Want to give a unique, Seattle-inspired and locally made gift this holiday season? Buy a CHS shirt! Or check out ZoneFour, a new apparel and print shop sandwiched between Lucky Devil Tattoo Parlor and The Capitol Hill Market on 12th Ave. and E. Howell Street.
Owner and designer Ian Anderson creates Seattle-inspired tee shirts and hoodies for men and women. The most popular design is the dripping Seattle skyline graphic. And while repping the city could turn off some locals, the graphics have a cool, relaxed tone without appearing too kitschy. If that’s still not your style, don’t worry, there are plenty of other looks and images to choose from. Plus, Ian said new designs will pop up every month.
“I wanted to create cool shit that isn’t available anywhere else and really represents Capitol Hill and Seattle… interesting clothes I would want to wear that aren’t tied to a specific trend or style,” said Ian.
The shop also features prints by local artists and designers, with new featured graphics planned for every other week. They feature BLT’s work prominently right now. He is Ian’s mentor and business partner who designed concert posters for Seattle greats Pearl Jam and Death Cab for Cutie, among others.
ZoneFour is named for the neighborhood parking zone. The store got its start working with The Comet Tavern and Zion’s Gate Records, plus local bands and art projects.
While I was there, I took advantage of the opportunity to got some holiday shopping done. I picked up a cool montage of Pike Place Market for my mom, who recently moved out of the state, and a framed print of the Space Needle with a splash of green paint exploding from behind it. I figured my 13 year-old sister would love it since she moved to Texas and likes to remember Seattle.
As the business grows, Ian hopes to include other local artists in the mix, making the shop a kind of artistic hub on the Hill.
“ZoneFour is all about collaboration with other businesses, Capitol Hill artists and local people,” he said.
The shop took over the small space once inhabited by People’s Republic of Koffee, which moved two storefronts closer to Pine in a renovated house. It’s now a full cafe and art gallery with great outdoor seating potential. People’s Republic helped ZoneFour take over the space and they have plans to promote and work with each other in the future. (Ian told me about summer plans to host community bbqs and epic beer pong tournaments in the coffee house courtyard. Should be a party!)
Slog recently posted about the new Republic and included a picture of the new space.
In addition to its offline presence, ZoneFour operates an online Etsy store for the holidays. Mention CHS and you’ll get 10% off your order. The store is open 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays (closed Mondays) and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. You can also find them at Pike Place Market.
walked by this the other day, looks like some good shit