About Us
ABOUT US
Aether is a pure expression of form and function. By utilizing technologically advanced fabrics in a more sophisticated form, the collection offers sportswear for the outdoor enthusiast who wants function without sacrificing modern design and aesthetics.
We are Palmer West and Jonah Smith, and up until recently we were just two film producers in Los Angeles making the kinds of movies we wanted to see. We created Aether because we felt there was a gap in the market. As outdoor sport enthusiasts, we found our shopping options were often limited when looking for new gear. We could either go to the obvious performance-driven clothing lines, thus sacrificing design and style, or shop the more aesthetically pleasing lines and sacrifice performance. Being in our mid-thirties, we are no longer comfortable with the youth-oriented brands that made us look like teenagers on the ski slopes. To us, design and function should be equal.
OUR OFFICE
We were only in existence for two short years before we completely outgrew our first location. We had boxes stacked upon boxes, warehouse shelving in every room, and a nightmarish parking situation - even by LA standards. It was time for a new home and we found it at 6100 Melrose Avenue.
Built in 1953 as a warehouse, the space had clearly weathered some neglect by the time we found it, but its beautiful wooden bow-truss ceiling and concrete walls retained a raw industrial feel. With a bit of work we thought we’d be able to restore it back to its former glory in no time. We teamed up with good-friend and architect David Thompson of Assembledge and Eric Dobkins of Dobkin Construction to take on the task.
Throughout the renovation process we went to great lengths to maintain the old-school industrial aesthetic while adding elements of modern design. We removed the original black tar paper roof and installed a white foam roof that reflects up to 80% of the suns rays. To help retain valuable cool air we bulked out the the concrete walls for added insulation. We also switched the plumbing over to a low flow system to help save on water.
The most apparent addition, however, are the new solar panel banks that overhang the front entrance and driveway. Sunlight is Southern California’s most abundant natural resource, and we felt we were in a great position to capitalize on it. We partnered up with Phat Energy to get us up and running. Manufactured in America, their Sunpower Panels are the most efficiency silicon solar cells currently in production. When working at full capacity, they generate enough electricity to power the entire office, with about 30% extra to put back into the grid. And as our usage expands we plan to install additional solar banks to keep the meter running backwards.
