by Cameron
Make Room for Some Fashion
May 29, 2008 in Ballard, Ballard Fashion by Cameron
Yet another sleek and trendy clothing boutique found its home on historic Ballard Avenue. At first glance, Dolce Vita, a New York based clothing line, appears incongruously placed in the blue collar neighborhood that includes a handmade guitar shop, fisherman’s unions and custom cabinetry reminiscent of the 19th century. These Mom and pop businesses give Ballard the cozy, humble working-class, Americana charm that we all treasure.
In the midst of transformation, change and growth, it’s easy to typecast transplant businesses as the vehicles of Ballard’s gentrification. But the single thread that interweaves the unique tapestry of Ballard’s identity is the spirited appreciation and embrace of craftsmanship. This is why Dolce Vita actually fits in– even with its posh European facade, faux vintage chandelier and seizure-inducing trance music. Dolce Vita is an American designer whose products: clothing, accessories and some shoes, are made in the West Coast of the United States– a rarity for 21st century retailers. Prices are surprisingly modest for a company who do not outsource their production to China. Lines like Dolce Vita keep American culture, in terms of art and style, alive– from the runways to the sidewalks of our neighborhoods.
They also score cool points for serving Pabst Blue Ribbon on their grand opening last Saturday afternoon. That’s so Ballard.
I partly agree. The store itself seems very nice and I, like you, applaud the “Made in America” mindset. However, what I’m more worried about are the inevitable upper middle class patrons. Yuck!
Actually, I interviewed for a job at Dolce Vita and was told that their clothes are made in China! I love American Apparel for their made in LA chic, and didn’t want to work at Dolce Vita after learning where their very expensive clothes come from — not so different from Mao-Mart, outsourced to cheap, communist labor, except for the exponentially higher mark-up.
This place seems a little “vacuous” – I think the use of space seems a little gratuitous. I was afraid to go in… I can barely afford my in-walking-distance-of-Ballard-Ave apartment, let alone one piece of clothing in this boutique. It feels a little pretentious for Ballard Ave., but perhaps it is now catering to a different clientele…the glut of new condo owners. Duh, Sandra!