A L L T H AT G L I T T E R S I S
Goldstein AN INTERVIEW WITH JAMES GOLDSTEIN James Goldstein @jamesfgoldstein Writer Madeline Rosene @madelinerosene Photographer Tracy Kahn @tracykahn Stylist James Goldstein @jamesfgoldstein Location Sheats Goldstein Residence, Beverly Hills, California
“You know, he bought the house for his dog (his beloved, golden tressed Afghan Hound, Natasha),” Roberta Leighton says of the estimated multimillion dollar Sheats Goldstein Estate and owner James Goldstein. “But he’s moved on to other blondes now,” she winked. Roberta is an actress and Mr. Goldstein’s assistant. She has known him for over thirty years. The light rich Beverly Crest home designed by John Lautner and built between 1961 and 1963 is actually, according to Roberta, priceless. In fact, along with Mr. Goldstein’s extensive fashion collections and works by artists including Ed Ruscha, Bernar Venet, Kenny Schard and James Turrell, and his iconic 1961 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, the estate is a promised gift to LACMA. TASCHEN fashion photography books line the kitchen bar. A turtle sunbathes on a rock in the koi pond that’s just through the glass doors. The Goldstein Sheats Estate house is an example of American Organic Architecture that derives its form as an extension of the natural environment and of the individual for whom it was built. Before James Goldstein purchased the home in 1972, the house was originally built for UCLA professors Helen and Paul Sheats and their five children. Today glittering in a metal jacket, James sits on the couch, although according to Jane, the location manager, “he prefers to stand.” It seems that he would likely rather be raging inside Club James, the custom nightclub he created at his home just beneath the tennis court. Since its creation, it has hosted dozens of celebrity-studded events from a Calvin Harris Album release party to Rihanna’s birthday celebration. James Goldstein is a mysterious style icon who people often recognize for sitting courtside at Lakers’ games in his signature boots, colorful scarf, cowboy hat, and anything Balmain. He is private about how exactly his fortune was amassed. “Just put real estate,” he said. He is a super fan of both fashion and of the NBA in general. We wonder if it wasn’t for our photo shoot if he might still change his outfit four or five times per day. With that wardrobe, it would be hard not to. As eccentric as he may be, James Goldstein is known by many of the loyal gardeners, architects, construction workers and operation managers that he has employed part time for over 20 years as “Jim.” With the exception of his part time help, Jim says he has never needed any kind of constant assistance, no chauffeur, no butler. He drives himself to the grocery store and to the games. “I’m an only child,” he said. “... I like to be independent.”
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