Tucker Heads West For the Weekend

“When it’s time to leave Los Angeles, I realize none of us know where our shoes are,” Gaby Basora confesses of her time spent strolling the beaches of Southern California. “There’s that slower pace, much more entertaining in people’s homes and backyards, and a completely different vibe,” the Tucker designer explains of her impetus to decamp out west—albeit briefly—for a pop-up shop in Venice this weekend. Starting today, Tucker will occupy graphic designer Carly Margolis’ All for the Mountain space in L.A.’s sun-drenched west-side neighborhood. Ripe for the occasion, the line will feature pieces that have up until now only been available out of New York, including the classic and asymmetrical dress in the mint mallard print, the contrast button-up in red, and the drawstring cami dress in summery colorways. Joining forces with local talent, Basora’s silk best will be paired with Clare Vivier’s unfussy line of handbags, along with select pieces from Ariel Gordon’s semiprecious jewelry designs.

This is just the latest power play for the cheery brand since launching back in 2006. “We started really item-based as the perfect blouse and the perfect dress,” Basora says of her line, which partnered with Target for a GO International campaign in 2010. “We were bucking the trends in that we launched with a couple of items as opposed to a full collection. I think it was off-trend to do that, and now there is a lot of interest in item-driven collections.” Her full range has now filled out, moving into multiple categories (pants are a best seller in New York) as well as skewing younger with darling dresses for the younger set. And despite just opening her first stand-alone retail store in Soho at the close of 2011, the L.A. pop-up is more than just a quick sojourn out west. As Basora puts it, “We’re getting our toes in the water.”