Inside the Elder Statesman store in West Hollywood
For a brand that started with just a blanket, the Elder Statesman has come a long, long way. Originally, that blanket sold at Maxfield, one of L.A.’s arbiters of cool, but Greg Chait, the man behind the Elder Statesman, has set up shop just a short drive from the iconic Los Angeles boutique and hopes that his brand of retail — like his brand of design — resonates with the city and its shoppers.
Inside the Elder Statesman store in West Hollywood
There are touches of the Arizona desert throughout the shop, which is a sojourn from many of Los Angeles’ most popular shopping stretches, sitting pretty off of Melrose near the Pacific Design Center. The converted bungalow has a full wraparound patio, succulent accents and is furnished with alder wood, copper and other Southwestern Accents. The Elder Statesman is known for its knits, and there are plenty of those on display whether they’re hanging on custom hangers (made in Guatemala) or thrown over vintage chairs sprinkled throughout the store. The brand received much acclaim when it took home the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund prize in 2012, and it was thanks to that seed money — in addition to investment by jewelry giant Chrome Hearts — that Chait could open this unique retail space.
The shop is just one of 65 spots worldwide that carry the brand, but it’s also the only spot where shoppers can experience the entire breadth of the Elder Statesman. The store is fully stocked with the knits for guys and girls that made the brand what it is, alongside Southwestern-inspired jewelry and even cashmere stuffed animals. The brand also introduced denim last season (Chait was a partner at the Australian denim label Ksubi before he launched his own line) as well as expanded collections for women, including easy maxi dresses and more, all with the brand’s signature ombré and degradée coloring and chunky knits.
And the store itself is an experiment in design as well. Chait says that the store’s meant to be transformed and shifted depending on what’s on display. So the knotty-pine framed mirrors, huge rock crystals and furniture are meant to move around the store, keeping the space fresh. And with neighbors such as downtown-leaning Rag & Bone, flashy-cool Balenciaga and more, this understated shop is a standout.
The Elder Statesman is located at 607 N. Huntley Drive, in West Hollywood. For more information, visit www.elder-statesman.com.
Images courtesy WWD
