LA CANVAS - THE VACATION ISSUE (SUMMER 2016)

The

vacation issue

D J M u s ta r d • M e x i c o W i n e C o u n t r y FYF Fest • Revolve • Azizi Gibson • Platform R i c a r d o Z a r at e • M u s e u m o f B r o k e n Relationships • Paley Fairman • manuela Luke McGarry • River Tiber • Marina Fini

Los Ange les

Jessica Koslow • Luke Chiswell • Dinner tylynn nguyen • Kind Traveler

PAMPATECH CITYPROOF

COMING SOON TO:

PALLADIUM BOOTS GLENDALE GALLERIA

LORIN

3RD ST. PROMENADE, SANTA MONICA

ISSUE 34

THE VACATION ISSUE

W W W . L A C A N VA S . C O M

the vacation issue PUBLISHER M A N A G I N G E D I TO R S D I R E C TO R O F P A R T N E R S H I P S C O P Y E D I TO R SENIOR DESIGNER

Want to contribute? Send all editorial submissions to submit@lacanvas.com

Joey Cavallo

Sara Fay

Regina Rosato

C O N T R I B U TO R S

Garth Trinidad, Kimberly Johnson, Jesy Odio, Renée George, Allison Calhoun

SUBSCRIPTION SUPERVISOR

SUBMISSIONS

Virginia Ibarra , Megan Laber

Emman Montalvan, Paley Fairman, Ryan Skinner

E D I TO R I A L A S S I S TA N T S

1933 S. Broadway, 11th Fl., Los Angeles CA 90007 pr@lacanvas.com

Dante Colombatti

P H OTO G R A P H Y

F I N A N C E D I R E C TO R

CONTACT

summer 2016

Cole Westerholm

Amanda Jolicoeur-Louis, Laquan Lewis

Ara Patel

© 2016 by LA CANVAS. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from LA CANVAS. LA Canvas makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but is not responsible for unsolicited or contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork, or advertisements. LA Canvas is not held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

table of contents S U M M E R 2016

On The Reg

art

Noted page 6

Street Art page 22

Dot Com page 9

LUKE CHISWELL page 24

Spotlight page 28

Museum of Broken Relationships page 26

la canvas cares page 58 event calendar page 61 last look page 64

marina fini page 31 luke mcgarry page 33

music

fashion

dj Mustard page 10

Platform page 34

Dinner’s playlist page 16

Revolve page 36

FYF fest’s Sean Carlson page 20

Tylynn Nguyen page 38

river tiber page 30

Trend Matrix page 41

food

travel

Your Guide to K-Town’s coffee scene page 18

Mexican Wine Country page 42

jessica koslow of sqirl page 32 Chef Ricardo zarate of rosaline page 52 Manuela page 54 la’s best hotel eateries page 56 bartender Ryan Hooks page 57

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P ISSU E 34

phuket page 48 Scottsdale page 49 London page 50

NO T E D

FOR THOSE WHO BUY LOCAL

[ C OA ST T O C O STA . C O M ]

DON 'T J UST STAND THER E Inspired by the unique ideas of groundbreaking artists like Andreas Gursky, Jeff Koons and Robert Rauschenberg, The Broad will be hosting monthly events filled with art, music and performances that aim to create a fully immersive atmosphere worthy of each highlighted act. The first Summer Happening (June 25th) is inspired

by Cindy Sherman, and will feature Perfume Genius, Narcissister, Lotic and Mutant Salon. Finally, an art museum that gets it. [ T H E B R OA D . C O M ]

TAK E M E AWAY FROM IT ALL We welcome a curation when it comes to the limitless world of music streaming. It gives those with shit to do less leg work. Noon Pacific is an app that releases a ten-song playlist every Monday come lunch hour. Just download the app and check back every week for a selection straight from a beach shack in Newport.

They’ll sail you through the rest of the work day with a sense of ease and a few new tunes for your summer playlist. [ N O O N PAC I F I C . C O M ]

WOR LDW IDE S NAC K C LUB Try the World is offering a new take on traditional munchies. The gourmet subscription box service sends you on a journey to a new destination with each delivery. For just $15 a month, you can try five snacks from different countries on a monthly basis. From chef-curated Swedish snacks to a Portuguese cheese plate, this is truly international snacking. [ T RY T H EW O R L D . C O M ]

Left Page: Coast To Costa: Image by Nicholas Roberts, The Broad: Image courtesy of Lotic, Noon Pacific: Image courtesy of Noon Pacific, Try the World: Image courtesy of Try The World.

Has your wanderlust been deprived as of late? Coast to Costa has some of the best all-inclusive travel tour options around.

And we’re not talking the cruise mom and dad dragged you along on for last Christmas. Each trip is tailored to your interests, so no more hiding away in your hotel room because you’re not into the scheduled activities. Coast to Costa provides you with round-trip transportation, a killer pad in a hip neighborhood and optional nightly dinner and drinks at the city’s best restaurants.

A local translator will guide your way. Count on plenty of insider knowledge.

NOTED

HIGH ER LOVE

I N PU RS UIT OF HI P HOP

Right Page: Azizi Gibson: Image courtesy of preHISTORIC, Staud: Image courtesy of Staud.

TEXT BY

R E N E´ E G E O R G E

In Arabic, azizi means “my precious.” The sweet sentiment is something that doesn’t necessarily permeate with the grime of Azizi Gibson’s electronic productions or his horror comic branding. The rising star, combining electronic production with rap verses from the likes of Waka Flocka Flame, is setting out to evolve the two genres in one swoop.

Gibson, only 25, was born a military brat in Germany and lived in exotic locations like Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo), Thailand and Singapore before moving to Maryland. He moved to LA in 2011 and a couple years later he was making strides in the music scene with releases like the viral (and hilarious) hit single “Smoking With The Gods,” a collaborative effort with New Zealand producer Kamandi, and putting out a mixtape titled Backward Books that continues to remain a fan favorite.

That, along with Gibson’s dark yet seemingly comedic branding of skeletons, ghosts, and grim reapers—souffle’d with an afterlife angle in contemporary hip-hop sound—is what got him noticed by Flying Lotus, who signed the artist to his label Brainfeeder after a serendipitous chat at a local gym.

“You cannot give up on yourself, your vision or your team,” he says. With a budding career and a solid perspective, he touts leaning inwards to manifest growth, and that has paid off.

Gibson parted from Brainfeeder, signed with the management team at 36Brickhouse and dropped his self-released EP, The Last, which led him toward the indie route again with his preHISTORIC Till Death debut album, an 18-track wordsmith’s dream filled with bangers alongside Waka Flocka Flame and Christopher Sabat (the voice of Vegeta and several other Dragon Ball characters), which rapidly climbed to No. 1 on the iTunes hip-hop/rap chart.

A Southside-produced EP hit, Grim Meets Evil, hurried afterward.

His third full-length album and second independent drop, A New Life, is a flawless piece with heady rhymes and his signature flow. Press play on “Matrix Slave Ship” and get low.

Gibson’s first headlining bit starts in June, hitting San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta and other major cities. His final words about the path ahead? “I have no doubts. Everything is going according to plan.” [ S O U N D C L O U D . C O M /A Z I Z I G I B S O N ]

There is a new player in town, and they’re not here to compete.

They’re here to change the game. Reformation’s former fashion director Sarah Staudinger has evolved past the infamous brand to create her own line, Staud. A simple line of body-flattering pieces with a vintage perspective, the collection speaks to the style of LA women by way of perfectly placed exposed skin and a lightness that reflects our weather patterns. Staud manages to gracefully minimize design via pattern and shape, whilst not giving in to the tyranny of minimalism.

Started alongside business partner (and boyfriend) George Augusto, the Downtown LA-based brand is quickly becoming a favorite among those who liked Staudinger’s eye at Ref. A natural growth process, we see a maturity in the tailored lines, slightly more conscious necklines and retro pop elements that give it a flair that can easily be lost when producing a new line inspired by the past.

Beyond the aesthetic change also comes a huge bonus for the online shopping game. The brand offers the option to customize pieces, such as turning a mini-hemline into a maxi, or adding sleeves if you so prefer. The recognition that the modern woman with finer taste is looking for much more beyond clicking “Add To Cart” is why we’ll keep our eye on the growing line (and our credit cards on stand-by.) [ STA U D . C L OT H I N G ]

NO T E D C O N T I N U E D

I N TH E R ED

[ I NTH ER ED R ECORD S . COM ]

T RY M E ON FOR S I ZE Hot weather and pool parties are basically here, meaning the dreaded task of shopping for new swimwear has you recalling your failed promise to get revenge all summer ‘16. Lucky for us, Cocodune has made the entire experience less traumatic. With the help of a personal concierge, you can pick out four swimsuits you like and try them on in the comfort of your own home. Once you’ve made your decision, return the ones you liked and keep the one you LOVE. If only working out was this simple.

[COCODUNE.COM]

CAN 'T H EAR YOU Let’s put it this way. Travelling sans headphones is about as soulcrushing as misplacing your passport in the Uber to LAX. Among your options, Samsung has found a way to stand out from the competition. Say hello to their Level On Pro Headphones. They are super lightweight with active noise cancellation, and highdefinition drivers come standard. The Level U headphones, the in-ear option, features an innovative design that is meant for longterm wear, as well as magnetic earbud clasps and dual-microphone noise reduction. Shutting out the snoring man in the seat next to you has never been easier. [ SA M S U N G . C O M ]

ST REAM & CHILL There are two types of people in this world: those that go to festivals, and those who wear sweatpants and eat popcorn while watching festivals on their laptop. Having to decide between paying rent or purchasing tickets to Bonnaroo can also be a factor, which is where Redbull TV comes in. Beginning in June, the channel will be presenting Season of Festivals, a live broadcast experience streaming six of this year’s biggest events. Viewers can party vicariously through hosts Sal Masekela and Will Best to Primavera Sound, Bonnaroo, Roskilde, Lollapalooza, Bestival, and Austin City Limits. You can livestream these events online at redbull.tv/festivals or from any device using the Red Bull TV app.

You’re welcome.

[REDBULL.TV]

From top to bottom: In the Red: Image of the Meatbodies by Alice Baxley, Cocodune: Image courtesy of Cocodune, Samsung: Image courtesy of Samsung, Red Bull TV: Image by Joe Gall/Red Bull Content Pool.

In the Red Records, a Los Angeles staple, is celebrating their 25th anniversary in an expectedly badass way. The label is throwing a three-day mini music fest (July 14-16) at the Echo and Echoplex, featuring some of their best acts and then some. You can catch Meatbodies (pictured), LAMPS, Mikal Cronin, Boss Hog, Ty Segall and tons of other bands. Get ready to get your face melted off.

Tyler the Creator by Julian Berman via made.com, Image courtesy of Barton G, Carl Pocket for FYF Fest, Image courtesy of Knuckle & Claw, Photo by Ryan Skinner, Dinner by Paley Fairman, Image courtesy of Ojai Rancho Inn, Image courtesy of the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

DOT COM

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D OT COM

#1. It’s Not a Competition, but We’re Winning

#5. Jazz Cartier

Earlier this year, Hedi Slimane showed the Saint Laurent collection at the Hollywood Palladium Theater. Now, Made (known for revolutionizing NYFW) is putting its own stamp of approval by putting on Made LA in June. It’s a string of shows including Tyler the Creator’s Golf Wang ‘16 collection, Moschino’s Spring/Summer 2017 collection for men and resort collection for women. Move over NYC—LA is on the rise, and we’ll be following it all.

Jazz Cartier, a Toronto rapper with heavy hitter mixtapes and experimental videos, is compared to Tory Lanez, but you should probably stop saying that. We talk next moves, how his transient lifestyle affects his musical style, the current landscape of the rap game and his latest album Hotel Paranoia.

#2. It’s Like A Night Miami Club For Your Mouth Extravagance and over the top opulence? Who doesn’t want to experience that in a city so laid back? We tried the new menu at Barton G., named after notorious Miami businessman and owner Barton G. Weiss. Alongside deviled eggs that come in a hen cage and oysters served on a silver octopus platter , you can order cotton candy whipped into the shape of a five-foot tall Marie Antoinette wig. That’s honestly just the beginning.

#3. Put it in Your Mouth: The FYF Food Guide FYF Fest puts in as much effort into their food lineup as they do for the music, and honestly it’s the last festival for the summer so #bodygoals rules are out. We will be testing out our top picks so that you know which line is worth it. Less time at food lines equals more time for head bopping to your favorite artist’s set.

#4. Knuckle & Claw Goes West The lobster sandwiches of Silver Lake has taken their Maine-style eats to Santa Monica, meaning all the people west of the 405 will no longer have Instagram envy or traffic waits to get their hands on them. We sat down with founder Chloe Dahl to talk about her travel inspirations for the menu and her want to bring the East Coast out West.

#6. Meditation with Dinner While we chatted with Anders Rhedin, musician who goes by the moniker Dinner, for this issue’s playlist (take a look on pg. 16!) we discovered that not only is he knowledgeable in all things meditation—he also leads a meditation class in an abandoned art gallery in Eagle Rock.

Follow as we try to reach our ultimate zen moment.

#7. Staycation, All I Ever Wanted We’ll return after our short break. We guide your next weekend through the intrinsically enlightened Ojai, checking in to Ojai Rancho Inn, Hip Vegan, Tipple & Ramble. You’re going to be so jealous.

#8. State of the Art Massages We are all for cheap, quick massages but sometimes we just need a good, hour-long massage that will reset us both physically and mentally. We traveled to Carlsbad and checked into the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa for the best massage of our life.

DJ MUSTARD

Mustard

On The

Beat,

Ho!

Coming out from behind the enigma of the producer persona, the man behind Rihanna's “"Needed Me, "YG's "Paranoid" and Ty Dolla $ign's "Or Nah"� is taking the stage and combining his passion for hip-hop with a want to evolve EDM. Text g a r t h t r i n i d a d

Photo E m m a n M o n t a l v a n

Creative Direction| C h l o e P a r k s Special Thanks W H o t e l , W e s t B e v e r l y H i l l s

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MU S I C I A N

Late on a Friday night, friends and I waited outside the entrance of DJ Mustard’s Burbank recording studio for entry approval. Once in, we were lead through a dimly lit mirrored corridor lined carefully with framed portraits and platinum records. It was revealed Michael Jackson recorded portions of his seminal Thriller album there and years later Dr. Dre took up residence for a decade. I couldn’t help but think this was strategic on Mustard’s part, working in such an iconic space. Down a dark, narrow stairway through what felt like a secret entrance, I finally settled in a cozy lounge area to await the young man who was busy preparing for his performance at Coachella.

Twenty-five-year-old Dijon “DJ Mustard” McFarlane entered and greeted me with a strong handshake before sitting down. To begin I asked what inspired his surprise foray into dance music and the creation of the recent crossover hit “Whole Lotta Lovin,” which features Houston rapper Travi$ Scott, not rapping, but singing. “I started playing festivals, traveling the world, seeing DJ’s like Diplo, DJ Snake, Skrillex...I wanted to translate my music to EDM. I wanted to compete, be the only black dude doing it successfully, and my team made sure it wasn’t corny,” Mustard explains. “I listened to a lot of people and played it for my DJ homies in that world, trying to figure it out...I wasn’t heavy on Soundcloud a year ago, but I started doing remixes to all the hot records until I kinda got a formula to get into that world. I would do free shit as I was figuring it out. I haven’t mastered it yet, but once I got it and understood the level you have to be on to compete with these other dudes, I finally put ‘Whole Lotta Lovin’ out...This was so I could open up a new lane, I want to be able to do whatever kind of music I want,” he says.

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DJ MUSTARD

Mustard is keenly aware of the current swell of dance-rap records— Azealia Banks, Kaytranada, Young Futura, to name a few. He fondly recalls memories of soul and deep house while growing up off of Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in South LA. “My mom was a singer. She used to play all that shit in the house for me, so now it comes in handy. It was Luther Vandross, Earth, Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye, you know the typical oldies, but she also played Robin S. and stuff like that...I relate to that music. When I did Jeremih’s ‘Don’t Tell ‘Em,’ that touches ‘Rhythm Is A Dancer’ [Snap!], and Kid Ink’s ‘Show Me’ references ‘Show Me Love’ [Robin S.]. That music molded me.”

Mustard is bold and ferocious in his hustle. The oft-credited creator of the current West Coast ratchet sound is intent on steering clear of boxes, paving his own multi-laned path with methodic persistence.

He’s been at it since his uncle “T” left him on turntable duty at a backyard party when he was eleven years old. “For some reason my uncle didn’t come back until the party was over, and the lady that hosted the party asked my uncle to call my mom and tell her that I was incredible,” he recalls with a grin. Mustard was hooked on superstar DJ dreams and mixtape stardom. Forming a DJ business with his family, they were taxied across town by older cousins and godbrothers until they were able to drive themselves, rocking house parties and high school functions from South LA to the Palisades. After replying to a text from Timbaland, Mustard continues, “I was DJing for all the schools, all the sweet sixteens, and that lead me to get connected to YG and Ty [Dolla $ign] through a mutual friend. I ended up doing a mixtape for YG before we even met, trying to be like DJ Drama, you

MU S I C I A N

DJ MUSTARD

"Once I got it and understood the level you have to be on to compete with these other dudes, I finally put 'Whole Lotta Lovin' out...This was so I could open up a new lane, I want to be able to do whatever kind of music I want." know, but I wasn’t making beats yet. The mixtape skyrocketed and I was hearing my tags everywhere!”

YG invited Mustard to be his tour DJ, and soon after, put him to the task of creating original beats. Friend and fellow collaborator Ty Dolla $ign graciously shared key production knowledge, wisdom, and even donated drum kits and sounds so Mustard could gain sure footing.

Fast forwarding through the evolutionary haze of a young artist experiencing new international success, tentacled with clichéd dramas, lawsuits brought by old friends, and a recently resolved squabble with longtime ace YG (they reunited live onstage at Coachella), Mustard admits to coming through a dark time in 2015. He says he experienced a rebirth that inspired the release of “Whole Lotta Lovin,” the official launch of his 10 Summers imprint (Universal), and signing Londonbased chanteuse Ella Mai. “I was tired of the bullshit,” he recalled, “I got sued by an old friend, one of my lawyers went bad, I had to change my whole team around. I was so busy being depressed in the studio,

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and I wasn’t seeing my kids. I didn’t have the juice to be creative ‘cus all this other bullshit was draining me. It fucked me up!” After a pause and deep breath he resumes, “It was like, OK, let me stop, figure out what the fuck I’m gonna do. How am I gonna get this shit back together? What I did was bring a creative director on, brought in a day to day manager, shout out to Meko, and got one of my best friends to keep me grounded. I make time for my family, I come to work when it’s time to work, and if it’s not work I’m at home. God helped me take all the cancer, all the bullshit away.”

Dijon is wise and thoughtful, exuberant and focused, with sights set on blazing a trajectory not unlike that of Dr. Dre and Pharrell. He is also gracious and humble, taking time after our interview to greet my kid and nephews outside the studio, taking Instagram photos before getting back to prepping for Coachella. Simply put, the young man has flavor.

Formerly a nomad between Copenhagen, Berlin and Los Angeles, Anders Rhedin a.k.a.

Dinner was the perfect choice to curate the soundtrack for your future travels.

di n ner w ith a s ide of beats Photography p a l e y f a i r m a n

Anders Rhedin, Danish producer and singer/songwriter behind Dinner, is a bit of an enigma. The one-man act fearlessly dances on stage—something to witness— while sweating profusely in his bomber jacket. The crowd is sucked in. Dinner now controls the crowd and maintains the engagement throughout the set, as he croons in his resonant voice. At one point, he motions the crowd to sit down and close their eyes, beats now becoming a tool for his impromptu meditation session.

“I really like to think of concerts as rituals,” says Rhedin, who has been practicing meditation for years and has recently started to lead group meditations in an abandoned art gallery in Eagle Rock every few months. “I have a ritual approach to it and the [elements] that I have enjoyed from the world of hypnotism or meditation, I do my best to incorporate that in a concert.”

With three LP’s and a guided hypnosis tape, Rhedin’s full-length album Psychic Lovers is the natural advancement to his roster. Composed of upbeat ‘80s pop sounds intertwined with soothing notes and layered with abstract vocals, Psychic Lovers makes for a danceable album— much like his playlist. Rhedin blends oldschool artists hailing from the ‘80s and ‘90s scene such as Julian Cope, The Teardrop Explodes and Ace of Base, along with the more contemporary counterparts, like Sean Nicholas Savage, Choir of Young Believers and Prince Rama.

Julian Cope

Prince Rama

Wet Hair

“World Shut Your Mouth”

“So Destroyed”

“In The Garden Of The Pharaohs”

LA Vampires with Maria Minerva “Integration”

Choir of Young Believers

“Serious Lover”

Sean Nicholas Savage

Chris & Cosey

Ace of Base

White Poppy

Lia Ices

The Teardrop Explodes

Khalifa Ould Eide & Dimi Mint Abba

“Oktober”

“Love is Won”

“The Sign”

“Ouch Monkeys”

“Propaganda”

“Confusion”

“Waidalal Waidalal”

stream the f ull spotif y playlist at l a c a n va s .c o m

THE GRAMMY MUSEUM® & FAB FOUR EXHIBITS PRESENT

www.grammymuseum.org GRAMMY Museum® and the Museum logo are registered trademarks of The Recording Academy® and are used under license.

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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH SPON S O R E D B Y K 2 L A

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Your Guide to K-Town's Coffee Scene More known for BBQ, karaoke spots and shaved ice wonders, Koreatown now has its eyes set on making the most Instagrammable coffee, while pairing it with eats you’ll crave later. Check out where to stop in for your next caffeine fix.

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#1. Caffe Bene Wilshire

#4. caffe concerto

A coffee shop that swirls your latte foam and serves ridiculously decadent desserts? There. A lot of K-Town shops are modeled after European cafes, giving them taste for the “go big or go home” model.

Another thing you’ll notice in a lot of spots is the Korean love for Parisian influence. Concerto offers up Ladurée-style macaroons as well as little animal face latte art. Cute.

3287 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010

610 S. Serrano Ave, Los Angeles CA 90005

#2. klat

#5. awesome coffeE

If you’re looking for something with a bit more sustenance, the neighborhood go-to would be Klat. With a California brunch as well as the option to order kimchi fried rice, you’ll likely post-up here long past your morning brew.

Pairing the two loves of the area, Awesome is where you go for sweet, on-the-spot liquid nitrogen ice cream with rich espresso. Their affogatos are renowned, and here you can also get it on top of a waffle. No limits.

621 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005

#3. alchemist coffeE project

Stark marble counters and nice lighting will make you ask yourself that millenial-existential question: should I become a blogger? Once you’ve steered away from that path, order an iced matcha latte and a pastry.

It’ll be hard to pick one. Now that you’re not going to be a blogger, maybe just get two!

698 S Vermont Ave. Suite 103, Los Angeles, CA 90005

3959 Wilshire Blvd. Suite A21, Los Angeles, CA 90010

#6. cottonhi

It just gets better. Where every Eastside coffee shop will serve you Stumptown (no shade, just an observation) CottonHi will put a ball of cotton candy on your cold brew! It’s hard to fathom a better way to start your day than with something that resembles a carnival treat.

3825 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

W I L D C A RD

FYF Fest only seems to be getting better with age. Now on its 12th year, the festival is heading back to Exposition Park with none other than Kendrick Lamar as headliner. We chat with Sean Carlson, founder and booker of the festival.

The haze of pot elevates and meshes with the fog transcending from the stage, orange lights flashing. The crowd singing, dancing and pushing through the sea of people, yet no one cares. Their eyes focus toward the front ,huy78. It was a place where chaos met zen. It was Kanye West, the memorable last minute replacement for Frank Ocean at last year’s FYF Fest. To Sean Carlson, founder and booker of the festival, that set embodied what FYF is all about.“I felt like everyone that watched him forgot about their problems, forgot about everything that was going on in their life and [were] just in the moment ” says Carlson of what he calls one of his favorite sets. “That is the goal of the festival, it’s to get people to be in the moment.” The sudden Frank Ocean drop out had fans complaining on the festival’s social media, some sold their tickets while others bought them, but regardless of the fans reaction the sudden change brought a hopeful question to many LA music aficionados; if a festival with such humble beginnings was able to bring on a rapper with such clout as Yeezy, who won’t they be able to book?

If you’re an LA native, you’ll remember when the festival was named Fuck Yeah Fest and was held at The Echo before the Echoplex was even part of the equation. You would also remember when it dropped the “Fuck” out and moved to the LA Historic State Park in Chinatown after gaining support from Goldenvoice, a subsidiary of promoting giant AEG Live. Most outstanding however, was the switch from the Chinatown location to the LA Sports Arena and Exposition Park, a

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move that had unexpected difficulties and serious trekking from stage to stage. “In 2014, when we had a few hiccups, I read every single complaint, every single one,” says Carlson of the move. “We made notes and put it all together in different Word documents and broke down all the complaints...because we can’t be everywhere, we don’t see everything and so listening to the fans is incredibly important.” By 2015, the festival felt uncomplicated and streamlined.

Carlson’s passion for music is what makes the festival so unique, the lineup is curated with the mentality that it is going to be played live and while Carlson has a wide array of musical taste, it is not based off of personal preference but solely for the fan’s enjoyment. “I listen to records all day, I read about music, I’m constantly talking to people about music and it’s not necessarily, in my mind, my favorite bands that I book - I love all the bands that are playing- but [I book] what makes sense in the setting.” mentions Carlson.

Twelve years in and the festival keeps bettering itself, constantly evolving. This year’s lineup stretches further from their punk roots, killing the game in the hip-hop and rap scene with LA’s pride and joy, Kendrick Lamar headlining along with Vince Staples, Young Thug, and Rae Sremmurd following the bill. “The minute that this is boring and the minute that we’re just dialing it in is when we don’t want to do this anymore.” says Carlson, about the broader genre selection. “This is a labor of love and we truly love doing this, we want to constantly be changing.”

Text v i r g i n i a i b a r r a

TOP TO BOTTOM, CLOCKWISE: KANYE WEST BY TOD SEELIE FOR FYF FEST, JOYCE MANOR BY OLIVER WALKER FOR FYF FEST CARL POCKET FOR FYF FEST, CARL POCKET FOR FYF FEST, SAVAGES BY CHRIS CARRASQUILLO FOR FYF FEST, KESLEY HENG FOR FYF FEST, FYF FEST.

On the Way Up

SEAN CARLSON

St re et art

LISETH AMAYA + LAPIZOLA Beverly Blvd / S Vendome St.

Curated By C H I C K E N S P E A K @C H I C K ENSP EAK • [ C H I C K ENSP EAK . C OM ]

K I PTOE Elden Ave / W Pico Blvd

TR ISTAN EATON Sunset Blvd / N Sierra Bonita Ave

JER RY RUGG E 4th St / Seaton St

NOR M MAXWELL W Adams Blvd/ S Burnside Ave

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COSTWO Kenwood Ave/ W Jefferson Blvd

JAMES HAUNT S Santa Fe Ave / E 58th St

TH EY D R IFT Kenwood Ave / W Jefferson Blvd

BRAINS AND NOODLES Abbot Kinney Blvd/ Milwood Ave

MATT GONDE K Venice Blvd / S Oxford Ave

PUNK M E TENDER N McCadden Pl/ Hawthorne Ave

AR T I S T

LUKE

CHISWELL

Kick, Push, Coast

Portrait by Will Fry, Art photos by Luke Chiswell

Artist Luke Chiswell takes inspiration from his native home in the bush of Australia as well as his relationship to skate culture, showcasing a multiplatform practice that defines the international artist at large.

Filled with wood skateboard-inspired pieces and abstract paintings with playful use of resin, Luke Chiswell’s most recent collaboration show with Tappan Collective was a glimpse into what he’s been working on during his short residency in LA. “I’ve been here for a couple months,” Chiswell says. “I came for a show and also wanted to see if it’s somewhere I could live. I’ve bounced back and forth between Australia and New York, but I love the people here.”

The Aussie-born artist shows the influences of his upbringing in the bush as well as his love for skating growing up. You can see the merging of skating’s nonchalance and the natural environment of his childhood in his work.

“It was kind of hard out in the middle nowhere. If I wanted to skate I would have to ask my parents to drive me into town. My dad actually put a slab of cement on our property. It was just this square I would skate around in circles. It was my favorite thing.”

Besides the physical release of skating, Chiswell says that the act itself causes the mind to see the world around you in a different light.

Elements of architecture and the perspective of travelling by board allowed him to reimagine the use of ordinary objects, which feeds into his work and practice.

“It relates to everything I do and have tried,” he says. “A set of stairs becomes something more than a set of stairs. We would take road trips and I would be watching out the window, thinking about how I’d skate off that. It’s a lot like how I do my art. You visualize it before you do it, and then you set out and attempt to create it.”

Chiswell has been around the world post art-school. On his list of things he finds inspiring? The niche obsession culture of Japan.

“I like how they choose one thing, a small toy, and fixate on those things. The people also have such a respectful and kind nature,” In the process of opening his LA show when we had our conversation, Chiswell spoke about the difference in the creative process when working toward an opening and being able to do things at your own pace.

“I think my work between shows is more experimental. I like bouncing around and seeing what happens, but I also like that drive to complete. The process when you can evolve allows you to refine.”

It’s this ability to allow for growth as an artist while keeping an eye on what’s next that allows Chiswell to continue in his craft. His cross-platform foray into clothing, sculpture and canvas show that the modern artist won’t stay in one lane. If they’re able to imagine it, they’ll kick and push forward.

Text m e g a n l a b e r

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GALLERY

MUSEUM OF BROKEN R E L A T I O N S H I P S

The Museum of Broken Relationships opens their doors in Hollywood, welcoming past lover's’ belongings and mementos attached to exes in a cathartic effort to capture the demise of modern relationships.

Text j e s y o d i o

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Moving on from the promotional phase of pop-up events taking place at hip venues across the city this spring, MOBR is set to open a physical location at Hollywood and Highland.

Despite being a block away from the kitschy Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, there is nothing hyperbolic or dramatic about this museum’s exhibits.

When I ask about future exhibits, Alexis says that their mantra is “to just go by feeling.” The original museum opened in Croatia, a project between two ex-lovers Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić. Although the exhibition stems from lost love, the experience of looking at these sad objects can be uplifting.

“We are all blood and muscle and heart, trying to make a human connection. We are just trying to do the best we can,” says Alexis. When new objects come in, assistant director Amanda Vandenberg often texts images of potential exhibits to her fiance. “Never us,” he texts back.“We’ll never donate.”

But there is no shortage of heartache in this town, and the museum is always accepting new submissions.

Image courtesy of Museum of Broken Relationships, Los Angeles.

LONELY HEARTS CLUB

Heartbreak in Los Angeles is a pair of silicone breasts—at least to somebody who donated the implants to the collection at the Museum of Broken Relationships LA. “She had felt pressured to get them, and she had three surgeries and her body always rejected the material,” says Alexis Hyde, director of the museum. The new art venue, set to open their doors June 4th, showcases the memorabilia of broken hearts: ordinary objects which are submitted anonymously with brief tales of why they are significant to past relationships. The collection includes a vial of blood, used emery boards and a tiny piece of paper that says “pay attention to me,” all accompanied by the story of how they came to be more than an everyday object.

Image courtesy of Courtesy Ren Hang, Image courtesy of Courtesy Sarah Sitkin, Image courtesy of Von Summer, Image courtesy of Warren Neidich, Image courtesy of Deanna Templeton, Image courtesy of Nora Berman, Image courtesy of Roger Herman, Image courtesy of Whitney Hubbs

GALLERY

GALL E R Y O P E N I N G S

summer gallery openings mama “What We Do Is Secret”

Text K i m b e r l y B . j o h n s o n

Opening Reception: June 18 Known worldwide for his captivating, disruptive and quite radical nude photography, Chinese photographer Ren Hang brings forth new and archived work that is sure to test the limits.

LACE “The Palinopsic Field”

superchief LA “Trifling Matter”

Merry Karnowsky “Strange Days Indeed”

Opening Reception: June 15 LA-based multidisciplinary artist Warren Neidich hits us with an exhibition featuring new and recent works, all revolving around the concepts of McCarthyism, Hollywood and the aftermath of World War II. Attend the opening to connect the dots.

Opening Reception: July 2 For her first ever solo exhibition, sculptor and multidisciplinary artist Sarah Sitkin will bring her best hand, arm, face and foot forward, with a series of work highlighting her unnerving and uncomfortably realistic flesh-like sculptures.

Opening Reception: July 30 Vonn Sumner is an up-and-coming favorite on the contemporary art circuit, in large part due to his surreal and hyper-colorized paintings depicting strange scenes almost as bizarre as our city.

Stop in to get a taste of the artist’s visual quips and quirks.

Subliminal Projects “Banned In Babylon”

Charlie James Gallery “Bottom Floor”

little big man gallery “What She Said”

Opening Reception: July 23 Featuring work by Bad Brains’ bassist Darryl Jenifer, and a team of his creative friends, Sunset Boulevard’s Subliminal Projects presents “Banned in Babylon,” an exhibition honoring the art and culture of the iconic band that molded the landscape of punk.

Opening Reception: June 4 th Curated by Max Maslansky, and featuring works by established contemporary artists, “Bottom Floor” digs up the personal and societal repressions experienced by each artist, giving each the opportunity to discover their real desires through each painting and creative work.

Opening Reception: June 25 Beloved street photographer and Huntington Beach dweller Deanna Templeton returns once again on the exhibition circuit— this time with street portraiture and teenage diary excerpts in tow.

Summer 2016

SPOTLIGHT

these los angeles tastemakers are dominating the game in the realms of music, fashion, food & Art. noun | `tÄ st,mÄ ker | A person who decides or influences what is or will become fashionable.

Music

river tiber

Fashion Food Art

Marina fini

Jessica kosloW l uk e mc ga r ry

SP O T L I G H T S

YOU’LL BE SEEING ME river tiber Occupation m u s i c i a n

INSTAGRAM

@rivertiber

[ rivertiber.com ]

There are two things that are hot in music right now: producers and Toronto.

River Tiber happens to be a producer from Toronto, but I’m sure his impressive list of collaborators came for his infectious beats, not any fleeting hype. River Tiber has already worked with BADBADNOTGOOD, Pusha T, OVO producer Frank Dukes, to name a few. Even Drake’s “No Tellin’” contains a sample of River’s “No Talk”. River trained on the cello as a kid, but that doesn’t mean he is a classical composer. “When I make music, I use my instincts first,” says River. “I only dip into that academic knowledge if I need to.” River talks about his work with practically synesthetic terms, almost like he can see and feel the musical notes. “I like to juxtapose fragile [analog] shit that has warm, nostalgic colours, with the tougher digital sounds of hard drum samples.” I’ve got a feeling his first LP Indigo (out June 24) will have

some sounds that we’ll be hearing a lot of in the coming year. When I ask River why Toronto stands undefeated as the current bastion for new music, he lets me in on the secret: “There’s eight months out of the year where you just want to stay inside and make music all day.” While that snowy northern city may be his hometown, River has travelled all over as a Red Bull Sound Select. His track “West” with Daniel Caesar tells me that Toronto is not the only city that he thinks about. “LA is the strangest place I’ve been to,” says River. The music video for “West” is an ode to the city, with flashes of Tower Records, the Hollywood Sign and skating down Sunset Boulevard. “I love it though. So much of it seems to exist in our minds.” And this just makes me want to see Toronto the way he sees our city.

TASTEMAKERS

OUT OF THIS WORLD marina fini Occupation D e s i g n e r INSTAGRAM

@marinafini

[ w w w. m a r i n a f i n i . c o m ]

Artist Marina Fini is so out of this world that she doesn’t seem human. She has iridescent blue eyes, color-shifting mermaid hair and a butterfly tattooed beneath each collarbone. When aliens land on earth, I hope they look like Marina. Although she has a magic touch with the appropriately futuristic medium of plexiglass, her work knows no boundaries, and stretches beyond the fields of film, fashion, jewelry and fine art. Marina invites me over to her place in Altadena to smoke from her hookah. Every corner of her place is a cyber-mystic dream, filled with past and future projects, Mylar, and plastic sculptures. Even the floor is covered with opalescent tiles. “Right after I moved in, I shot Clitopia here (a music video-slash-ode to the clitoris produced by Refinery29),” explains Marina, “and it just stayed like this.”

Before she finished her degree at UC Santa Cruz in digital arts and new

media, Marina was studying environmentalism. “It’s such a dichotomy to be attracted to plastic because I care about the environment so much.” Although it seems to come from another galaxy, her handmade, plexiglass jewelry is a hit here on earth, with clients like Baddie Winkle and Miley Cyrus. She recalls the time she went to a Grammy after party to meet Miley for the first time.

“I gave her some mushrooms,” says Marina. Wait--the hallucinatory kind?

“No, mushroom earrings!” she laughs, “but I did used to sell that kind too.” If there’s one thing this futuristic flower child wants me to take away from my brief abduction, it’s that she’s not just a jewelry designer. “I want to have full control over the aesthetic of every single thing,” she says. I hope she knows that all earthlings would be lucky to live on Marina’s planet.

SP O T L I G H T S

WORD OF MOUTH j e s s i ca kos l ow Occupation C h e f

INSTAGRAM

@sqirlla

[w w w. s q i r l l a . c o m]

Close your eyes. Picture a pesto rice bowl with sheep’s feta and lactofermented hot sauce. Seared polenta with spring vegetables and greens.

Sounds like a dinner menu, right? In fact, it’s brunch a la Sqirl, the restaurant at the corner of Virgil and Marathon which has taken the Silver Lake food scene by storm. Despite its small sign on the door, Sqirl has had a giant impact on the way we think about our first meal of the day and it has ushered in a new generation of California cuisine.

The thing about many restaurants is that they live or die by word of mouth.

In Sqirl’s case, a constant line out the door and around the corner on the weekends means the restaurant is thriving. Their signature jams have spoiled me so much that I cannot imagine eating anything else in the morning. I am not even going to tell you which flavor I like best for fear that it will sell out.

The only upside of waiting in line to get my monthly jar of jam is that it has given me a chance to hear all about the past and future of this place.

Jessica Koslow puts the girl in Sqirl and is ready to confirm or deny all the rumors. I was about to ask her if it’s true the cafe is expanding, but the first thing she did was lead me next door into what will soon be Sqirl Away, a graband-go counter and a brilliant solution to the fact that the main restaurant is always packed. Is it true that Sqirl will open a restaurant in New York? “That was true until it wasn’t,” says Jessica. I tell her I always hear that the chef and owner of the restaurant used to be a TV producer. “I only worked in TV for three years—it’s funny that people say that.” But I did learn about a couple exciting plot twists. In a challenge to the Eastside food snobs who feel some ownership over Sqirl, Jessica will soon be opening a yet-unnamed restaurant on the other side of the 405 with a touch of “Jewish diaspora and cuisine from Morocco and Israel.” And she will publish 280 delicious pages called Everything I Want to Eat, due out Oct. 4. It will be the first cookbook I’ll ever buy because everything that Jessica wants to eat, I probably do too.

TASTEMAKERS

LUCK OF THE DRAW L u k e m c ga r ry Occupation a r t i s t

INSTAGRAM

@luk ey mcgar ry

[w w w. l u k e m c g a r r y. c o m]

Luke McGarry embodies the look of LA music. Not exactly his face—in fact, he rarely posts pictures of himself—but his highly saturated, not exactly flattering, but certainly accurate cartoons have become mascots for the city’s live music scene ever since FYF Fest and Goldenvoice asked him to be their go-to illustrator.

Not that this is a competition, but while the East Coast has the New Yorker’s prude, millennial-hating sketches, Luke’s drawings are I-can’tbelieve-he-went-there vulgar, yet never offensive. Perhaps it’s because countercultural ink runs in his blood. His father, Steve McGarry, designed some of the first album art for Joy Division. But Luke’s art is cheekier than his dad’s. He’s in a unique position to make fun of musicians because he is also one. Since the early 2000’s, he and his twin brother have fronted the

band Pop Noir. Luke’s caricatures are often close to getting him in trouble, but he almost always gets away with it. Even the most talented artists derive joy from drawing penises. “Tenacious D had seen my artwork around and hired me to design the Festival Supreme poster, and knowing that Tenacious D are as immature as I am, I decided to surreptitiously hide a giant penis and testicles in the poster.” Just before the festival, the City of Santa Monica faxed (yes—faxed) a cease and desist letter. “The city was very clear: if they saw one more penis they’d shut the whole thing down, even on the day of the festival. Luckily they didn’t notice any of the penises I hid in the new poster, because there were a lot more the second time around!” You should probably go online now and try to find the hidden genitalia.

CU R A T O R

The Anti mall The millennial generation of industry-working people in the city are tired of old shopping options. Meet Platform, your new destination for high-brow retail therapy in Culver City.

Word to the wise: Platform is not The Grove. It’s more of an artistic hub that happens to host coveted brands, restaurants with serious status and office spaces for creatives. The spot comes to Hayden Tract in Culver City at a perfect time, not only because we are bored of massive corporate shopping malls with Frank Sinatra playing over the loudspeakers, but because we also need another reason besides Santa Monica to hop on the new Expo Line. Platform also tailors a unique way for specialty retailers such as Aesop (which will have a spa coming soon) and Linda Farrow (it’s their first US location) to present themselves while also providing a concrete location for cult favorites such as Janessa Leone and Freda Salvador. It only takes one glance at the #HelloPlatform billboard at the entrance and Jen Stark’s fluorescent wall painting by the parking structures to realize that this your next favorite place to shop, dine (hi there, Cannibal!) and hang.

We chatted with founders Joseph Miller and David Fishbein, both principals at Runyon, the real estate group who created special experiences for the Platform merchants like Le Labo and Blue Bottle Coffee.

Why did you select Culver City as the location for Platform?

Joseph Miller: It has been an evolving neighborhood for the past 15 years and it’s very central. Whether you’re in Silver Lake or Venice, it’s an easy spot to meet up, and so from a geographic perspective, it was terrific. [There were also] things in the neighborhood that were exciting. There are thirty art galleries within walking distance of the site, which we love. What was really missing was a piece that [would

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bring] it all together, which was retail [stores] and restaurants in a central hub.

David Fishbein: On a larger scale, Joey and I are just influenced by looking at some incredible neighborhoods internationally, whether it’s Paris, East London or New York City. We just looked at Los Angeles and what a huge city it is and it really kind of felt like... there was a missing neighborhood that was latched on to the hated traffic in the area. When we were selecting the merchants and tenants [for Platform], it was super important for us to find that balance of brands that were not only good for everybody who already lives in the neighborhood but also people who would want to come spend time even if they lived in Venice, Silver Lake, Downtown or Beverly Hills.

Tell us a little about how you curated the brands that will be at Platform. How has social media impacted your choices as far as curating these stores?

JM: Social media is not just, like, this add-on thing... It’s a part of everyday life. If you have a brand you are expected to live online and offline.

DF: We wanted a few different categories. One was either exclusive to the US or opening a first US store. Linda Farrow and Tom Dixon are a good example of that, opening their first US location with us.

Another category was less broadened out and it was [stores opening their] first West Coast or LA locations. The third was brands who have a larger presence or recognition like Soulcycle, Aesop or Blue Bottle, but having them do something unique and specific to the Platform site

Text v i r g i n i a i b a r r a

that differentiates themselves from other LA locations.

Aesop is a good example of a brand that is still indie and special but also has many international locations. You can’t call it a small company. They have stores in Venice, Silver Lake and Downtown. [We wanted to] create a special halo [for this location] so they asked if being one of their two spa locations out of their 50 stores would be of interest. That was exciting for us. It’s the first one they have here, and you know it’s small, but there are two treatment rooms where you can get an Aesop facial. It’s an extension of their brand.

Photo by Katie Gibbs

What was the store that most excited you when they confirmed the lease?

DF: I don’t know if there is just one, but I know that Curve, which had been in Los Angeles for the past 17 years on Robertson [starting the transformation there] was big. The owner of the store, Nevena Borissova, has always been in the know about these upand-coming neighborhoods. She kinda fell in love with the Hayden Tract neighborhood and believes that this could be a high fashion destination where she could carry a lot of her incredible luxury brands. Most of her stores are 1,500 square feet, and here she signed a 7,000-square foot lease, her largest store in the world. It was a huge testament to have this local LA talent who’s seen the city evolve bet on us.

RI C A R D O P L A T F O R M

What do you have planned for the art curation in Platform?

JM: Art is a big piece of the neighborhood, and it’s something that we care deeply about. What we did is we commissioned a piece by Jen Stark over by the parking garage. Besides that, we are going to be doing a rotating art display with Jen, kind of a celebration of the big piece that she did that will be rotating every quarter starting at the beginning of next year. In addition to that we have Tappan Collective, who curates a roster of shows in their gallery space. Also, hanging on all our public spaces are works by local artists. We want all of this public space to be activated and thought-provoking.

What is Platform Selects, and what’s in the works for it?

JM: We are putting together a community. Stores and restaurants are open now, but will continue to open through the fall. Another part of what was on the curating list was to give special experiences to people who were coming [to Platform] often. We have all of these great restaurants and would like to organize a group to do special tastings. We are also going to run some sort of fitness program just for Platform Selects members up on our private rooftop garden, focusing on those in the Platform office or the fans of the merchants. We want to curate a community around that. We’re about creating unique experiences within the walls of Platform.

STORE

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES Text m e g a n l a b e r

REVOVLE

REVOLVE, the dominating retail e-commerce website, opens a members-only store in LA, showing us once again that the way we shop is evolving far past the online and brick-and-mortar models.

Think REVOLVE, and a sea of babes in summer frocks might come to mind. The e-commerce brand has featured the faces of Emily Ratajkowski and Chanel Iman in campaigns, launched men’s and children’s departments, and continues to be one of the largest online fashion entities based on the West Coast. Always speaking back to our city’s laid-back-yet-still-attempting-to-be-hot aesthetic, REVOLVE’s community of influencers and dedicated shopping base that embraces social media perfectly laid the way for their next move: a physical location by invitation only.

While the brand’s 2014 holiday pop-up at The Grove brought out the masses to see and touch their product IRL, the next step was to evolve in-person retail one step further. It’s not uncommon for e-commerce brands to try pop-ups before committing both to a physical location and the challenge of creating a real-life experience that’s an extension of the brand’s online experience. But when brands have what REVOLVE has— an enthusiastic and insatiable social media following of influencers and fans that are, in many ways, responsible for the company’s growth—it makes sense to turn the brick-and-mortar experience into an exclusive club. A reward for its closest inner circle. REVOLVE wanted face time with their most dedicated audience: millennials, who equally experience and influence life online through Instagram, online shopping and their smartphones. The result was REVOLVE Social Club. We asked more about the exclusive shop and what is past those members-only doors with Raissa Gerona, vice president of brand marketing.

Image courtesy of REVOLVE

Can you describe the concept of the store?

REVOLVE Social Club is meant to bring the REVOLVE shopping and social experience to life. The Club is members-only, by invitation, creating a super aspirational and exclusive destination for our top influencers, VIP shoppers, and our highly engaged social followers.

It’s not a retail store, it’s not an office, it’s not a showroom, it’s not a party venue—#REVOLVEsocialclub is all of that and anything we want to make it.

Why did you want to create a physical space?

Our social club is more than a traditional brick-and-mortar retail space. It is a place where our VIP members can essentially have a personalized REVOLVE shop all to themselves. If one of our VIPs is getting married, we’ll bring in product from our #REVOLVEwedding shop for a private fitting for her and her bridesmaids. If we have an exclusive collection with a brand, we’ll transform the space into a pop-up shop. The #REVOLVEsocialclub is a revolving space to get the ultimate REVOLVE experience IRL.

Why Los Angeles?

REVOLVE is an LA-based brand. We are rooted in the West Coast and represent the California lifestyle in everything we do. A ton of our favorite influencers and brands are based in LA too, making it super easy for them to access the space. But...you can look out for #REVOLVEsocialclub pop-ups in other cities soon.

What is unique about the Revolve brand and how does it speak back to its LA base?

No other retailer has done this concept before—ever! REVOLVE Social Club is a hybrid of shopping and socializing—two things our customers love to do. Because it’s members-only, everything we do at the space feels very special and exclusive. We designed the space so that at every corner, there’s a picture-perfect, Instagrammable moment.

Being in the heart of LA on Melrose, #REVOLVEsocialclub is the ultimate destination for our members, local and international.

How can people come to the store and how can people get involved?

The more you engage with us on social, the higher your chances are to be invited! Keep posting your outfits with #REVOLVEme, tag us, like and comment on our posts, so we see you! Check your Instagram DM— you might get an invite!

Plans to open other stores or concept stores soon?

We’re just getting started! Whether we open another social club or pop-up or retail space, you’ll find out on the ‘gram. Be sure to follow @revolve and #REVOLVEsocialclub for what’s to come!

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DESIGNER

TYLYNN NGUYEN

SOMEWHERE CLOSE TO YOU TyLynn Nguyen is c r eat i ng neg li gee and underwear for th e modern woman w ith any wardrobe p r e fer ence .

Last summer’s hit “How Deep Is Your Love” by Calvin Harris still circulates on our playlist come gym time. The music video for the certified club banger stars unreal goddess Gigi Hadid, fresh off a surgeon’s table looking fab and confused as she is teleported to bougie yachts and pool parties. What you might be interested to know is that the slip she’s wearing, the one she strips off after a dramatic pool dive in front of a crowd of Beverly Hills housewives, is made right here in LA. TyLynn Nguyen has been crafting delicate underthings for the past few years, with Vogue mentions and celeb sightings to name a few accolades.

In a time where personal style that reflects no trends is becoming king, and womenswear crosses into traditional menswear more often than not, the want for streamlined and timeless undergarments that last and make you feel sexy underneath feel necessary. Nguyen shared with us her passion for that exact sentiment.

What inspired you to create a lingerie line?

My mother was in the military, and she was a very feminine woman.

Usually when you think of military, you think of a tough and rough person. She was tough, but she made sure to stay true to herself by wearing beautiful Eres lingerie underneath her uniform. I valued that.

It really stuck with me.

When I went to college I took a strong liking to lingerie and its construction. After I graduated and received my design degree and stopped modeling I felt a strong pull to sit at my sewing machine and make something. That something was lingerie.

What are some of your aesthetic inspirations behind your designs?

I love pieces that are timeless, that you want to pass down to future generations. That is what my line is about. Pieces that will grow with you and add beauty to your life.

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What are you doing different in the market?

I am helping women see the beauty in the simplicity of their bodies.

My pieces support and feel luxurious on a woman’s body. I believe I’m also making easy pieces that translate from day to night; pieces that work beautifully in your wardrobe as well as in your home.

How important do you think it is that women invest in undergarments that make them feel confident?

Really important. It’s the foundation of your outfit. To me it’s like working on your heart and mind. When you have a beautiful heart and mind you feel radiant and confident and secure. When you have beautiful intimates, you feel it, and it shows in the way you walk. It’s best to start from the inside out.

What drew you to LA? How has the city affected your aesthetic?

I felt a strong pull to live here because I fell in love with my husband and wanted to start a life with him. Living here now for almost 7 years, LA has made me a huge fan of vintage clothing. Real vintage clothing. I have so many amazing pieces from the Rose Bowl Flea and stores like Passenger on sunset. California’s minimalism is a huge influence for me. My clothes have a sort of architecture that I see in my designs.

There really is inspiration everywhere.

What are some lingerie travel tips you can give the person looking to venture out this summer?

Invest in a satin garment bag to put our intimates in. This will help them to stay longer. Undergarments just thrown in your suitcase can get tossed around during flights and caught in other items in your bag. It may not seem like a big deal but if you are a jetsetter, wear and tear of your clothes and how you take care of them is a top priority.

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T R E N D M AT R I X H E R

Pearl $29.95

NARS $44

Henri Bendel $58

Smythson $85

mcm $495

PURITY MADE SIMPLE: FACIAL CLEANSING CLOTHS

COMPACT MIRROR + USB BATTERY PACK

TINTED SUNSCREEN

WEST 57 TH BLOCKED PASSPORT COVER

PANAMA TRAVEL JOURNAL

ROCKSTAR VANITY CASE

Herbivore Botanicals x UO $12

Cocktail kit $24

Jacky's collection $35

TopShop $52

THE MOSCOW MULE

BRA TRAVEL CASE

DOUBLE METAL TRIM FEDORA

DEL REY DUSTY ROSE

make $10

Aquis Essentials $30

Oribe $44

Mark & Graham $59

palladium $100

Prynt $115

MAKE SAMPLER

HAIR TOWEL

DRY SHAMPOO

TRAVEL JEWELRY CASE

PAMPATECH TX

THE DIPPED WEEKENDER

philosophy $15

HAIR PERFUME

Illesteva $177 LEONARD MIRRORED SHADES

Sephora $4.95

Formula 10.0.6 $15

Flight 001 $25

Herschel Supply $80

lomography $139

Saint Laurent $1850

BEAUTY ON THE FLY BAG

CLEAN GETAWAY TRAVEL KIT

4-IN-1 OUTLET ADAPTER

GAMBIER HAT

LOMO’INSTANT SANREMO

DELAVE MULTI-PURPOSE RUCKSACK

eO $1.99

Versace $22

Aesop $31

BOTANICAL HAND SANITIZER SPRAY

POUR HOMME EAU DE TOILETTE TRAVEL SPRAY

GINGER FLIGHT THERAPY

Mokuyobi $8 JETSETTER PATCH

E C O N O M I C A L

TOMS $80

Moovit free TRAVEL APP

Pendleton $12 PRINTED BANDANA

Zero UV $10.95 VINTAGE STEAMPUNK SUNGLASSES

Fjallraven $110

Ferragamo $1495

1969 ICON DENIM JACKET

KANKEN BIG BACKPACK

1898 WATCH

Kiehl's $22

Owen & Fred $68

JBL $100

Ralph Lauren $595

FACIAL FUEL ENERGIZING FACE WASH

“HEY HANDSOME” TRAVEL KIT

FLIP 3

VACHETTA PASSPORT CASE

Moshi $90

Moncler $560

IONBANK 5K PORTABLE BATTERY

BROWN LEATHER HIKING BOOTS

Le Baton $20 TRAVEL BOTTLE

gap $79.95

Everlane $55 DRAWSTRING SHORT

E X O R B I T A N T

F O R

F O R

H I M

En Route:

ED I T O R I A L

mexico's wine country El Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s Wine Country, is a closer alternative to Napa Valley but while Northern California’s wine destination stays stagnant, El Valle de Guadalupe bustles with new wineries and culinary hot-spots while also keeping their traditional counterparts close to heart.

Text v i r g i n i a i b a r r a

Photo p a l e y f a i r m a n

MEXICO’S W I N E C O U N T R Y

ED I T O R I A L

We leave a thick trail of dust behind as the van turns onto a bumpy dirt road. The scenery momentarily lacks signs of civilization, and instead presents us with a rural landscape; a large tract of land in tonal shades, bright green vineyards and deep maroon mountains. We are only about 3 or so hours away from LA—a mere 200-mile escapade—but the environment is unambiguous. We are not in the States anymore and our spirits ease into vacation mode. We have arrived in Mexico’s wine country: El Valle de Guadalupe.

Past Ensenada, off an easy-to-miss road, is this patch of enchanting vineyards. Andrew Tyree, founder of travel agency Coast to Costa and our guide for this trip, approaches the itinerary with the goal to experience the wine zone like a local would, giving us a mix of traditional and modern takes on wine tasting along with an array of Mexican cuisine to feed the soul. We quickly became witness to the sharp contrast between the new and vintage establishments, a factor that brings a layered, multi-faceted feel to the Valley and modern Mexican culture.

For those who associate Mexico with beer, tacos, and tequila, it’s time to rethink that small-minded notion. There is a hefty selection of quality and renowned wines made here. “It has been historically a grape-growing region for hundreds of years.” says Tyree. “Typically, valleys work well for grape growing. They also have an advantage, as they are close to the ocean, keeping the temperatures cool, especially at night and in the morning but warm [throughout] the day. That’s a wine maker’s ideal climate.”

Russians who migrated to Baja when Mexico partitioned off land in the early 1900’s were the first to bring the winemaking tradition south of the border. It was then that the newcomers, including the Samarin family who established their namesake winery and restaurant in the

MEXICO’S W I N E C O U N T R Y

valley in 1905, took hold. The winery, still incredibly active, offers visitors wine and cheese tastings that pair well with their Russianstyle bread and homestyle preserves, olive oils, and marmalades.

“They produce more rustic, simple wines,” says Tyree, adding that they resemble farm wines. While the Familia Samarin wine focuses on traditional reds, about ten minutes away there is an equally spectacular—if not the Samarin’s modern counterpart—winery by the name Decantos Vinicola.

Decantos Vinicola is one of the newer additions to the valley.

The operation is ran by two brothers who believe that using gravity to free the winemaking process from mechanical pumps results in superior color, taste, and body of each wine. “Decantos uses very oldschool methods [but also] some very modern practices.” explains Tyree, adding that the winery adopted European methods and uses equipment hailing from Rioja, Spain. The winery pays such close attention to detail that everything is tested in the lab for content, a step they use to ensure the quality of the wine. So far, the response has been so positive that their current, big issue is keeping wine in stock.

As more wineries pop up, restaurants follow suit, because what is drinking without the food? (Nothing, nothing at all.) A perfect example is the highly respected restaurant, Corazón de Tierra, which practices the farm-to-table ethos, led by Chef Diego Hernandez and, of course, nature itself. With tall windows and exposed beams, the interior of Corazón de Tierra is set to frame the backyard farmland, where most of the ingredients used in the dishes is cultivated. The restaurant embodies the current culinary movement that is going on in Mexico. “They are very influenced by cuisine that is international, American, [and] what’s happening in Mexico City.” says Tyree. “That city is going crazy in the culinary world.” Mexican cuisine is mostly

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known for their street food of the likes of tacos, gorditas, quesadillas, etc., but recently, restaurants all over the country have been evolving from those basics with progressive ways of serving their courses. At Corazón de Tierra, they serve five courses and there is no menu.

While the newer restaurants hold their own in the culinary scene, traditional Mexican food still holds a special place in the Valle de Guadalupe. Being honest, there is nothing better than huevos rancheros paired with a piping hot cup of café de olla after several days of wine tasting. These off-the-grid, word-of-mouth restaurants are gold in the midst of the new, wifi-enabled spots. One of the best examples is La Cocina de Doña Esthela, a restaurant booming with locals and foreign visitors that has attracted press without a presence on social media or even a simple website. The Sinaloan-style cuisine is possibly among the best hangover cures, and Doña Esthela (the

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owner herself ) is there to personally make sure it is tailored to your liking, something ever-so-valuable to LA’s vast dietary-restricted community. While the newer buildings are stylized with a rugged yet streamlined look, La Cocina de Doña Esthela stays simple with large wooden communal tables housed in an actual residence with a backyard full of cattle and horses.

As the region blossoms and moves down a more modern and experimental path, a powerful sense of tradition weaves through it all, making the experience memorable. While wine is booming in the Valle de Guadalupe, a short ten-minute drive will take you to the coast where a different drink is brewing up. Beer tastings are also bubbling up in the area, we call it a staycation within a vacation but that is for another time. Now we sit in LA, wishing our valley had half the wine.

Alas, walking to Trader Joe’s, until the weekend that is.

MEXICO’S W I N E C O U N T R Y

TR A V E L G U I D E S

thailand Sabai, sabai, a phrase in Thai meaning “take it easy” or to “feel alright,” is a way of life in Phuket, Thailand. Dubbed the “pearl of the Andaman Sea,” Phuket is the largest island off the southern coast. Though the flight is a hefty sixteen hours on average from LA, just beyond the airport gate are pristine beaches, cozy eateries, and soothing sceneries occasionally punctuated by intricate golden temples.

You’ll trade gridlock traffic for winding roads along the lush green coastline, with roadside carts fully decked with chilled coconuts and sweet chopped pineapples. If you rent a motorbike, enjoy this exotic privilege in Phuket: you can park almost anywhere, anytime, for free.

If there is one thing worth that long flight time, it’s the culinary experiences of places with long histories and deep-rooted cultures.

Phuket’s rich diversity is well articulated in its East-meets-West menus, though be warned—the menus in local restaurants can reach twelve pages long in what feels like 14-point font, double-spaced.

But do not fret. From world-class restaurants that serve beautifully garnished gourmet dishes by Michelin star chefs in luxe hotels, to mom-and-pop shops that serve home-style tom yum goong, all budgets and palates find their place.

When it comes to authentic Thai street food, look for the fluorescent lights that illuminate numerous night markets around the island. You’ll find food stalls selling everything from sweet mango sticky rice, grilled satay on sticks, spicy som tam, stir-fried pad thai, and for the adventurous foodies: fried arthropods (your choice of crickets, bamboo worms, or water beetles), best washed down with a

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bottle of ice-cold Singha or Chang beer. It should also be noted that Thailand is known for its produce, calling those who prefer a plantbased diet to come and try their exotic fruits in bulk. Make sure to stock up on the freshest dragonfruits and bananas after climbing to the top of The Big Buddha Temple, where you’ll take in insane views of the city’s lush landscape.

Where you stay will depend on your preference for luxury or excitement—options range from four-star hotels and oceanfront villas to hip mid-town hostels. Book a getaway to Kamala, on the west coast where hidden hillside hotels are crowned with spectacular sunset views. If your top priority is to party, stay in Patong and make your way through Bangla Road’s mile-long strip of go-go bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. For a lively but less rambunctious experience, drive down to Kata and you’ll find trendy beach clubs, rock ‘n’ roll pubs, and laid-back reggae spots.

Note to surfers: Kata is a great place to catch a wave from May through October. Coming to Phuket in the off-peak season for surf ?

Mai-bpen-rai (meaning “no worries” in Thai)—Surf House in Kata is the place to be for its wave-generating machine, making waves year-round no matter the conditions. Discover Phuket Town’s historic charm and see hotels and guesthouses in century-old SinoPortuguese Architecture. Decided to add a few days to your trip?

Take a ride to the mainland coastal town of Krabi. On the road into the province you will be greeted by turquoise sea views punctuated with limestone formations.

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scottsdALE Arizona

Where did Beyoncé and Jay Z honeymoon? Scottsdale and we’re not joking. The close proximity and desert climate attract more than geriatric golfers, and for good reason. The LA weekend getaway offers more than you’d assume by way of good eats, luxe spas and architectural sights.

The colors, the saguaros, the warmth—in just a little over an hour from LA via plane, you’re transported to a more relaxing locale, but that doesn’t mean you have to be bored. What’s exciting about the city is the growing art and food scenes. You get the sense that something is really happening here. Scottsdale is emerging from its retirement community pigeonhole.

If you read us regularly, you know that as soon as we arrive somewhere new our top concern is finding local favorite eateries and a well-made drink. Whether you’re craving sushi, Mexican or BBQ, it’s all here. Celebrity chef Richard Sandoval’s La Hacienda was voted the No. 1 Mexican restaurant in Arizona and it doesn’t disappoint. We highly recommend a tequila tasting with the on-site Tequila Goddess (her real title).

Other notables include Chef Sandoval’s Toro Latin Kitchen & Bar, which boasts the area’s largest selection of rum—more than 100 bottles. The Thumb is a “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” BBQ favorite with mouth-watering hardwood smoked BBQ served at the one of the nicest gas stations around, and FnB is a trendy spot in the heart of downtown with James Beard-nominated Chef Charleen Badman in the kitchen, serving up a curated seasonal menu.

For a morning kick-start, head to Singh Farms. After one chat with owner Ken Singh you’ll be forever changed on the way you view

organic and fresh produce. A trip here is almost a spiritual experience.

Underneath a canopy of trees at the lush farm, the desert is in bloom with the best looking kale, artichokes, and mushrooms you’ve ever seen.

It comes to life on Saturdays when locals descend for fresh produce, bread, olive oil, honey, and wood-oven pizzas. Get there early.

Since you’ll likely want to visit all the above, consider a hike on Camelback Mountain, an approachable yet challenging hike to the top of the desert. Stunning views are the perfect way to start your day.

Interestingly, Frank Lloyd Wright was fascinated by Scottsdale.

He put roots down here, building Taliesin West out of the desert by gathering rocks from the desert floor and sand from the washes to keep the design in balance with the surrounding environment. It’s considered one of Wright’s greatest masterpieces, and was designed to serve as his personal home, studio and architectural laboratory.

The must-do 90-minute guided tour will make you rethink apartment living. Maybe you’ll open another savings account after.

Another not-to-miss museum is the Desert Botanical Garden. It’s an idyllic setting for a collection of plants from deserts around the world. Keep an eye out on their website for stunning art installations in the evening and take a look around the gift shop.

After soaking in Scottsdale’s culture, you’ll want to check in at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel. The resort is located on 65 acres and reflects what the city is known for: golf and great spas. There are also five swimming pools, waterslides, and a 9,000 sq. ft. white sand beach at the property’s largest pool.

Be careful what you ‘gram here. It’s sure to induce major jealousy.

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London England

Not one for bus tours or study abroad programs, I found myself across the pond in London for the first time in April to see whatever came my way.

Suggestions from British expats in Los Angeles and a few references from those that call East London home led my way. Even with suggestions, a guide is only a starting point. The wandering around is what makes it all your own.

Stay: I’d suggest staying east near Shoreditch—clean with a side of eccentric energy. Ace Hotel Shoreditch is much like its DTLA sister location, with freelancers filling the lobby like they do our rooftop. At night the public space becomes moody with DJs playing a wide range of tunes.

Eat: LA’s farmers markets simply do not compare to the street food all around London. You should stop in Camden, even though it skews touristy, because it’s where I had the most premium falafel I’ve ever consumed. Borough Market, a perfect stop after the Tate Modern, hosts many cuisines as well as a good selection of sweet treats to follow your Ethiopian curry.

What avocado toast is to our brunch, baked beans, eggs, toast and tomatoes are to the English breakfast. I couldn’t swing that idea, but an alternative was the biggest plain omelette I’ve ever had paired with fries. Yes, crispy Astro Burger-style fries, at 9 a.m. Great in the moment, regrettable in the afternoon, 100 percent worth it. Regency Cafe is one of the oldest spots to take in the full experience.

Daytime: Hop on and off the Tube and find yourself in different areas, whether that be the Rodeo Drive-ish vibes of Oxford Circus or a stop near King’s Cross to see new designs from Central Saint Martins students (note: great bookstore for the art-oriented traveler).

Regent’s Park: With the Serpentine Galleries, sprawling grass areas for

reading when it’s not raining out, and a little cafe by the pond, I suggest renting a bike to explore the park, and stopping by a little bodega for a flapjack—the best granola bar you’ll ever eat.

Tate Modern: The massive museum is undergoing renovations until mid-June to make room for even more gallery space. Their dedication to modern art, capturing the international climate of the art community, and large bookstore make it a stop worth the walk across the conceptual Millennium Bridge.

Night Time: After work, co-workers and friends meet up at the closest pub until dinner time. A favorite during my stay was Old Last Blue. On a Sunday night, it was pretty dead but people kept filtering in and out of a small stairwell. I ventured up and found a droning rock girl group with matching Betty Page haircuts.

West London has more upscale options, similar to Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. If you are in East London looking for something not too grimey, find a member of Soho House to take you to Shoreditch House.

The rooftop bar and restaurant offer a beautiful 360-degree view of the city while the interior bar is dimly lit and football games play on every TV. It’s important to note that these venues change vibes each night, so a little internet stalking on who’s spinning is essential. Thursday night at The Nest brought out hip-hop, kids in vintage YSL and enough fog machine action to make the place opaque.

Once you’ve got that one down, go to Video Vision’s Facebook page and send them a little message about your intention to visit. When you get to a rundown, unmarked tiki gate, you’ve found the spot. Take the stairs down to a large basement club that’s open till 6 a.m. Like every other spot with a hip-hop bent, you will hear “Never Leave You” by Lumidee at least three times.

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CH E F

and nothing was the same Chef Ricardo Zarate is back after a year and a half of pop-up dinners and Coachella food appearances. The city's “godfather of Peruvian food” is set to open Rosaline, making his most personal venture yet.

Peru is known for its coffee, tropical fruits and rice-based dishes. Chef Ricardo Zarate of the soon-to-open Rosaline (named after his mother) in West Hollywood, drops the first dish in front of us in his Century City apartment, and goes in to describe the flavor profile.

“In my country, this is kind of a common meal amongst lower class families. Well, not this version, but this is a play on that. I added garbanzo beans, and put it in a hot plate so the rice would crisp.”

Topped with sliced steak, caramelized bananas and a fried egg, this dish will leave few feeling like they overpaid.

Zarate relocated to LA eight years ago via London by way of Peru.

He has the common chef ’s origin story of eating and cooking with family, with happy memories and a firm cultural identity. He recalls the first dish he ever made, a simple dessert, that he served at a family gathering.

“They all loved it. I remember that feeling of them all enjoying it and it made me feel really good. I still care about people enjoying my food, but now I care less about what people want to see from me.

What I am doing [for Rosaline] is me fully expressing myself.”

Zarate has a deep history in the LA food scene. From Downtown to the Westside, he was the chef behind Mo-Chica, Picca, the pop-up

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Once, and Paiche. Jonathan Gold wrote of his ability to deconstruct Peruvian cuisine and add Japanese or European elements that impress foodies and casual diners alike. With this next venture, Zarate’s go-to M.O. is unchanging and he explains his intentions while rolling fresh gnocchi in flour.

“I’m taking Peruvian food and adding a twist, like I always do.

Though these will be much more simple. The menu is probably going to be 25 items. My past menus have hosted up to 60. The price range is something I want to keep low. I want this to be a destination restaurant that people travel for, but there is also something about being the neighborhood go-to that will always be an environment I look to create.”

Recently back from a trip to Asia his business partners encouraged him to take for inspiration, Zarate’s mind is on how to infuse the cuisine of other countries into his own food, something that has also been a defining trait in his cooking.

“I can’t get this one out of my mind, so I think I’ll do it. I’m thinking a warm charcoal black market bun filled with uni and uni custard.”

We all nod in unison and I make a mental note to follow the opening date of Rosaline, expected to open at the end of this summer.

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RI C A R D O Z A R A T E

RESTAURANT

MANUELA

A TRUE WORK OF HEART Chef Wes Whitsell and Iwan and Manuela Wirth of Hauser & Wirth open a restaurant inside their Arts District gallery with a back-to-the-land spirit and an inquisitive relationship with how art affects food.

Enter through an unassuming alley off 2nd Street and walk down a hallway lined with floor-to-ceiling exposed brick. A Shinique Smith installation dangles over your head, and to your right and left are rooms brimming with sculptures, installations and contemporary works. You have entered Hauser Wirth & Schimmel in DTLA. The new gallery, which opened in March, is a complex housing their current exhibition, a bookstore, and a breezy courtyard. It is what some would describe as the quintessential Arts District gathering space, and smack dab in the middle will be a destination for LA foodies.

Manuela is one of the most anticipated restaurants set to open this summer in LA. Led by Chef Wes Whitsell (formerly of Gjelina, Osteria La Buca, and Soho House NY), the menu will have influences from Southern cooking and Mexican cuisine, with local ingredients and a wood-burning oven. The space is a modern take on California industrial design by Matt Winter, with an on-site herb garden and chicken coop.

Chef Whitsell met Paul Schimmel (VP of Hauser Wirth & Schimmel) while Schimmel was at MOCA and Whitsell was working at Osteria La Buca. Some years later they reconnected, and Whitsell cooked for Iwan and Manuela Wirth, the restaurant’s namesake, at Soho House in New York during his residency there.

“Now here we are,” Whitsell states. Manuela will be the first restaurant that Whitsell has been involved with from the very beginning, and he is the co-owner. “This is all me, and I get to make it whatever I want to make it. It’s inspiring, and it’s scary! The fact that I get to do this with the partners that I have [Iwan and Manuela] and that I get to be a part of what they do aesthetically with art and culture, and for us to understand each other makes it the perfect partnership.”

Whitsell has a refreshingly humble approach to the challenge of opening a restaurant within a space dedicated to art. “Art is a new world for me. I can’t see how it relates to food. When someone labels me as an artist, I don’t understand it. I just want to put good food in front of people that they can enjoy.” Endlessly trying to convince him that there is artistry behind what he does, Whitsell replies, “Yes, but to me that’s a

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craft. It’s not an art. I don’t see it.” Eventually he acquiesces, either out of surrender or deliberation, admitting, “When I walk through the space and look at the art, I do think, ‘How could this influence my cooking?

How much do I want this to influence my cooking?’ I’m not sure that it has yet, but it is something I am aware of.”

Whitsell’s approach to food is soulful, a nod to his Southern upbringing. It takes time and effort. To him, Southern cooking is the food that came from grandma’s garden and the locally sourced resources on which he was raised. “As a kid, everything that was put on the table was something that my dad hunted and foraged himself.”

In addition to tender, slow-cooked meat and barbecue, the menu at Manuela will be vegetable-heavy. “Probably the most inspiring thing food-wise and menu-wise is being able to utilize what we have here as far as produce in California. There is such a vast array of things. It’s not just tomatoes. There are so many things that we grow here.” That’s the main difference he sees as a chef that has gone back and forth between New York and Los Angeles for years.

Ingredients will be prepared slowly, fermented, pickled, churned or cooked on a wood burning fire. And to wash it all down: “Oh! There will be cocktails!” Whitsell declares with a smile. The beverage program, like the food, will be riddled with home-grown and locally sourced tinctures, shrubs, herbs, and garnishes. It’s currently being debated whether Coca-Cola will be served. “I don’t want that high fructose corn syrup being served in here.” He’d rather your whiskey come with a splash of homemade ginger syrup.

“There is so much more integrity in that, and people will wrap around that. I don’t want to be like everyone else,” Whitsell says. “I want to hold true to what I believe in.”

Manuela will open this summer for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, even when the gallery is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. “I want to make a space that everyone in the neighborhood will want to come to all the time.”

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Escala: Spanish for “Stopover” or “Layover”. A unique stop in the heart of L.A.’s Koreatown Renaissance.

Inspired by owner OG Chino’s uncommon roots, Chef Chris Oh mixes classic Colombian recipes with Korean flavors & a love for communal eating & drinking.

Urban Art & Music by our marquee family of World Class Artists & DJs. Stopover for the food, stay for the experience.

3451 W 6th Street

Open Daily 11:30am - 2am LUNCH + DINNER

Los Angeles, CA 90020

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In The Historic Chapman Market

HAPPY HOUR + NAPPY HOUR Events / Birthdays / Large Parties

Koreano • Colombiano • Angelino

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F O O D S C O O P S

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Commissary, Image courtesy of

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Image courtesy of Ace Hotel, Image courtesy of

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HOTELS

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#1. L.A. Chapter at Ace Hotel

#2. Commissary at The Line In Koreatown, The Line has one of the city’s most scenic public spaces to chow down. Set inside a greenhouse beside the hotel’s pool, The Line offers visitors an opportunity to fuel up on Roy Choi-curated green curry mussels, chicken confit, veal short rib stew and a slew of other savory and wholly appetizing treats. #3. The Restaurant at Chateau Marmont The Restaurant at Chateau Marmont offers both an indoor and outdoor dining experience with classic American cafe fare and an idyllic garden terrace. This is the place for crispy calamari, spaghetti bolognese, decadent lamb and an unrivaled steak frites.

#4. Mama Shelter Mama Shelter is quirky and loveable, with a restaurant experience rivaling some of the city’s most talked-about, seasoned spots. The Hollywood spot has two restaurants: one in the center

of the hotel and one on the rooftop with an expansive view of LA’s cityscape and the Hollywood sign. Stop here for roasted jidori chicken, duck confit, a medley of unbelievable brochettes and much more.

#5. W Los Angeles—West Beverly Hills Hotel There are two distinct things that the W Hotel does not play with, and those are superb hotel accommodations and equally notable dining. Stop by STK for an intimate and distinguished setting to chow down on succulent steaks, or head to The Backyard for a pan-fried branzino or wild mushroom risotto by the pool.

#6. Fountain Coffee Room at The Beverly Hills Hotel Built in 1949, the Fountain Coffee Room is a certified relic in the heart of The Beverly Hills Hotel. Known for its classic breakfasts—think eggs benedict with hollandaise and fresh hash browns or Belgian waffles, plus salads, sandwiches and burgers. You can also grab homemade natural ice creams, milkshakes, pressed juices, fresh-baked pies, and cakes during your stay.

#7. Vivace at Park Hyatt Carlsbad Delectable Italian selections await at the Vivace at Park Hyatt Carlsbad. With an elegant and intimate atmosphere in tow, Vivace lives up to its name with a colorful menu of premium pastas and truly superb fine wines. Come for the tagliatelle con coniglio brasato and stay for the Bordeaux.

Beverly Hills Hotel, Image courtesy of Park Hyatt Carlsbad.

Combining a relaxed dining experience with exquisite, locally sourced veggies and seafood, L.A. Chapter is a casual and homey brasserie serving up decadent appetizers and meals. Their daily menu includes everything from unique cocktails such as the It Happened in Monterey (Rutte Celery Gin, Salers Gentiane, celery tincture, lemon, demerara and soda), as well as fresh salads, oysters, luxurious desserts and must-try burgers.

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Mama Shelter, Image courtesy of

We explore LA’s hotels by way of their in-house restaurants and offer up our suggestions on which would be worth the stay.

Chateau Marmont, Image courtesy of

Checking In For The Food

BA R

MARG A R I T A M O N D A Y S

LAC: In a YouTube mixing tutorial, you mention your favorite cocktail is an Old Fashioned. Is the drink still holding up for you?

RH: The Old Fashioned is and will forever be my favorite cocktail. I love the balance of bitter and sweet. I also love that there are so many ways you can spin off the same recipe idea and make Old Fashioneds with bourbon, rye, mezcal, Scotch or even gin.

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BARTENDER, RYAN HOOKS Text k i m b e r l y j o h n s o n

Ryan Hooks is a LA bartender who mixes up flavorful creations at Saint Felix in Hollywood. He’s also the big winner of El Jimador’s Margarita Trail, a competition for the best margarita in LA. We spoke with Hooks about his favorite creations, delectable ingredients, and being a fearless mixologist.

LAC: So Ryan, how long have you been bartending? What’s your backstory into the career?

Ryan Hooks: I’ve been bartending for about eight years. When I was 20, I went to pick up my mom at a martini and wine bar in my town where I met the owner. She said she liked my look and wanted me to cocktail serve there. That’s where I first started bartending at 21.

I paid my way through college doing it. I left hospitality in 2009 and went into sales for four years. In 2013, I moved to LA and started up again. This is when I realized bartending could be more than just a good way to make some money. I learned that there was an art to creating cocktails and a lot to learn. So I started doing research and here we are.

LAC: You’ve penned plenty of your own cocktails. Can you tell us about your favorites and what their components are?

RH: Many of the cocktails I have created have been for contests, like the Margarita Trail. So it helps to have a guideline when starting.

But if not, then I often make drinks with ingredients I simply like. For example, I love egg white cocktails with gin. Recently, I made one with raspberries and thyme. I also like to do bourbon and mint smashes with fruits; mango is my favorite. As for inspiration, I frequently walk around the produce section at the store and see what looks good. I also spend a ridiculous amount of time walking the aisles of the liquor store.

LAC: Can you talk about any trial and error experiences with cocktails? You must have to drink a few shifty drinks before perfecting things.

RH: [laughs] More than you can imagine. Luckily, once you figure out the general drink structure, it’s not too bad. Most drinks can be made based off 6 basic recipes. But sometimes it’s fun to try really weird combinations and see what happens. Like a bitter liquor with snap peas or basil and jalapeno in tequila.

LAC: We’re in the midst of summer in LA. What are the three cocktails you’re suggesting for warm nights out this June, July and August?

RH: The first summer drink every reader needs in their lives is my El Jimador Margarita, “The Mango Tango” with El Jimador Mango Mango Tequila, fresh basil and strawberries. When I put the ingredients together I envisioned sitting on a patio in summer with some friends drinking them. Second, I enjoy a nice mojito; and when I am feeling like living on the edge, I’ll add blackberries to it. Finally, when I am feeling lazy, for me, nothing beats bourbon and ginger ale with a squeeze of lime…in a really TALL glass.

LAC: Lastly, can you share the cocktail that won you the prize during El Jimador’s Margarita Trail?

Sure. The Mango Tango!

LAC: From your research, for you, what technically makes a “good” cocktail versus a lackluster mix? Also, what makes a “good bartender versus a lackluster bartender?

RH: Obviously for a cocktail to be considered “good” there has to be a balance in the flavors. But—which I think is more important for me—is the cocktail has to appeal to the people drinking it. I’m also huge on bartenders giving a great customer experience. For example, when I am working and it’s slow, I’m spending time with my guests finding out what they like and trying to create a unique cocktail for them. Maybe even teach them a thing or two about bartending. As a guest however, I don’t like when I see people at the bar not getting attention because the bartender is too busy talking to the other staff or spending too much time checking their phones.

MANGO TANGO .75 oz agave syrup .75 oz lime juice 1 to 2 fresh strawberries hulled & halved Muddle 1.5 oz el Jimador mango mango 3 basil leaves clapped in hand Ice. Shake and strain over fresh ice Garnish with strawberry half and basil leaf

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LA C A N V A S C A R E S

THE K I N D T R A V E L L E R

TRAVEL POINTS Text v i r g i n i a i b a r r a

How the Kind Traveler created a rewards-based platform that celebrates exploration while giving back to the community.

Blotter, a former volunteer at Best Friends Animal Society and Much Love Animal Rescue, felt an urgent desire to help. She went into a nearby market and bought as much dog food as she could. She started to feed them and when she looked up, she saw that other travelers from the bus had done the exact same thing.

“We got on the bus feeling better that we had done something, [that] we didn’t just ignore them. The whole sentiment of the bus changed from worry and sadness to joy, and even a little bit of laughter.”

That moment was enough of a push for Blotter to spend years creating a platform that would reward travelers while benefiting local and global causes. In 2015, she launched Kind Traveler with a fairly simple premise. The traveler donates a minimum of $10 to a local or global charity and in return, a discounted hotel rate is unlocked. With many different charities ranging from human rights to animal welfare, you can choose to give back locally or contribute to a global cause.

“It’s incentivised giving,” explains Blotter. “At the end of the day the quality of your travel experience is only as good as the quality of the environment and the community you’re in.”

We’re sold.

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Photo courtesy of Virgin Hotel Chicago: Virgin Hotels

Remove the overuse of the word “wanderlust,” and you are left with a term that truly defines the insatiable want to explore outside your own bubble and see a part of the world that’s very different from where you live. But what happens when wanderlust leads you to a part of the world so different and disadvantaged from your own that you are left feeling helpless and yet overwhelmed with the urge to do something— anything—to help, when it’s obvious that you have the means? Your options are not usually clear. That’s where Kind Traveler comes in. The rewards-based platform is dedicated to helping those that roam give back to the communities they visit.

While Jessica Blotter, CEO and co-founder of Kind Traveler, was on a bus heading to see Mayan ruins during a trip in Belize, she realized that her fellow travelers suffered from a sense of disconnect when faced with the sight of harsh living conditions.

“We saw a lot of poverty,” says Blotter. “We saw emaciated dogs running around everywhere and women laundering their clothes in really dirty water while trash floated by... I don’t think anyone was prepared to see this kind of devastation. We went on this trail and the emaciated dogs came up to us and were asking for food. Everybody walked by them and ignored them.”

PHILOSOPHY

GOOD T HINK ING The beauty brand w ith a v is i on for g iv ing bac k is tak ing on m ental il l ness by way of busines s p lan . P hi losophy 's hope & grace in it iat ivE h ere to c hange th e way we view we ll be i ng .

If you have a business in 2016 and you aren’t considering how your product is benefitting the world, well, Generation Z won’t be impressed.

The generation that follows Millenials are the new consumers, and they want more out of companies than just a useful product. Younger generations are looking for big change on a political and humanitarian scale, and that trickles down to the little things, like which shampoo they choose.

On the forefront of this movement, Philosophy is looking to do more with their skincare lines than be a staple on bathroom shelves.

They want to take care of our outsides and insides by setting aside a percentage of their U.S. sales to benefit mental health causes, both local and national.

Partnering with actress Torrey DeVitto to help spearhead the issue, the primetime TV darling joined up with the cause due to personal struggles with mental health.

“No one deserves to be alone. They don’t. Not you, not me. Let’s start person by person to spread this love. Share this notion. Show the people around you they’re not alone. We’re all we have, we’re all in this together. Heart to heart, it’s time we stand for each other. Together, we’ve got this.”

To help support the cause, all you need to do is invest in smarter and more charitable beauty goods like those from Philosophy. It’s this type of effort from a household name that will allow generations to shop with their hearts.

Jesse Lanza @ The Echo

concert

Perfume Genius @ the broad

concert

The Emerging Voices Author Evening Series: Angela Flournoy & Julia Fierro @ Chevalier’s Books

EVENT

26

Hibou at Part Time @ The echo

Concert

20

25

Beat Swap Meet @ Grand Park

event

19

Giant Sand @ The Echo

concert

Yukon Blonde w/ The Zolas @ The Echo

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Side By Side @ Hamilton Selway Fine Art

EVENT

15

Deckercon ‘16 @ The cinefamily

film

Yeasayer with Young Magic @ The fonda theater

Concert

14

Lil Uzi Vert & Kodak Black @ The regent

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8

Witches @ The Cinefamily

Film

JUNE 2016 2 1 Film

The Pharcyde @ novo dtla

Concert

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Anderson Paak & The Free Nationals @ The Theater at Ace Hotel

27

BJ The Chicago Kid @ The Regent

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21

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Sepalcure @ The echo

16

K2LA Grand Opening @ 680 Berendo St.

event

9

DTLA Dark Night Ghost Busters @ la live @ FIGat7th plaza

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3

event

Tacos & Trivia Tuesdays @ Angel City Brewery

food

28

SUUUNS @ Bootleg Theater

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22

Talib Kwali, FKi 1st and Graves @ Avalon Hollywood

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17

Fleetmac Wood Twerkumentary Presents: Crystal Visions @ The wiltern @ The regent

event

10

The Cassandra Cat + Meow Mix @ the Cinefamily

film

4 Tiki Sunday @ el cid

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Harold and Maude @ Ricardo Montalban Theater

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29 2

th

th Twin Peaks @ The Echo

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24 2

Moses Sumney @ The getty center

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18

Franky Flowers @ The Echo

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13

Death Valley Girls Album Release Party @ the echo

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30

23

Coachella Valley Music & Arts @ Indio California

EVENT

Rosemary’s Baby @ the cinefamily

film

12

Corinne Bailey Rae @ Amoeba Music Hollywood

concert

7

Vegan Beer & Food Festival @ The rose Bowl

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LA Film Festival @ Arclight Theater in Culver City

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L A C A N V A S . C O M

The Temper Trap w/ Walking Shapes @ the fonda theater

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6

Doll Parts: Doll Clothes. Doll Parts, Office Killer @ the broad

art

2

2

Purple Rain Screening & After Party @ Sunnyside Cemetery

film

11

Intrude @ figat7th plaza

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5

For More Eve nt s In Re al Time

Hito Steyerl: Factory of the Sun @ MOCA

EVENT

25

Lawrence @ The Satellite

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20

In the Red Records 25th Anniversary Party @ The echo

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Boyz in the Hood 25th Anniversary Screening @ Exposition Park

film

Dreamcatcher @ Skirball Cultural Center

event

26

Halsey @ The Shrine Expo

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Giant Sand @ The Echo

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Soft Kill / Underpass / Ghost Noise / DRAA @ complex

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The Goonies @ Syd Kronenthal Park

film

9

15

Body Language @ Resident

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Film

Insomniac pres- Top Gun ents: Slander + @ street food cinema NGHTMRE @ Hollywood Palladium

concert

14

The All New LA Food Fest @ Exposition Park

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8

Void Vision w/ Tuxedo Gleam & Zanna Nera @ The Complex

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J U LY 2 0 1 6 2 1

Great Good Fine Ok @ The Echo

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27

“Pet Sounds� w/ Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl

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10

Under the Summer Sun: Captain Planet w/ Henry Pope @ The Standard Downtown

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3

Wet Hot American Summer 15th Anniversary @ Westchester Park

film

Goldenvoice presents: The National @ The Greek Theater

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28

Revolution in the Making: Abstract Sculpture by Women @ Hauser, Wirth & Schimmel

event

21

The $5 Food Festival @ Bill Barber Park

event

16

Little Scream @ Resident

concert

11

Made in LA 2016: A, The, Though, Only @ Hammer Museum

event

4

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The Claypool Delicious Lennon Delirium Little Tokyo @ Little Tokyo @ Fonda Theater Service Center

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29

Golden & FYF presents: Nails, TERRORIZER, NOMADS, LIES @ The roxy

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22

Fear of Men @ The echo

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17

Fellow Fellow w/ Duk, Brother Sister, Alex Wand @ Bootleg Theater

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5

film

Lady Hawke @ The Roxy

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HARD Summer Mas Ysa Festival @ the Broad @ Auto Club Speedway

EVENT

30

Dirty Penni Fest Mad Max @ The Echo & @ Exposition Park Echoplex

event

23

Almost Famous @ Alcove and Big Bar

film

18

Powers @ the echo

concert

12

G Eazy & Logic @ The Forum

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6

For More Eve nt s In Re al Time

Guillermo Del Toro: At Home with Monsters @ lacma

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31

@ figat7th plaza

Sound Of Tomorrow

Soulection:The

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24

Un/See/n Poetics: A Writing Workshop @ Women's Center for Creative Work

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TNT: Totally Nineties Tuesday @ Mickey's

event

Tacocat & French Vanilla @ The echo

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19

Pinegrove @ The Echo

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13

Brownies & Lemonade Presents: Sam Gellaitry @ El Rey

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7

L A C A N V A S . C O M

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Perfume @ The wiltern

concert

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The High Road Tour @ Irvine Meadows Amphitheater

26

Stand By Me 30th Anniversary @ Syd Kronenthal Park

event

20

YTN Presents: Best of Koreatown @ Levitt Pavillion

event

15

25

Guided by Voices @ Teragram Ballroom

concert

19

Grey Gardens R.G. Canning @ Ahmanson Theater Flea Market @ Rose Bowl

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14

Alabama Shakes @ The Greek Theater

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Cindy Sherman: Imitation of Life @ The Broad

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Emily King @ El Rey Theater

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9

That’s Gold – Hosted by Karl Hess Nick Rutherford @ bootleg theater

comedy

8

Anderson Paak w/ The Free Nationals @ Theater at Ace Hotel

concert concert

event

16

Dodgers vs Phillies @ dodger stadium

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10 Janeane Garofalo @ largo

comedy

Marissa Nadler, The Wombats w/ Wrekmeister Coast Modern Harmonies,Muscle @ The Fonda Theater & Marrow @ the echo

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3

FYF Fest @ Exposition Park

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HUSHfest:Santa Senses of Time: Video and Film Monica Ft.Subsuelo, Based Works of Africa LAMP, Late Night @ lacma Laggers @ Santa Monica Pier

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The Royal Tenenbaums @ Alcove & Big Bar

film

august 2016 2 1 film

Lion Babe @ The Observatory

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Digable Planets @ The Regent

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21

Dub Club, DJ Tom Chasteen, Boss Harmony @ The Echoplex

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17

Flume @ The Shrine Auditorium

concert

11

Willy Wonka(1971) Ryan Adams & the Shining @ Sunset Triangle Park @ the greek theater

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4

Austin Jones w/ Trophy Wives, Run 2 Cover, Curses @ Whiskey A Go Go

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29

David Bazan @ Teragram Ballroom

concert

22

Splash House 2016 @ Saguaro and Riviera Resort & Spa

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12

Adele @ staples center

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5

Broods @ Novo By Microsoft

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Weaves @ The echo

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The Enigmatic Image: Curious Subjects in Indian Art @ lacma

event

31

Belly @ Teragram Ballroom

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24

Echo Park Rising 2016 @ echo park

event

18

Sixteen Candles @ streetfood cinema

Film

13

Warped Tour @ Pomona Fairplex

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7

L A C A N V A S . C O M

Leftover Cuties @ skirball cultural

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Catherine Opie: O @ lacma

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30

Fortunate Youth @ Levitt Pavillion

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23

18

Casablanca @ Glendale Central Park

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6

For More Eve nt s In Re al Time

LAST LOOK

PALEY FAIRMAN

BREAKING THE RULES WITH PALEY FAIRMAN Text v i r g i n i a i b a r r a

The trip to Mexico was a quick yet memorable one thanks to Andrew and Natalie of Coast to Costa, an all-inclusive travel company that plans trips to Cuba, Spain and our destination for this issue, Mexico’s wine country. Memories were made and as we relived those moments with photographer Paley Fairman while putting together the images for our Enroute editorial, Paley finally took a break to answer some pressing questions about her work. Since we go way back, we decided to represent her—for the first time in LA CANVAS history—with an emoji of her choosing.

LAC: Tell us a little bit about your history with photography?

I sort of fell into photography. I’ve always been visually oriented, and loved creating, but I couldn’t quite find the right outlet until I took a basic intro to analog photography course during my final semester in college. I fell in love with it, and when I finished school, my grandmother sent me a box of all my grandpa’s old photo equipment.

I became obsessed and was shooting all the time. Over time people started asking me to shoot things and I realized I wanted to turn it into a career.

LAC: How was it teaching yourself? When did you become comfortable with what you were producing?

I never had a formal photography education, so I was forced to be resourceful. I have an affinity for acquiring new knowledge and have spent a lot of time reading and researching. I Google everything. I’ve also been fortunate to have some photographer friends along the way who were willing to show me tricks. More than anything though, I’ve learned by experience and just trying things. Often I would do something and hate the results, but I’d just keep going and try it a different way.

I don’t know that I’ll ever feel “comfortable” where I’m at because I always want to continue learning and growing. Insatiable perfectionism keeps me from ever being fully satisfied, for better or worse.

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LAC: In the age of Instagram, where everyone thinks they are a real photographer (thanks, VSCO), your work stands out. You tend to capture a mood and there’s a slight sense of eerie darkness reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock and David Lynch. Who inspired you and how did you create your own style?

When I first began shooting I was really inspired by several surrealist

filmmakers and artists like Man Ray and Francesca Woodman. I’ve always been drawn to the juxtaposition of darkness with something more quirky and playful. But in a way, I think I actually found my style by continually attempting to stray from it and finding that the same elements kept creeping in. That’s when I started to embrace my work.

I get a lot of inspiration from things I encounter in daily life. Places in my neighborhood, objects, the way the light will hit a certain wall.

Mundane things inspires me as much, if not more, than my favorite artists. It fascinates me to try and see unexceptional moments in an exceptional way.

LAC: You’re usually between Downtown and Frogtown, right? What places inspire you from those specific neighborhoods?

Yes, I live in Frogtown now, and have a studio space near the Fashion District in Downtown. The wholesale produce market is right there, and I’m always inspired by the repetition of a product en masse like that. I gravitate more towards the open, industrial areas and prefer places that have a little bit of ugliness in them to ones that are perfectly pristine.

LAC: You have a lot of film cameras too. Does your equipment help define your style in any way?

I wouldn’t say any specific equipment really defines my style. I find that I approach taking a photo a little differently when shooting on film, but this is more so related to the medium than the equipment itself.

LAC: You usually shoot fashion editorials and musicians, yet we had you capture landscapes and animals (LOL). What did you learn from this experience?

I’m often taking snapshots of landscapes and animals (mainly my dog) for my personal documentation, so this wasn’t completely foreign.

I was able to learn a lot about the region we travelled to, which was beautiful. I also learned that the way I tend to take road trips is pretty spontaneous and haphazard. I have a hard time sticking to formal travel schedules and love the freedom of being able to pull over at any time if I see something I want to look at or photograph. There are very few people who don’t get annoyed by this, after five stops in ten miles, so my travel companions are very special to me. I also love wandering alone. Things I stumble upon between destinations are sometimes the most interesting to me.