The much-ballyhooed and biannual Echo Park Craft Fair will be taking over Silver Lake's Mack Sennett studios for the weekend, if you're still looking for a Mother's Day gift.
Yes, the Echo Park Craft Fair is in Silver Lake, not Echo Park. It was originally housed in cofounder Beatrice Valenzuela's Echo Park backyard when it began way back in 2009, and then moved downtown for a spell before finding a home at the historic Mack Sennett studios.
The fair has also grown exponentially since its backyard origins: the most recent iteration hosted over 3000 guests and featured 70 artists. This weekend's event will feature close to a hundred carefully curated art, design and food vendors.
The vibe is very Kinfolk-meets-Ladies-of-the-Canyon—eclectic and refined handmade goods, cold-pressed juices, and lots of cool girls in oversized hats and the men who love them.
Rachel Craven, the fair's other founder, describes her and Valenzuela's shared aesthetic as “relaxed, artful California bohemian.”
Based on past years, it's safe to say there will be nary an objet in sight that isn't exquisite, intentional, artisanal and very likely locally-sourced. Certain corners of the converted soundstages can occasionally verge into Portlandia territory, but that's a small price to pay for a world of low-key chic. And speaking of prices, don't expect to find much of anything on the cheap.
Of particular note are Craven's gorgeous textiles and linen dresses, Valenzuela's handmade leather sandals, the vintage dresses from Tavin boutique, and Clare Crespo's Deli Post stationery collaboration with Paper Chase Press, which is new to the fair this year.
The spring Echo Park Craft Fair will be at Mack Sennett Studios at 1215 Bates Ave in Silver Lake from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission tickets are $10 and available at the door or here.
