District K saves the best for the rest of us

PHOTO by ROSHEILA ROBLES

A few years ago, fed up with driving to LA to score unique fashion and design finds for herself, her friends and her home, Long Beach local Kim Porche decided to solve the problem right in her own Bluff Park neighborhood. At the time, the idea behind the Broadway Design District was not yet formed, though Porche understood the area held potential. Today, District K—her tiny treasure box of a boutique—anchors the Design District, along with such other favorites as David Galindo Home and Surya Gallery, plus newcomers like Sasha’s Living With Style.

Judging by the display windows, it’s easy to spot that this is the space of someone with a background in art and design; step inside and you might feel as though you’re in San Francisco or Chicago—New York, even. And if you’re smug—no, you haven’t seen it all before. District K showcases Porche’s experience as a fashion buyer: most of the shop’s goods are exclusive, which means you’re not likely to find anything that’s here anywhere else in Long Beach—sometimes anywhere else in Southern California. In the case of a few items, District K is the only place where you can purchase them.

Beyond this, the store is one-stop shopping, defined: you can truly find something for just about everyone. Need a small hostess gift? Try a beautiful scented candle, or a small funky succulent in a clean modern pot. Or perhaps you’ve been secretly harboring a longing to step out like Sinatra or Gatsby this holiday season. Porche can help, with a fantastic collection of men’s fedoras, driving caps and more from the Japanese art-hat lines Override and Milsa. And if that isn’t enough to warrant a head-turning entrance, I suggest you peruse the beautiful bling from the dramatic jewelry line of designer Amy Nix (who creates pieces for Mary J. Blige and Beyonce) or pick up an elegant, bold pewter or brass cuff from the French jewelry line Pontius.

If elegantly understated jewelry is more your preference, check out the delicate, lyrical sterling silver Blue Poppy line. Created by local Long Beach friends and moms Jill Redman and Erin Lockwood, the line celebrates motherhood, sisterhood and friendship. For those of a more mystical mindset, the spiritually inspired jewelry line of Long Beach native Georgia Fletcher incorporates handcrafted pieces including Jesus and Buddha icons.

Worried about holiday entertaining? Porche carries standout pieces from Suzanne E. Portinova’s SEP line of bright handmade Scandinavian-inspired ceramics—guaranteed to impress your friends at your next dinner party. Or, if your holiday season is all about the kiddies (and you need the perfect gift for a child who has everything), District K is the first to stock new ecologically friendly organic bamboo/cotton mix tees from Joy Spread the Word, designed for children by local Myriam Joseph and her partner Steve Myers. In rich earth tones imprinted with words like “courage” and “compassion,” the shirts aren’t only Earth-friendly—they’re a gentle reminder to us all of what the holidays are supposed to be about. (I also love  French illustrator Godeleine de Rosamel’s new children’s line featuring the coolest “paint your own” stand-up paper animals—the kind I would have died for as a kid—and charmingly illustrated tableware, matching stuffed animals, and more.)

Whatever you decide on at District K, it’s bound to be a great gift. The only tough part will be deciding who to give the gift to—yourself, or that other gal.

DISTRICT K 2746 E BROADWAY | LONG BEACH 90803 | 562.433.0838

Tags: Broadway Design District, district k, Long Beach