Design Thinking: LA Made

(Image courtesy of LA Made. Image depicts the Islander Dress. This dress is described as, " Now that going out into the world is welcome again, all you need to do is decide on what to wear. This soft to the touch, ribbed midi dress is sure to impress all of the people you’re reuniting with, without having to put in too much thought and effort on your end. Ribbed Material for Stretch, Soft High End Feel, Different Size Straps for Fun Detailing, Sustainable so that You’re Keeping Our Planet in Mind, 95% Micromodal 5% Spandex, and Ethically Made in LA. Price=$92. You can order this dress at https://lamadeclothing.com/collections/dresses-jumpsuits/products/slander-dress )

In Graduate School, one of the buzzwords professors love to discuss is "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables a company to understand consumer needs to serve their audience better. For this project, I contacted different companies to learn how the organizations apply Design Thinking into their market offerings. I had the opportunity to talk with LA-Made to learn more about their organization.

(Image courtesy of LA Made. Image depicts the Echo Park Tee W/Pocket. This shirt is described as," The Echo Park T-Shirt is a heavier boxy fit that is versatile enough to wear from your morning in a coffee shop to your night out at a local music venue.Boxy Fit, 100 % Cotton, Made in LA, Model is wearing a Medium, and Model’s measurements: Height: 6’1”, Chest: 38”, Waist: 32." Price= $46. You can order this shirt at https://lamadeclothing.com/collections/mens/products/heavy-pocket-tee-dark-night )

1. What makes LA Made Clothing different from other fashion brands?

LA made focuses on the quality of life for the people behind the clothing we create, while also making sure our styles are in effortlessly chic designs that can take you from your daytime errands to a nice dinner. We make sure to run all kinds of tests on our garments to make sure the styles are going to last you a long time without too much shrinkage or wear and tear.

(Image courtesy of LA Made. Image depicts the Head in the Clouds Hoodie. This hoodie is described as. "No need to daydream of any other clothes when you have this snuggly soft hoodie! Romantic puffed sleeve detailing turns your normal boring sweatshirt into upscale loungewear. Pair either of these pretty colors with our Laurel Wide Leg Pant. Cashmere Feeling with a More Affordable Price Tag, Wrinkle Resistant to Make Getting Dressed Less of a Hassle, Banded Hem for Structured Fit, 85% Rayon 11% Poly 4% Spandex, and Ethically Made in LA." Price= $106. You can order this hoodie at https://lamadeclothing.com/collections/loungewear/products/head-in-the-clouds-hoodie )

2. How does LA Made Clothing stay ahead of upcoming fashion trends?

We definitely take note of what is trending, but we tweak it a little bit so that the piece doesn’t look outdated in the next couple of months. We pride ourselves in creating pieces that can last years in your wardrobe – both in terms of the construction and fabric, as well as the fashion look.

(Image courtesy of LA Made. Image depicts the Etsa Ruffle Vee Tee. The shirt is described as, "A long sleeve tee for your little one with just a little flair--a double bottom ruffle. Long sleeve crew neck, Double ruffle at hem, 100% Cotton, Machine wash cold, tumble dry low, and Made in LA." Price= $42. You can order this shirt at https://lamadeclothing.com/collections/mini/products/etsa-ruffle-tee )

3. How does LA Made Clothing incorporate its mission and vision into its product offerings?

Our mission is based around creating opportunities for our community through ethical manufacturing. We incorporate this idea into every piece we make since they are all created in our ethical LA factory.

We also have a line of “Donation Tees” that have a percentage of the proceeds (typically $15) go towards a charitable organization that is helping people with a cause that is line with the messaging on the tee.

(Image courtesy of LA Made. Image depicts the Hyperion Split Led Pants. These pants are described as, "These split leg joggers have the feel of the cozy sweatpants you wear at home, but look like they’re ready to be part of any fashionable on-the-go outfit. It goes well with SO many different tops, but we like the look of it with our Abbie Sleeveless Pullover for a set, or the Winston Rib Tee in white or black to add some neutrals to your cheery outfit. Drawstring Waist to Get the Perfect Fit, Side Slit for a Little Peek - A - Boo Action, Cuffed Hem to Match With Any Shoe, Front and Back Pockets for Quick Storage, Sustainable so that You’re Keeping Our Planet in Mind, 94% Modal 6% Spandex, and Ethically Made in LA." Price= $128. You can order these pants at https://lamadeclothing.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/hyperion-split-leg-pants )

4. What is the future of the company?

We plan on finding different ways to create more of a community through our social and ecomm messaging! We want to have a space where people can bond over positive ideas, conscious consumerism, and of course fashion! We also continually look for ways to keep working with our community to enhance many more lives!

(Image courtesy of LA Made. Image depicts the Find Joy Cropped Hoodie. This hoodie is described as, "This lightweight sand washed hoodie will make it look like you spent hours going through vintage clothes, when you really just bought it from our ethical factory! Perfect with our Make It Happen Sweatpants for a full set, or wear with our Believe In Yourself Bike Shorts when the weather calls for a sweatshirt/short combo. Sandwashed for Vintage Vibes, Preshrunk so that it Never Changes Sizing in the Washer, 100% Cotton, and Ethically Made in LA." Price= $66. You can order this hoodie at https://lamadeclothing.com/collections/sofia-los-angeles-x-lamade/products/find-joy-cropped-hoodie )