Alternative Apparel Blog

Alternative's Best of 2011

With the year coming to a close, we wanted to give our community a quick look into the past with our hand-picked list of the top 11 best Alternative moments of 2011. From fashion shows and events to charity partnerships and grand openings, these are our most memorable moments of the year.

11. Earlier this month, we launched our Abbot Kinney store’s T-Shirt Recycling Program benefiting Upward Bound House in efforts to eliminate homelessness in California.

10. In March, our PR team went on the road to Austin, Texas for SXSW to promote the brand and share in all the fun. We hosted the Alternative Lounge and served as the go-to spot for VH1 interviews with popular artists like Foster the People, Duran Duran, Dirty Vegas and Moby.

9. In April, we introduced a year-long partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and designed the Alternative Pink Ribbon collection which gives 10% of retail price to benefit breast cancer with a minimum $25,000 donation.

Inside Alternative: Tiffani Williams

When it comes to fashion, Tiffani Williams has a style all her own. A self-proclaimed fan of “old-lady chic” who’s always on the search for handmade adornments and random vintage finds, Tiffani has mastered the art of coordinating unexpected yet perfectly put-together ensembles. Lucky for us, this style-savvy vintage-lover decided to bring her one-of-a-kind creative talent to Alternative's Los Angeles Design Lab. As Senior Product Development Manager, Tiffani specializes in developing and engineering those famous fabrics and specialty washes that give Alternative clothes their signature vintage softness.

Inside Alternative: Hope Thurman

Inside Alternative: Cassandra Kellogg

East Meets West: Finding Inspiration for Summer 2011 in the Heart of Japan

Note: In the wake of Japan’s recent tragedy, our hearts go out to those affected. To the millions of people whose lives have been forever changed, we’re offering our support. Learn how you can help spread the heart with Greg Alterman, Shenae Grimes and the Yoshiki Foundation. To make a difference with what you wear, you can also check out Richard Chai’s LOVE JAPAN tees and tanks. 100% of the proceeds benefit Japan relief efforts for earthquake and tsunami victims. Remember, no effort is too small.

Last year, Alternative's key designers and innovaters—headed by Founder and Chief Creative Officer Greg Alterman—journeyed to Tokyo, Japan to explore everything from the urban lifestyle and architecture to the stunning natural landscape and ancient works of art. They wandered down side streets, strolled through lush, landscaped parks, tasted to-die-for local fare and (that’s right) attended a traditional sumo wrestling match. Over the course of two weeks, what they found was a seemingly endless pool of inspiration for Alternative’s new summer 2011 collection.

Alternative Sprouts Up on Abbot Kinney

 
 
Arguably one of the Los Angeles area’s most popular destinations for shopping, dining and nightlife, Venice’s Abbot Kinney Boulevard embodies the diverse, high-low culture and casual, laidback lifestyle that drives people in droves to the West Coast. Set against the uniquely appealing backdrop of Venice Beach, the lively neighborhood is both edgy and elegant; an eclectic hippie-meets-hipster mix of stately homes and modest bungalows, delectable eateries and dive bars, thrift stores and top-rated boutiques—all of which make it the perfect community for Alternative’s first flagship retail store.