July 2024. Volume 10. Issue 7.
Lil Sto : Preserving DMV’s Fashion Heritage
@WIBRIDGEDC editor-in-chief & creative director :
info@wibridgedc.com Advertise with us. Email us.
Lafayette Barnes IV
Photography : Jacob Garibay, Juan Gordon
Layout Design :
Lafayette Barnes IV
Contributing Writers : Lafayette Barnes IV
letter from the editor
Dear Readers, We are thrilled to announce the opening of Lil Sto at Union Station, a new boutique that is set to redeene the fashion landscape in Washington, DC. Lil Sto is more than just a retail space; it’s a platform dedicated to showcasing emerging brands from the Black, Brown, Asian, and marginalized communities in the DMV area. Founded by Ling, Lil Sto has made a remarkable journey from its humble beginnings on L Street to its new home in Union Station. This move marks an exciting chapter, allowing the store to offer a larger and more dynamic space for both fashion and art. Lil Sto is committed to preserving the rich heritage of DMV fashion while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. The boutique features a curated selection of brands that embody the spirit of innovation, creativity, and community. Each brand at Lil Sto tells a unique story, reeecting the diverse cultural tapestry of our region. The store is not only a place to discover fresh and bold designs but also a hub for community engagement. Ling and Juan, the store manager, are passionate about involving local youth, providing mentorship opportunities, and fostering a love for fashion, art, and photography. Through events, workshops, and activations, Lil Sto aims to inspire and empower the next generation of creatives. As we celebrate the opening of Lil Sto, we invite you to visit and experience the vibrant mix of fashion, art, and community it offers. This boutique is poised to become a cornerstone of DMV style, blending tradition with modernity and setting new standards for local retail. With love, Lafayette Barnes IV Publisher, The Washington Informer Bridge
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Lil Sto
Preserving the Rich Heritage of DMV Fashion
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Photography:
Written by:
@lafayette4dc
Lafayette Barnes IV
Union Station has welcomed a new addition to its bustling retail scene: Lil Sto, a boutique dedicated to spotlighting emerging brands from the Black, Brown, Asian, and marginalized communities in the DMV area. Opened by founder Ling and managed by Juan, Lil Sto promises to be more than just a store—it aims to be a vibrant platform for local talent. "Lil Sto is a home and a platform for emerging brands in the fashion community here in the DMV," said Ling, the owner, founder, and buyer. "We are a community-based boutique in Washington, DC, with plans to activate more brands in the area and give a home to new emerging brands." The boutique, which initially started on L Street at Homme Gallery, has now expanded into Union Station, bringing its unique blend of art installation and fashion boutique to a broader audience. Ling chose Union Station for its next location to capitalize on the opportunity to create a larger installation within another art gallery space. Juan Gordon, the store manager, shared his excitement about the move. "L Street was humble beginnings, a blank canvas. Now, being in Union Station feels like a seamless transition. It’s gratifying and exciting to be in a real retail space, allowing us to do even more." Lil Sto features a curated selection of brands, including Cuuuryout, Akoto Works, Ajaar, Conceptual Consumerism, River is Wild, Cliff, Mingo by Domingo, Junkfood Skate Co., Mink Tiers, Always Working by Erin Unemployed, Roro’s Handmade, and Versa Studios. Ling's meticulous research and dedication to representing brands with strong philosophies and distinctive designs ensure that each piece in sto tells a story. the store
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The boutique’s mission goes beyond selling clothes and accessories. Ling and Juan are committed to engaging the local community, particularly youth. "We want to involve kids in fashion, style, art, and photography," Ling explained. "For example, we plan to have kids shoot a lookbook and feature their photos in the store and online." Lil Sto's recent soo opening and aaerparty were just the beginning of many community-focused events. "Yesterday's events went very well. Everyone was happy and came together," said Ling. "We plan to do more activations in-store with individual brands, allowing them to use the space as they wish." The boutique also offers opportunities for local artists and photographers to showcase their work. "We have curated space on our walls for individual artists to display their work month to month," Ling added, emphasizing the store's dual role as an art gallery. As for the DMV style, both Ling and Juan see Lil Sto as a new chapter in the area's rich fashion heritage. "DMV style is not monolithic," Juan noted. "We've always had stores representing local communities, like Shooters, and brands like Hobo and Madness. Lil Sto is the first time in a long while that we have a platform for new brands to tell their stories and create lasting heritage." With its unique blend of fashion, community engagement, and support for emerging artists, Lil Sto is set to become a cornerstone of DMV style, blending the past with the future and setting a new standard for local retail. For more information, visit Lil Sto at Union Station and experience the vibrant mix of fashion, art, and community firsthand. You can also follow Lil Sto on Instagram @the.lilsto.
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Photography: Jacob Garibay & Juan Gordon
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Photography: Jacob Garibay
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