Following his return to Rodeo Drive, the designer shares his idyllic coastal haunts
Interview by ELIZABETH VARNELL
Where do you live?
We live in Greenwich Village in New York, but I have always considered myself bicoastal because my grandparents, and then later my mother, moved to L.A. when I was a teenager.
Where do you feel most zen?
On Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur.
What’s your mantra?
You can be chic and have a sense of humor.
Favorite park?
I’m always knocked out by the explosion of nature in Golden Gate Park. To have that right in the center of one of my favorite cities, with its world-class museums — nothing can beat it.
Favorite beach?
Miramar Beach in Montecito has great people-watching and a perfect California vibe.
Favorite health food fix?
Does a McCarthy chopped salad at the Polo Lounge count?
Do you follow a diet?
I try to stick to clean protein and veggies, but I will never turn down a great bowl of pasta or a perfect slice of pizza.
Favorite hotel?
Beverly Hills Hotel for the pool, the cabanas, the gardens, and all the pink and green.
Favorite workout?
Pilates at home.
Favorite home items?
Diptyque candles in Jasmin and Baies, and virtually everything from March in San Francisco and Galerie Half in L.A.
Favorite spa? Treatment?
A deep tissue massage at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur with the windows open is total bliss.
Where do you take visiting friends in California?
I love the legendary spots throughout the state, from the Tonga Room in San Francisco and Deetjen’s in Big Sur to Melvyn’s in Palm Springs and Musso & Frank in Hollywood. All of it is California history at its best.
What’s in your bathroom cabinet?
Kiehl’s ultra facial moisturizer, Glossier boy brow, Leonor Greyl shampoo, La Mer lip balm, and lemon soap from Carthusia in Capri, Italy.
What do you wear to relax?
The Elder Statesman black cashmere track pants.
What do you wear to work out?
A black T-shirt and shorts from James Perse.
What book are you reading?
Mike Nichols: A Life by Mark Harris.
Favorite music to help you relax?
Rufus Wainwright, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, and Stephen Sanchez.
Favorite drive?
I love the drive from Montecito over the mountains to Ojai in a convertible.
Favorite podcast?
In Vogue: The Archives.
This story originally appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of C Magazine.
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