After the success of its New York stores in Brooklyn and Manhattan, VEJA is setting up in Los Angeles. The City of Angels, one of the French brand’s biggest markets, is now home to a new boutique on the iconic Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
L.A. vibes
Far from the hustle and bustle of New York, Los Angeles offers a more laid-back atmosphere. The ocean breeze blends with urban culture, creating a vibe that’s both casual and trendy.
This unique energy is reflected in the store. The architecture studio OWIU (Only Way Is Up) designed a minimalist and aesthetic space inspired by the California coast. The result, with its raw, mineral feel, reflects the surrounding sandy beaches and rocky cliffs.
With exposed beams and skylights, the layout highlights natural and locally sourced materials. “California Gold” boulders, along with gravel and pebbles from nearby quarries, blend seamlessly into the store’s tinted concrete, bringing in the color and warmth characteristic of the Californian spirit.
Inside the store, a cobbler’s workshop restores old pairs of VEJA, as well as any kind of shoes, regardless of the brand. This service reflects VEJA’s commitment to extend the life cycle of worn sneakers and shoes. In a city known for overconsumption, this initiative stands out as a true counterpoint — one that resonates with the urgency many face to protect the planet’s resources.
Abbot Kinney, “The coolest block in America”
In a city as sprawling as Los Angeles, location is everything. For VEJA, opening in a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood was essential — and Abbot Kinney Boulevard, in the heart of Venice Beach, quickly became the obvious choice. Self-proclaimed by local business owners as “the coolest block in America,” Abbot Kinney is one of the rare places in L.A. where people stroll around on foot. A true anomaly in a city where most shopping is done by car or online, the boulevard is home to restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques — from major brands
to independent designers. The neighborhood pulses with events that foster a close-knit, almost familial vibe between locals and visitors.
Tucked away in a historic building that once housed a small neighborhood shop, the new VEJA store seamlessly blends past and present. In a nod to the location’s heritage, the original “Carnation” sign still adorns the façade — a nostalgic marker that locals instantly recognize. Eschewing the flashy aesthetics often associated with American retail, the space embraces a sense of authenticity and connection, fully rooted in the spirit and rhythm of the neighborhood.
