.

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F.A.M. Lookbook:

The first volume of F.A.M.'s coffee-table style lookbook aims to highlight the stories of the pieces and the artists featured in our flagship store. Our goal is to expand public awareness around sustainable artwear and it's grassroots origin, as well as provide an accessible way for our community to support our mission. The project is being spearheaded by creative director and curator, Shelley Johnson II and it's projected release date is scheduled for early Spring 2025.