Newark is Her Canvas

Lynette Lashawn

Owner, Off the Hanger

For owner Lynette Lashawn, fashion is about confidence: it’s about color and, ultimately, about showing up for yourself. That attitude is rooted in her community. “Newark has always been a fashion city—an underrated fashion city,” she declares. “Growing up, being influenced by my grandparents, my mom, going to church and having to consider what I’m wearing—putting effort into it,” all made her realize, “You look how you feel.”

The Off the Hanger store is a vivid and joyful expression of that. Ball gowns hanging on the wall, racks of one-of-a-kind jackets, and plush vintage furniture urge the customer to live a life where you “make every outfit count.” Lynette created Off the Hanger to be an immersive experience, so the customer can be inspired by the clothing and decor and see themselves in a new light. She wants women to feel fabulous, and everything in her space speaks to that. 

Off the Hanger is a place where people are encouraged to experiment, and that empowers women to show up for themselves in a new way. It’s fun, it’s special, it’s Instagrammable. It’s Paris in Newark.

“Newark has always been a fashion city – an underrated fashion city.”

Although she knew fashion was her calling, Lynette did have to experiment with different aspects of the business until she found her own niche. Leaving behind her earlier career as a paralegal, she got her Masters in Arts and graduated at the top of her class with high honors. She gradually built her business, first by selling online, then she opened a showroom, and eventually grew to the brick and mortar store on Linden Street that Off the Hanger shares with AnĒ Clothier. Building the business step by step, it’s attention to detail and passion for unique expression that makes the store truly one-of-a-kind. 

There have been many challenges, especially during the pandemic: finding ways to stay creative and innovative during that time. But there have been many, many highs that come with a “love of inspiring people through style.”

This is a brand that celebrates the heart and grit of Newark with a sophistication and “style of a colorful life lived unapologetically.” Her clothing can help any woman to do just that.

Lynette’s favorite place to show off a fabulous outfit: 

“Street style is my thing!” 

“Just walking through the streets of Newark in a fabulous gown…I might go into Swahili, or I might find a great mural that I want to take a picture in front of depending on my mood.” Newark is Lynette’s canvas.