In an era when conversations around identity and belonging took center stage, one Los Angeles streetwear brand quietly became a symbol of resilience. Over the past decade, Kids of Immigrants has been writing a story that extends far beyond the clothes on its racks. Founded by first-generation Americans Daniel Buezo and Weleh Dennis, the brand carries the spirit of the generations before them and the determination of immigrant parents who built something from nothing. Through fashion, they've cultivated a space rooted in culture, identity and connection. Now, the duo has entered a new chapter for the brand by opening their first flagship in Melrose Hill.
On Saturday, July 18, friends, family, city leaders, longtime supporters and curious neighbors gathered to mark the opening of Kids of Immigrants' 5,863-square-foot flagship. As guests explored the space alongside Buezo and Dennis, it became clear they weren't being welcomed into a store, they were being welcomed into a new gathering place. A place where retail, art, education and community programming come together to further the brand's mission.
"I want this place to educate. I want guests to walk in, see something that sparks their curiosity, and leave wanting to learn more," Buezo said.
But more than anything, I want people to feel at home. That was my biggest goal with this opening, to create a space that truly feels like you belong."
The retail space serves as both a destination for new collections and a living archive of Kids of Immigrants' journey, showcasing nearly a decade of the brand through garments, graphics, photography and stories. Guests can shop signature tees ($50-$60), hoodies ($80-$110), an exclusive flagship tee featuring the Melrose Hill storefront, and a curated selection of fútbol jerseys highlighting global teams like USA, France and Nigeria. The space also features the Nike × Kids of Immigrants collection, including the Together 90 collaboration that reimagines the iconic Nike Total 90 Mule along with a curated Nike assortment.
As guests continue their journey through the flagship, they'll discover experiences that extend well beyond the retail floor. Just steps from the shop, a modular gallery offers a deeper look into the world of Kids of Immigrants, showcasing everything from original design sketches, mood boards, campaign photography and archival pieces to installations celebrating the brand's collaborations; including its Buchanan's "Spirit Collection" partnership inspired by the unifying power of fútbol. While the space honors the brand's past, it was ultimately designed with the future in mind. Designed as a flexible cultural space, it will host rotating exhibitions, artist residencies, workshops, talks, screenings and creative programming that invests in L.A. and its next generation of creators.
Beyond the artwork and retail displays, the space reveals itself through thoughtful details. Every design choice carries intention, from a wall dedicated to the brand's guiding principles, including belonging, community, hospitality and more, to custom fixtures and patterned furniture. The storytelling continues in the gallery, where a globe embedded into the floor and encircled by chairs from around the world symbolizes L.A. as a place where cultures, perspectives and people come together.
"We all come from different fabrics, but together make a whole," Buezo said.
"We wanted everything to have a feeling of different fabrics, from the tables to the wood that's cut with different pieces, to the New York-inspired subway seating with cushions featuring different textiles."
While much of the flagship is already open to explore, Buezo and Dennis see it as an ever-evolving space. In the coming months, the Work space will transform into the KOI Café, a gathering place designed for conversations and collaboration. Outside, The Playground will continue to bring the neighborhood together through fútbol tournaments, watch parties, markets, wellness programming, workshops, performances, and youth-focused events, reinforcing the founders' vision of a space that grows alongside the community it serves.
With its doors now open, Kids of Immigrants is inviting Los Angeles into its next chapter. Scroll through the gallery above for a closer look inside the flagship and highlights from its opening weekend.
Kids of Immigrants Flagship Store, 4873 Melrose Ave., L.A., 90029; Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; (323) 310-3062
