Outside Lab 1270 (Photo by Joy Asico)
You know how you drive past those garage bays and warehouses when you’re arriving at Union Market? Well, now the market has given you a reason to stop by and investigate one of those spaces instead of driving past them.
Several startup retailers have taken up residence in Lab 1270 (1270 5th St. NE, DC), a fashion incubator of sorts, offering various clothing and lifestyle items for those seeking to reinvigorate their style.
For example, during a Thursday grand opening party, my companion Yasmin was taken by the vibrant colors and general selection at Ron David, a retailer that occupied a prime space near the front of the incubator space. Rather than simply offering the standard DC range of conservative winter wear, Ron David had an array of livelier colors and styles that caught her eye. For more info on Ron David’s offerings, visit their website at http://shoprondavid.com.
Shoppers browse Ron David at Lab 1270 in Union Market. (Photo by Joy Asico)
After browsing some clothes, we were pleasantly surprised to find a bar in the next space. But this was no ordinary bar — it was a kumbucha bar. And we were pleased to sample some refreshment from Craft Kombucha as we continued to explore the area around us.
The vendors inside Lab 1270 right now are only committed to be there through February 2016. They include, in alphabetical order, Caryn Cramer, Craft Kombucha, Dunn Lewis MC, Guerilla Vending, Lisa Shirk, Living Threads, Master Williams, Niko+Ava, Ron David, S3 Active, South Block Juice, Thursday Boot Co., and Time Off, among others.
The space also currently houses an art installation known as #ACreativeDC, and it is planning dinner events, yoga classes, and other activities through the winter. Specifically for the holidays, Salt & Sundry and photographer Emma McAlary will offer portrait sessions at Lab 1270 as well. Others will provide gift wrapping and wreath and garland workshops for all of your holiday needs.
Lab 1270 is now open Thursday through Sunday every week from 10am-4pm.
For more information on Lab 1270 and its vendors, visit http://www.unionmarketdc.com/lab1270.
Thursday Boot Co. makes handcrafted boots to order. (Photo by Joy Asico)