Style / Insights

Adam Levine Launches a Fragrance

The Maroon 5 frontman stages an interactive exhibit to spotlight his two new scents.

February 06, 2013


Adam Levine fragrances for men (LEFT) and for women (RIGHT).

Maroon 5 frontman and The Voice star Adam Levine will introduce his own eponymous fragrances here in Los Angeles on February 7. To celebrate the launch of his scents—one for men, one for women—Levine has created a pop-up exhibit in West Hollywood that invites Angelenos to get a behind-the-scenes look at their origins (through February 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily). This unique installation houses three separate environments, each embodying the scent’s three distinct notes. Visitors will be able to progress from the TOP to MID to DRY rooms, exploring the individual scents and elements that went into the perfume-making process.

Levine’s fragrances were created in collaboration with ID Perfumes, best known for successfully launching Katy Perry’s premiere scent Purr by Katy Perry. Levine's eau de parfum for women comprises powerful Indian jasmine, Australian sandalwood, rose petal, and vanilla aromas, while the men’s eau de toilette is balanced with citrus and wood notes. The bottle pays homage to Levine’s career, with a sleek microphone-like shape and silver mesh cap. 3.4-ounce bottles retail exclusively at Macy’s for $65. 7210 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, 424-239-9804

—Alexandra Calamari

 

Isabel Marant Opens on Melrose

Melrose goes boho with the opening of French fashion house Isabel Marant.

January 22, 2013


ABOVE & RIGHT: Dreamy stretch leather dress ($3,295) and Clemence studded leather pump ($800), both from Marant’s Spring/ Summer 2013 collection.

White studded, flared trousers; red leather minidresses; and sheer beaded tunics are just a few of the eclectic pieces that line the walls of the new Isabel Marant boutique. Evocative of a roaming gypsy’s closet, the label’s signature paisley and floral prints appear right at home in the charming white cottage that once belonged to LA interior designer Rose Tarlow.

With a picturesque garden out front, light wood floors, and several large windows, the space has a relaxed, idyllic sensibility that feels distinctly LA and is markedly different than Marant’s New York storefront, which serves as the label’s only other US outpost. The 1,076-square-foot space features Isabel Marant’s entire ready-to-wear and Étoile collections, as well as jewelry, footwear, and accessories. Particularly striking are a pair of black studded ladylike pumps, an embellished bordeaux handbag, and a red miniskirt from her Spring/Summer 2013 collection. 8454 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-651-1493


 

Spring Pastels Reign Supreme at Joe's

It’s raining spring pastels at the new Joe’s flagship.

January 22, 2013


Gianni denim trousers, Joe’s Jeans ($158 each).

Los Angeles–based denim company Joe's Jeans fêted the opening of its West Coast flagship store with a grand opening hosted by the label’s founder and creative director, Joe Dahan and Sophia Bush. Decorated with one-of-a-kind vintage furniture, arched mirrors, and an original sculpted fireplace, the 2,700-square-foot shop feels at once casual and unique. “With Los Angeles being home to our brand, we wanted our Melrose Place boutique to reflect an inviting and at-home feeling,” Dahan explains.

Stocking the complete men’s denim and contemporary collections, the shop carries linen V-necks, plaid button-downs, striped tanks, and rolled, slouchy, slim trousers in this season’s most celebrated colors: mint, mauve, pink flush, rock, shark, and ultra blue. Throw a few pairs of these effortless separates in Joe’s canvas weekender, and you’ll be ready for an impromptu getaway in no time. 8432 Melrose Pl., LA, 323- 944-0656


 

Melinda Maria's Limited-Edition Pieces

Melinda Maria introduces a collection of Oscar-worthy limited-edition jewels.

January 14, 2013


Druzy cuff, ($2,900). Druzy Fringe earrings, ($1,498).

Seen on the likes of Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba, Megan Fox, and Emma Stone, Melinda Maria Spigel’s namesake jewelry line is practically a red-carpet mainstay, which undoubtedly explains why E! Television bestowed her with the well-deserved title of “Hollywood’s Bling Queen.”

Launched in Downtown Los Angeles in 2005, the collection of costume jewelry reflects an effortless glamour inspired by Spigel’s Southern Californian surroundings. “I love dramatic jewelry, but I also love to feel comfortable and not overdone,” says the designer. “My pieces are high-impact, but easy to wear.”

Alluringly dramatic when stacked and layered, the 14k gold necklaces, bracelets, and cocktail rings appear equally as stunning when worn alone and feature vibrant green tourmalines, blue topazes, and rich rubies. New for spring, the designer applies her signature versatility to the Druzy collection, a limited-edition line showcasing the crystallized rock fracture in such eye-catching pieces as a pair of fringe earrings, a multi-chain necklace, and an amber arm cuff.

“I have selected the best druzys I could find in their natural state. The huge bib necklace has 10 giant druzys hanging from it, and I wore it with a casual J.Crew sweater, boyfriend jeans, and flats, and it looked very cool. That same night, I wore the necklace with a long strapless black dress and it helped make my look. So, you can really wear the pieces anywhere.” Meche, 8822 Burton Way, LA, 310-278-8930


 

Ferragamo Kicks Take a Cue from Hockney

Artist David Hockney is the inspiration behind Ferragamo’s latest kicks.

December 17, 2012

Blue and orange leather sneakers, Salvatore Ferragamo, $550.

As a departure from the dark and moody look of Salvatore Ferragamo’s Fall collection, Spring/Summer 2013’s collection was a never-ending parade of color-blocked outfits. The label’s usual array of classic loafers and lace-up shoes were replaced by colorful sneakers that further punched up the collection. Inspired by David Hockney, the shoes pay homage to the artist and his roots in Los Angeles. For more than 30 years, Hockney has considered LA his home, and his work reflects the lifestyle and landscape here. Hockney’s penchant for the bright, bold palette of his beloved Los Angeles can be seen in these statement-making shoes. Beverly Center, LA, 310-652-0279


 

Joie Makes a Home on Melrose

Joie channels “California Cool ” in effortlessly glam clothing and accessories.

December 10, 2012

Andelle top, Joie, $218.

Based in Downtown LA, with boutiques in Paris, New York, and Newport Beach, Joie has opened its fourth location on Melrose Avenue. “It seemed natural that our next West Coast location would be in LA, Joie’s hometown. Melrose serves as the perfect backdrop for the brand, which is inspired by Southern California and its casual, yet sophisticated way of life,” says Creative Director/CEO Serge Azria.

Joining the block’s other prestigious brands (Marc by Marc Jacobs, Herve Leger, and Theory), the 1,640-square-foot shop boasts an impressive selection of cashmere sweaters, silk blouses, trousers, and dresses, in addition to an assortment of versatile shoes and handbags. Especially notable this holiday season is the label’s cerulean cashmere turtleneck and a shimmering, beaded, scalloped tank top and matching miniskirt perfect for upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations. 8414 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-330-1255


 

Santa Monica Place Adds Emporio Armani

Santa Monica place adds Emporio Armani to its luxe list of heavy hitters.

November 13, 2012

Purple leather tote, Emporio Armani ($1,625).

Just in case dining at Mélisse, shopping at Fred Segal, or enjoying the spa at Shutters on the Beach aren’t reasons enough to head to Santa Monica, you may now add Emporio Armani to the list. On November 16, the iconic design house unveils a 2,250-square-foot shop featuring ready-to-wear collections for both men and women, and a well-curated selection of watches, jewelry, and undergarments. Additional pieces include denim from AJ Armani Jeans and sportswear from the EA7 line. Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310-260-8333


 

Officine Panerai Celebrates La Jolla Store

La Jolla inspires watchmaker Officine Panerai to launch a new style and a new store.

November 13, 2012

To celebrate the opening of its new La Jolla boutique, Italian watchmaker Officine Panerai looked to the city’s iconic seaside beauty as the inspiration for its latest timepiece. The 47mm PAM 480 Radiomir 10 Days GMT ($15,900) features a polished-steel case and a black face on an understated brown calf strap, while the back of the watch is engraved with the image of La Jolla’s coastline. Likewise, Panerai’s new 925-square-foot store on Prospect Street is a gem, featuring nautical accents that speak to the brand’s historic association with the Italian navy.

Founded in 1860 as a watchmaker’s workshop and school, Officine Panerai was the official supplier of the Italian navy’s timepieces (the Luminor watch was one of several special projects that were considered military secrets until 1997), all of which make its new maritime home an ideal fit. 1137 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 855-459-1950


 

California Creation: Burke Williams Youth Cell Activator

Renowned California-based spa turns back the clock with new anti-aging cream.

November 06, 2012

For almost 30 years, Burke Williams Day Spa has been providing a luxurious escape for Californians up and down the coast, but with the launch of their new Youth Cell Activator ($97.50), you don’t have to be at the spa to receive a restorative skin treatment. Part of Burke Williams’ exclusive H2V skincare line, the Youth Cell Activator is a plant-based blend, designed to stimulate and reactivate the skin’s own at-risk stem cells. The result is a fast-acting cream that works to combat skin sagging and wrinkles, while helping to fight off free radicals. With no exfoliates, and twice the amount of active ingredients found in your typical over-the-counter anti-aging cream, the Youth Cell Activator promotes moisture retention and increases collagen and elastin without drying or irritating the skin.

All H2V products combine natural botanical ingredients with scientific formulas designed to repair aging skin. The Youth Cell Activator, along with other products from the H2V line like blemish treatments and eye creams, are available at any Burke Williams location, including Sherman Oaks, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Pasadena. To find the location nearest you, or to schedule a day at the spa, visit burkewilliamsspa.com.

—Alexandra Calamari

 

Silver Threads Opens in Malibu

Lensman Larry Sands opens up a new kind of shop in Malibu.

November 01, 2012


Silver Threads, in Malibu, is a cozy mini boutique featuring luxe, one-of-a-kind items.

What’s old is new again for designer/entrepreneur Larry Sands. It turns out the eyewear king’s latest concept store, Silver Threads, first launched for a five-year stint in Aspen in 1975. Sands, founder and former CEO of Optical Shop of Aspen and known for Chrome Hearts Eyewear’s distinctive designs, opened Silver Threads as an emporium of items created by artisans in the surrounding Colorado mountains, with products ranging from coyote jackets, buffalo-hide coats, and beaded deerskin dresses to jewelry and boots.

Thirty-seven years later, Sands opened Silver Threads in Malibu, the place he and wife Christina call home. “In essence, it’s a superluxury, mini boutique department store,” quips Sands. “A mix of everything... my wife and I love.” This time around, the coyote jackets are gone but the luxe-meets-cool-factor remains. The shop, replete with fireplace, carries one-of-a-kind items, such as pens by Montegrappa—which produces the fine-writing instruments used to sign many political treaties—and jewelry by Garrard, the brand famous for crafting tiaras and other jewels for Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. Also available are Leica binoculars, hard-to-find coffee-table books, and Silver Threads-label men’s pants and jackets. “This store is so full of love and [is] cozy with a capital C,” says Sands. “You can’t come in here without wanting to buy.” Malibu Country Mart, Malibu, 310-456-2366

—lila abramson

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