Los Angeles Confidential

The Beverly Wilshire Hotel's Leading Man

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500


	A winding staircase leads from the Mezzanine to the Beverly Wing lobby below

	Framed drawings by Chesley McLaren line the cream-colored walls of Trodd’s office

	Trodd’s daily routine includes a morning espresso

Fond childhood memories have been known to set the course for entire careers. Ben Trodd, the general manager of the iconic Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel since last fall, was certainly enchanted by the grandeur and elegance of fine hotels from an early age. Growing up in London, he regularly went to tea with his grandmother at the legendary Claridge’s hotel at a time when the staff still wore elaborate, perfectly starched uniforms. “The pageantry that goes with that makes it very exciting,” says Trodd over coffee at the bustling Blvd restaurant at the equally storied property he now runs. “It was like theater, and it was a little showbizzy. I loved [hotels] from that moment on.”

Having recently moved from Seattle, where he helped open a new Four Seasons in 2008 and acted as its GM until October of last year, Trodd is now charged with overseeing Four Seasons’ most indisputably high-profile property.

Located at the foot of Rodeo Drive, the hotel was famously featured in Pretty Woman, and has long been a magnet for international royalty, politicians, and celebrities. Warren Beatty, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger, Elton John, and Cary Grant were all long-term residents at one time or another. And when President Obama rolled into town last fall, straight-faced Secret Service agents roamed its storied halls. Not that Trodd—a warm but unfailingly discreet exec—will dish on any of his famous clients (he wouldn’t even confirm Obama’s stay), which is exactly why notables feel comfortable under his trusted watch.

Trodd admits “a huge sense of responsibility” comes with his job, but he says it also comes with a sense of honor. “The bar is set very high,” he says. “Guests expect excellence and perfection.”

The dapper Brit, who studied marketing and economics at the University of London, began his career with the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane as a catering manager, eventually moving to the sales side of operations, and ultimately management. And although he’s currently happily ensconced in Manhattan Beach with his wife and three children, Trodd and his family have traveled the world with Four Seasons, opening and managing its various properties in such locales as Lisbon, London, Silicon Valley, and Dublin.

Trodd’s workday begins with reading reports and reacting to any issues with guests from the previous evening. “Then we start the proactive process,” he says. “We look to that day and probably the week ahead,” which means meeting with a team to discuss arrivals and “working out what we can do to make each day special. We have many guests who come here because they like a particular room in a particular corner in a particular color scheme, so we spend a lot of time getting ready for that.”

Trodd’s office, a roomy space with a view of Rodeo Drive, tucked away on the hotel’s Mezzanine level, is as polished and engaging as its denizen. Classic Charles Eames chairs border a minimalist glass-topped desk supporting a 21.5-inch iMac. Fresh-cut flowers, guest comment letters, and photos of his family and his former Four Seasons team in Seattle have a permanent place on his desktop, while a 42-inch flat-screen plasma TV, historic photographs of the Beverly Wilshire, and framed drawings by artist Chesley McLaren (designed specifically for a Beverly Wilshire advertising campaign) festoon the cream-hued walls.

But Trodd doesn’t spend much of his day in the elegant space. He does a daily walk-through of the 395-room hotel, meeting with the different operations departments and “seeing where the pressures are.” Lunch is usually a meeting with a staff member, city official, or “a good client I’d like to spend some time with.” Then he’s off to “greet as many guests as I can. That’s a great way to find out about the hotel that doesn’t involve walking around—it’s about talking to people.”

Later in the day, Trodd typically oversees a meeting “that involves a new innovation or project we’re looking at.” His days end with a “brief wrap-up meeting with my hotel manager so I learn about the operations—and then we start planning for the evening events.”

Fortunately, the social elements of his job are amongst his favorites. “You have to enjoy it—the meeting people, the being out there,” says Trodd. “I love the energy of it all.”

Celebrities Test Drive PlayStation’s New Handheld

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:57:00 -0500

Josh Duhamel holding the Sony PlayStation Vita Portable Entertainment System

It was playtime for Josh Duhamel, Liam Hemsworth, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Pete Wentz at Sony PlayStation’s launch party for the highly anticipated PS Vita Portable Entertainment System. On February 15, Hollywood’s Siren Studios transformed into an interactive playground where tech-savvy guests competed in high-end games and shared their gaming status on Twitter using the new handheld device, all while to the tune of beats spun by Wentz and Jesse Marco. Packed with innovative advancements, the PS Vita includes a five-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen, touchscreen, app-style interface, and front and rear cameras for catching all the action.

Style News: Clare Vivier Teams with Theory

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:46:00 -0500

Clare Vivier’s second collaboration (available in March) with Theory is the perfect balance of work and play. The LA-based handbag designer reworked her classic styles to fit with Theory’s spring 2012 line. The result is simplistic, sporty, and functional. We especially love the Weekender (ABOVE), an oversize denim-inspired cotton tote—and the line’s sole unisex item—ideal for the office or a weekend getaway. 8428 Melrose Ave. , West Hollywood, 323-782-0163‎

Talking Shop with Grimm’s Russell Hornsby

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:13:00 -0500

Fighting to keep humanity safe from things that go bump in the night is a daily routine for Russell Hornsby in his role as detective Hank Griffin on NBC’s Grimm. We sat down with the star of the supernatural series to learn more about his roots as a stage actor and the “swagger” he shares with his character.

What was your initial reaction to the concept of Grimm, and the script?
RUSSELL HORNSBY: My first reaction? Wow, this works for me. I could see myself in the world that the writers had created. I am a dreamer, but I am also a realist so it all made sense to me to have these two worlds collide.

Do you share anything in common with your character?
RH: It would be unfair for me not to share how grateful I am that the creative team of Grimm has always allowed me to infuse a great deal of Russell into the fabric of the character of Hank. That being said, I think we—Hank and I—both share an interesting mix of a soulful and slightly cynical demeanor, with just enough swagger to keep us both fun and relevant.

What is your dream role?
RH: I come from the stage, so my dream role may not be what people expect. I would very much like to bring my interpretation to the role of Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire. I find him a fascinating man and character study.

What is the greatest misconception about you?
RH: Each time I take to the stage or screen, I shed one skin and take on another. I think sometimes this can be confusing for people. In the end, I really don’t think about it too much, but I would hope that people do remember that behind every actor is a person and, with that being said, I am as multi-faceted as Russell as I am when I am doing my job and sharing a character—as I do on Grimm.

Read more from Joshua Estrin at popmuncher.com.

Longchamp in Bloom

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:36:00 -0500

Designer Mary Katrantzou brings her flare for prints to a new capsule collection for Longchamp. The East meets West theme offers brightly colored motifs perfect for spring. 333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714-436-1963

Riding the Neon Wave

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:21:00 -0500

Anniversary Louboutins

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:04:00 -0500

Over the past two decades, Parisian designer Christian Louboutin has created some of the most coveted footwear on the planet. To celebrate, Louboutin has launched a 20th anniversary capsule collection made up of 20 shoe styles and 6 handbags—all reinterpretations of the brand’s classic red-soled designs. Inspired by a mix of art, travel, architecture, and cabaret, the line includes sky-high feathered pumps, embellished flats, fringed boots, and ornate shoulder bags. Here’s a look at some of our favorite pieces in the collection, which hits stores in later this month. 650 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood

Fitness Find: Gym-Friendly Ballet Flats

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:33:00 -0500

The Physique 57 shoe

Stay fashionably fit with Blake Brody In-Studio Footwear’s latest workout shoe. A collaboration with barre fitness studio Physique 57, the limited-edition shoe combines the elegance of a ballet slipper with advanced fitness footwear technology. The Physique 57 shoe ($105) features the exercise brand’s signature light blue and black color scheme adorned with Brody’s corset heel detail and translucent shoe grips. The snug fit and breathable vegan material also help with arch support and preventing slips. The shoe is now on pre-order and available March 1 at blakebrody.com and physique57.com.

A Foie Gras Feast at The Royce

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:56:00 -0500

The Royce

The Royce at The Langham Huntington Pasadena will welcome D’Artagnan owner Ariane Daguin for two special dinners celebrating the flavors of the Southwest on February 28 and 29. (D’Artagnan was the first purveyor of game and foie gras in the U.S.) Widely known as “Ms. Foie Gras,” Daguin will join chef David Féau in creating a unique five-course tasting menu of game, foie gras, cassoulet, and other regional specialties from the Pyrénées. Each course will be complimented with wine pairings by sommelier Eric Espuny. Reserve your spot through roycela.com or 626-585-6410.

Spring Trend: Pastel Suits

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Pale pink cotton blazer, Ermenegildo Zegna ($2,095). 301 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-247-8827. Light poplin shirt, Prada ($390). South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, 714-338-2200. Pale pink eyelet pocket square, Alexander Olch ($55). Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-276-4400

Pastels have long had a presence in spring fashion, although pale pinks and buttery shades of yellow have usually been associated with womenswear. For Spring 2012, all that changes, as shades ranging from powder blue to light turquoise take over men’s suiting. Designers including Moschino and Canali are showing baby-pink in sophisticated silhouettes like a tuxedo jacket and slim two-button suits, respectively. Lanvin designed a simple one-button suit in pale yellow, wearable any hour of the day or night. Meanwhile, no design house embraced the pastel trend this season quite as thoroughly and stylishly as Ermenegildo Zegna. “Our Spring Summer 2012 Collection plays around with sun-bleached colors, soft silhouettes, and high-performance finishing in fabrics that result in contemporary elegance with a natural and relaxed attitude,” says Anna Zegna, image director for the brand. As for why these chic, pale hues work so well for Angelenos, Zegna says, “The look is effortlessly chic—ideal for the Los Angeles lifestyle.” It may take a little getting used to, but we think Zegna’s grayishpink blazer is poised to become the next must-have classic.

And the Best Costume Award Goes to…

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:12:00 -0500

A costume sketch by Mark Bridges for the character of Peppy Miller played
by Bérénice Bejo in The Artist

Want to see The Artist in color? You can, when the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) reveals its “20th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design” exhibit (February 14 to April 28). Clothing from the black-and-white Oscar nominated film will be among the 100 costumes from more than 20 films displayed. Look for costumes from all five this year’s Academy Award nominees for best costume design (Anonymous, Hugo, Jane Eyre, W.E., and The Artist), as well as the 2011 Oscar-winning costumes from Alice in Wonderland. 919 S. Grand Ave., LA

Tony Bennett and LAC Celebrate the Grammy Awards

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:21:00 -0500

Bennett and friends raise a glass to this year's Grammy nominees at Crustacean Beverly Hills.

Oscar Hopeful Demián Bichir on A Better Life

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:26:00 -0500

Demián Bichir

“As an actor, you want a role that will stretch your range as much as possible,” said Demián Bichir of his Oscar-nominated turn as the beleaguered immigrant gardener Carlos Galindo in A Better Life. A celebrated Mexican star, Bichir’s emotional portrayal of Galindo, an undocumented worker struggling to provide for his son in East Los Angeles, has him pitted against the likes of George Clooney, Jean Dujardin, Gary Oldman, and Brad Pitt for the best actor in a leading role award.

What attracted you to this role?
DB: Being an Angeleno myself, I know exactly what the script is about. I found a Hollywood story without the Hollywood gimmicks—and so rich in emotion, and a physical challenge as well.

Do you think the film inspires people to think differently about illegal immigration?
DB: You cannot think about Carlos Galindo’s story without thinking about the need for immigration reform for 11 million human beings. You know what I’ve gotten from friends? ‘I didn’t know my status towards immigration could change in two hours.’

You’ve been called the George Clooney of Mexico. How does it now feel to be nominated alongside Clooney?
DB: I’ve read that but I don’t even know who began saying that! I see it as a huge compliment, but I think I may be closer to Homer Simpson. I never thought I’d even be in the same category as George.

Few Latino actors are nominated for Academy Awards. How does it feel to be one of them?
DB: It’s a handful but it should be bigger. It makes me even more grateful to be part of it. I’m the second Mexican actor to be nominated for a leading role, and the other guy is Anthony Quinn. How crazy is that?

What do you like to do when you’re not busy with a film project?
DB: I’m a pretty mellow and quiet person. In my free time I exercise, go see a movie, read a good book, and I love the opera. I try to take it easy.

Questions With: Revenge Star James Tupper

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500

James Tupper

According to creator Mike Kelly, ABC’s Revenge is a show about a universal emotion that “is as old as humanity—dark, dramatic, and endless.” And, if that’s not enough to endear you, the show is set in the Hamptons and stars the very sexy James Tupper.

Did you expect Revenge to be such a hit?
JAMES TUPPER: The pilot had already been produced with another actor in the role of David Clarke. Something came up that made it impossible for him to continue with the project so I was given the opportunity to take a look. I loved it. It was smart, daring, and it had all the ingredients for good television.

David embodies “revenge.” Are there any similarities between yourself and your character?
JT: I want to be very careful in my answer, as I don’t want anyone to construe that I am some kind of psychopath. But, David lost the love of his life and whether we admit it or not, revenge is a very human response. We can place judgment on it or we can simply admit that, for many, when we are hurt, we secretly want to hurt back. I can understand David’s desire for revenge.

What’s your reaction to being called one of TVs sexiest stars?
JT: I am not 25 anymore, not even close. So if people still consider me ‘sexy,’ well, I would be a fool not to embrace it.

Is it true that you lived on a coffee farm in Africa and learned to speak Swahili?
JT: It is true. I lived with a family in East Africa. I was 19 and I guess I felt I had to walk all over creation only to find that people are people wherever you go. I also fell in love with soccer, but the team wore horrible shorts that left nothing to the imagination.

What is the greatest misconception about you?
JT: Well not to harp on the ‘sexy thing,’ but I am often cast as a leading man. And don’t get me wrong, I enjoy it and I am grateful, but, to be honest, I really feel like a character actor.

Read more from Joshua Estrin at popmuncher.com.

A Cocktail for the Grammys

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:02:00 -0500

An awards show viewing party is not complete without an appropriately themed cocktail. The upcoming Grammy Awards (February 12) demand something music-themed, and Diddy’s CÎROC Life cocktail seems as fitting as any.

CÎROC Life
SERVES ONE

1 1/2 ounces CÎROC Peach
1 1/2 ounces tonic

Add ingredients to a tumbler filled with ice.

Tips for Flawless Red Carpet Skin

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500


	Dr. Karyn Grossman treats some of Hollywood’s top talent

Once again, awards season has arrived, bringing with it a flurry of stars prepping for their crimson-carpet strolls. As a result, Dr. Karyn Grossman’s calendar becomes more than a little hectic this time of year. She lets us in on what it takes to get ready for your close-up.

What is one of the most common problems celebrities come to you for during awards season?
DR. KARYN GROSSMAN: While starlets regularly protect and work on their faces, skin-baring dresses often reveal neglected sun-damaged chests, backs, and arms. One former beach bunny-turned-actress came to me wanting to avoid body makeup to cover her sun damage, so I started her on ActiveFX laser treatments, which even pigmentation and improve fine lines and skin texture. This fractionated CO2 laser removes tiny bits of skin, leaving normal skin in between, which results in decreased pigment and improved texture and fine lines. This is an ideal treatment for men and women with sun-damaged or acne-scarred faces or bodies. A little extra TLC was needed during her 10-day healing process, but two treatments later the laser had restored her neck, chest, back, arms, and hands to creamy perfection. The results last for years, provided the patient uses sunscreen regularly.

How do you make sure your patients don’t get the LA “overdone” look?
Before the 2011 awards, one nominee said to me, “I want to look better, but not so Hollywood. I don’t want anyone to know I have done anything.” That’s not an infrequent request. Many actors are concerned about being immortalized in a tabloid “before” and “after.” The solution we came up with was carefully placed fillers. Many in Hollywood look “done” because of fillers placed in the central face; however, filling the periphery of the face restores lost volume, lifts, softens lines, and creates an entirely natural look. The trick here is the combination of fillers in those outer areas that naturally deflate with age, along with tiny doses of Botox that dampen—but don’t remove—expression. As each filler has slightly different characteristics, I often combine them to provide the best result. A combination of Radiesse, Restylane, and Juvéderm XC, with just a hint of Botox, rounded out this actress’s treatment. Afterward, to maintain, I did small touch-ups on the fillers every six months and on the Botox every three to four months.

The big event is approaching, and a star doesn’t feel her best. What can she do last minute that will make her glow on the red carpet?
One Hollywood beauty had a less-than-flattering shot taken by the paparazzi days before a big event, making her paranoid that her face looked tired and a little heavy. She wanted to know what she could do with so little time. My answer was Thermage. The gold standard of tissue tightening, this no-downtime treatment can be done a few days prior to a big event to help lift and tighten the skin instantly. The radio-frequency heat shrinks and tightens collagen coils and stimulates new collagen formation over the next few months, resulting in instant lift along with continued long-term improvement. The treatment works best on those who need a little “snugging” of the face (i.e. lifting the brow and jowls, softening the nasolabial folds, and opening slightly heavy upper lids). And, best of all, it is also “color-blind,” which means it can be used on people of every skin tone. Results last approximately two years, but patients often come in for touchups every year to year and a half in order to stay ahead of the game.

And what if you’re literally out of time? Is there any procedure that is safe to do on the actual day of an event?
Panic often sets in on the day of an event when stars discover late-night preparties have dulled their skin. A well-known Hollywood makeup artist started many actresses on the trick of a light TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel after she noted how glowing, perfectly smooth, and even her skin looked after having one. I personally prefer TCA over the other peels because it is less irritating and can produce widely varied results depending on strength and concentration. When applied, the acid coagulates the proteins in the uppermost layer of the skin, creating a super smooth finish, which flakes off two to three days later. Now, my awards-morning routine includes making several TCA-peel house calls before sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the show. grossmandermatology.com