Despite closing its doors this coming January, The Fabric Lab and Tran Wills aren't going anywhere.

The clothing and jewelry store on East Colfax Avenue that only carries local designers will fold after six years of business. Multiple factors are prompting owners Tran and husband Josh Wills to close: the economy, shoppers going online, wanting to spend more time with their growing family and feeling restless to pursue other avenues.

Tran Wills - known for using fashion to raise money for charities and giving local designers a foot in the door - will still be extremely busy. She wants to return to designing her own clothes and has plans to start a fashion magazine with her husband featuring only local designers.

The Fabric Lab will still be around, just as a pop-up boutique in other storefronts and Tran will still organize community fashion events. She's helped organize Style Wars, Frock Out and block parties in the past.

"I feel horrible closing because a lot of these designers depend on us," Tran said. "It's sad, but we're still going on as The Fabric Lab, just not having the physical store."

The Wills', who started out with eight designers, now carry 60.

Kotomi Yoshida is one such local designer who got her start under Tran's wing.
"I didn't want to show my designs. I just wasn't confident," Yoshida said. "Tran was like ... 'Just bring your designs in and I'll sell it for you.' I really appreciated that. I'm going to miss that place."

The Fabric Lab shares space with hair salon Big Hairy Monster, which will take over the entire store. The Shoppe, a cupcake store next door to The Fabric Lab, and co-owned by Tran, will remain open.