[Guest post and photos by Ethan Lipsitz]
Ever find yourself in LA on a weekend and looking for something to do? There is a thriving vintage flea market scene in and around Los Angeles that’s worth exploring. I moved to the area in 2008 and have made a habit of doing my shopping at flea markets where I can get great deals, interact with interesting people, and learn the stories behind the things I buy.
There are few parts of the United States that value mid-century design and art more than southern California, and the markets reflect that love. There’s no shortage of Eames chairs and Nelson lamps, thick-framed spectacles and abstract art. Many of these well-known items can fetch a high price at the market. I dig for the less recognizable pieces and the vendors who often don’t realize or care about the collector market value of what they’re selling.
On the East side of LA, which is the area where I live, there are three sizable markets that I recommend. The first Sunday of the month is the PCC (Pasadena City College) Flea; the second Sunday is the infamous Rose Bowl Flea Market at the Rose Bowl stadium (also in Pasadena) run by RG Canning who manage a lot of the markets around Southern California; and the third Sunday is the Long Beach Antique Market at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Many vendors show up at all three of these markets. The PCC has an especially broad selection of vintage record vendors and some of the best pricing as it’s a bit quieter than the other two. The Rose Bowl is the largest market with a significant selection of vintage and second-hand clothing stalls and African traders selling textiles, art, and jewelry. All three markets are excellent for decorating your home with furniture, fixtures, home goods, and art. If you’re diehard, you may choose to show up at the crack of dawn to get the best pieces, but I often prefer going towards the middle of the day (around 12 or 1pm) as there are excellent deals on items that the sellers don’t want to pack up and take home.
As with most vintage markets, there’s something special about buying items based on what you think they’re worth. The negotiation experience at the markets is almost always rewarding. There’s plenty of negotiations that don’t go anywhere as the vendor and buyer don’t share the same perceived values, but often you can walk away happy with good quality, unique stuff! I’ve purchased multiple handmade Persian rugs, vintage textiles, classic light fixtures such as a Marco Zotta lamp (part of the MOMA collection) that I recently scored for $20 which only needed a new bulb, beautiful teak credenzas for under $400, framed art prints from Joan Miró and Sam Francis, multiple butterfly chairs for my back yard, and even a Japanese Suekichi Uchida Folding Chair for $75.
Some of my favorite moments at the flea markets are bumping into familiar faces. I’ve gotten to know my rug dealers, an Afghani family who always give me a “great deal” on rugs and kilim pillow covers. There’s the old cowboy who spreads out belts and boots on his vintage silver Chevy Corvair. I’ve also had plenty of celebrity sightings from Tori Spelling and Natalie Portman to frequent encounters with fashion designer Jeremy Scott and street artist Mr. Brainwash.
Next time you’re in LA and on the hunt for unique gifts, jewelry, and clothing or items to spruce up your space, go to the market and come prepared with your list. It’s easy to get lost in the overwhelming selection of tchotchkes!
Details:
The PCC (Pasadena City College) Flea Market is the first Sunday of every month from 8 am-3 pm. Free admission.
The Rose Bowl Flea Market is the second Sunday of the month, until 3 pm. There is an admission fee. Regular admission starts at 9 am; earlier admission is possible for a higher fee.
The Long Beach Antique Market is the third Sunday of the month, until 2 pm. There is an admission fee. Regular admission starts at 6:30 am. Early admission (for a higher fee) begins at 5:30 am.
Ethan Lipsitz is a Los Angeles based explorer living at the confluence of creativity and community. His work is focused on empowering creativity as a way to awaken and cultivate love, self-actualization and connection. A few of his favorite projects include Apliiq (apliiq.com)–a custom streetwear platform helping entrepreneurs build and grow brands, extremist love (extremist.love)–an alternative to extremist hate and an exercise in collective creative expression, and Monday musics (mondaymusics.com)–a weekly song that he writes and shares in video form. Follow Ethan on Instagram @ethanlipsitz.
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