As birds chirp and the sun sets around us, Tunch, Aylin, and I chat by the pool at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica and sip from a world-class wine list while we talk some shop concerning their latest entrepreneurial endeavor, Turquoise Life.  Tunch Doker, a former LVMH employee, and his wife Aylin (the legal […]

Seeking the perfect clutch for one of summer’s must-attend events? Look no further! I can personally guarantee several Kelly Locke, handbag extraordinaire to the stars, produces the exact ‘hand candy’ you are requesting. Of coarse he makes more than clutches…handbags of various sizes as well as iPad slip covers and even a few belts are all in tow for his Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Proceed with caution, for you may find yourself addicted to the exotic skins and intricate top-stitching!

Located at 8741 Alden Drive in Beverly Hills is one of the neighborhood’s most beloved restaurants of over 25 years, CHAYA Brasserie. Wanting to “marry the French and Japanese cuisine concepts,” owner Yuta Tsunoda and the CHAYA team bring more than 400 years of established experience dating back to 17th century Japan infused with innovative ingredients and touches of traditional French cuisine.

Once again Diane Von Furstenberg teams up with H.Stern to produce a collaboration of jewels. While containing DVF’s “powerful, feminine spirit”, H. Stern’s 65-year-old craftsmanship and impeccable attention to detail still very much shine through.

Housing top designers of the international luxury variety, Avedon Boutique guarantees only the finest quality from designers like Roderick Tung – cardiologist turned shirting specialist created the first Italian shirt with a thread count of 200 – and Kelly Locke – the exotic skins of his clutches graze the fingertips of nearly every Red Carpet walker. By intensely emphasizing personal customer relationships, Yasmine Farmanara and Reza Shekarchian have created a lifestyle brand for their loyal celebrity clientele.

Nick Friedberg, the visionary behind the Men and Women’s clothing line NSF, allowed me the pleasure to pick his brain on what fuels his genius via conference call last week. Los Angeles native and inspired, Friedberg spoke of being visual and mentally stimulated by architecture, interior design, and most of all-his surrounding environment.

On Sunday, March 13, 2011, Jonny Cota presented the Men’s and Women’s Fall 2011 Ready – To – Wear Collections under his label, Skingraft at Ace Gallery for Concept Los Angeles Fashion Week. Jonny Cota, often seen in leather and harem pants, has made a name for himself with his innovative construction, impeccable tailoring, and spikey embellishments.

Digital media, paint on canvas, and multimedia art installations all align solid white walls as you enter Ace Gallery on Wilshire Boulevard. Winding corridors lead to a packed pavement rectangle housing the oh-so familiar white folding chairs filled with a sea of fashion followers, editorial press, local designers, and LA socials anxiously awaiting the initial event of the week with pre-show entertainment consisting of black and white graphic canvas paintings along the walls with a dj playing electronic trance mixes to satisfy the crowd.

The retail locale consists of Art Deco architectural design with an essence of 1930s and 1940s décor glamour paired down by playful trinkets (i.e. playing card sets, sprinkles of animal print accents, and delicate porcelain dolls). Design hotspots include a colorful shoe wall, chic glass display fixtures, small clusters of lounge furnishings, and last but not least, a secluded Made-To-Measure nook located at the end of a mirrored corridor. Various Lanvin collections can found, such as women’s, men’s, swim, accessories, and even the bridal collection, Blanche.