Sales & Shopping

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• March 20, 2007
• Shops We Love

Shops We Love: All Purpose

by Dena Smolek

Located near West 3rd Street, this bright, sunlit space is a treasure trove of unique fashions and accessories geared toward men. Despite its status as a fashionable menswear boutique, All Purpose stocks some amazing items that appeal to both sexes. Owners Alessandro Tomassetti and Alon Rosenfeld created the shop as a showcase for Alessandro's clothing line Filius. But this petite boutique also serves as a showcase of sorts for other artists and designers.

The modern décor features serene Japanese wood and steel fixtures. Japanese cotton shirts, metallic linen trousers, glazed cotton coats and vests, and bamboo sweaters by Filius are displayed alongside other noteworthy products that fit the All Purpose vibe. More highlights include hats by milliner Anita Hopkins, cufflinks and stainless-steel wallets from Stewart/Stand, bags from Vlieger & Vandam, original Porsche aviator sunglasses, Subversive jewelry, and unusual CB Perfumes. There's also the limited-edition All Purpose denim, "Designer Jean Series," —a collaboration between Alessandro, Work Custom Jeans, and various artists chosen to work on the pocket designs each season.

Alessandro's studio/workshop is located on the premises, allowing the designer to interact with customers, offer special fittings and appointment-only visits (Mondays). When he's not on the sales floor, you'll find him behind the sleek metal curtains working away on the next Filius collection or seeking out something cool and undiscovered to showcase at the store.

All Purpose, 144 S. Flores Street (at 3rd Street), Los Angeles, CA, 323-866-1828, www.shopallpurpose.com