Category Archives: Events

A vintage Thursday night

wga1I remember covering Space 15Twenty when it was nearing its grand opening in 2008–then having to postpone said opening when a second floor space above Urban Outfitters caught fire and ruined a bunch of merchandise. Hardly an auspicious start, but it has grown on me: What Goes Around Comes Around, the SoHo vintage shop that opened at 15Twenty last year, is a great addition to the city’s independent retail scene. Co-founders Seth Weisser and Gerard Maione were on hand last night to fete their first anniversary in L.A., and to show off their read-to-wear collection. Though they’re both steeped in vintage, the collection, as Weisser rightly pointed out, doesn’t have the dusty/faux wear-and-tear of, say, RRL. And it’s a lot more affordable. Peaches Geldof was on hand to celebrate, as was Amanda de Cadenet’s daughter, Atlanta, and … well, frankly I wga2didn’t recognize a lot more names of the up-and-comers who showed up (turning 30 has its stark disadvantages). But it was a fun, chic crowd, and the clothes were sublime. Looking forward to seeing another year of RTW collections from this duo, as well as their vintage finds.

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Los Angeles Fashion Week fall 2010: Yotam Solomon

Screen shot 2010-03-19 at 12.23.53 PMConfused.

That about sums up our feelings on Yotam Soloman’s Fall/Winter 2010 presentation Thursday night. The confusion started with the location a private residence tucked high up in the “Bird Streets” section of the Hollywood Hills. After zig zagging through a massive line of traffic on stick-thin roads we pulled up to the valet only to be turned away. So we went in search of street parking. And during the 15 minute, uphill trek girls had to remove their heels. Eventually, though on the brink of an asthma attack, we arrived with a smile hoping to see some great fashion to match our travel efforts and the excellent jetliner views.

Then came a second round of confusion.

In lieu of a runway, models would be “milling about near the couches.” Uh, ok. And judging by our eavesdropping, it seemed we weren’t the only bewildered guests. This is ridiculous”… “Wait, where is the runway?”… “Did we miss the show?”…”Is there a show?”…

But even more confusing than the lead up to the “show” was the collection itself. A lack of cohesion made it difficult to discern Solomon’sdesigns from a random party-goer’s ensemble. Between a complicated satin mini, a fringed jersey dress and what looked like a skirt-suit for the club, we were left, dare we say it again, confused. On the upside, Solomon is only 22, which leaves plenty of room for growth. And his collection of shoes on display were promising.

Overall, the event fell victim to the typical evils of L.A. Fashion—lack of attention to design and detail for an excuse to schmooze and booze.

But at least we got a good workout.

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At Armani Privé, a youthful renaissance

prive5jpgIt’s been a promising few weeks for Armani Privé, the couture arm of the Italian design house that ranges from irresistably classic to guido grotesque (Armani Exchange just took over Armani Casa on Robertson Boulevard a few days ago, though garish branding and Jersey Shore appeal appears to be minimized in the window displays).

Armani always snags a few actresses for red carpet at the Academy Awards and other shows in town, but Privé has scored some winning press hits in recent weeks–Lady Gaga at the Grammys, and now Amanda Seyfried, who I found stunning in this strapless gown from the spring 2010 collection. Even Cathy Horyn, who was disinvited from an Armani RTW show two years ago after a negative review, praised Privé latest runway show in January as “otherworldly” and “absorbing.”

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Saturday agenda: Zac Posen, Kiehl’s moisturizer and some dogs

Screen shot 2010-02-26 at 4.30.40 PMPlanning on powering through your hangover and actually leaving the house tomorrow? Here are two good options that don’t involve greasy food (though maybe they should).

What: Kiehl’s and Voice for the Animals pet adoption and fundraising event

Why: Everyone’s favorite apothecary is making a $500 donation to Voice for the Animals, a Santa Monica-based shelter and animal advocacy. Potential pets will be on hand to tug at your heart strings while you shop.

What’s in it for you: Besides clearing your conscience of the events leading up to said nasty hangover, visitors who donate $10 or more get to choose between a complimentary bottle of Creme de Corps moisturizer or Spray-N-Play waterless shampoo. Leave with a new furry friend and you get a box full of Kiehl’s goodies, too.

When: Saturday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: The Kiehl’s store, 100 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-860-0028.

What: Meet Zac Posen at Saks

Why: To celebrate the launch of the designer’s new Z Spoke line of lower-priced duds, available exclusively at Saks.

What’s in it for you: Pieces from this colorful collection start at less than $100—kind of amazing considering I would have to literally live inside one of his signature collection dresses if I ever bought one.

When: Saturday, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Saks Fifth Avenue, 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. 310-887-5335.

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Jimmy Choo’s new 24:7 collection is for the dogs

081CLUESAT_large_fr“It’s a gift to support these dogs and keep me out of the doghouse,” said one happy Jimmy Choo customer, carrying a bag of the brand’s luscious foot candy that would soon be a gift for his wife. Choo hosted an in-store soiree last night for the Brittany Foundation, a SoCal-based dog rescue, and to celebrate Choo 24:7, the London-based cobbler’s latest collection.

The line is comprised of basic, wardrobe staple styles in varying heel heights, colors and materials, and is designed to transcend trends (and recessions). Styles including round toe, patent leather pumps and square toe flats come in nude and black patent leather, black satin and even animal prints. Though most of the shoes are nothing new to the Choo empire, a slightly Prom-ish pair of platform slingbacks have been introduced for the collection and will probably appeal to those who wish for Giselle-like height upon waking up in the morning.

This seems like a fantastic way to remind women about the fashion items actually worth buying during troubled times (if our personal times were slightly less troubled, we’d be buying a pair of nude patent pumps from the collection ASAP). But by the looks of the happy shoppers making their way through the store last night, business must be booming somewhere.

Lucky dogs.

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On-sale vintage dresses, liquor, jewelry and a hotel room: All good things

Screen shot 2010-02-02 at 11.44.23 AMWe’re on the cusp of Cupid’s birthday and the invites are already pouring in (alas, for fashiony work shindigs…not dinner dates). But whatever February 14th brings, we could definitely use a new dress. Luckily we just got an e-mail about Apartment 3’s pre-Valentine’s Penthouse sale, taking place at a suite at the Standard downtown.

The nomadic shop is known for their fun, hotel shopping extravaganzas (we once picked up an amazing sheer blue 1980s mini-dress during a booze-fueled spree by the Roosevelt’s pool). And this party promises to be more of the same, with hundreds of pieces of vintage gear priced under $45 plus free cocktails and a DJ.

Plus, expect accessories from designers including Jacqueline Rose, who is known for her vintage key and chess piece necklaces, and Etsy favorite Charlie and Marcelle, whose delicate (and inexpensive) gold wishbone earrings would surely bring a smile to any sweetheart’s face.

Send a shout out to RSVP@apartment-3.com if you plan on joining the fun.

Saturday, February 6. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Standard Hotel Downtown. 550 S. Flower St., Los Angeles.

Photo: Jacqueline Rose’s vintage key necklace

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Monday Night Mass: Bijules NYC at Church LA

Rodney & David, the super-friendly owners of West Hollywood boutique Church (which we wrote about here), have given Bijules prime real estate in their eclectic space.

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Wanted: novelty-size needle and thread

buttonsgilesdeaconVia WWD, photograph from Brit designer Giles Deacon’s presentation at the pre-fall 2010 Pitti W trade show outside Florence. (View full image slideshow here; subscription req’d.)

Apart from the buttons and XXL paper clips used for elaborate headdresses, Deacon “also experimented with leather, molding a fitted coatdress out of bronze leather, fastened with utilitarian hardware. in another area of the installation, a model in a cropped flannel, heather-gray jacket with fur pompoms and sexy black trousers sulkingly fed plates onto a conveyor belt that carried them to a loud, smashing demise, which kept guests on their toes while heightening the festive atmosphere.”

The outlandishness is true to form, given Deacon’s alma mater is St. Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, which counts current avant garde designers like Alexander McQueen and Denmark’s Henrik Vibskov among its esteemed alumni.

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Discover Melrose Tonight With Sales, Champagne and a Cheese Plate: Genius

-1If a stroll down Melrose leaves you pressing your face to the glass at Alberta Feretti wondering why, oh God why, can’t you afford to buy just one little chiffon dress (um, yeah…hypothetically speaking, obviously), fret no more. Tonight, the tony shopping district from Melrose Place to Melrose Avenue between San Vicente and Orlando is hosting a night of sales and soirees. And shops including Temperley London, Vince, Diesel and Theory are all in on the fun.

From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., catch the premiere of Diane Von Furstenberg’s new eyewear line, 40 percent off at Alexander McQueen and 20 percent off at newly-opened Clothespin, which we profiled last week. Over at Beckley, find 20 percent off all regular priced merch and a 40 percent off sales rack plus champagne and hors’ devours. And at Arcade, a DJ will provide a backdrop of beats but the fashion is full priced until the store’s major sale in a couple of weeks (we’re still awaiting conformation on the exact date). But, there will be a cheese plate. Which–in our experience, at least–can often be better than discounted duds, anyway.

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Valerj Pobega Trunk Show at Church Boutique on Thursday

Valerj Pobega, one of our favorite L.A.-based sartorial talents (we profiled her in October, just before her Gen Art fashion show), is showing her high-drama wares at Church, one of our favorite L.A. boutiques (which we also mentioned in October).

The Italian-born designer’s artistically-inspired outfits are one-of-a-kind, done by hand and not available via e-commerce just yet, so you may want to stop by if only to see the ethereal goods up close.

Valerj Pobega Trunk Show at Church
Thursday, December 3. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
7277 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood. 323-876-8887

Photo: Pieces from Pobega’s Fall 2009 collection

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