Maceo Paisley found Sanctuaries LA the old-fashioned way — a flyer on Sunset. He slid into my DMs two days after they went up, offered to meet, and by that afternoon we'd shot these photos and mapped out his Sanctuaries LA Guide. His belief that luxury and longevity are the same thing is precisely why I'm drawn to architecture, why I make fine gold jewelry, and why ideas and antiques hold more interest to me than almost anything new. Things that last are the whole point. Stay tuned for an upcoming series collaboration with his publication, Citizens of Culture. The rest of this piece is written in Maceo's own words.
- Shelby Nico Diamond
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELBY NICO DIAMOND
Maceo Paisley at Wilder on Sunset in Echo Park.
Some people think luxury means fancy things, but I think luxury is time. The reason Hermès is luxurious isn’t because it’s just well made or because costs a lot, it is because the label stands for a nearly 200-year-old heritage and quality. It is for this reason that I really appreciate vintage items.
When I am looking to add pieces to my collection I am often looking for pieces that I know will still look great when they’re older, and what’s better than grabbing things that are already old.
Here are a few of my favorite places to browse and collect. Each shop on this list has a curatorial perspective that means I can find something distinct.
A worn canvas duster, suspended. Behind it, indigo textiles that have lived many lives.
Echo park is changing, but Wilder (pronounced like wilderness) has been here for years. The owner, Susan Lee, has a background in fashion design an does a great job of blending designer like YSL, Cavalli, and Ralph Lauren with vintage military, and choice cut & sew pieces alongside great gifting and house wares.
Left: Owner of Wilder, Susan Lee, in the store’s window light. Right: The shop in front of her — a Pink Floyd world tour tee, dress forms, wooden scales, things that outlasted everything.
Maceo finding the one. He always does.
SLEEPER
2002 SUNSET BLVD
It’s not ironic to call this place Sleeper because it is literally underground. Beneath the inconspicuous location is a well curated selection that is great for any one who likes 80’s rock, great boots, and a bit more flare. This is my go-to for statement pieces and jackets. It’s one of those places I stop in when I have an event coming up and I need to make a splash.
HIGHLAND PARK
SOFT HUMANS
112 N. AVE 58
Soft Humans has some of the best vintage suiting on their high end side, and in the more approachable retail side you’ll find a healthy amount of Japanese workwear, amazing t-shirts, and a surprising amount of legacy Issey Miyake.
AVALON VINTAGE
106 N. AVE 56
I started going to Avalon for the records and found myself coming back on a quest for a leather bomber jacket, which I eventually found. Carmen has an eclectic style, bringing in more 70’s and 80s, and you never know what you will find. I like that inventory moves relatively quickly and the store always looks a little different when I come in.
THE BEARDED BEAGLE
5820 N. FIGUEROA ST & 4646 HOLLYWOOD BLVD
My favorite location of The Bearded Beagle is the Highland park one, simply because its the first one I discovered. This one is more economically friendly, they carry fewer designer items, which is great for further establishing a stylistic foundation. Here I love to pop in and grab something quick for a music festival or concert.
The fit check. No notes.
DTLA
EAST WEST SHOP
727 N. BROADWAY #115
East West does a lot more re-working than straight up vintage, but I like a lot of their takes on upcycling and perspective on design in general. Whenever I get a chance to swing by Chinatown I pop in there.
MID-CITY
DECOYS
155 S. LA BREA AVE
Stretching what we are calling the “Eastside” here a bit to fit in Decoys because the list just wouldn’t be complete without this gem of a store. They sell their own creations as well as amazing remakes, and a good selection of denim, shirting and hats. The store itself is beautifully merchandised, the area of expertise here is their vintage athletic wear!
AMERICAN RAG CIE
150 S. LA BREA AVE
The vintage side of American Rag Cie is more of an emporium than anything else. The story is ~3000 square feet of denim, 60’s silk shirts, trucker hats, and jackets. You could say this is your one stop for a foundation of quality garments to build on.
If you want styling to come with your shopping hit up Miller’s Room for an appointment. He will challenge you to take some chances, and never let you leave with out learning something new about what you can and can’t pull off. This personal styling experience means he will pull clothes for you based on references and only sell you things you will look absolutely amazing in.
Left: a Western-embroidered cream jacket, wide-brim felt hats, faded denim, and fringe boots — each piece with a life lived before this one. Right: Maceo in his element at Wilder, Echo Park.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
THANK YOU FOR READING.
SANCTUARIES LA IS AN ONGOING PROJECT EXPLORING HOMES, MAKERS, AND SHARED SPACES ACROSS LOS ANGELES. YOU CAN EXPLORE THE FULL ARCHIVE TO SEE ALL STORIES TO DATE.
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