This weeks store spotlight sheds some light on Plastica, a store that is almost okay to judge solely on their entertainingly colorful and whimsical window displays! Carla Denker opened Plastica in 1996 and since then has developed quite an eye for finding all things colorful, quirky, and in most cases, plastic! Whether you’re in the market for an adorable Rody, a geometric Themis mobile, an irresistible hand crafted Severina knit dog, or even a Maptote, you can find them all at Plastica!
Q: Can you describe your store aesthetic?:
A: Color, shapes, function, design, creative, fun.
Q: What is a fun or interesting fact about Plastica:
A: Not everything in the store is made of a plastic material.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your neighborhood and why you love it so much:
A: West 3rd Street in West Hollywood is a very central location in L.A. It is convenient for both east-siders and west-siders. West 3rd Street also has a nice residential community vibe.
Q: When not in your store, where are you most likely to be?:
A: On a tennis court or with friends.
Q: Do you have any favorite restaurants in your city/neighborhood?:
A: Jar and A.O.C.
Q: If there is one thing someone “must do” when they visit your area, what would you recommend?:
A: Go to Lacma (The Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and La Brea Tar Pits.
Q: What was your inspiration/motivation to open Plastica?:
A: In ’96 we were in love with the thick plastic woven baskets and totes from Mexico. We took a trip and collected a bunch in very unusual color combo’s along with finding all sorts of other fun stuff. Mixed with vintage findings we were young and ‘dumb’ meaning coming out of an art background as opposed to business.
Q: How did you come up with the name “Plastica?”:
A: Plastica – the name just popped into my head one day - like most good ideas – quick.
The dictionary definition below best describes our theme of plastic:
plastic / ‘plas-tik / adj [L plasticus of molding, fr. GR plastikos, fr. plassein to mold, form] 1 : FORMATIVE, CREATIVE <~ FORCES IN NATURE> 2 a : capable of being molded or modeled <~ clay> b : capable of adapting to varying conditions : PLIABLE 3 : SCULPTURAL
Q: What’s next for Plastica?
A: Hmm, we just want to increase web sales and continue to get more traffic on our website, FB page and inside our shop.
Visit Plastica’s online store, their Facebook page, their blog, their videos, or venture to their LA location in person!
