Brigade LA hosted LA Live’s Biggest Toy Drive to date. The event benefited Toys for Tots and the Downtown LA Women’s Center. The event took place at Brigade LA. Brigade LA is the first official Fashion Retailer at LA Live. NFL Shawne Merriman was the official guest of honor as we’ll be unveiling his latest Lights Out Brand Collection.
Over 300 toys collected for the US Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. Kuo Yang (Brigade LA store owner) accepted a certificate of recognition from Mayor Garcetti for being a pioneer and retailer at LA Live.
Attendees included Shawn Merriman (3x NFL Pro Bowler showcased his new Lights Out Brand collection), Baron Davis (NBA Legend Baron Davis showcased his Black Santa collection), Christina Milian (actress/singer), Nicole Williams (WAGS on E!), Larry English (NFL), Will Claye (US Olympian; won silver medal in Rio); Jesse Iwuji (Nascar), Jay Mendoza (Comedian) and Freddie Gibbs (rapper). Art exhibition by Art Mobb.DJ Swee was on the turntable keep the flow of the event.
The event was sponsored by Gaviota Tequila, Lights Out Brand, Black Santa and The Model Experience.
About Brigade LA
Brigade LA boldly opened its doors in 2008 with a distinct vision – to bring celebrated designer clothing to the blossoming urban community of Downtown, Los Angeles. With historic buildings being repurposed and new construction beginning in earnest, an untapped retail opportunity presented itself. Founder Kuo Yang saw the need in offering high-end contemporary apparel and accessories for both the commuting professionals and the new wave of downtown residents.
Yang had seen this before. Born in Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Seattle, he had twice observed previously fringe areas evolve into attractive urban playgrounds. He witnessed the challenges and how others navigated their way to success. Having served with the U.S. Marines, Yang knew how to plan out a long-term effort and stay committed to a mission through unforeseen obstacles.
And so it began, with a focused 630 SQ. ft. pop up, providing a studio to develop merchandise mix, presentation, and pricing. The shop refined a distinct collection that blended internationally recognized fashion brands, local designer lines, and products with a purpose — all delivering true quality, style, and lasting value. It had been a long time since shoppers could select from a designer, contemporary ready-to-wear, high-end casual, evening wear, accessories, shoes, and gifts all in one place. Word got out.
The new LA LIVE location allows Brigade to continue to serve the DTLA community that first embraced it, as well as to reach a customer base of thousands of business and leisure travelers and sports and music fans who frequent downtown’s entertainment hub. Brigade LA again leads the charge as the first fashion retailer at LA LIVE.
