The streetwear label debuted its fall/winter collection with a Sept. 4 party
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Cliftun attends the Flipper’s Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Debut & Launch Party on September 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Flipper’s)Credit: Getty Images for Flipper’s
Flipper’s tapped into its roller disco roots for the launch of its fall/winter 2025 collection.
On Sept. 4, the streetwear label debuted its line with an exclusive preview at Dover Street Market in the Arts District. From the vibrant sherpa jackets to skate straps and skirts, Flipper’s founder Liberty Ross found inspiration in Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, the West Hollywood destination helmed by her father, Ian “Flipper” Ross.
More than a roller rink, Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace’s run from 1979 to 1981 served as the ultimate city hub for culture, community, style and music. It attracted everyone from local Angelenos to stars and rising creatives, like Cher, Laura Dern, Alice Bag and Atticus Ross. In 2021, Liberty revived the name alongside co-founder Kevin Wall and in partnership with Usher to reimagine Flipper’s as a global cultural hub.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: (clockwise L-R) Liberty Ross, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Flipper’s, Ashley Imani and guest attend the Flipper’s Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Debut & Launch Party on September 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Flipper’s)Credit: Getty Images for Flipper’sLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Guests attend the Flipper’s Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Debut & Launch Party on September 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Flipper’s)Credit: Getty Images for Flipper’s
With this fashion entry, Flipper’s enters a whole new era, but one still decidedly marked by inclusivity and forward-thinking. The collection is fitting for skaters and non-skaters alike, spanning unisex and men’s and women’s RTW. An MA-1 bomber jacket shakes things up with deconstructed sleeves, while graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts offer a taste of nostalgia with archival Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace imagery.
Following the first hand-look at the collection, the party continued across the street at Lot 613 where invite-only guests entered a tricked out roller rink. Beneath the starry late summer sky, guests —which included Dr. Dre, Benny Blanco, Landon Barker, Lauren Halsey, Shaun Ross, Swizz Beatz, will.i.am and other entertainment, fashion and business tastemakers — enjoyed Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop canned cocktails, Still G.I.N. specialty cocktails, juicy hot dogs touched with caviar and creme fraiche and gooey chili cheese fries.
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Inside, DJs Kaytranada and Lou Phelps took turns spinning tracks while party goers looped the customer roller rink.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: (L-R) Liberty Ross, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Flipper’s and Dr. Dre attend the Flipper’s Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Debut & Launch Party on September 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Flipper’s)Credit: Getty Images for Flipper’sLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Guests attend the Flipper’s Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Debut & Launch Party on September 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Flipper’s)Credit: Getty Images for Flipper’sLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Displays and signage are seen during the Flipper’s Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Debut & Launch Party on September 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Flipper’s)Credit: Getty Images for Flipper’sLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Charlie Ogboin (L) and guest attend the Flipper’s Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Debut & Launch Party on September 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Flipper’s)Credit: Getty Images for Flipper’sLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Lou Phelps performs during the Flipper’s Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Debut & Launch Party on September 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Flipper’s)Credit: Getty Images for Flipper’sLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: (L-R) Keon Saghari and Kamille Gilmore attend the Flipper’s Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Debut & Launch Party on September 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Flipper’s)Credit: Getty Images for Flipper’sLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: (L-R) Dr. Dre, Benny Blanco, Jimmy Iovine, and Swizz Beatz attend the Flipper’s Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Debut & Launch Party on September 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Flipper’s)Credit: Getty Images for Flipper’sLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 04: (L-R) Kaytranada and Jimmy Iovine attend the Flipper’s Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Debut & Launch Party on September 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Flipper’s)Credit: Getty Images for Flipper’s
The Arts District of Las Vegas, located a few miles north of the iconic Strip, offers a unique blend of creativity, culture, and community charm. Known affectionately as 18b, this neighborhood is a haven for artists, foodies, and anyone seeking a break from the bustle of the main tourist areas. The Arts District is a veritable mecca for art enthusiasts in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here, you can wander through a myriad of galleries showcasing everything from contemporary paintings to avant-garde sculptures. The neighborhood offers a unique blend of artistic expression and community spirit that is well worth a visit, so whether you’re a Las Vegas native a visitor or looking to move to the area, check out these great tips from our amazing local experts on how to make the most of a night out in the Arts District.
The Las Vegas Arts District was officially created in the late 1990’s and has undergone impressive growth and innovation since its origination. Below, 18b President Becky Miller gives us insight into the neighborhood’s history:
“The Las Vegas Arts District (18b) is THE hot spot to visit with over 100 vibrant businesses including vintage and boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, Nevada-based breweries, social clubs, smoke shops, themed bars and, of course, art galleries. Not to mention miles of murals. It originally consisted of 18 blocks of art galleries and theaters, small retail shops, residences, and industrial businesses, however over the last two decades we’ve grown to include Brewery Row and several award-winning restaurants.
Centered at Main Street and Charleston Blvd the 18b is officially bordered by Hoover Avenue to the north, Colorado Avenue to the south, 3rd Street to the east, and Commerce Street to the west. But we’ve organically grown to embrace many incredible businesses south all the way to Wyoming Avenue and north up to Gass Avenue.” Are you interested in art? Shopping? Fine cigars? Nightlife? Interactive theater? Movies? A staycation? Spectacular dining? Pub crawls? Photography? Desert? Music? There are far, far too many fantastic businesses for me to pick a favorite, but whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find that and more in 18b.“
Explore the art and culture scene
The 18b neighborhood is teeming with absolutely phenomenal art and is home to numerous galleries showcasing both local and international artists, making it a haven for art enthusiasts. Below our experts have highlighted some of the neighborhood’s best attractions:
“Las Vegas’s Arts District, located between the Las Vegas Strip and the Fremont Street Experience, is a culture-rich area providing a variety of opportunities to attend art shows, visit galleries and museums, go to coffeehouses and hang out at sensational eateries and drinking establishments. The scene is rich, varied, and compelling. Picking a favorite from the Arts District is an impossible task. There are so many wonderful establishments and experiences to be had there, that I cannot name a single favorite.”Chris Yandek from CYInterview
“One of my favorite places in the Arts District to hang out and have a great night is at ReBar. It is a local neighborhood pub with cheap drinks and great bartenders. It’s not just a bar but it’s also an art gallery and antique shop, everything is for sale! Another great place to visit while you are in the neighborhood is Recycled Propaganda Art Gallery, they exhibit the best of lowbrow and street art in Las Vegas. Lastly, don’t forget to visit all the great secondhand shops, antique stores, and most importantly, all the alleyways that are covered in some of the best street art in the world! There is art on every corner and it’s the most un-Vegas neighborhood in Las Vegas.” Brian “Paco” Alvarez, CEO of Psionic Art Works
“Market in the Alley was established in 2017 with a focus on supporting local artisans. We started as a monthly artisan market and now we pop up weekly in different parts of the valley. The Arts District is our Flagship, re-occurring the 3rd Sunday of the month (Sept-April), and we have a database of well over 800 local artisans. During any given market we are supporting between 40-70 artisans!” Jennifer Taler, owner and creator of Market in the Alley.
Whet your palette with top tier with food and a beverage
The Art District’s culinary and beverage scene is as diverse as it is delicious. From trendy brunch spots to innovative fine dining, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Look no further for exemplary eats and drinks. Below are some of our experts’ top recommended places to wine and dine:
Things to do in the Las Vegas Arts District: Culinary delights:
“Our favorite dinner spot in the Las Vegas Arts District is easily Esther’s Kitchen. Las Vegas native Chef James Trees recently expanded his lively rustic Italian restaurant to four times the size of the cramped original that preceded it — and for good reason. House-made pasta complements amazing pizza, the exquisite Mary’s Chicken, steak, and a list of starters, craft cocktails, and wine that make for a perfect light dinner in themselves. The bar scene is an A-list of downtown movers and shakers.” Staci Linklater & James P. Reza from Globe Salon
“Whether you want a meal, a late-night bite, or just a cool place to chill and get some drinks, Cornish Pasty Co. can hit all of those spots. Normally a simple comfort food from Cornwall, England, their pasty comes in a wide variety and allows you to enjoy any flavor you’re feeling with more than 30 options to choose from. And with a full bar, you can grab a drink outside of the many brewery options nearby.” shared the team at The Pasty Guy.
“From time to time I have been known to indulge in barbeque. And one of my favorite places to enjoy that type of cuisine is SoulBelly BBQ. Simply put, it is one of the top spots in Las Vegas to enjoy tempting dishes including pulled pork, brisket, and smoked turkey. This local gem never disappoints in delivering a mouth-watering experience!”Chris Yandek from CYInterview
“The Arts District is so exciting right now because there’s always something new popping up. The Colorado building is a great example. It’s home to Palate, an inventive restaurant that treats food like an art form, and Bar Ginza, a craft cocktail lounge that specializes in Japanese whisky. They even import the ice from Japan and hand-carve it on the spot.” Rob Kachelriess, editor of Hey Las Vegas Newsletter by City Cast Las Vegas.
Bars, breweries and beyond:
“Able Baker Brewing embodies all the best qualities of Vegas’s Arts District: quality beer, unique branding, and Vegas history, all to the tune of their iconic “Atomic Duck”. This brewery not only offers top-tier brews but a location that’s close to all the action, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, a history buff, or simply looking for something fun to do when the sun goes down, Able Baker should be at the top of your list.“Dan Hornbrook from Brewlogix
“At first glance, Silver Stamp is a hidden, signless, and nondescript address; however, dig a little deeper and it proves to be a step back several decades into a rec room run by craft beer enthusiasts of the first order. To describe the joint would do the experience a disservice, so we’ll just say that the printed menu is huge and diverse (where else in Las Vegas can you drink mead?), the daily rotating taps have something for everyone, and the vibe pure midwest 1977.” Staci Linklater & James P. Reza from Globe Salon
“Akin Cooperative is a lifestyle boutique that offers support to 60+ local creatives, a lot of whom I met over the years of Market in the Alley. I also have a beer, wine license so I sell natural wines and craft beers!” Jennifer Taler, owner and creator of Akin Cooperative.
Not a planner? Check out these recommendations for how to sequence your things to do in the Arts District:
“One of my favorite things to do in the Las Vegas Arts District is exploring its vibrant neighborhood throughout the day and into the night, soaking in the creative atmosphere and diverse offerings. I like to start at Bungalow Coffee Co. or Dragon’s Alley for a coffee to go, then wander through the numerous galleries at the Arts Factory to admire the art and chat with local artists. For dining, you can’t go wrong with local favorites like Esther’s Kitchen, Cornish Pastry Company, DE Thai Kitchen, and Good Pie Pizza.
The area also boasts several wonderful craft breweries such as HUDL, Able Baker, and CraftHaus Brewery, along with unique taverns, wine bars, and tasting rooms, each with its own distinct personality. From music recording studios to boutique markets, vintage shopping, and murals sprinkled throughout, there’s never a shortage of things to do or see in the Arts District of Las Vegas. This eclectic mix of attractions truly makes it one of the most vibrant main streets of America, offering something for everyone to enjoy.”Kai Brant from Cheers Nevada
“If you’re lucky enough to be in Vegas on the first Friday of the month, you’ve got to check out the First Friday festival, where the whole Arts District turns into a massive (and free!) block party. Over 10,000 tourists and locals descend on the area to enjoy food trucks, street performances, and hundreds of artists displaying their creations. Pro tip: leave the rental car behind and rideshare, since parking can be tricky. I recommend you start your adventures at the Arts Factory which for decades has been the central hub and beating heart of the area. It’s filled with artist studios you can wander in and out of and meet our friendly local creators in person.”Robin Slonina, Las Vegas artist and owner of Slonina ARTSpace
Still need additional help planning your night out? Becky Miller, 18b President, came through with another stellar tip for how to plan your evening in the Arts District: “Take a tour or explore on your own. Our online Walking Tour Map will help guide you if you need some inspiration!”
Want to mark your night out in the Arts District with more than just food and drink? Below experts share some elevated events and experiences to add extra spice to your night on the town:
“One of our favorite local spots is Dig It Coffee, a unique and bright coffee shop. Their slogan, “Kindness. Coffee. Inclusion. WE DIG IT!” perfectly sums up their mission. Dig It Coffee provides competitive job opportunities for adults of all abilities while serving great coffee. They offer a unique perspective on what inclusion looks like through connection and coffee. We love visiting this inclusive and welcoming spot.” Emily Johnson from For The Love LV
“The First Friday event started in 2002 as an art-centric affair but has since evolved to become the Arts District’s biggest monthly draw. Part street fair, part art walk, and all party, First Friday is centered near Main and 1st streets, but the vibe consumes the entire district, from 6 p.m. until the early morning. Spring and fall are the busiest times, and parking is at a premium (rideshare recommended), but First Friday offers a high-energy introduction to why the Arts District is so popular.” Staci Linklater & James P. Reza from Globe Salon
“The arts district has been the best place for locals new and old to cross paths and connect. Walkable streets, a constantly changing lineup of new businesses, and street art ensure there is always something to see, no matter how often you visit. The 18b Neighborhood Association mixers on the 18th of every month happen at a different neighborhood business every event and include an introduction period for everyone to meet the other movers and shakers downtown.” Curtis Walker from Photo Bang Bang
“The ENGLiSH Hotel is such a unique spot for spending time in the Arts District. It is an upscale boutique hotel unlike anything else in Vegas, with a cool, adults-only pool (it is a 21-and-older property) and The Pepper Club for grabbing a cocktail or a snack. Plus, on-site parking makes the hotel easily accessible.” Melissa Larsen, editor in chief of Fabulous Media Group
“Our Arts District Foodie Tour is a fun way to spend the afternoon eating and learning about the city. Not only do you get to indulge in a meal filled with tastings of top trending dishes, but you’ll discover hidden gems and visit cultural attractions like art galleries, street art, historic buildings, and an Elvis wedding chapel. It’s a great way to step away from the craziness of Sin City and experience real Las Vegas.” Kathryn from Taste Buzz Food Tours
Wrapping up: Night out in the Las Vegas Arts District
In conclusion, the Arts District in Las Vegas contains establishments and experiences which never cease to amaze and inspire. Whether you’re exploring art galleries, sampling culinary delights, or simply soaking in the creative atmosphere, this neighborhood offers a refreshing alternative to the glitz and glamor of the Strip. Plan your visit to 18b and immerse yourself in a vibrant community where art, culture, and community converge in perfect harmony.
Crafty: Ben Turkel is the operations manager of Boomtown Brewery. (Photo by David Sprague)
As craft beer has rooted itself into Los Angeles culture, downtown has played a role in fostering the sub-industry.
And as the Covid-19 pandemic upended the food and beverage industry as a whole, it also sparked an evolution of downtown’s identity in terms of who works and lives there. Fewer people are working in the area as companies relocate their offices elsewhere or employees at those that remain enjoy remote work options.
And while solutions remain elusive for the homelessness crisis, an increase in residents in apartments and condos downtown will likely dictate how business adjusts in the city center.
The breweries there want to be a part of that reimagining.
“I’ve lived in the city now for almost 15 years. My wife and I live downtown. My wife is in the homeless services sector. We are really sensitive to the construct of, ‘If you want the city to be something, you need to help create it,’” said Ben Turkel, operations manager at Boomtown Brewery. “I want our city to be full of artisans and craftspeople and to have spaces that are safe for a community to engage in and to grow in. And if I want that, I need to be part of creating that.”
Once a rare niche outpost in the Los Angeles County landscape, there are now nearly 100 locally based breweries throughout the county. Much of this growth occurred in the 10 years prior to the pandemic in 2020.
Since then, the industry has had its usual challenges only magnified. Nationally, a handful of prominent longtime craft operations have shuttered or entered bankruptcy. Locally, many continue to feel the squeeze of economics, with some beginning to close.
“Most craft breweries have the deck stacked against them. Malted barley is our No. 1 ingredient and we saw that increase in price by 40 or 50%. That’s a pretty tough nut to crack,” said Bob Kunz, owner of Highland Park Brewery, which mainly operates in Chinatown. “Besides minimum wage, we want to pay people well, so that is huge. We’re in the middle of Los Angeles, so we spend a lot of money on rent. Food and beverage is not a huge margin industry, so it’s tough. If the cost of your raw materials is increasing and cost of labor is going up, it’s hard to push that off on the consumer.”
Hitting stride
Brewing: Ben Tansey, brewer at Boomtown Brewery, works at the outpost. (Photo by David Sprague)
The brewery scene in L.A. County – especially downtown’s – was coming into its own at the start of 2020.
Angel City Brewery had relocated from Alpine Village in Torrance to its signature spot in the heart of the Arts District in 2010. Within the year, it was bought by Boston Beer Co., known best for its Samuel Adams beer brand. By 2016, Boomtown, Mumford Brewing and Arts District Brewing Co. had set up shop, while large San Diego brand Karl Strauss Brewing Co. had opened a brewpub downtown. Atwater Village-based Golden Road Brewing also opened a bar at Grand Central Market in 2016, although its ownership by global beer giant Anheuser Busch negates its craft status in some professional circles. Meanwhile, Highland Park Brewery opened doors in Chinatown in 2018, shifting from a production-only operation to full-service, and San Diego’s Modern Times had opened its “Dankness Dojo” taproom downtown. Boomtown’s search for a home began in 2012.
“This was a good break for us, because we all knew about the Arts District. We knew that it was up and coming. But in 2013, it was still pretty dodgy down here. A lot of what we think ofas the Arts District wasn’t created there,” Turkel recalled. “Arts District Brewing wasn’t there. Angel City was literally just getting started. Most of the restaurants hadn’t developed yet. Most of the apartments didn’texist yet.”
At that time, zoning proved to be an impediment for aspiring brewers, as the operations fall under the categories of bars or restaurants, heavy manufacturing and retail.
When production-only Highland Park Brewery was looking for a taproom, Kunz said a special zoning designation in Chinatown that called for residential, commercial and manufacturing – all around a transit hub – made that spot alluring.
“Most parts of L.A., it’s tricky to get proper zoning for manufacturing and commercial and have residential zoning around you,” he said. “As we dug deeper, we were learning about (Los Angeles State Historic Park) that was about to go in and that the city wants to develop around Metro stations and have these urban hubs.
Pandemic woes
Owner: Highland Park Brewery’s Bob Kunz. (Photo by David Sprague)
Small business was largely derailed for much of 2020 and continuing into 2021. For many, it hasn’t gotten much easier.
Modern Times pulled the plug on the Dankness Dojo in 2022. Mumford closed up shop in early 2023. The county has seen a number of other closures, including most recently the venerable Eagle Rock Brewery – which, having opened in 2009, was one of the original mainstays in L.A.
Broadly, rising costs in raw materials have needled at brewing operations. Inopportune expansions left businesses with expensive leases and severely diminished income. Last year, a carbon dioxide shortage further rattled the industry.
Success in many cases was determined by an established wholesale distribution model – or the ability to successfully pivot to one. Turkel said Boomtown was initially envisioned as primarily a taproom, but they encountered zoning-related delays.
“Because we were almost two years behind a building on a taproom, we had to survive a different way and that was through distribution,” he added, “so this company is now about 80% distribution and 20% taproom, whereas the original concept was inverse on that. And then lo and behold, down the road with the pandemic, that saved us because we were almost all distribution.”
Conversely, Highland Park Brewery was almost entirely direct-to-consumer – that is, pouring pints of beer at the taproom. The operation only just got its canning machine up and running at the end of 2019.
“Prior to Covid, we were maybe canning 10% of our beer,” Kunz said. “We went from 10% of our beer being canned maybe once a month to canning 100% twice a week. That’s a pretty big business model shift.”
Highland Park Brewery nowadays is about 65% direct-to-consumer and 35% wholesale.
Similarly, Angel City had to make a shift in 2020 after developing a strong brand as a bar-hopping destination in the vibrant Arts District. That itself was an identity the operation had shifted to after initially intending to be a wholesaler.
“Once they started to notice our taproom was getting busier and busier, they shifted to getting away from distribution and increasing foot traffic and staying open later. We were starting to make some good money selling pints to customers instead of kegs to distributors,” said Layton Cutler, the head brewer for Angel City. “We were doing really, really well on the weekends. Selling beer by the pint is quite profitable. That was the focus for quite a few years.”
In 2019, Angel City was 75% direct-to-consumer. Now, it’s probably 35-40%, Cutler said.
Finding footing
It’s not all gloom. Downtown saw a number of new taprooms and operations launch in the wake of the pandemic, indicating that the movement had begun well beforehand.
Audio Graph Beer Co. opened its doors in late 2020. Pomona-based Homage Brewing opened a taproom near Highland Park Brewery in 2021. In 2022, Covina-based Arrow Lodge Brewing opened a taproom in the Arts District, and Santa Ana brewery Native Son took over the Dankness Dojo space. Last year, Georgia brewer Creature Comforts Brewing Co. expanded into L.A. with a downtown operation.
For the famously collegial craft industry, that’s exciting news.
“The more the merrier,” Turkel said. “At the end of the day, craft beer is only 13% of the beer market. The other 80% are your Budweisers, Blue Moons, Modelo and everything else. Until we can flip that script, there is no competition for us. There’s around 100 of us in L.A., most are quite small and the county is 10 million people – what competition?”
One pivot many operations have made since largely reopening in-person drinking and dining is becoming host to community-building events. Taprooms were already famous for, say, trivia, but now you’ll find, for example, the queer-themed Manic Pixie Dream Market that Boomtown hosted. Or Burger Month at Highland Park Brewery, where the kitchen staff collaborated with a variety of local burger joints and paired their creations with beer.
“We see that people need to have a reason to go out. For our first five years, new beer releases were really it,” Kunz said. “I think that mentality of chasing beer releases has died in the industry as a whole. I think what’s been effective is just having fun. We see what people get excited about and lean into that.”
It’s apparently paying off. Kunz said this past May and June were its two busiest taproom months ever and the brewery was on pace to grow 10% from its 2,600 barrels produced last year.
Meanwhile, at Angel City, Cutler said its production was on track to reach its pre-pandemic levels of about 5,000 barrels this year.
Turkel said Boomtown’s taproom customers had not quite recovered, but remained confident in Boomtown’s future.
“I think some of the excitement off the craft beer industry, the novelty, has worn off, and I think that’s fine,” he said. “I think it’s one of our responsibilities as beer manufacturers and artists to keep creating for our audience and keep evolving.”
