Check out new brick-and-mortars from Hermès, Ray-Ban and Dos Gardenias, plus pop-ups and fresh collections from even more favorites
Words by MARIE LOOK, ELIZABETH VARNELL, MARGRIT JACOBSEN and KELLY ATTERTON
Precious Metals
“I want people to love their jewelry forever, not just for a few seasons,” says Jenna Grosfeld, the Los Angeles-based designer behind the vintage-inspired, modern-crafted Jenna Blake Jewelry line. (Think layered, bold-colored stones such as malachite, coral and lapis set in chunky gold — art deco meets the ’70s.) “I teach my customers the art of curating timeless pieces, rather than buying one-hit wonders.” Grosfeld recently debuted her shoppable website and launched an exclusive collection of Erté-inspired 18-karat gold-and-enamel initial charms with Moda Operandi. When not busy designing future heirlooms, Grosfeld is called upon as a creative consultant, recently collaborating with Costa Palmas, the chic new resort community in Los Cabos, Mexico.
In the Bag
Los Angeles-based designer Jonathan Simkhai frequently steps out of his La Cienega atelier to check in on dress fittings at his adjacent sunlit boutique. Now, with the launch of four handmade Italian leather bags, he’s devised the perfect pairing for his trademark diaphanous slip dresses. Offered in tonal neutrals, including black and white, the hobo (Donna), mini crossbody (Mara), envelope clutch (Isha) and micro belt styles (Femme) are exclusive to the L.A. flagship and online via Apple Pay checkout. 653 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 424-284-3830.
Shine On
Modern diamond designs developed by Parisian jeweler Valérie Messika, including Messika Paris’ newest Lucky Move collection — rife with talismanic necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings awash in pavés — recently debuted stateside this October in Century City. In partnership with Westime, the daughter of famed diamond merchant André Messika has stocked her namesake brand’s first U.S. boutique with standouts like the flexible Skinny diamond bracelets she pioneered, stark geometric Move rings and bold My Twin asymmetric earrings. Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 310-277-3898.
Homecoming King
Telltale Grecques molded glass globe lights, originally designed for Hermès in 1925, are once again casting a diffused glow inside the French saddler’s Grant Avenue boutique in San Francisco. The expansive new 22,000-square-foot flagship returns each of Hermès’ 16 métiers — from scarves to ties, perfume to crystal, watches to ready-to-wear and all manner of leather goods designed by the much lauded Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski — to the landmarked space where they resided in the aughts. On the ground level are waitlist-worthy bags, silks, accessories, timepieces, fragrances and — naturellement — equestrian accoutrements. Climb the solid oak staircase to the sun-soaked new second floor, which includes a coffee bar in addition to shoes, fine jewelry and an extended home design assortment. Interior terra-cotta hues and wood tones symbolize the sun’s golden glow while also illuminating exclusives such as a one-of-a-kind Kelly bag and Cosmographia Universalis scarf, plus straps for the Apple Watch Hermès. 125 Grant Ave., S.F., 415-391-7200.
Right Foot Forward
It was in an Otis College of Art and Design class on footwear that vegan luxury shoe brand Taylor & Thomas was conceived. Sharing a passion for fashion and a similar sense of urgency for ethical practices, Jessica Taylor Mead and Elizabeth Thomas James have created a 100-percent sustainable and cruelty-free company, and they’re just getting started.
Globe-trotting
Travel-inspired shoe and accessories brand Res Ipsa — which has brick-and-mortar locations in Nantucket, Mass., and Aspen, Co. — has good news for West Coast fans. The label has debuted not one but two (albeit temporary) outposts in Los Angeles: a residency through the end of the month with local company Atelier & Repairs, which has devoted a corner of its Melrose-area store to Res Ipsa’s covetable kilim sneakers (made by hand using fabric from vintage Turkish rugs); and a Platform LA pop-up, featuring one-of-a-kind upcycled garments and footwear, through January. L.A.-based designer Brett Greenstein collaborated on the eclectic interiors and buildout of the latter. Don’t miss your chance to pick out in person a pair of loafers, sneakers or chukka boots, or a backpack or weekender that is sure to be unlike any other. Platform LA, 8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Atelier & Repairs, 710 N. Edinburgh Ave., L.A., 323-424-4844.
Swim for It
Dos Gardenias’ new flagship store is appropriately just a short distance from the beach, in the heart of Malibu. Featuring an enclosed outdoor lounge area complete with a bar and screening facilities (which will come in handy for gatherings that the brand plans to host), plus a showroom housed within a repurposed shipping container, the new minimalist space will also serve as the environmentally conscious label’s headquarters. Shop bikinis, one-pieces and wetsuits featuring sleek silhouettes and high-performing technical fabrics; and don’t miss Dos Gardenias’ first fully sustainable collection, created using Econyl yarn made from old fishing nets and discarded industrialized plastics, giving ocean waste a new life as something both useful and beautiful. 3728 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, 424-644-0484.
Scents and Sensibility
For the first time ever, Maison Margiela Fragrances has debuted a freestanding pop-up at South Coast Plaza, where you can shop all 15 scents in the Replica collection, each one an olfactory experience that brings to life a distinct yet familiar period and place — think Beach Walk, Jazz Club, Lazy Sunday Morning and Flower Market, to name a few. Shoppers can even personalize their fragrance labels with their own (or a recipient’s) name, and a unique location and time, plus add a photo of a treasured moment (printed onto a fragrance pouch using an on-site iPhone printer). Best of all, exclusive Maison Margiela wrapping will also be available, for that extra special touch just in time for the holidays. South Coast Plaza, Level 1, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa.
Open House
Iconic eyewear brand Ray-Ban’s newly unveiled Los Angeles flagship on Abbot Kinney marks its first stand-alone space in the L.A. area, intended to be the West Coast counterpart to the New York City SoHo store. Featuring a matte charcoal interior and industrial-inspired fixtures set inside a charming, historic bungalow on Venice’s trendiest shopping boulevard, the outpost offers a selection of the latest looks and timeless favorites curated specifically with a California clientele in mind. Rocco Basilico, general manager for the company’s North American retail operations, says the space “reflects Ray-Ban’s DNA, the authenticity and creativity which has driven the brand since 1937.” The label — seen on such tastemakers as Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lawrence and David Beckham — aims for the space to be not merely a store but also a hub for members of the community who are passionate about style, art, music and food. With that in mind, Ray-Ban designed a Venice exclusive in collaboration with hip beverage company and Abbot Kinney neighbor Cha Cha Matcha: a pair of ultracool, semitranslucent, pink-hued sunglasses. But hurry if you want them — Basilico says he and the team made just 40 pairs. 1420 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice.
Feature image: Inside luxury swimwear brand DOS GARDENIAS’ new store in Malibu.
Nov. 8, 2019
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