Rodan vs. Griffith

As art students in Philadelphia, Carol Rodan and Chris Griffith collaborated on a grassroots-store-meets-gallery, highlighting designers like Jay McCarroll (who went on to win the first season of Project Runway) and artist Zoe Strauss (who would eventually be featured in the Whitney Museum's 2006 Biennial). Ten years and several projects later, the duo brought the same concept to the West Coast. "We tried to move past the overstuffed closet feel that you find in a lot of stores in Los Angeles," says Griffith. The pair's desire to forge relationships with local talent has resulted in brilliantly offbeat in-store exclusives like James Brason's Vans, and lines such as Lorun and Quail. In addition, the two stock crisp, tailored basics from the much sought-after eponymous house label. 8207 W. Third St., 323-951-9220, rodanvsgriffith.com