We had the good fortune of connecting with Else Vanzandwijk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Else, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by beauty that surrounds us daily. The light and the dark. Authenticity & vulnerability. It inspires me to see people find strength to turn emotions and thoughts around and love it when le Depots pieces pillar that. That something they wear supports/creates a feeling or a belief – unafraid to be ourselves

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

After living in different places through a career in fashion: first modeling followed by stylist/ fashion editor, we settled in Los Angeles. I have fallen for LAs vintage and spiritual/health culture. I learned silversmithing in Santa Monica to rework the vintage fine jewelry pieces I found : fashion has been continuous since my mum thought me to sow at a young age and had a big dress up chest
Le Depot Dore is about transformation. What I make is a reflection of my journey. It comes from my heart. At a physical level transformation of vintage fine jewelry pieces ,sweaters or home goods but at a more mystical level the collection & curations are visual and sensual reminders of our potential. Courage, acceptance, love, surrender, will: all can only be found inside. The Spirit animal fine jewelry and incense burners, the mantra ID bracelets, the prayer on the sweaters, its meant to be armor and a reminder to keep going

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

To eat:
Cara Hotel – Ibiza vibe music floating through the olive tree covered patio. Brunch or dinner around the pool
All time –  romantic/authentic eatery with patio in Los Feliz
Ruen Pair- super low key Thai food – have the turnip egg pancakes
Beverly Hills hotel- all time classic. Any of the restaurants, you can’t go wrong
Gen Sushi in Little Tokyo. So good people pre covid people queue outside
Breakfast at John & Vinnys.  Happy bellies guaranteed
Sun Life Organics. Smoothies & Bowls any given day
The Sunset, Zuma Beach after a beach day with friends

Visit

Griffith park for great quiet hikes
Any vintage market (Long Beach, Pasadena collage swap)
Catwalk designer Vintage on Fairfax
The record Parlor in Hollywood. For the vintage vinyl lovers
The Webster – LAs ultimate cool luxury store. Beautifully curated and designed store in the Beverly Center. le Depot Dore’s animal fine jewelry is sold there

Selfcare:

Rama yoga institute for yoga & meditation
Sound bath at home with @healwithkindness
Always the beach. Any Beach, Malibu is favorite

Korean Spa

Home ceremony: get togethers with like minded people
Boxing at Madcity Boxing little boutique boxing gym. Best release

Music:

Hollywood Bowl. It’s one of my all time favorite venues
Hollywood Forever Cemetery Masonic lodge for intimate live performances

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would not be anywhere without the help, guidance & support of others . From dear friends sharing their gifts & insights. From amazing girlfriends that have been so incredibly supportive loving and wearing what I make where they catch the eye of bigger audience. The support of fellow mamas, fellow Fellows, fellow givers. There is nothing quite like (unexpected) kindness and generosity
Something else that helps me move forward is my meditation/yoga practice. It has structured and calmed my mind. Enabling me to focus and release what is not meant to stay. The classes are online @9treasuresyoga
I am so thankful for everyone who ends up buying, loving what you wear from le Depot is what it’s meant for so:
THANK YOU

Website: Www.ledepotdore.com

Instagram: @ledepotdore

Facebook: Le depot dore

Image Credits
@peteblackphotography @samtaylorjohnson @rikerbrothers

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.