On May 1, 1993, stylist Chaz Dean opened his first salon, and made waves in the styling industry by bidding farewell to shampoo. Instead, Dean debuted WEN, a natural line of hair-care products using botanical-based cleansing conditioners to prevent damage and allow hair to retain its natural texture and shine. Now on the brink of the salon’s 20th anniversary, Dean is known throughout Hollywood as an expert celebrity stylist, QVC consultant, and overall proponent of healthy hair. We caught up with Dean to chat about recent red-carpet looks and how to get picture-perfect hair at home.

What are some major trends you’re seeing on the red carpet right now?
CHAZ DEAN: Especially between the Golden Globes and the SAGs, [I noticed] a lot of the old flapper style, with heavy side-parted waves, but with a more modern twist to it. The glamour element is back and I like that. I’m so grateful that long, straight hair has had its course, and it’s time to see more texture because I like texture, I think it’s great and everyone should be unique.

How can you get those red carpet-ready waves at home?
CD: I’m the guy who’s known for the healthier way of doing it, so I generally suggest sponge rollers. It doesn’t take that burst of heat to create different shapes in your hair. You can braid your hair and take it down and it has all those soft waves. If you’re looking for volume, apply mousse to your hair when it’s soaking wet and then style it—it will give you the shine, the body, and the hold, which is exactly what you need for that style.

What celebrity style icon would you like to work with?
CD: Charlize Theron—to me she is the epitome of that classic beauty, she has that Grace Kelly feel to her. The other one would be Jennifer Lawrence, I think it would be fun to play up different looks for her. She’s kind of finding her way into it, but she’s not quite a style icon as far as 'out of the box' yet.

What’s an easy fix for a bad-hair day? 
CD: Apply a styling cream and/or mousse to your hair, twist it, put it in a high, loose bun, and at the end of the day just drop that bun and you have beautiful, soft, bouncy waves, and you didn’t have to do anything.

Tell us more about WEN products. 
CD: Everyone deserves to have beautiful, healthy, shiny hair. WEN is as simple as giving up the lather and cleansing your hair in a gentle way with natural botanicals, oils, and extracts. Cleansing conditioners can and will change your life, though it is key that you cleanse, rinse, and repeat, just like you shampoo and condition. It’s the same two steps that you’ve used your whole life.

What’s new for WEN?
CD: On March 2, we’re launching our polishing glossing serum, which is my answer to people not getting Brazilian blowouts anymore. Apply between two and four pumps of our polishing glossing serum to wet hair, and it blows out like silk, like butter, but then when you wash your hair again, you have your own texture back. And we’re launching a pet’s line. It actually treats their skin and their fur so they not only smell amazing, but their coats don’t dry out, because it doesn’t have the chemicals in it. I’m hoping for March 2, because I have three labs, Hunter, Spencer and Ella, all from the same litter, and that’s their birthday.

Heart-shaped double chocolate whiskey cake from The Spot Gourmet.

Say I love you this February 14th with an elegant Valentine’s Day dinner, whether it be at one of Los Angeles’ top restaurants, poolside within your own private cabana at a chic hotel, or in the comfort of your own home. Reservations are hard to come by, so book early and enjoy the below locales.

Hatfield’s
Who better to trust with your Valentine’s Day meal than husband-and-wife team Karen and Quinn Hatfield of Hatfield’s Los Angeles? They’ve whipped up a five-course prix-fixe ($135) that spotlights the likes of 36-hour beef rib and red-wine braised short rib, and a hand-rolled squid-ink garganelle with dungeness crab and butternut squash. Wine pairings are an additional $60 and a la carte specialty Champagne cocktails will also be on hand. 6703 Melrose Ave., Mid-City, 323-935-2977

Inn of the Seventh Ray
For a truly spectacular Valentine’s Day ambiance, head to the Inn of the Seventh Ray hidden within Topanga Canyon. This romantic locale will be celebrating with chef Bradley Miller’s five-course menu, which features traditional ($110) and vegetarian ($100) options as well as the opportunity to add a $45 wine flight. Enjoy items like a poached loch duart salmon, a classic potato and caviar bilini, and a pomegranate flan for dessert among many other options, all set under outdoor chandeliers and a stunning natural backdrop. 128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd., Topanga, 310-455-1311

Rooftop at The London
This Valentine's Day, The London allows you to indulge in a luxurious night away...without ever leaving town. Book their rooftop package ($500 per couple), which features an exclusive cabana with city views, a candlelit three-course dinner menu by chef Gordon Ramsay, wine pairings, a bottle of Champagne, and a private server. For an additional cost, an extravagant private wedding proposal can also be arranged. 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-358-7788

The Roof Garden at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
For a different rooftop experience, head to the poolside cabanas at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, normally only open to hotel guests but available for rental for $350 on Valentine’s Day evening. Their package includes a private four-course meal (with options like a petite filet and lobster tail duo), live jazz, monogrammed napkins, and after-dinner petit fours. If you miss out on the cabanas, you can still enjoy the meal for $125 (with wine pairings) at the roof garden restaurant. 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-551-2888

The Love Potion #99 from The Spot Gourmet
Savor a sumptuous meal at home without having to lift a finger thanks to LA’s The Spot Gourmet, taking reservations until February 13th. Their $99 meal comprises bacon-wrapped dates, a delicate radicchio salad, beef tenderloin with a heart-shaped wild mushroom risotto cake, and for dessert, a heart-shaped double chocolate whiskey cake. Each package also includes a bottle of massage oil to ensure the romance doesn’t end with dessert. To order, call 818-861-7335 or email info@thespotgourmet.com. 

This President’s Day weekend, make like several famed U.S. leaders and escape to the Hotel del Coronado, a KSL Resort Property on the famed Coronado Island just steps from San Diego’s Gaslamp district. The resort, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, has played host to storied U.S. presidents and famous Hollywood guests since its inception, including Benjamin Harrison in 1891 and, more recently, Bill Clinton. The hotel is situated atop some of the softest sand in the world and provides the perfect quick getaway for Los Angeles residents looking to treat themselves to a truly “presidential” weekend.

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STAY: Rooms at the Hotel Del Coronado range from classic Victorian-inspired queens to two-room suites. For the ultimate in luxury and seclusion, opt for a private beach villa with amenities like flat-screen TVs with Bose surround-sound, gourmet kitchens, soaking tubs, and exclusive swimming pools and whirlpools. Take advantage of a special offer in honor of the hotel’s anniversary, which includes drinks for two, a commemorative coffee table book, and deluxe accommodations starting at $600/night for the beach villas and $299/night for rooms in the Del.

 

DINE: Never take your eyes off the sea at 1500 Ocean, the Del’s fine dining restaurant. The farm-to-table cuisine by chef Robert Hohmann features dishes like a Moulard duck breast, seared diver scallops, and a natural beef ribeye with bordelaise sauce, asparagus, and a fork-crushed potato. For Sunday brunch, head to the famed Crown Room, where executive chef John Shelton has created a plethora of high-end dining stations ($79.50) served below elegant Victorian vaulted ceilings and crown chandeliers.

 

DO: Besides taking in the amazing beach activities right at your doorstep, be sure to pencil in a cocktail at B&S bar for live music. On your way back to LA, head to the Spa at the Del on Mimosa Mondays for a complimentary mimosa and muffin and exclusive pricing on treatments over 50 minutes long.

 

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Fashion Designers - A-Z; Missoni edition

photography courtesy of taschen

 

Kartell

photography courtesy of taschen

 

Mario Testino. Private View.

photography courtesy of taschen

 

Taxi Driver.

photography courtesy of taschen

 

The Story of Olga by Ellen von Unwerth.

photography courtesy of taschen

 

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Although stylish furniture and beautiful art are usually the most focused-on aspects of interior design, coffee table books truly give character and an accent of domesticity and flair to the space you live in. So why not invest in the best of the best? We’ve rounded up 2013’s top coffee table books—from fashion lovers to movie buffs, these tomes not only accentuate the décor of your home, but make for perfect gifts as well.

Fashion Designers – A-Z
Available in a variety of different versions, each bound in a fabric created by one of six designers (Akris, Etro, Diane von Furstenberg, Stella McCartney, Missoni, and Prada), this limited-edition book explores a century worth of fashion from the permanent collection of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. ($350)

Kartell
For the architecture- and interior design-obsessed, this striking book chronicles the history of Kartell, renowned for having invented the culture of plastic furniture. Beautiful photography is coupled with interesting factoids about the company, while also featuring an interview with Kartell’s owner and president, Claudio Luti. ($70)

Mario Testino. Private View.
Photography has never looked so strikingly beautiful on paper. This book, showcasing a collection of the famed photographer’s best of (images of England’s royal family are truly mesmerizing), will give you an insider’s look at all that is celebrity and fashion—through the lens of a celebrity himself. ($700)

Taxi Driver
An emblem of New York City specifically, and America as a whole, Taxi Driver revolutionized the world of cinema, and now comprises materials for a one-of-a-kind coffee table book. Featuring never-before-seen images by the special on-set photographer, Steve Schapiro, the book takes a different look at one of Robert De Niro’s top-rated films. ($70)

The Story of Olga by Ellen von Unwerth
This fairy-tale in photographs narrates the story of Olga Rodionova, a young widow overtaken by insatiable lust. Beautifully provocative, bordering on the sexually-charged, this book will spice up any space it’s found in. ($700)

All books available at Taschen. 345 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-274-4300

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Leaves and Sun, America Martin.

 

Orange Harmonica and Green Cornet, America Martin.

 

Bright Day and Seashells, America Martin.

 

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On February 1, the JoAnne Artman Gallery unveiled “This is America,” a new collection of works by Colombian-American artist America Martin, with an opening reception planned for February 7 (6-9 p.m.) to coincide with Laguna Beach’s First Thursdays Artwalk. Based in Los Angeles, Martin crafts modern works on canvas, metal, and paper, manipulating shapes and colors to create striking pieces. With references to both classic art and indigenous works, the young artist’s pieces are owned by Hollywood big-names like Danny DeVito, Kirsten Dunst, Ted Danson, Juliette Lewis, Simon Helberg, and Giovanni Ribisi.

Much of the works displayed in Martin’s “This is America” exhibit express her passion for the human form, concentrating on lines and shapes, and deconstructing the body to create almost Picasso-esque pieces. Martin will be showing oils and acrylics on canvas, drawings, mixed-media creations on paper, and metal sculptures.

RSVP is required for February 7’s opening reception by calling the gallery at 949-510-5481. Martin’s works will remain on display until March 31. 326. N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach 

Eco-friendly luxury car Fisker Karma during the Los Angeles Auto show this past November.

Los Angeles Magazine takes us inside the world of Super Bowl advertising from an LA-based visual effects company. [LA Mag]

If you’d like a taste of culture before watching the big game, check out the LA Art Book Fair this weekend. [LA Times]

Meanwhile, Racked has the scoop on a new eco-friendly luxury car inspired in part by Leo DiCaprio. [Racked LA]

Speaking of homages to celebrities, Eater has a roundup of star-inspired sushi rolls at Hamasaku as part of their tongue-in-cheek tribute to LA’s elite. [Eater LA]

Meanwhile, stylist-to-the-stars Mary Alice Haney tells The Hollywood Reporter about her favorite places to shop. [The Hollywood Reporter]

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The Hudson,1114 N. Crescent Heights Blvd., West Hollywood, 323-654-6686

 

The Hudson,1114 N. Crescent Heights Blvd., West Hollywood, 323-654-6686

 

The Hudson,1114 N. Crescent Heights Blvd., West Hollywood, 323-654-6686

 

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Perennial West Hollywood brunch and dinner favorite, The Hudson, recently underwent a major makeover, debuting a brand-new look, menus, and collaborations with some of Los Angeles’ most exciting names and venues.

The menu got an upgrade from chef Conrad Woodul, who committed to using local and organic products. Diners can still enjoy classics like The Hudson burger with aged cheddar, tomato, and aioli, but can now dive into dishes like a prosciutto and burrata salad with pickled beets, arugula, and Parmesan, or a braised lamb shank with kale, mashed potatoes, and olive-rosemary jus. Additions to the brunch menu include the powerhouse, a healthful mix of egg whites, kale, and grilled chicken breast; a steak sandwich with grilled onions, arugula, tomatoes, and a horseradish crème fraiche; and a crab benedict served alongside focaccia potatoes. The Hudson now carries Stumptown coffee, tea, and cold brewed items, and will offer desserts by neighboring restaurant Duff’s Cakemix.

Meanwhile, bar maven Mia Sarazen teamed with bar manager Brian Simpson to craft a series of exciting new libations for the restaurant, like The Spicy Number, made with Milagro Silver Tequila infused with serrano peppers, yellow chartreuse, lime juice, cucumber, and agave.

While the Hudson still retains its recognizable train car-esque exterior, the location was completely re-envisioned by designer Jeanmarie Dumouchel (The Varnish) and Croft House reclaimed wood expert Riley Rea. Exposing the wood beams and adding an A-frame roof increased the overall feel of openness for the space, while the bar was enhanced with new countertops, stools, and an aged mirror to evoke an old-timey feel. Elements like the flooring and seating were refurbished, while the designers added new lighting, tables by Croft House, and vintage wallpaper. 1114 N. Crescent Heights Blvd., West Hollywood, 323-654-6686

Give your makeup routine an overhaul with Make Up For Ever's mobile service.

Barbershop Pop-Up
Thursday, January 31-February 2, 6:30 p.m.
Check out the new Culver City location of Barbership Ristorante Italiano, the pop-up by chef Walter el Nagar and partner Mario Vollera opening within La Petite Crêperie. The pop-up runs Wednesday through Saturday evenings, and this week’s debut menu ($65) includes four-cheese ravioli; red tagliolini with oysters, bottarga and gold leaf; squab three ways; and more. Reservations are required by calling 424-272-5849 or via barbershop-venice.com. 3809 Grand View Blvd., Culver City

Gianandrea Noseda Conducts the LA Phil
Thursday, January 31-February 2, 8 p.m.
Gianandrea Noseda makes his Walt Disney Concert Hall debut this weekend. The Italian conductor will participate in three performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and star pianist Lise de la Salle, featuring rare pieces by Rachmanioff. Friday’s performance will be shorter and more casual, while the Thursday and Saturday shows will include three movements: Symphony No. 3, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and The Isle of the Dead. Tickets available on laphil.org. 111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown LA, 323-850-2000

Make Up For Ever at The Grove
Friday, February 1, 1-8 p.m.; Saturday, February 2, 12-8 p.m.
Not entirely sure how to use all the makeup in your bag? Book a 30-minute consultation at Make Up For Ever’s mobile makeup school at The Grove, where professional makeup artists will school you on how to use the products you already own and suggest additional items to round out your look. Each attendee will take home a new makeup bag, a custom face chart, and a list of additional suggested products. To book your appointment, go to makeupbagremix.com.189 The Grove Dr., LA, 323-938-9688

Super Bowl Sunday at Nick + Stef’s
Sunday, February 3, 2:30-8:30 p.m.
For anyone still looking for a spot to watch the big game this Sunday, Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse is hosting a Super Bowl soiree complete with drink specials, prizes, and a tailgate buffet featuring steakhouse sliders, hot wings, and oven-fire pizza ($39 buffet, specially priced drinks). Reservations are recommended by calling the restaurant at 213-680-0330. 330 S. Hope St., Downtown LA

See more suggestions for where to watch the Super Bowl>>

Ann inside view of The Emerson Theatre's main room.

SBE Nightlife Group’s newest venture, The Emerson Theatre, debuted earlier this month on Hollywood Boulevard, taking cues from the prohibition era and the roaring ‘20s. The space shows SBE—known for trendsetting spots like Hyde Lounge and Greystone Manor—going in a new direction, recapturing a bygone era with burlesque theater, tableside mixology, and décor that evokes Hollywood’s glittering past.

The space was designed by Mark Zeff, who infused the club with touches like endless strings of marquee lights to set the theatrical ambiance. Velvet curtains give way to the main theater entrance, where distressed hardwood floors are topped with round banquettes, providing prime views of the sultry burlesque performers that grace the theater’s stages. A DJ booth of brushed metal and glass adorns the dance floor, providing a state-of-the-art home for a rotating list of renowned acts.

Cocktails that hearken back to the mixology of the prohibition era are key here, like the mint fizz with muddled cucumber and mint, gin, Champagne, and lemon. Drinks are offered at the mirrored bars flanking the dance-floor or tableside, with VIP bottle service an added option. The Emerson is ideal for private events, as groups can have parties catered by any of SBE’s restaurants including Katsuya by Starck, Cleo, Mercato di Vetro, and The Bazaar by José Andrés. The Emerson Theatre is currently open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 7080 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323-525-2453

FACTORY WEST cofounder Louis Carreon.

New art gallery/event space FACTORY WEST, inspired by Andy Warhol’s legendary Factory studio in New York City, will open in West Hollywood at 7811 Santa Monica Boulevard next month. By day, cofounder and street/pop artist Louis Carreon will use the space as a live studio/showroom to cultivate his art, highly inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a disciple of Warhol’s. FACTORY WEST is the fruition of a longtime vision for Carreon, and a way to resurrect and refresh Warhol’s Factory.

After-hours, FACTORY WEST acts as an exclusive event space for private dinner functions and artist soirees by invite only. To continue to capture the flavor of Warhol’s Factory, the venue will include the Libertine Lounge, a hosted bar featuring expertly crafted cocktails courtesy of Marquis Vodka.

The opening of the space coincides with an artistic overhaul of the neighborhood spearheaded by the building’s owner—Avenues of Art and Design board member and managing partner of Faring Capital, Jason Illoulian. Carreon, Illoulian, and FACTORY WEST cofounder Chris Hemerlein of MDCI GROUP hope the venue will provide a forum for those immersed in the LA art, fashion, and entertainment scenes to mix and collaborate on a nightly basis.