Género Neutral: A New Echo Park Gem
Although this curation of primarily Latinx designers was not intentional, S.P and Zapata are carving a new path in the retail landscape. With an increasing social media presence and an influx of returning customers, Género Neutral has shown that it is necessary to center designers that often are forced in the margins. Along with the inclusion of these designers, S.P and Zapata aimed to cultivate a space that focused on community. With strong relationships with designers, occasional pop-up events, and constant social media engagement, the community is Género Neutral's center.
What inspired the launch of Género Neutral?
We were both furloughed from our respective fashion jobs during different times of the pandemic - by July, we found ourselves sitting on the couch enjoying one too many White Claw’s and crying sessions. After some conversations about what we wanted to do next with our careers, doing something together made the most sense. Opening a store was always a dream of Jennifer’s, which Ashley quickly took to, as well - the idea for Género Neutral was then born. At Jennifer’s dining table, we wrote lists of brands we wanted to carry and created a deck of what we wanted our ideal space to look like. 8 months later, we opened our doors at 1816 Sunset.
How did you become immersed in fashion?
Jennifer Zapata — For me, all my jobs have consisted in the fashion space — whether it be retail or assisting behind-the-scenes in the office. Even when I started in the medical industry, I kept a part-time job working retail at French Connection. When I moved to LA, I made it my mission to work in fashion in a bigger way.
Ashley S.P — My story is similar, I’ve always loved fashion but was most interested in the business of it. As a Journalism major in college, I thought I’d be working in the written side of fashion. Post-graduation, I instead sought jobs in buying and merchandising, which landed me eventually at Dover Street Market’s offices in both New York and LA.
How have the events you’ve hosted connected you with the community?
More than anything, our events have afforded us the opportunity to create a new community, for people to gather here and connect with us and each other. Whether over a mezcal cocktail browsing our new product or getting a tattoo at our latest pop-up, it’s been amazing to have so many people so happy to have a place to come together as COVID restrictions ease.
What is the mission of Género Neutral?
We didn’t set out with a mission, but it’s became evident how exciting and meaningful this space is for more than just us. We initially just wanted to create a place filled with our friends and the things we like. We’re excited to see what we’re able to do with "G.N." all the while still supporting and selling the brands we believe in.
How has it been like collaborating on this endeavor together?
It’s been so rewarding to be able to learn with, grow with, and lean on each other while building something together. Our tastes are the same, our interests are the same, and we’re the best of friends — what more could you ask for your every day to look like?!
Can you explain the journey of creating a concept store that focuses on Latinx designers in a eurocentric retail landscape?
Surprisingly, it was not intentional to carry mostly Latinx designers - we wanted the store to reflect the brands we already wore and admired, which happened to be mostly minority-owned. It goes to show how important spaces like ours can be, so that other people can become familiar with talent they don’t see everywhere else.
Who are some designers to look out for right now?
We’re having a pop-up in July with two of our favorites right now — VARON jewelry and scent, both from Mexico City. Both brands have been among our top-sellers in store.
Why did you choose Echo Park for the store location?
We met in Echo Park, up the block at Bar Flores (our favorite spot in the neighborhood). It felt right to have a reflection of us so close to all the things we like — and the physical space was a dream, with its high ceilings and great location near to some of the best food.
What are your relationships like with the designers you curate in the space?
Many, if not all of them, are our friends, or became our friends through opening the store. We’re lucky to have such a talented group of creative people around us!
What are some future plans or goals for the store?
We’re hoping that in the next few years we can outgrow our space, open additional locations, and continue to build community around the brands and events we host.
