Would You Buy Your Clothes From a Fashion Truck?
The food truck sensation blew up, even sparking a Food Network series called "The Great Food Truck Race."
And now, the truck is being adapted for another industry: fashion. They are starting to become a trend in Los Angeles, according to ABC.
"It's fun, and it's definitely different from shopping at the mall," said Monique Cruz, owner of vintage clothing boutique, to ABC. "We shop a lot of the estate sales and flea markets, and if an item is in good condition we sell it as is, and if we feel like we can update an item to make it more stylish for the time, we will reconstruct it to fir the time. Everything in the truck is recycled, vintage or handmade."
They are not quite at the level of food trucks, but the idea is evolving. Cruz's Selvedge Dry Goods has been going on for a year, and they get to be in some of the most exclusive spots, with a permit, of course.
"It goes back to that idea of location, location, location!" said Stacey Steffe, who owns Le Fashion Truck. "So I get to work in a city where I might not be able to afford to have a brick and mortar, but I can take my truck there once a week or whatever it is. We can take our mobile boutique to different cities in L.A. County."
The customer benefits as well, she said.
A lot of the items are made by the truck owners, so buyers can get unique items. Some even team up with smaller designers, exposing customers to new talent.
Stylist Dana Calabrese Ensrud definitely can't get enough of fashion trucks.
"The appeal is the experience. Everyone wants to run home and tell their friends, 'Look what I bought at a truck!'" Ensrud said. "On one hand, you're creating this fun, fresh new way to shop. But when I'm in a bind on a Friday night, my department store is always there for me. I won't be thinking, 'Let me hunt down that truck.'"