At Atelier & Repairs' First LA Store, Reworked Army Jackets & Denim Are More Than Just Fashion Statements

Gallery photos: Courtesy of Atelier & Repairs

Denim industry veteran Maurizio Donadi doesn't just talk the sustainability talk — he sews it, starting with old pairs of Levi's denim and rescued army apparel. The Italy-bred founder of Atelier & Repairs — which dubs itself "an initiative, not a brand" — is known for reworking vintage and deadstock apparel into luxe one-of-a-kind wardrobe staples, which eco-chic Angelenos can find at the non-brand's first-ever standalone boutique. (It's also got a corner in Fred Segal and just wrapped up its pop-up at Piece Collective on Abbot Kinney.)

Located on North Edinburgh Avenue just steps away from the buzz of Melrose Avenue, A&R's 800-square-foot Gallery and Showroom space is not far from fellow earth-minded neighbors like Reformation and Cisco Home. The company took over the space formerly occupied by Nudie Jeans and opened in mid-June; Donadi notes that he's yet to install a sign, but that hasn't kept curious shoppers from spotting his shop from the main stretch (or discovering the store by way of Instagram, he adds).

Standing in the back of the shop next to a rack displaying A&R's newest collection, Donadi tells us that his upcycled military pieces were inspired by "the demilitarization of the army jacket." His latest transformations include WWII-era U.S. olive green outerwear embellished with patterned Japanese cotton alongside German camouflage jackets patched with fabric from Korea (each of which take at least a full day to create), and the significance of stitching together pieces of those countries isn't lost upon him. The designer explains that he clearly remembers the anti-Vietnam War protests that took place in Venice, Italy, and that today's tumultuous atmosphere in America echoes the resistance sentiments of the late '60s and '70s.

Tapping into his encyclopedic knowledge of combat clothing (all thanks to his extensive research and experiences sifting through warehouses filled with military garb), Donadi points out how the introduction of a tapered American army jacket in the mid-'60s created a less boxy and more stylish silhouette for soldiers — making the style popular among fashionable civilians. Ultimately, he says, creating fashion out of fatigues is his way of rescuing them from going to both battlefields and landfills.

Also on offer are vintage Levi's jeans accented with colorful embroidery and patches ($325), chinos featuring strips of printastic and solid-hued fabrics that have been mixed and matched to create one cohesive stripe down the leg ($345), logo sweaters punctuated with playful textiles ($345), and long lined scarves ($275), to name just a few standouts.

For those looking for a truly made-to-measure garment, Donadi and his team can also create personalized pieces from your own pre-loved wardrobe items or stitch something together from scratch. You can choose everything from the accent fabrics to the embroidery color and more, or let the crew surprise you with a custom design.

Dig it? Explore more inside the shop and scroll through the photo gallery above, then see below for the hours and address.

Atelier & Repairs is open daily from about 11am to 6pm; (323) 847-5100.

Atelier & Repairs
710 North Edinburgh Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046