Perfect Pairing: Cheyann Benedict + Echo Park Craft Fair
Photo Credit: Philippe McClelland
Photo Credit: Philippe McClelland
Photo Credit: Philippe McClelland
Those who have waited until the last minute to shop for mom will be rewarded for their procrastination this weekend at the Echo Park Craft Fair—a biannual event founded by shoe designer Beatrice Valenzuela and textile and interior designer Rachel Craven in 2009—highlighting the works of artisans living in Los Angeles’ eastern neighborhoods. Though Valenzuela hosted the original fair in her own backyard, the event is now held at the 5,000-square-foot Mack Sennett Studios space in Silverlake and includes over 70 local artists and their unique creations, including flora-and-fauna covered prints from Plant Planet, luxury loungewear by Atelier Delphine, ARC of L.A.’s hand printed pouches and wallets and plant-based skincare products by Earth tu Face, along with a selection of curated vintage pieces and colorful hand-painted dresses by former C&C California cofounder, Cheyann Benedict.
Indeed, Benedict took a five year vacation after C&C California—exploring Asia, wine tasting on vineyards in New Zealand, surfing the Hawaiian islands, and vintage shopping throughout Europe—to gather inspiration for her newest venture, an eponymous clothing line with everything from silk dresses, tops and pants to denim and basic tees. Since its launch in 2013, Benedict has stocked her brick-and-mortar shop on La Brea Avenue with colorful creations inspired by a free-spirited aesthetic the designer attributes to her Cherokee heritage and her upbringing in coastal San Diego. These pieces will be available at the Echo Park Craft Fair in addition to an assortment of vintage clothes that Benedict finds on road trips (just last weekend she unearthed 1920s purses from a little shop on the side of the freeway in Houston, Texas).
Fair co-founder Valenzuela says she dialed up all the creatives in her Rolodex this year. “We’re at it again and we’re bringing our most favorite artists out to the community,” she says. The menu for the two-day event includes farm-to-table bites from Sqirl, confections from Morning Glory and pressed drinks by Moon Juice along with a soundtrack by the L.A. radio station Dublab. And, with mom in mind, Purple Twig is hosting special arts and crafts workshops for kids who can craft their own handmade gifts just in time for the upcoming holiday. Let’s just hope the glue dries in time.
By Megan Meyer
Pictured: A look from Cheyann Benedict’s spring ’14 collection.
Photo by Philippe McClelland
