Owner Says Clothing Store Is Perfect Fit for SM

"" is a recently launched Santa Monica Patch series that spotlights new businesses in our city. For our third edition, we focus on , a recently opened clothing store located at 808 11th St.

We interviewed owner and Santa Monica resident Stacy Johnson about why her relaxed-yet-stylish clothing selections are a good fit for Santa Monica, what sustainable products she uses and more.

Santa Monica Patch: Why did you decide to open your business in Santa Monica in particular?

Stacy Johnson: When I moved to California from New York City in 2004, I chose to live in Santa Monica and wanted my business to be here too. I love the way Santa Monica combines diverse elements. It's a relaxed, beach-oriented city, but it's full of sophisticated, stylish people. It's a great combination—effortless style—and that lifestyle is the inspiration for my designs. I want my clothing to be relaxed yet stylish: You can wear a Stacia sweater at the beach or out for dinner on the town.

Patch: Please provide a brief history of your business.

Johnson: I formed Stacia in New York in 1998 and opened a boutique on Smith Street in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn. I moved to California in 2004, and re-invented Stacia as a knitwear line and focused on building my wholesale business. I now sell my knitwear designs to about 300 boutiques across the United States and around the world, as well as online at my website, Shopstacia.com. The new boutique in Santa Monica, which I opened in July, gets me back to my retail roots, puts me in closer touch with my customer, and allows me to sell my designs in the city that inspires them.

Patch: What makes your business unique?

Johnson: It's locally owned and inspired; I design my clothes for the Santa Monica lifestyle. And every garment is unique: I use a special space-dye technique that produces unique, colorful patterns on each garment—no two are alike. Lastly, I use sustainable fabrics: My Eco-Knit collection is made of bamboo, a wonderful fabric that is buttery soft, takes color well, and never needs dry cleaning.

Patch: What contribution(s) do you believe your business will make to the city?

Johnson: I think it's important to have a vibrant local retail market that reflects and supports what's unique about Santa Monica. This city has so much to offer, and we're not just another outpost for national chains. People come from around the world to walk on our beaches, feel our ocean breezes and shop in Santa Monica. I think it's important to show them something unique and local that reflects the special California lifestyle that we have perfected!

Patch: Why should Santa Monicans frequent your business?

Johnson: Our bamboo Eco-Knits are friendly to the environment, and the store is locally owned. I think it's important to support local retail districts like Montana Avenue. But the main reason is the clothes. I think the bamboo Eco-Knits are truly unique and beautiful. They wear so well, the colors are beautiful, and they're so versatile. Please stop by!