RODEO DRIVE ROBERTSON BOULEVARD SOUTH COAST PLAZA 800.550.0005 chanel.com ©2014 CHANEL®, Inc.
B®
moncler.com
328 North Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills — LOS ANGELES
T h e G r o ve
Malibu Country Mart
Melrose Place
R o b e r t s o n B o u l ev a r d
Pasadena
vince.com
N av y Ya r d , B r o o k l y n
- M ay 2 0 14
RICHARD MILLE BOUTIQUES
RODEO DRIVE, BEVERLY HILLS
THE SHOPS AT CRYSTALS, LAS VEGAS
310-285-9898
702-588-7272
CALIBER RM 037 LADIES AUTOMATIC ATZ CERAMIC
APPLE
L.K. BENNETT
BANANA REPUBLIC
LACOSTE
BCBGMAXAZRIA
MAJE
BEBE
MICHAEL KORS
CLUB MONACO
POLITIX
DIESEL
SANDRO
GUESS
SEPHORA
H&M
TRAFFIC
HALSTON HERITAGE
TRUE RELIGION
HENRI BENDEL
UNIQLO
OPENING FALL 2014
J.LINDEBERG
VICTORIA’S SECRET
KITSON
XXI FOREVER
BLOOMINGDALE’S
. MACY’S . THE CAPITAL GRILLE
BEVERLY BOULEVARD & LA CIENEGA
. LOS ANGELES CA
BEVERLYCENTER.COM
front runner Boys just wanna have fun! Revelers ring in the new year, circa 1960, at the storied Jonathan Club in Downtown LA.
Dear Jonathan
Mon cher, Happy 120th birthday! Although I look for you on all the dating sites, we’ve never met. I guess keeping a low profile makes sense since you’re the secondoldest, invitation-only private social club in Los Angeles and, perhaps more desirably, the only one with two choice locations. In fact, every time I’m in bumper-to-bumper traffic in Santa Monica on Palisades Beach Road and catch myself gazing longingly at your elegantly rambling, colonial-style Beach Club, perched since 1927 on that prime stretch of Pacific, I remind myself to reach out. Ditto when I’m Downtown, in front of your imposing, 12-story-plus-basement, Renaissance-Revival redoubt, built in 1924 and boasting that glamorous indoor pool and (I’ve heard) a fierce and fresh renovation, which extends from the lobby to an herb garden on the Tuscan Terrace to the tippy-top rooftop bar, not to mention the gym, spa, and main 4,000-square-foot restaurant on the mezzanine. I love that word: mezzanine. And entre nous, is it true you replaced the ground-floor gift shop with a Brooks Brothers boutique? Say it’s so, pretty please. I’m not a casual stalker. I’ve done my research. While you were chartered as a social club on September 23, 1895, you were actually born the previous year as a political association (I’m glad you realized good drinks are tonics to toosober dialogue). And while some believe you were named after Jonathan
16 la-confidential-magazine.com
Trumbull, an advisor to George Washington, I know you’re really named after Brother Jonathan, the patriotic predecessor to Uncle Sam. (You’re way cuter!) I also know that past members, such as Gaylord Wilshire, William Mulholland, and Norman Chandler, generously lent their last names to city streets, boulevards, and avenues; that Ronald Reagan was on the roster; and that Edward Dickson and Ernest Moore came up with the idea of UCLA in the fall of 1917 while having lunch at the club. I’m also aware you long had a darker side. Or rather that you long didn’t have a darker side. Jonathan, you weren’t always as inclusive as you are now, let’s face it! For many years your member roll included all creeds and colors so long as they were Christian white men. That said, for more than 25 years you’ve been expanding your Jonathans to include a full spectrum of our species, including women. To change is to grow. Mazel! I hope you now understand that I know you; that we’re meant to be together; that I should be the newest of the approximately 3,000 to 3,500 current Jonathans (I just can’t pin this number down, you adorable discreet sneak!). Most importantly, I feel quite strongly that you should pay that pesky fullaccess-for-both-club-locations initiation fee that I believe resides in the tony neighborhood of $30K, not to mention the reported $325 monthly dues. Or can I just sign my name and member number? LAC
photography courtesy of Los angeLes pubLic Library photo coLLection
As The Jonathan Club celebrATes 120 yeArs, A would-be lover pours his heArT ouT. By Michael herren
front runner
Out of the box! Fifty years ago, Whiskey A Go Go introduced miniskirted dancers spinning records between acts.
Whiskey a Golden!
There’s arguably no nightclub on the planet that has had a bigger cultural impact than the Sunset Strip’s Whisky A Go Go, the launching pad for LA’s rock ’n’ roll scene. Inspired by a Paris boîte with the same name, the Whisky was the product of a midlife crisis by recently divorced ex-Chicago cop Elmer Valentine, who had a nose for talent and making a scene. He’s the guy who suspended short-skirted ladies above the cramped, tennis court-size auditorium for the world’s first DJ/go-go girl booths to spin records between acts. And what acts! Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Alice Cooper, Fleetwood Mac, Marilyn Manson, and practically anyone else who would go on to pack stadiums jammed here. The Doors was the house band for a while in 1966 until Jim Morrison came up with the line about f---ing his mother as the climax to “The End”—even the Whisky had limits. Still, “the Whisky was a mecca,” Doors’ keyboardist Ray Manzarek later said. “It was the place in
18 la-confidential-magazine.com
Los Angeles. It was probably the place in the entire country.” Judging from the lines in front of the joint on most weekends, it still is. But now piercings and tats have replaced the suits and dresses of the ’60s. The formidable white-haired Mario Maglieri, one of the original managers who owned the place for three decades—though at 90 he has passed the reins on to his son, Mike—still holds court here. “Sometimes I had to give Jim [Morrison] and some of the others a little life advice, but things were never out of control,” he says. Things still look very much in control, with a team of 20-something booking managers and technicians scurrying about for that night’s act, L.A. Guns, which will soon be rocking the modest locale that Johnny Rivers, who opened here in 1964, would find largely unchanged. That lack of preciousness extends to Maglieri himself. Favorite act of the past half-century? “I’m Italian, I like accordion music,” he says. LAC
photography by Marc WanaMaker/bison archives
LA’s most iconic nightcLub ceLebrAtes the big 5-0 As groundbreAking zero for ALL things rock ’n’ roLL. By Finn-OlaF JOnes
BEAUTY shouldn’t require animal testing. Support the Humane Cosmetics Act.
Jenna Dewan Tatum for
humanesociety.org/HCA
Photo by Don Flood | Hair by Derek Williams for The Wall Group | Makeup by Sarah Sullivan for Margaret Maldonado Agency
contents
october 2014
16 // front runner 36 // Letter from the editor-in-Chief
38 // Letter from the PubLisher
40 // …Without Whom
this issue WouLd not have been PossibLe
42 // the List 87 // invited
style 45 // roCk me, varvatos! LA-based music legends Ringo Starr and Kiss inspire John Varvatos’ Fall 2014 menswear collection and campaign.
48 // Greens With envy When it comes to alpha-male accessories, green and gray are the new black.
52 // styLe sPotLiGht
54 // Prêt-à-PortaL
82
TOMS’ Blake and Heather Mycoskie are celebrating the launch of their new animal initiative—and preparing for the arrival of their first child.
22 la-confidential-magazine.com
Fashion meets art at clandestine Downtown concept shop Please Do Not Enter.
56 // man about toWn Men’s fashion insider Tommy Fazio gives a tour of his favorite LA lifestyle and design haunts.
photography by melissa Valladares
Gucci unveils new digs on Rodeo, diamond designer Todd Reed debuts a new men’s collection and Venice HQ, and more fall fashion news.
e s t. 1 8 1 8
ro d e o d r i ve
f i g u e roa st r e e t
we st f i e l d c e n t u ry c i ty
fas h i o n i s l a n d b ro o k s b rot h e rs.c o m
ga r d e n s o n e l pas e o
la jolla
f o ru m s h o p s at ca e sa rs
contents
october 2014
78
Benjamin Trigano likens Hollywood’s soon-to-open Mama Shelter hotel to an “urban kibbutz.”
54
PEoPLE
Eclectic is the word at new DTLA concept shop Please Do Not Enter.
L.A. Dance Project members perform Reflections by Benjamin Millepied. The company will debut new work in LA this month.
CULTURE 59 // Hollywood and divine
Downtown Councilman José Huizar reveals how he’s planning to turn Broadway into DTLA’s newest hot spot for the hip.
72 // going, going, gone for it
A blockbuster exhibition of movie costumes premieres at the future home of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
“Blurred Lines” video gal Emily Ratajkowski is hitting the big screen this month in the highly anticipated Gone Girl.
62 // a Model life
74 // a SHore tHing
In a new book, A-list makeup artist Francesca Tolot showcases decades of cosmetic collaboration with model/ muse Mitzi Martin.
Hospitality scion Harry Morton maps out the Malibu landmarks that inspired his Pink Taco restaurant empire.
64 // Culture SpotligHt L.A. Dance Project returns home with a new program of work, SoCal contracts equestrian fever, and more of the month’s can’t-miss cultural happenings.
78 // MaMa’S Boy WeHo gallerist Benjamin Trigano gives a frst look at his next masterpiece— Hollywood’s chicest new boutique hotel, Mama Shelter.
80 // gale forCe With flms like The Terminator and The Walking Dead to her credit, producer extraordinaire Gale Anne Hurd looks back on 30 years of sci-f dominance.
24 la-confidential-magazine.com
photography by Melissa Valladares (please do not enter, trigano); laurent philippe (l.a. dance)
64
67 // Broadway JoSé
OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER II
rolex
oyster perpetual and yacht-master are trademarks.
contents 82 // To Conserve
and ProTeCT
Do-gooding duo Blake and Heather Mycoskie of TOMS turn their philanthropic focus to a new cause: wildlife conservation.
october 2014
104
James Marsden returns to his rom-com roots this month with a starring role in the adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ The Best of Me.
TasTe 93 // seoul searChing Roy Choi’s Pot has cemented Korea town as LA’s most smokin’-hot culinary ’hood—and it’s not just because of the food.
96 // BarBeCu-liCious! K-Town may be crawling with cool new restaurants, but when in the mood for Korean barbecue, classic destinations reign supreme.
98 // ‘K’ is for
Kool-inary
The foodies behind two of Koreatown’s most lauded new dining spots—Saint Martha and Escala— shed light on the neighborhood’s recent revival.
102 // TasTe sPoTlighT
Stretch velvet Dylan ’60s jacket ($1,950), stretch velvet super-skinny pant ($585), white button-down shirt ($355), and silk bow tie ($170), Gucci. 347 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-3451; gucci.com. Black patent dress shoes, Ermenegildo Zegna ($750). 337 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-247-8827; zegna.com
26 la-confidential-magazine.com
photography by brian bowen smith
Yellowtail gets a new home in Sunset Plaza, SAAM preps for its sublime White Truffe Dinner Series, and more local dining news.
contents
october 2014
110
Nightlife entrepreneurs (clockwise from left) Mark and Jonnie Houston, Scott Sartiano, and Jason Harder are determined to make LA the city that never sleeps.
104 // Mr. Perfectionist
The Best of Me’s leading man, James Marsden, refects on turning 40 in Hollywood, his obsessions and compulsions, and his ongoing quest for a defning role.
110 // All About evening Meet the 11 trailblazing nightlife impresarios who are keeping LA buzzing far past its once-early bedtime.
118 // northern exPosure
Escape the fall chill in menswear that’s equal parts relaxed and refned.
128 // legends of the fAll
In the world of watches, iconic and time-honored designs are always on trend.
134 // eAst of eden This season, the desert is hotter than ever, thanks to can’t-miss happenings in Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Arizona, and Utah.
HAUTE PROPERTY 145 // Pro bueno LA’s top athletes are becoming star players in the city’s real estate game.
28 la-confidential-magazine.com
photography by ramona rosales
FEATURES
contents
october 2014 148 // Fore… Sale! For those seeking wide-open spaces in the city, golf course living is an ace in the hole.
ABODE & BEYOND 151 // Wild ThingS The guys behind L’Esperance Design are bringing a technobaroque sensibility to LA interiors.
152 // The MaSculine MySTique
Furnish your man cave at one of these dudely design dens.
AND FINALLY… 168 // PerForMance anxieTy
Could LA have the nation’s most harrowing singles scene? One writer argues yes.
correcTion
In the September 2014 issue of Los Angeles Confdential, chef Zoe Nathan was incorrectly identifed in a photo caption (“Slices of Heaven,” p. 136). It was, in fact, Milo & Olive sous chef Jennifer Song who was pictured. Furthermore, it is Executive Chef Erin Eastland, and not Nathan (as stated in the story’s text), who prepares Milo & Olive’s pizzas. We apologize for the errors.
on The coVer:
148
A rare midcentury architectural gem sits astride the Riviera Country Club in Brentwood.
30 la-confidential-magazine.com
James Marsden Photography by Brian Bowen Smith Styling by Neil Rodgers for Tracey Mattingly Grooming by David Stanwell at soloartists.com using Bobbi Brown Photography assistance by Lee Wall, Kevin McHugh, and Brandon Smith Video by Nardeep Khurmi Sitting editor: Danielle Yadegar Tuxedo (price on request), formal shirt ($385), and bow tie ($115), Ermenegildo Zegna. 337 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-247-8827; zegna.com
REVITALIZE The NEW Intensive Revitalizing Mask This energizing cream mask instantly infuses skin with youth. Potent anti-oxidants help protect against the aging effects of stress and pollution. In 8 minutes, skin looks healthy and plump as it is immersed in the legendary healing energies of our Miracle Broth.™ LaMer.com
- S A K S F I F T H AV E N U E
JOIN US ONLINE at la-confdential-magazine.com
We have the inside scoop on Los Angeles’s best parties, beauty, nightlife, and more. grooming
MAN-FRIENDLY SPA TREATMENTS
photos
SEE THE LATEST FROM LAST NIGHT’S EVENTS
Curated Globally, Serviced Locally.
Couldn’t attend? Browse the newest photos from LA’s most exclusive parties.
nightlife
Framing Discerning Angeleno’s Memories For Over Two Decades.
Beverly
Hills
PICTURE FRAMING G
A
L
L
E
R
Y
HOW TO PLAN A ROMANTIC DATE IN LA We’re planning your next date night for you, whether you want casual, cocktails, or complete privacy.
COME FOLLOW US 9685 South Santa Monica Blvd. 310.278.4798 • bhpictureframing.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHINYSHOT/SHUTTERSTOCK (WINE); GETTY IMAGES FOR VARIETY (CHRISTINA HENDRICKS & LIZZY CAPLAN); RIDO/SHUTTERSTOCK (SAUNA)
On Los Angeles’s spa scene, there’s something for the masculine set, too. We’re rounding up the best guyoriented treatments in town.
SPENCER BECK Editor-in-Chief Deputy Editor ERIN MAGNER Executive Managing Editor DEBORAH L. MARTIN Senior Art Director FRYDA LIDOR Photo Editor REBECCA SAHN Entertainment and Bookings Editor JULIET IZON Senior Fashion Editor LAUREN FINNEY Copy Editor WENDIE PECHARSKY Research Editor LESLIE ALEXANDER
ALISON MILLER Group Publisher Associate Publisher VALERIE ROBLES Account Directors GUY BROWN, NORMA MONTALVO, ELIZABETH MOORE, MIA PIERRE-JACQUES Account Executives ALICIA DRY, JULIA MAZUR Event Marketing Manager ANTHONY ANGELICO Office Manager CAROLYN SCARBROUGH Sales and Marketing Assistant KELSEY MARRUJO
NICHE MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC Senior Vice President and Editorial Director MANDI NORWOOD Vice President of Creative and Fashion ANN SONG Creative Director NICOLE A. WOLFSON NADBOY Executive Fashion Director SAMANTHA YANKS ART AND PHOTO
Associate Art Directors ANASTASIA TSIOUTAS CASALIGGI, ALLISON FLEMING, ADRIANA GARCIA, JUAN PARRA, JESSICA SARRO Senior Designer NATALI SUASNAVAS Designer SARAH LITZ Photo Director LISA ROSENTHAL BADER Photo Editors KATHERINE HAUSENBAUER-KOSTER, JODIE LOVE, SETH OLENICK, JENNIFER PAGAN Senior Staff Photographer JEFFREY CRAWFORD Senior Digital Imaging Specialist JEFFREY SPITERY Digital Imaging Specialist JEREMY DEVERATURDA Digital Imaging Assistant HTET SAN FASHION
Fashion Editor FAYE POWER Fashion Assistants CONNOR CHILDERS, LISA FERRANDINO COPY AND RESEARCH
Copy and Research Manager WENDIE PECHARSKY Copy Editors DAVID FAIRHURST, NICOLE LANCTOT, JULIA STEINER Research Editors JAMES BUSS, JUDY DEYOUNG, AVA WILLIAMS EDITORIAL OPERATIONS
Director of Editorial Operations DEBORAH L. MARTIN Director of Editorial Relations MATTHEW STEWART Editorial Assistant CHRISTINA CLEMENTE Online Executive Editor CAITLIN ROHAN Online Editors ANNA BEN YEHUDA, TRICIA CARR Senior Managing Editors DANINE ALATI, KAREN ROSE, JILL SIERACKI Managing Editors JENNIFER DEMERITT, MURAT OZTASKIN Shelter and Design Editor SUE HOSTETLER Timepiece Editor ROBERTA NAAS ADVERTISING SALES
Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing NORMAN M. MILLER Account Directors SUSAN ABRAMS, MICHELE ADDISON, CLAIRE CARLIN, KATHLEEN FLEMING, VICTORIA HENRY, KAREN LEVINE, MEREDITH MERRILL, GRACE NAPOLITANO, JEFFREY NICHOLSON, DEBORAH O’BRIEN, SHANNON PASTUSZAK, JIM SMITH Account Executives SUSANA ARAGON, MICHELLE CHALA, MORGAN CLIFFORD, JANELLE DRISCOLL, VINCE DUROCHER, IRENA HALL, SARAH HECKLER, CATHERINE KUCHAR, FENDY MESY, MARISA RANDALL, MARY RUEGG, ERIN SALINS, LAUREN SHAPIRO, CAROLINE SNECKENBERG, JACKIE VAN METER, JESSICA ZIVKOVITCH, GABRIELLA ZURROW Advertising Business Manager RICHARD YONG Sales Support and Development EMMA BEHRINGER, ANA BLAGOJEVIC, EMILY BURDETT, CRISTINA CABIELLES, BRITTANY CORBETT, JAMIE HILDEBRANDT, DARA HIRSH, KARA KEARNS, MICHELLE MASS, NICHOLE MAURER, RUE MCBRIDE, STEPHEN OSTROWSKI, ELENA SENDOLO, ALEXANDRA WINTER MARKETING, PROMOTIONS, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations LANA BERNSTEIN Vice President of Integrated Marketing EMILY MCLINTOCK Director of Integrated Marketing ROBIN KEARSE Integrated Marketing Manager JIMMY KONTOMANOLIS Director of Creative Services SCOTT ROBSON Promotions Art Designer CARLY RUSSELL Event Marketing Directors AMY FISCHER, HALEE HARCZYNSKI, LAURA MULLEN, JOANNA TUCKER, KIMMY WILSON Event Marketing Managers JUDSON BARDWELL, CHRISTIAMILDA CORREA, CRISTINA PARRA Event Marketing Coordinator BROOKE BIDDLE Event Marketing Assistant SHANA KAUFMAN ADVERTISING PRODUCTION
Vice President of Manufacturing MARIA BLONDEAUX Director of Positioning and Planning SALLY LYON Positioning and Planning Manager TARA MCCRILLIS Assistant Production Director PAUL HUNTSBERRY Production Manager BLUE UYEDA Production Artists ALISHA DAVIS, MARISSA MAHERAS, DARA RICCI Distribution Manager MATT HEMMERLING Assistant Distribution Relations Manager JENNIFER PALMER Fulfillment Manager DORIS HOLLIFIELD Traffic Supervisor ESTEE WRIGHT Traffic Coordinators JEANNE GLEESON, MALLORIE SOMMERS Circulation Research Specialist CHAD HARWOOD FINANCE
Controller DANIELLE BIXLER Finance Directors AUDREY CADY, LISA VASSEUR-MODICA Director of Credit and Collections CHRISTOPHER BEST Senior Credit and Collections Analyst MYRNA ROSADO Senior Billing Coordinator CHARLES CAGLE Senior Accountant LILY WU Junior Accountants KATHY SABAROVA, NEIL SHAH, NATASHA WARREN Accounts Payable Coordinator NADINE DEODATT ADMINISTRATION, DIGITAL, AND OPERATIONS
Director of Operations MICHAEL CAPACE Director of Human Resources STEPHANIE MITCHELL Executive Assistant ARLENE GONZALEZ Digital Media Developer MICHAEL KWAN Digital Producer ANTHONY PEARSON Facilities Coordinator JOUBERT GUILLAUME Chief Technology Officer JESSE TAYLOR Desktop Administrators ZACHARY CUMMO, EDGAR ROCHE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
J.P. ANDERSON (Michigan Avenue), SPENCER BECK (Aspen Peak [Acting]), ANDREA BENNETT (Vegas), KATHY BLACKWELL (Austin Way), KRISTIN DETTERLINE (Philadelphia Style), LISA PIERPONT (Boston Common), CATHERINE SABINO (Gotham), JARED SHAPIRO (Ocean Drive), ELIZABETH E. THORP (Capitol File), SAMANTHA YANKS (Hamptons) PUBLISHERS
JOHN M. COLABELLI (Philadelphia Style), LOUIS F. DELONE (Austin Way), DAWN DUBOIS (Gotham), ALEXANDRA HALPERIN (Aspen Peak), DEBRA HALPERT (Hamptons), SUZY JACOBS (Capitol File), GLEN KELLEY (Boston Common), COURTLAND LANTAFF (Ocean Drive), DAN USLAN (Michigan Avenue), JOSEF VANN (Vegas)
Managing Partner JANE GALE Chairman and Director of Photography JEFF GALE Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer JOHN P. KUSHNIR Chief Executive Officer KATHERINE NICHOLLS Copyright 2014 by Niche Media Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. Los Angeles Confidential magazine is published eight times per year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material, and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Los Angeles Confidential magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs, and drawings. To order a subscription, please call 866-891-3144. For customer service, please inquire at losangelesconfidential@pubservice.com. To distribute Los Angeles Confidential at your business, please e-mail magazinerequest@nichemediallc.com. Los Angeles Confidential magazine is published by Niche Media Holdings, LLC., a division of Greengale Publishing, LLC. T: 310-289-7300 F: 310-289-0444 niche media holdings: 100 Church Street, Seventh Floor, New York, NY 10007 T: 646-835-5200 F: 212-780-0003
los angeles confidential: 8530 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90211
34 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
1954
60 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS INSPIRATION IN THE PURSUIT OF TECHNICAL PERFECTION
Heritage Black Bay is the direct descendant of TUDOR’s technical success in Greenland on the wrists of Royal Navy sailors. 60 years later, the Black Bay is ready to stand as its own legend. TUDOR HERITAGE BLACK BAY® Self-winding mechanical movement, waterproof to 200 m, 41 mm steel case. Visit tudorwatch.com and explore more.
®
Letter from the editor-in-Chief
It’s reIgnIng men. Hasn’t It always? Yet every year, our Men’s Issue inspires several readers to weigh in with a certain amount of vitriol that we dare focus on the male of the species. (Interestingly, our Women’s Issue provokes nary a peep.) Fair enough. For millennia, guys have grabbed the big end of the stick in politics, business, the arts, and even relationships. But the times they are a changin’! Women have always ruled the world from behind the scenes, but increasingly… exponentially… they are moving front and center. So in this issue, let’s be nostalgic and celebrate brotherhood… LA style. Nightlife is perhaps the last métier writ large where the X-genomed/ challenged still wield unfettered power. And as LA morphs rapid-fire from the city-that-used-to-be-in-bedby-10 to the city-that-never-sleeps, let’s toast the men who make it happen. In this issue, we corral 11 urbane cowboys who are reinventing LA after dark. From Abbey founder/ entrepreneur/capo di tutti frutti David Cooley, who is poised to open a long-awaited restaurant/lounge on
Santa Monica in West Hollywood (see “All About Evening,” page 110), to José Huizar, the popular Downtown councilman spearheading “Bringing Back Broadway” (see “Broadway José”, page 67), we canvas the super-stylish gentlemen of the evening determined to make sure you aren’t up at six in the morning for a Runyon Canyon run. Good night, LA… sleep not so tight! I am no stranger to the lure of the night. Way back in the truly fabulous dark ages, I spent a year bartending at a once-upon-a-time, legendary club in New York called Regine’s. It started as a summer job. Then, much to my family’s horror, I took a leave of absence from college to serve the rich and famous drinks. Huh? Apparently, when you ply a 20-yearold with a $1,000-a-night habit, all bets are off (after 30-plus years in the job market, it’s still the best money I’ve ever made). And what fun! I had my regulars, like madame Jolie Gabor (Zsa Zsa’s mother), who came in every night to down four martinis made with gin and a splash of Campari (she was in her 80s at the time). A pint-size Hungarian
bombshell, she always brought her equally petite Lhasa Apso, to whom I served Perrier in an ashtray at the bar. And the celebs! I remember Diana Ross arriving one evening with her boyfriend of the moment, Gene Simmons of Kiss (what was that all about?). The original “Princess Diana” was encased head to toe in the most extravagant chinchilla fur. When I asked her if I could take her coat, she bellied up to the bar, opened the ensemble, exposing, well, a very revealing getup. We left the coat on…. That Studio 54 era, of course, burned bright and then burned out, leaving only the hardiest denizens of the night standing. Still, I wax nostalgic from time to time for that ab-glam moment. The ’20s... the ’70s... As the pendulum swings, will the men who rule LA after dark recapture the fun in the 2010s? Take an afternoon nap… and go out and see for yourself.
spencer beck
Stay up to date with all that’s going on in LA at la-confidential-magazine.com.
36 la-confidential-magazine.com
photography by jason king (fagnan); Chelsea lauren (wright); wireimage (sagastume)
To dine for! (from left): Toasting Tequila Avión President Jenna Fagnan and Pernod Ricard Lifestyle Director Susie Kimball at LA Confidential’s “Tastemaker” dinner at Mr. C Beverly Hills; hosting our Women of Influence party with the super-charming Robin Wright at 60 Beverly Hills; a perfect Sunday afternoon with my best buddy, Loui Sagastume, at the Team Maria benefit for Best Buddies International at the Montage Beverly Hills.
®
EMBRACE life’s most rewarding moments. Priority service and preferred pricing are just the beginning. With a full range of benefits, Citigold gives you the attention and treatment you deserve. Life’s more rewarding with Citigold. Visit a branch, call 1.866.422.1484 or go to citi.com/checkingrewards EARN
$400 after completing qualifying activities*
* The cash bonus will be credited to your new checking account within 90 days from the end of the month in which you complete all offer requirements. To qualify to earn a $400 cash bonus, first open a new Regular Checking account in the Citigold® Account Package by 10/31/14. Then within 60 days after account opening: 1 qualifying bill payment must post to the new checking account, followed by another qualifying bill payment the next calendar month; and deposit $50,000 or more in new-to-Citibank® funds into your new checking account. Qualifying bill payments are those made using Citibank® Online, Citi Mobile ® or CitiPhone Banking®. Bills paid by transferring between linked accounts and/or transfer payments made to accounts within Citibank or Citibank affiliates do not qualify. New-to-Citibank funds are funds that are not currently held by Citibank or an affiliate of Citibank. Offer for new checking customers only, 18 years or older, and may be modified or withdrawn at any time without notice. If you have received a bonus reward for opening a new consumer checking account within the past two years, you will not be eligible to receive the bonus associated with this offer. All accounts subject to approval, terms and fees. Offer is not transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer. One offer per customer and account. New checking account must be open and in good standing at the time the cash bonus is credited.
Important Tax Information: Offer limited to customers who are either citizens or resident aliens of the United States (U.S.) with a valid U.S. taxpayer identification number. The cash bonus award may be reported to the IRS as miscellaneous income on Form 1099-MISC in the year received, if the value of the award plus other taxable miscellaneous income awards received from Citibank, N.A., is in the aggregate $600 or greater for a calendar year, as required by applicable law. The customer is responsible for any taxes. The terms, conditions and fees for accounts, products, programs and services are subject to change. © 2014 Citibank, N.A. Member FDIC. Citi, Citibank, Citi with Arc Design, Citigold, Citi Mobile and CitiPhone Banking are registered service marks of Citigroup Inc.
letter from the Publisher
from left: Launching the TW Steel Slim Line with CEO Jordy Cobelens, Kelly Rowland, and Matthew Morrison; raising awareness for conservation at Oceana’s SeaChange gala with Niche Media’s Chairman Jeff Gale,
A funny thing hAppened on the wAy to this issue, our
annual celebration of modern men. Details on The Manly Man Conference hit my newsfeed first, with the catchy byline “No singing. No crying. No holding hands.” Upon further research, I learned that this annual conference brings together about 1,000 God-fearing men for pig roasts, sports, and some good old beer-chugging contests. Because I was raised in the Midwest, this kind of chest-thumping bravado by self-sufficient men felt familiar to me. After all, my father had an ankle replacement at the age of 89 to improve his golf game (true story). When I was a kid, we never went to the mechanic, nor had a repairman come to the house. The males in our home were the ultimate fix-it men who really did it all. Now I suspect, as you are a coastal dweller like me, you may find this breed of man about as rare as the Madagascar tree lemur. Everybody “has a guy for that.” Thankfully, gender roles continue to evolve, and as I pondered this seismic cultural shift, a new survey by Shulman Research hit my inbox. They assert that the patterns of affluent men with a household income greater than
$500K have indeed changed. While only 10 percent report the desire to acquire a firearm in the next 12 months, 52 percent intend to purchase furniture. Another 21 percent note kitchen appliances as a key planned buy, with luxury vacations (50 percent) and high-end jewelry (19 percent) registering high on the list of priorities as well. A full 20 percent also reported eating an almost all-organic diet. The last fact was the one that made me smile the broadest. The study found that men rely on print media significantly more than digital content to research and make their buying decisions. Now that’s enough to make a magazine publisher swoon! And so we give you this, our annual Men’s Issue—chock full of fabulous watches, fashion, and household goods to buy. It’s the Renaissance man’s ultimate go-to shopping resource, and we hope you’ll enjoy it cover to cover. Happy “hunting,” boys!
alison miller
Stay up to date with all that’s going on in LA at la-confidential-magazine.com.
38 la-confidential-magazine.com
photography by tiffany rose/getty images (cobelens); ann chatillon (oceana); DaviD crotty/laXart.com (firstenberg)
Burgess Yacht’s Director of Americas Matt Emerson, Niche Media’s Managing Partner Janie Gale, and Ariel and Harrison Gale; celebrating another fabulous LA><ART Garden Party with founder Lauri Firstenberg.
ALEXISBITTAR.COM
West HollyWood West 3rd street
Venice Abbot Kinney
MAlibu lumber yard
...WITHOuT WHOM this issue would not have been possible
JEN JONES DONATELLI
MICHAEL VENTRE
RAMONA ROSALES
Jen Jones Donatelli is an LA-based journalist who writes about food, travel, and lifestyle; her work and photography have appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Variety, San Francisco, Playboy, and Natural Health. She is a blogger for red book.com, and her book, Planning Perfect Parties: A Girl’s Guide to Fun, Fresh, and Unforgettable Events, was released earlier this year by Capstone Press. She explores Koreatown in this month’s Taste section, beginning on page 93.
Beachwood Canyon-based writer Michael Ventre has contributed to publications including Variety, Adweek, and NBCnews.com. In this issue he profiles LA’s hottest creatures of the night in “All About Evening” on page 110.
A native of Los Angeles, (yes, there is such a thing), photographer Ramona Rosales injects her love for Southern California into her work. Her imagery has been featured in Elle, Esquire, Flaunt, GQ, and The New York Times Magazine. Her portraits of the men of LA nightlife appear on page 110 (“All About Evening”).
BRIAN BOWEN SMITH
What is your favorite thing about the food scene in LA? The ever-
This former athlete began his career as a photo assistant to Herb Ritts. He quickly developed his own style and his work has appeared in publications such as W, Vanity Fair, Esquire, Interview, and Self. This month he photographed cover star James Marsden (“Mr. Perfectionist,” page 104).
revolving door of new restaurants and hidden gems always provides instant gratification. It’s never been such an exciting time to be a foodie.
How do you get your subjects to loosen up on set? I try to create a comfortable and friendly environment. And if that doesn’t work, tequila. What surprised you about James Marsden? That he was so knowledgeable about photography. What is your favorite “on-set” moment in your career? Being able to do what I love and make a living at it is my favorite thing about this business. Everything else that happens is a bonus. Although I did make out with Cloris Leachman once.
40 la-confidential-magazine.com
// October 2014
What was the most surprising thing you learned about Roy Choi’s new restaurant, Pot? The original name Choi and branding guru David Irvin came up with was “Ham.”
What do you love about Korean food? The adherence to and reverence for tradition is inspiring.
Did you learn anything new about nightlife in LA while doing this piece? Yes, I discovered that I couldn’t afford an empty bottle of Champagne at most of these places.
What was your favorite moment while shooting the nightlife feature? The
Are you a night owl?
Houston twins were awesome to work with. We all hung out after the shoot and enjoyed conversation over lovely cocktails.
If by “night owl” you mean someone who stays up past 10 pm, then yes, I sometimes qualify.
What is your idea of the perfect night in LA? A fabulous dinner followed by a great concert, and then ending the evening with a relaxing nightcap.
How do you make your subjects feel at ease during a portrait shoot? Good conversation and music usually are my main go-tos to take the subject out of the chaotic environment of the shoot. A little bit of wine is a good backup.
Describe your perfect LA evening. A good show at a favorite bar, Canter’s Deli for a late-night snack, and then take the long way home through the hills to see the city lights glow.
South Coast Plaza
the list October 2014
Steve Ballmer
Mitchell Binder
Cameron Weiss
John Snowden
Bladimiar Norman
Fabien Castanier
Laurent Bitton
Erik Evens
Michael Fassbender
Robin Williams
Quincy Jones
Joseph Sabato
Brian Urlacher
Kerry Brougher
Robert Procop
Seth Horowitz
Dave Grohl
Cory Chambers
Billy Crystal
Arik Bitton
Philip Nimmo
Josef Centeno
Jay Glazer
Ryan White
Matt Brodrick
Gregg Miele
Tom Petty
Theo Kingma
Ryan Kwanten
Paul Song
Ryan Marquardt
Mark Strausman
Jesse Rogg
Don Emery
Andrew Brodrick
Waldo Fernandez
Chris Pratt
Nicholas McGegan
Paul Marciano
David Fishbein
Vin Scully
Stephen Bjorneboe
Jet Tila
George Glasgow Jr.
Craig Shah
Neal Fraser
Nick Fouquet
Jeffrey Chassen
Michael Beaudry
Eric Cotsen
Inon Barnatan
Troy Williams
Jon Goldfarb
Ryan Kavanaugh
Todd J. Hoyles
Mark Brown
John Caruso
Richard Linklater
Brad Wollack
Mitchell Binder
Dave Koz
Raoul Marinescu
Dave Kupchinsky
Shaun Swanger
42â&#x20AC;&#x192; la-confidential-magazine.com
Big Bang Ferrari Ceramic Carbon. UNICO column-wheel chronograph. In-house Hublot movement. 72-hour power reserve. Polished black ceramic case and carbon fiber bezel. Yellow counter and lower bezel. Interchangeable strap with a unique attachment. Limited edition of 1000 pieces.
www.hublot.com â&#x20AC;˘
twitter.com/hublot â&#x20AC;˘
facebook.com/hublot
Style tastemaker The Gospel according to John: For award-winning menswear designer John Varvatos, clothes and rock ’n’ roll make the perfect fashion marriage.
Rock Me, VaRVatos!
photography by eric ray anderson
Designer John VarVatos kicks off fall with a star-stuDDeD birthDay tribute to ringo starr anD a collection inspireD by la rock legenD kiss. by lauren finney Designer John Varvatos’s eponymous brand may be only 14 years old, but in the men’s fashion space, he’s already achieved rock-star status. Indeed, the Detroit-born designer is heavily influenced by rock music, an obsession that is reflected in his designs every season in some way. For this fall, Varvatos riffed off his Spring 2013 ad campaign subjects— Gene Simmons and Kiss. “When I was doing my runway show in Milan [earlier in 2013], Kiss was playing there the same week,” says Varvatos, 48. “There were some 35,000 people. Here’s Kiss, who hasn’t had a radio hit in years, and I asked myself, continued on page 46
la-confidential-magazine.com 45
STYLE Tastemaker
Rock legend Kiss inspired a runway look from Varvatos’s Fall 2014 collection. below: The designer’s Fall 2014 media campaign features Ringo Starr and supports the ex-Beatle’s Peace & Love Fund.
Varvatos’s shops are all about made-for-LA, laid-back luxury.
what makes them so iconic to another generation? At first, yes, it’s the music, but they are really superheroes in their stage persona and their look.” This ability to slip into a bit of fantasy is the basis of Varvatos’s Fall 2014 collection, which emphasizes the little details that the designer calls “magic dust.” “Whether it’s the way we finish our boots with a little more of a chunky tread, or shoulders on a garment, or a fun feather effect, it’s still very beautiful and very elegant,” says the fashion legend, who first made his mark at Calvin Klein in the early ’90s,
pioneering, among other things, those famous original boxer briefs. The current designs have been carried through in the Fall 2014 campaign, which was shot in Los Angeles by Danny Clinch and features Ringo Starr, who received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Beatles earlier this year. The campaign, which was released on Starr’s 74th birthday in LA, was an exciting moment for the brand. “There were probably 3,000 people on the street yelling for Ringo and flashing the peace sign,”
46 la-confidential-magazine.com
remembers Varvatos. “I pinch myself in those moments.” The LA launch was centered around a social media campaign called
#peacerocks, in which Varvatos promised to donate one dollar to the Ringo Starr Peace & Love Fund for every social media post that included the hashtag. The Peace & Love Fund, which supports the David Lynch Foundation, teaches Transcendental Meditation to at-risk students, domestic abuse survivors, and veterans suffering from PTSD. Varvatos is also contributing in-store with a Peace Shops campaign, in which 100 percent of the proceeds of a branded tee will go toward the fund. Despite all the star power,
Varvatos is anything but a party animal; when in LA, he spends the majority of his time cloistered with friends and family. “We like to do things that are a little more intimate,” says Varvatos. “I’m always so busy that, when I travel, I’m not big on going out every night as I am on getting together with friends.” As for his favorite part of landing at LAX? “It’s just so sunny. I’m inspired by just being in a good mood every single day when I’m here!” 8800 melrose ave., west hollywood, 310-859-2791; johnvarvatos.com LAC
photography courtesy of john varvatos
“There were probably 3,000 people on The sTreeT in la yelling for ringo and flashing The peace sign. i pinch myself in Those momenTs.” —john varvatos
STYLE Accessories STATE YOUR CASE A rich forest-green shade adds an urbane twist to a structured, minimalist bag. Turtleneck ($1,094) and pants ($370), Etro. 9501 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-248-2855; etro.com. 43mm stainless steel Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe watch, Blancpain ($10,500). Tourbillon, 329 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-860-9990; tourbillon.com. Sterling silver Meteorite signet ring, David Yurman ($795). 371 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-888-8618; davidyurman.com. Belt, Allen Edmonds ($175). South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, 714-662-7357; allenedmonds.com. Porte-Documents Voyage, Louis Vuitton ($2,830). 295 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-859-0457; louisvuitton.com
Greens and Grays Get Grand this season for La days and niGhts. PHOTOGRAPHY bY bRiAn cluTcH
48â&#x20AC;&#x192; la-confidential-magazine.com
Styling by Faye Power; grooming by CaSey geren uSing oribe For abtP.Com; maniCure by CaSandra lamar uSing dior VerniS at FaCtory downtown; model: Shane duFFy For PartS modelS
greens with envy
STYLE Accessories Gray Matters
50â&#x20AC;&#x192; la-confidential-magazine.com
Vert-uoso Style
Lay the grays on this fall for oh-so-subtle chic.
Silver and gold? This season, how about silver... and green!
Gilet, Brunello Cucinelli ($1,005). 9534 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 310-724-8118; brunellocucinelli.com. Shirt, John Varvatos ($250). 8800 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310-859-2791; johnvarvatos.com. Tie, Brooks Brothers ($80). 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 310-553-3335; brooksbrothers.com. Pocket square, Salvatore Ferragamo ($140). 357 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-2739990; ferragamo.com. modelTwo e-cigarette, Ploom ($40). Mayhem Glass Boutique, 945 Westwood Blvd., LA, 310-443-1950; ploom.com. 43.5mm Classic Chronograph watch, David Yurman ($4,600). 371 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-888-8618; davidyurman.com
Sweater, Marc Jacobs ($1,095). 8400 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-653-5100; marcjacobs.com. Shirt, Prada ($880). 343 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-8661; prada.com. Herringbone trousers, Brioni ($895). 459 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-2711300; brioni.com. 40mm stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date watch, Rolex ($9,050). Gearys, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 310-887-4100; gearys.com. Belt, Burberry London ($395). 9560 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-550-4500; burberry.com
Un-Tied
Off the Cuff
An unconventional emerald velvet bow tie brings avant-elegance to evening wear.
Statement-making cuff links in a cool shade of gray pair well with a range of hues.
Jacket ($2,295) and scarf ($295), Burberry London. 9560 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-5504500; burberry.com. Shirt, Ermenegildo Zegna ($345). 337 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-2478827; zegna.com. Bow tie, Marc Jacobs ($195). 8400 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-653-5100; marcjacobs.com. Accutron II watch, Bulova ($499). Hans Watch Co., 659 S. Broadway, LA, 213-8920058; bulova.com
Jacket, Gucci ($1,890). 347 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-3451; gucci.com. Sweater, Bottega Veneta ($8,000). 457 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-858-6533; bottegaveneta.com. Shirt, Etro ($591). 9501 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-2482855; etro.com. 18K white-gold crystal and hematite square cuff links, Penny Preville ($4,295). Polacheckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewelers, 4719 Commons Way, Calabasas, 818-2250600; polachecks.com
STYLE Spotlight! ESPRIT DE KORS
Suitably Impressed
à la mode
// SHOP TALK // 1
Michael Kors releases a limited-edition 100 Series watch this fall as part of its Watch Hunger Stop initiative, marking the second year of partnership with the UN’s World Food Programme. With each watch sold, 100 meals are donated to children across the globe. The timepiece ($295) is offered in rose-goldtone stainless steel with a gray-blue dial that resembles a world map. The caseback features both Kors’s signature and the campaign details.—Roberta Naas
JAGGED LITTLE THRILLS
Colorado-based fine jewelry designer Todd Reed has just opened a 6,000-square-foot flagship store in Venice Beach, showcasing his raw yet refined recycled gold and diamond pieces (including a brand-new men’s collection). His first California brick-and-mortar includes a bridal salon, design studio, living quarters for an artist-in-residence, and elements such as a screen covered in thousands of plants. “I wanted the environment to facilitate the same positive experience that has been put into the creation of our jewelry,” says Reed. 1511 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310-450-7840; toddreed.com
2
GUCCI GEARS UP FOR FALL WITH NEW SUITING AND A REIMAGINED BEVERLY HILLS BOUTIQUE BY LAUREN FINNEY This fall, the Gucci Tailored collection is redefining manabout-town style with a collection of seven new suit silhouettes. Staying true to the Italian house’s lush, plush legacy, the collection combines contemporary flair with Gucci’s signature artisanal craftsmanship. Styles range from the slim-fit, tapered Marseille to the ’70s-inspired Heritage and are sure to stand out at Gucci’s newly renovated, 22,000-square-foot Beverly Hills boutique, from which the brand’s fans can also purchase the full range of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, children’s gear, and a newly launched beauty collection. 347 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-3451; gucci.com
// adornments //
BOND MARKET
Thomas Pink ($195). Westfield Century City, LA , 310-843-0014; thomaspink.com
52
Boss ($95). 414 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-859-2888; hugoboss.com
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
MALL THAT GLITTERS… Michael Kors at The Grove, LA, 323-549-9500; Beverly Center, LA, 310-360-0980; michaelkors.com
The Glendale Galleria continues its new-store spree this fall. Notable additions include Earthbar, Armani Jeans, and the first LA outpost for Uniqlo, home to cult-fave Japanese basics. 100 W. Broadway, Glendale, 818-246-6737; glendalegalleria.com
FROM LA WITH LOVE: ACCOUTREMENTS WITH PANACHE!
David Yurman ($1,950). 371 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-888-8618; davidyurman.com
Christian Louboutin ($1,395). 650 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-247-9300; christianlouboutin.com
Cartier ($1,150). 370 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-275-4272; cartier.com
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GUCCI (CHECKED SUIT); MICHAEL KORS (WATCH); TODD REED (REED); GLENDALE GALLERIA (STORE INTERIOR); THOMAS PINK (CUFF LINKS); HUGO BOSS (BOW TIE); CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN (SHOES); CARTIER (LIGHTER); DAVID YURMAN (RING)
watches
new
style
The besT and brighTesT looks are waiTing aT our newesT sTores including: armani jeans bloomingdale’s Porsche design carmen sTeffens bhindi jewelers - rolex marTier bouTique, café, salon & sPa bcbgmaxaZria Pirch plus 230 great stores & eateries
glendalegalleria.com
STYLE Secret LA “It’s a hIdden place where you can dIscover thIngs you can’t normally fInd In la… or even In the unIted states.” —nicolas libert
Prêt-à-Portal
Nicolas Libert (left) and Emmanuel Renoird showcase highly curated pieces in their Paris-meets-LA boutique Please Do Not Enter. below: The shop offers quirkily displayed one-of-a-kind fashion finds.
54 la-confidential-magazine.com
In the penthouse of Downtown’s Pacific Mutual Building—several floors above Nasty Gal’s global headquarters and the popular Water Grill—Please Do Not Enter has quietly become the neighborhood’s newest (and perhaps grandest) retail destination. Not quite a gallery yet not quite a retail boutique, the “curated space,” as founders Nicolas Libert and Emmanuel Renoird call it, resembles a high-end pied-à-terre—a historic Beaux-Arts building with floor-to-ceiling windows housing a tasteful mix of fashion and minimalist furniture, contemporary sculpture, luxurious toiletries, and art books. The shop was conceptualized with the “sophisticated man” in mind, but tagalong girlfriends and wives won’t be bored with the unexpected product assortment. “When you come in the building, you expect lawyers, bankers, old-school businessmen,” says Libert, a Parisian real estate developer who moved to Los Angeles with Renoird, an interior designer, two years ago. “You wouldn’t expect this lush space with high ceilings and the light and the view of the city. That surprise is really important to us.”
Libert and Renoird set out to create an environment where they could share all the fashion, design, art, and objects they love—from tailored menswear by former Hermès artistic director Christophe Lemaire and butter-soft black leather sneakers from British brand Cipher to ceramics by Guillaume Bardet and stationery by 57-year-old Japanese brand Ito Bindery. “It’s a not a clothing store with a few candles and some books,” says Renoird. Please Do Not Enter is open by appointment only, but not because it’s precious or elitist. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Libert and Renoird believe that knowing a product’s backstory enhances the customer experience, and they want to take the time to tell guests—ranging from deep-pocketed art collectors to young design enthusiasts—about each piece’s provenance and craftsmanship. “It’s a hidden place where you can discover things you can’t normally find in LA or California or even in the United States,” says Libert. “First you have to love the piece for its formal appearance… and then you have to enjoy the story!” 523 W. Sixth St., Ste. 1229, LA, 213-263-0037; pleasedonotenter.com LAC
photography by melissa valladares
LifestyLe as “couture” is the concept behind appointment-onLy fashion/art shop Please Do Not eNter. By Allyson Rees
STYLE Social Network “Civilianaire always makes me look Cool and put together... while still feeling relaxed.” — tommy fazio
Man About Town
Former Nordstrom FashioN director-turNed-braNd guru Tommy Fazio huNts dowN La’s styLe treasures. By Lauren Finney
Tommy Fazio knows his fashion. An alum of Nordstrom, Simon Spurr, and Calvin Klein, the NYC transplant is now serving as president of Project trade show and its subsidiaries, helping place contemporary, luxury, up-and-coming fashion brands on the racks of the world’s top retailers. A resident of Los Angeles for only a few months, Fazio has already established some favorite style haunts. When in need of everyday wear, Fazio heads over to
Fred Segal (8118 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-651-4129; fredsegal.com), where he’s been shopping longer than he can remember. Other favorites include The Stronghold (1625 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310-3997221; thestronghold.com) for bags; Unionmade (189 The Grove Dr., LA, 323-9652248; unionmadegoods.com) for “the amazing staff” and a favorite brand, Save Khaki; and Gant (101 S. La Brea Ave., LA, 323-591-1148; us. gant.com), where manager
56 la-confidential-magazine.com
Shawn Faust “always knows exactly what I need.” He also mixes in pieces from the Melrose Trading Post flea market (7850 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-655-7679; melrosetradingpost.com), where “weekends are best for strolling through to find interesting things.” A supporter of local brands, Fazio favors Civilianaire (8251 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-944-0479; civilian aire.com). “Its clothes always make me look cool and put together, while still feeling
completely relaxed.” A regular at The Arcona Studio (425 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310-458-3800; arcona.com) —“Brandy Brown is the best facialist”—and at fragrance shop Le Labo (8385 W. Third St., LA, 323-782-0411; lelabo fragrances.com), Fazio likes to indulge a bit when it comes to his grooming. “I also love Lincoln Barbers (2208 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-314-1719),” he says. “I regularly go there for my haircuts and shaves.” Having just moved, the brandmeister has also been doing quite a bit of home shopping, drawing a lot of
inspiration from Farmshop (225 26th St., Santa Monica, 310-566-2400; farmshop ca.com) at Brentwood Country Mart—its luxe ceramics and linens are musts. He uses Jennifer Juhos from Fiore Designs (1617 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310-230-5007; fioredesigns.com) as his interiors guru—“Her taste is impeccable, and she’s a great friend,” says Fazio. His favorite part of his new place? “My terrace! It’s like an outdoor living room. I’m all about indoor/outdoor living. I think it’s a huge part of LA life and it’s definitely reflected in my space.” LAC
PhotograPhy by Melissa Valladares (Fazio); Courtesy oF CiVilianaire (CiVilianaire); Fiore designs (Fiore)
clockwise from left: Tommy Fazio; Civilianaire on Melrose carries übercool gear for men; Jennifer Juhos of Fiore Designs on Abbot Kinney in Venice is Fazio’s go-to interiors pro.
THE VISA® BLACK CARD MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL
SM
Black Card Members Enjoy: An Industry-Leading Rewards Program § Exclusive 24-Hour Concierge Service VIP Treatment at over 3,000 Properties § VIP Airport Lounge Access Members-Only Luxury Magazine § Luxury Gifts from the World’s Top Brands
APPLY NOW AT BLACKCARD.COM OR CALL 866-BLACK CARD. BLACKCARD is a registered trademark used under license. © 2007-2014 Black Card LLC. U.S. Patent Numbers D677,330 and 8,640,948. Visa Black Card is issued by Barclays Bank Delaware. Offer subject to credit approval. See Terms and Conditions for details.
CULTURE Hottest Ticket
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LUCASFILM LTD. (RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK); MIRAMAX (SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, FRIDA); 20TH CENTURY FOX (MOULIN ROUGE); PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND 20TH CENTURY FOX (TITANIC)
Clothes call! Costumes from (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) Raiders of the Lost Ark, Shakespeare in Love, Frida, Moulin Rouge, and Titanic take center stage in “Hollywood Costume.”
HOLLYWOOD AND DIVINE THE GRANDEST-EVER EXHIBITION OF MOVIE COSTUMES COMES HOME TO HOLLYWOOD THIS MONTH AFTER A RED-CARPET RUN ABROAD. BY ERIN MAGNER
An exhibition of majestic Marie Antoinette gowns, superhero armor, and slick bespoke suits from more than 100 of Hollywood’s most beloved movies may sound like an obvious blockbuster. But independent curator Deborah Nadoolman Landis was faced with plenty of skeptics when she started conceptualizing “Hollywood Costume”—an ambitious touring show that first opened at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum in 2012 and is arriving at the home of the future Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 2. “A friend of mine, James Acheson—one of the greatest costume designers ever—said to me, ‘A costume exhibition is such a bad idea. It’s just going to be dead frocks on dummies,’” she recalls. “He threw down the glove.” And, in many ways, she agreed with him. “Costumes aren’t always magnificent; you can’t just put them out on display and expect magic,” says Landis, an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CONTINUED ON PAGE 60
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
59
governor and notable costume designer her self (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Coming to America, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video). “We’re much more connected with the characters… and tearing a costume from the story and visual context from which it’s created is a bad idea.” Landis’s solution: a multimedia extra vaganza that features not just the costumes themselves—145 of them to be exact—but film montages, sketches, scripts, video interviews with actors and filmmakers, lighting wizardry, a custom score, and even some special effects. Says Landis: “It’s emotional, it’s kinetic, and hopefully you’ll be moved. It’s about creating an exciting setting for what would otherwise be, say, a hat on a plinth.” The combined effect is nothing short of spectacular. The show’s first “stage” alone boasts, among other things, a sabletrimmed cape worn by Marlene Dietrich in Angel (1937); Mary Poppins’s hat, skirt, jacket, and open umbrella (1964); and the bowler hat and cane donned by Charlie Chaplin in 1914’s The Tramp (Landis tears up at the mention of these 100yearold artifacts—her favorites and the oldest pieces in the exhibit—on loan from the Chaplin family in Switzerland). Animated screenplays and fullsize videos of the characters on film bring each garment to life, setting the scene for the rest of the
Pieces worn by Marlene Dietrich in Angel and Helen Mirren in The Queen were on display at the London installation of “Hollywood Costume.” below: Cowboy getups share a stage with Darth Vader’s iconic onscreen outfit.
60 la-confidential-magazine.com
from the Academy Museum’s program ming when it officially opens in 2017. “‘Hollywood Costume’ is not just a fash ion show; it really delves into the filmmaking process in a way that uses technology, that’s beautifully designed, and that takes you on a journey not unlike a movie itself,” says Kerry Brougher, director of the Academy Museum. Needless to say, the process of culling all of this material was not easy. “It was a nightmare,” says Landis with a laugh. “It took five years to pull it all together.” Her search took her to Asia, Europe, the Emirates, and all across the US, where she bargained with museums and private collectors for the opportunity to borrow their most prized pieces. Even Streep got involved. “During my long interview with Meryl, she asked me if there were any costumes I really wanted, but wasn’t able to find,” says Landis. “I said yes; the Ascot dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady.” As it turned out, Streep had a connection to the Middle Eastern collector who was believed to own the dress; although it was not in that person’s “Hollywood Costume” curator collection, they did offer Marilyn Deborah Nadoolman Landis spent five years culling the Monroe’s white pleated halter dress from exhibition’s 145 outfits. The Seven-Year Itch. “I would never have found it if Meryl hadn’t asked about this other costume,” Landis says, shaking her head. (For “IT’S eMOTIOnAL, IT’S the record, the Ascot dress was never located.) kIneTIC. IT’S ABOuT In the end, the struggle was worth it. During the exhibition’s threemonth, sellout run in London, CReATInG An exCITInG “People were spending up to four hours at the exhi SeTTInG FOR WHAT WOuLD bition and then coming again and again,” says Landis. This is a timely homecoming for the show— OTHeRWISe Be, SAY, 2014 marks the first year that costume designers have been granted their own branch at the A HAT On A pLInTH.” Academy (they previously fell under the art direc —deborah nadoolman landis tors’ category). “The Academy Awards started in 1928, but the first costumedesign Oscar wasn’t show—one that hops from silent films to enduring even given until 1948,” says Landis. “It took a long classics (Funny Girl, The Wizard of Oz—ruby slippers time for the academy to recognize the field.” included) to period pieces (Shakespeare in Love, Marie Although they’ve clearly caught up, she’s hoping Antoinette), contemporary cult favorites (The Hunger that the show will help the public, too, recognize Games, Twilight), and scifi (Avatar, Star Wars), finish the importance of costume design to the entire cin ing with a room dedicated to gunslingers and vixens ematic package. “Most of the time, we don’t even (Basic Instinct, Dick Tracy). Landis also tapped into notice the way characters are costumed,” says the filmmaking community for contributions. Brougher. “This exhibition not only brings atten Guests can sit at a banquet table and watch filmed tion to the subtleties in the ways designers costume interviews with Hollywood legends like Alfred people, but shows that often they start with very lit Hitchcock, Edith Head, Tim Burton, and Colleen tle—it’s up to them to invent the look of that Atwood, who talk about the importance of costume; character. In doing that, they help to create what another entire section of the show is dedicated to seems like a real person.” “Hollywood Costume” will Meryl Streep, who gives a video lesson in acting and be on display October 2–March 2, 2015, at the Wilshire transformation. All of this adds up to a wildly com May Company building, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., LA, 310prehensive show—one that hints at what to expect 247-3049; oscars.org/hollywoodcostume LAC
photography by molly cranna (landis)
CULTURE Hottest Ticket
An American Brand 3 Sizes
Water-resistant to 165 ft. $49 available in over 20 color combinations, for men and women For a store near you, visit
www.40nine.com
also available on Amazon.com
And at these retailers: Peter Marco Extraordinary Jewels, Beverly Hills, CA, 310-278-5353 • Minimal, San Francisco, CA, 415-400-5572 • TeNo, San Francisco, CA, 415-644-0355 • Dan Miller Jewelry, Laguna Beach, CA, 949-494-6683 • Stuart Benjamin & Company, San Diego, CA, 619-297-7666 • Time Lynx, San Jose, CA, 408-227-1440 • 40Nine, Las Vegas, NV, 702-471-1000 • TeNo, Las Vegas, NV, 702-259-0565 • The TitanFactory, Las Vegas, NV, 702-735-1693
culture Books
To create the effect in this 2003 photograph by Alberto Tolot, makeup artist Francesca Tolot splattered red powder pigment all over the face of model Mitzi Martin. “I wanted to have a strong, colorful, tribal look,” she says.
For this photograph, taken in 2000, Tolot used a very light foundation and a fine-point eyeliner. “I was inspired by the idea of an abstract geisha,” Tolot says. “The hair was done by another one of my great friends, the talented Enzo Angileri.”
A Model life
Her magic wand delivers mascara and her alchemy involves eye shadow, but makeup artist Francesca Tolot nevertheless casts an entrancing spell. Tolot has worked her wizardry on some of the world’s most beguiling women, including Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, Marion Cotillard, Charlize Theron, and Elizabeth Taylor. Originally from a small town near Venice, she’s created runway looks for Armani, Valentino, and Chanel, and is in demand with commercial clients such as L’Oréal. She is best known for her ongoing collaboration with Beyoncé, spanning 36 videos— “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” included—as well as the films Dreamgirls and Cadillac Records. Yet no matter how luminous her subjects, “Photography and cinematography are all an illusion,” says Tolot. “Using makeup and lighting, you can transform a person completely.” Her magic is washed away at the end of the day, but fortunately Tolot’s evanescent artistry has been immortalized in the just released One Woman 100 Faces (Goodman/Carlton Books). The book is a family affair: It was photographed by fashion photographer Alberto Tolot, the artist’s husband; laid out by their graphic designer son, Christiano; and its forward was written by
62 la-confidential-magazine.com
Beyoncé herself, who calls Tolot “the most extraordinary makeup artist of our time.” The “one woman” of the book’s title is Mitzi Martin, an LA-based model-actress who has been working with the Tolots on ad campaigns since she was 17 and became a dear friend and muse. Over the span of two decades, the creative team would meet up in the Tolots’ Carthay Circle backyard to shoot photos for the book. The resulting images show a mesmerizing Martin transformed from page to page—one moment a Beaux-Arts vixen, the next a creature from a distant galaxy. Despite the time span represented, Martin doesn’t visibly age, nor does the makeup seem dated. “They are classic, iconic, and timeless looks,” says Tolot. “What I like about these images is they aren’t stereotypical ideas of beauty.” In one stunning metamorphosis, Martin is covered in head-to-toe glitter, her body shimmering like molten silver. The hardest part of that, says Tolot, wasn’t applying the makeup… but removing it. “It took Mitzi a while to get that off. And the real cleanup was in the studio shower. It must have taken days.” Just as she has in the fashion industry, Tolot’s vision left a shimmering, indelible mark. LAC
PhotograPhy by alberto tolot
One WOman 100 Faces documents LA mAkeup Artist/fAshion photogrApher duo Francesca And alberto tolot’s extrAordinAry decAdes-Long Love AffAir with teen modeL-turned-Actress mitzi mArtin. by kathryn drury wagner
SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN! CUSP—THE NEW COOL
IT’S FALL. GET DRESSED IN THE SEASON’S NEWSMAKERS AND STYLE SHAKERS. YOU’LL FIND THEM IN OUR FRESHLY EXPANDED AND REMODELED CUSP DEPARTMENT.
BEVERLY HILLS 310.550.5900 NEIMANMARCUS.COM/CUSP #ONTHECUSP
culture Spotlight!
Pop Projections
music
Take fve, Campbell’s Soup Cans—it’s Andy Warhol’s flm oeuvre that’s stealing the limelight at UCLA. “Exposed: Songs for Unseen Warhol Films” is a multimedia performance event commissioned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Andy Warhol Museum; in one night, viewers can expect to see 15 never-beforeseen flms by Warhol from the ’60s, featuring famous faces from Marcel Duchamp to Edie Sedgwick,
sports
Best in show
among others. As the reels run, guest music curators Dean Wareham (Galaxie 500, Luna), Tom Verlaine (Television), Martin Rev (Suicide), Eleanor Friedberger (The Fiery Furnaces), and Bradford Cox (Deerhunter)—representing the
Dance, Dance, Revolution!
dance
“It” troupe L.A. DAnce project eyes Downtown’s Ace HoteL for A brAnDnew progrAm tHIs fALL. by kelsey marrujo L.A. Dance Project’s fall tour schedule may hop from France to New York, Japan, and South Korea, but that doesn’t mean the company is forgetting about its hometown. Founder and esteemed dancer-choreographer Benjamin Millepied has created brand-new work for his troupe’s three-day October residence at The Theatre at the Ace Hotel, which will not only spotlight Millepied’s collaboration with composer Philip Glass and costume designer Janie Taylor, but will also include two additional works. The first, commissioned by L.A. Dance Project in summer 2013, is an exploration of the passing of time through movement and sound titled Morgan’s Last Chug by Emanuel Gat; the second is a revival of William Forsythe’s Quintett, evoking loss, hope, fear, and joy, and featuring music by Gavin Bryars and costumes by Stephen Galloway. “All of the work is developed here in the studio on Spring Street,” says founding producer Charles Fabius of the program. “Because it’s a small company, it’s all about partnerships…. It just so happens that LA is the perfect venue for us to do these in-depth collaborations.” October 24–26, The Theatre at the Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, LA, 213-623-3233; ladanceproject.com LAC
64 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAzINE.COM
World-class polo comes to LA courtesy of Veuve Clicquot.
trajectory of musical infuences from The Velvet Underground through today—will perform original scores. “We leapt at the chance to partner with The Andy Warhol Museum and Brooklyn Academy of Music to create this unique marriage of Andy’s celluloid dreaming with a score from some of modern music’s most exciting composer-performers,” says Kristy Edmunds, executive and artistic director of the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA. Given his predilection for a canny collaboration, Andy surely would have approved. October 24, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Dr., LA, 310-8252101; cap.ucla.edu—KM
From 1966, a still from Andy Warhol, Screen Test: Marcel Duchamp and Benedetta Barzini.
Hallo, Hollywood! Immerse yourself In German film this fall with three separate but complementary exhibitions. In collaboration with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, LACMA presents “Haunted Screens: German Cinema in the 1920s” through January 4, 2015; the Skirball Cultural Center debuts “Light & Noir: Exiles and Émigrés in Hollywood, 1933–1950” and “The Noir Effect” on October 23, examining how film noir continues to impact US pop culture. —JW
photography by rose eichenbaum (ballet); ©2014 the andy Warhol museum, pittsburgh, pa, a museum of carnegie institute. all rights reserved. film still courtesy of the andy Warhol museum
L.A. Dance Project members perform Justin Peck’s Murder Ballades in spring 2013. The dance company comes to The Theatre at the Ace Hotel this month.
Hats on, LA! Two prestigious equestrian events ride into town this month. On October 11, sit pretty with a flute of fizz in hand at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic (vcpoloclassic.com) at Will Rogers State Historic Park, featuring Cham pagne bars, celebrity guests, and, of course, worldclass polo. Then, from October 31 to November 1, attend the Breeders’ Cup races (breederscup.com) at Santa Anita Park. Keep an eye out for fine dining and fashion from fascinators to fedoras at this highprofile event with over $25 million in purses, dubbed the “richest two days in sports.” —Jamie Wilde
STYLE OUTSIDE THE BOX. 9528 S. SANTA MONICA BLVD., BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210 . 310 470 9063 . WESTBH.COM
BUY PA SSE S A N D BO O K I N YOU NT VI L L E !
NAPAVALLEYFILMFEST.ORG
THE ULTIMATE FILM, FOOD, AND WINE EXPERIENCE
people View from the Top
Broadway José
photography by elisabeth caren
Lights, camera, Downtown! star poLitico José huizar is DetermineD to bring oLD-fashioneD fLash—anD new-fangLeD cash—to DtLa. manhattan what By Finn-OlaF JOnes
Urbane legend in the making? Battling political foes and naysayers, Council member José Huizar is finally bringing “uptown” style back to Downtown LA with his Bringing Back Broadway initiative.
“How ya doin’, José?” asks a hunched old-timer who corners Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar in the marbled entrance to Los Angeles’s City Hall. Huizar, 46, is already very late for his next appointment, but stops for a long, wonkish conversation with the interloper. Though he’s about as big a glad-hander as President Obama, another politician not known for small talk, Huizar seems cheerful and unhurried as time is wasting away. “Is the gentleman a lobbyist?” one of Huizar’s aides is asked. “Naah, he’s a City Hall groupie,” he sighs. “José always stops to talk to him.” Huizar has a 3-year-old daughter in the hospital being treated for leukemia, a sexual harassment suit threatening his next reelection, and some of the most expensive civic projects in LA in various states of crisis, but in a town that measures character by coolness, Huizar is as perpetually unruffled as a character from a Raymond Chandler novel. And like those characters, he’s been confronting the mean streets of Downtown Los Angeles for a long continued on page 68
la-confidential-magazine.com 67
José Huizar lights up the marquee at the Globe Theater as part of his Bringing Back Broadway initiative. right: José and three of his four children (from left), Isabella, Simon, and Emilia, at a recent parade.
“PeoPle fear gentrification of Downtown, but broaDway will still be a street for everyone.” — josé huizar time. Unlike those characters, he’s obviously been winning. A decade ago, Downtown LA was a post-5 pm Zombieland, where the lonely few tottered down empty boulevards and past shuttered Art Deco buildings. Now, Downtown has become one of the most high-profile neighborhoods in the country, a western Soho, with hipsters waiting in line to get into trendy restaurants like Bestia and Alma. Even the derelict United Artists Theatre was recently transformed into the Ace Hotel, where revelers who are lucky enough to get past the velvet rope to the roof bar stare down at the cranes and crowds of pedestrians in what has become a miraculously revitalized metropolis. Practically everything they can see from up there is the realm of Huizar, who since 2005 has been representing District 14—which includes almost the entire Downtown area ringed by the freeways. In LA’s uniquely decentralized political environment, council members pretty much run their district with the autonomy of a modern Medici, for better and for worse. When Huizar took over the reins of Zombieland in 2005, many would have argued the prospects for gentrification pointed to worse.
68 la-confidential-magazine.com
“When he was first elected, Ninth and Broadway might as well have been Siberia,” says Steve Needleman, whose family has been running theaters, including the opulent, recently renovated Orpheum on Broadway, for two generations. “Ten years later, it’s a much different situation. José has turned this into one of the most economically powerful neighborhoods in LA. It’s attracting more growth and investment than any other district in the city. But it has not been an easy path.” Nor a short one. Huizar was born in an adobe hut in the remote state of Zacatecas, Mexico, “where 50 percent of the population has moved to the United States, like my parents did when I was 3,” he says in his smooth, thoughtful cadence, more NPR than East LA. Indeed, the bookshelves cluttering his modest office (“I had a choice, but this works well because it’s got more direct access to the Council Chambers”) reveal a baroque and curious mind: Robert Greene’s tome The 48 Laws of Power, which, from the mottled pages, appears to have been surrendered at page 41; The Joy Luck Club; architecture and design books; several signed coffee-table books on singing Mexican cowboys; and a shelf devoted to the country of Japan. Not the typical
library of a man who grew up in Boyle Heights, the Latino neighborhood abutting Downtown, where, according to the last census, only 5 percent of residents graduated from college. Boyle Heights, which is also part of District 14, is the perch from which Huizar became fascinated with Downtown LA and its eroding buildings, especially its fantastical 1920s movie palaces. “In the ’70s, these theaters were showing mostly Spanish or kung fu movies,” remembers the councilman. “I could watch three movies for 99 cents, and then I’d go to see more movies down the street.” The drive for education came serendipitously for Huizar. Even though he’d been thrown out of middle school (“it’s been long forgotten” he laughs when asked why), he always had a drive “to make things better.” Recalls Huizar, “I had a delivery route around Japantown for two papers. One day, I passed a guy in a tourist shop who gave me a job for $2 an hour handing out cards in front of his store.” This chance encounter with local entrepreneur Masamichi Kiyomiya proved to be life changing. “Like so many Japanese, Kiyomiya had a lot of respect for education,” says Huizar. “He insisted on keeping me on the clock until I finished my homework.” Later, in college, Kiyomiya continued giving his protégé paid market research assignments, “but I later realized it was just his way of helping me pay for my education,” says Huizar. A bachelor’s degree from Berkeley, a graduate degree in urban planning from Princeton University, and a law degree from UCLA followed. Suddenly the young man from rural Zacatecas was a real estate lawyer on the move in LA, catching the eye of Republican Mayor Richard Riordan, who encouraged him to run for school council. “Believe me, I wasn’t the first he asked,” remembers the lifelong Democrat. “At the ConTinued on Page 70
photography CoUrtESy oF thE oFFiCE oF CoUnCilmEmbEr hUizar (hUizar)
PEOPLE View from the Top
CMC GROUP PRESENTS
AN URBAN OASIS PRESENTING DOWNTOWN MIAMI’S MOST ANTICIPATED LUXURY CONDOMINIUM TOWER
EXCLUSIVE SALES & MARKETING BY CMC REAL ESTATE LLC |
| WWW.BRICKELLFLATIRON.COM
ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. THIS OFFERING IS MADE ONLY BY THE OFFERING DOCUMENTS FOR THE CONDOMINIUM AND NO STATEMENT SHOULD BE RELIED UPON IF NOT MADE IN THE OFFERING DOCUMENTS. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL, OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY, THE CONDOMINIUM UNITS IN STATES WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION CANNOT BE MADE. PRICES, PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
PEOPLE View from the Top
time, it wasn’t considered such a great position. The schools were in awful condition.” Then in 2005, when Antonio Villaraigosa was elected mayor, Huizar handily took over his District 14 seat in a special election. The lessons in urban planning and the board of education’s political horse trading took effect right away, with Huizar pushing through tax rebates, exemptions, and other initiatives to attract developers, businesses, and residents to Downtown, or in Huizar’s words “the gem of Los Angeles.” One of these initiatives, “Bringing Back Broadway,” launched in 2008, is a 10-year plan aimed at finding new uses for the movie palaces and other fraying buildings lining Broadway. Sidewalks are being widened to attract pedestrians, tax credits are encouraging the development of upper floors of derelict buildings atop bustling shops, and $750,000 in funding is enticing owners to bring back the floodlights and neon signs of the ’20s and ’30s. One of the most high-profile successes was the transformation of the United Artists Theatre’s moldering Art Deco fantasy into the Ace Hotel. “We went through so many different proposals for the theater— t-shirt stores and the like—until the group behind the Ace Hotel showed an interest in the property. I knew right away that this was the right sort of business we
70 la-confidential-magazine.com
wanted to attract,” says Huizar. These glittering developments are attracting new life like moths to the flame, and now Downtown is aflutter with construction and brave new projects. It’s not all been smooth sailing. Married with four children, Huizar recently had to own up to trysts with a former deputy chief of staff who, years after the affair allegedly ended, sued for sexual harassment after getting married. The case is currently scheduled to come to trial in November, though it’s being whispered that an out-of-court settlement is in the works. With more than $300,000 already raised for next year’s reelection—a whopping amount for a council election—Huizar’s unflappable disposition when lesser politicians would be ducking for cover is perhaps understandable. Downtown’s future has never looked better. Next up: A four-mile streetcar system that is set to be up and rolling by 2019. High-tech businesses are also taking a peek, as propeller heads continue to seek local spots to grow far from the anonymous lawns of Silicon Valley. “Downtown would be an ideal workplace and residence for people working in the tech industry,” says Huizar, who says he’s hoping to make “a major announcement soon” on the subject. Not that LA’s core is envisioned to become a high-income Manhattan anytime in the near
future. “People fear gentrification of Downtown,” notes Huizar. “But Broadway will still be a street for everyone. We’ll continue to have swap meets and bodegas next to the Urban Outfitters. That’s what everyone, locals and visitors alike, expect… and want.” LAC
the councilman gets down (town)!: architect
Downtown from up
worship: “The
there.”
father-son team of John Their vision gave
on his unique reLationship to city haLL:
Downtown its special
“My grandfather came
look—the Coliseum,
up from Mexico on a
Union Station, City
work crew that dug out
Hall—still some of the
the foundations to the
most exciting buildings
building when it was
in the city!”
being constructed in the
top La view:
’20s. They used mules
“The Tom Bradley
to cart the dirt out.
Room atop City Hall.
Funny to think that I’m
You get these sweeping
standing on his work
360-degree vistas of
all these years later.”
and Donald Parkinson.
photography courtesy of ace hotel(ace); courtesy of the office of councilmember huizar (photo collage)
Under Huizar’s watch, the legendary United Artists Theatre made a H-wood-style comeback as the Ace Hotel. left: In Huizar’s office, a photo collage of Boyle Heights, made by the Councilmember’s daughter Emilia at age 10, highlights places where Huizar grew up and still lives with his family.
A different world, a different Galaxy. The exceptional 184ft (56m) custom superyacht Galaxy has relaunched for 2014 after a no cost spared, complete transformation that perfectly blends space and unmatched style. Available for private bluewater cruising in the Caribbean this winter. Galaxy is available for charter from Burgess as Worldwide Central Agents.
LOS ANGELES +1 310 424 5112 NEW YORK +1 212 223 0410 MIAMI +1 305 672 0150 LONDON +44 20 7766 4300 MONACO | MOSCOW | PALMA | ATHENS | SEATTLE
SALE & PURCHASE | CHARTER | TECHNICAL SERVICES | MANAGEMENT
enquiries@burgessyachts.com | www.burgessyachts.com
PEOPLE Talent Patrol INSIGHT Favorite nosh:
renaissance woman:
“I love Sqirl in East Hollywood. That’s a great restaurant!”
The actress’s first passion was art: “I do mostly mixedmedia collage, painting, and drawing… heavily layered stuff.”
Downtown Digs:
“I live in the Arts District and moved there before it got oh-so-hip. When I used to tell people that I lived there, they’d ask, ‘Oh, do you feel safe?’ Now everyone says, ‘Oh, that place is so cute; I love to go down there!’”
on that viDeo:
“I initially thought, ‘There’s no way I’m doing this video [“Blurred Lines”],’ because it sounded crazy, and the breakdown of the ideas sounded outrageous and insane.”
Going, Going, Gone for It goes for Box-office Big “Blurred lines’” Emily Rataj ow time opposite Ben Affleck in Gone Girl. by juliet izon
It would be easy to discount Emily Ratajkowski as just a pretty face. After all, it was her role as that girl in Robin Thicke and Pharrell’s “Blurred Lines” music video last year that catapulted her to viral infamy. But sitting down with Ratajkowski reveals that the 23-year-old is anything but vapid: she is as well versed in the art world as she is in the theater. The only child of a painter and English professor, Ratajkowski was born in London while her mother, Kathleen Balgley, was teaching on a Fulbright scholarship. “I was sort of a last-minute decision,” she admits. “My parents weren’t married when they had me and my mom was 39. But they’re still together, so it’s a good story!” she adds with a laugh. The actress’s peripatetic childhood was spent everywhere from Bantry, Ireland, to Majorca, Spain—“I am pretty damn good at doing accents,” Ratajkowski notes—while her parents renovated homes they had bought when they were younger.
72 la-confidential-magazine.com
Eventually the family settled in San Diego, where a young Ratajkowski was scouted by Ford Models at age 14. But for the teen, being in front of the camera was simply a way to make pocket change; it was never supposed to be a career. “I was making enough money to take myself shopping, buy my lunch, and put gas in my car,” she shrugs. What really excited her was acting, which had been a passion of hers ever since her early years in London. “My mom got tickets to the theater every weekend,” she recalls. “I got to a point where I was completely obsessed,” But later, after enrolling in theater school in California, Ratajkowski “fell out of love” with it. “The TV roles I was going up for didn’t really interest me,” she says. “There were a lot of cutesy, mean-girl, Disney-type things. Not that there’s a problem with that, but it just wasn’t really my style.” When her modeling career took off, however, her heightened profile gave her the freedom to choose: “I was in more of a position to get the meatier roles,” she says. This October, Ratajkowski makes her biggest star turn yet in the eagerly anticipated adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl. The actress plays Andie Hardy, the lover to Ben Affleck’s character Nick Dunne. “It’s funny. I get defensive when people say, ‘Oh, you play the mistress,’” she says. “In my mind, she’s just a girlfriend who really loves her boyfriend and has been taken advantage of and doesn’t realize that. Of course, she doesn’t understand the full situation, which really breaks her heart later in the story.” The film, which was shot on location in tiny Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was certainly a change from Ratajkowski’s hectic life in LA, and not an entirely unwelcome one. “It was a bonding experience,” she says. “It’s a small town; there aren’t a lot of places to go, so the cast and crew spent a lot of time together.” As for her next move? She’s not one for labels: “It’s no longer a culture of ‘Are you an actress? Are you a model?’” she says. “It’s an overarching ‘You are a figure. What do you want to do with yourself?’ I hope in five years that I’m doing both… and have figured out exactly how to manage that!” LAC
PhotograPhy by tony Duran; Styling by garth ConDit/abtP; hair anD makeuP by kela Wong/oPuS beauty; Digital aSSiStanCe by JuStin SChWan; PhotograPhy aSSiStanCe by Cam; ViDeo by emilie JaCkSon; Shot on loCation at the Dream DoWntoWn (eleCtriC room anD PhD rooftoP lounge); SPeCial thankS to yael knoPf at firSt Shot ProDuCtionS.
Girl gone chic! Ratajkowski works a silk dress ($2,995) and lace-up boots ($1,675) by Versace, 248 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-205-3921; versace.com. Yellow-gold Sassi amethyst and pavé diamond ring, Bulgari, ($9,300). 410 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 301-858-9216; bulgari.com
Your vision. Our team. Managing your complex fnancial life requires a team with experience in a range of specialties. Personal wealth management. Project fnancing. Treasury services. Whatever your present needs require, our team stands ready to deliver. You’ll fnd our approach fexible and innovative — backed by decades of entertainment experience. We can coordinate for you a vast array of fnancial services in support of your personal and business goals, however they might change over time. Our goal is to connect you efectively and seamlessly to everything you need to pursue your unique vision. BENJAMIN J. PRINCE Managing Director Market Executive, Southwest Market Merrill Lynch 213.236.2000 ml.com/entertainment FUNG DER Managing Director Regional Executive, Greater Los Angeles U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management 310.785.6150 ustrust.com RAUL A. ANAYA Market President, Greater Los Angeles Global Commercial Banking Market Executive Bank of America Merrill Lynch 213.621.7182 bankofamerica.com/BusinessSolutions For additional information regarding Bank of America Merrill Lynch, please visit http://www.bankofamerica.com/disclaimer. Merrill Lynch makes available products and services ofered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation (BAC). U.S. Trust operates through Bank of America, N.A. and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., and affliated banks, members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of BAC. Investment products:
Are Not FDIC Insured
Are Not Bank Guaranteed
May Lose Value
© 2014 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. | AD-06-14-0672 | ARL8MNM7
PEOPLE Native
On top of the world: Harry Morton surveys his favorite cycling spot, Latigo Canyon. below: Corral Canyon Beach in Morton’s hometown of Malibu.
A Shore Thing During the week, Pink Taco restaurateur and bachelor-abouttown Harry Morton is living the fast-paced LA lifestyle—jetting between his home in Sunset Plaza and his growing empire’s multiple locations around town. But come the weekend, Morton, 33, retires to the peaceful surroundings of his family’s home in Malibu, where sun, surf, and solitude await. “We live in a crazy-busy world, and it’s nice to have that balance and escape,” says Morton, whose world is bound to get even more hectic with the slated debut of several brand-new Pink Taco locations by the end of the year. My family has had a house in Malibu since I was 4 years old, so it’s a place I’ve known and loved my whole life. Back in the day, it was a lot funkier. In the last 15 years, the area has really changed—everyone started buying up the tiny beach houses and building big mansions, and with that came big names, big shopping, and big restaurants. The size and scale of things shifted. Nobu is a great example of that: It started
74 la-confidential-magazine.com
off as a smaller place in the Malibu Country Mart and now has a giant location on the water. That essentially sums up the recent history of Malibu. But everything goes in waves, and I see a bit of the old Malibu coming back. The locals are driving a movement toward smaller, more local, and less corporate businesses as the next trend. After all, how many Missoni stores do you really need? I’m drawn toward the classic institutions in Malibu, like Taverna Tony, where I eat about once a week. Among the influx of new places like Nobu and Nikita, which attract people from all over LA, Tony remains the locals’ place and a true classic. [As an entrepreneur], I admire Tony; he’s the face of the restaurant, he’s always there, and when you go, you get the “Tony experience.” I’ve taken a lot of cues from that approach at Pink Taco. Neptune’s Net has also been an inspiration. I remember going there as a child, back when it was the quintessential bikers’ conTinueD on PAge 76
photography by molly cranna
WITH SEVERAL NEW PINK TACO SPOTS SET TO OPEN, RESTO IMPRESARIO AND HARD ROCK/MORTON’S HEIR HARRY MORTON FINDS HIS HAPPY PLACE IN MALIBU. as told to Jen Jones donatelli
PEOPLE Native Morton says that a “real California vibe” is still tangible at bikers’ hangout Neptune’s Net.
“WoRKing on tHe SunSet StRiP, eveRytHing SeemS to move at toP SPeeD… to be uP [in tHe CanyonS] WitH no one aRounD iS inCReDible.”—harry morton hangout. Nowhere else could you go and see hundreds of motorcycles; it had that real California vibe, with great surfing just across the way. You could sit out front and watch the bikes go by; we’ve tried to replicate that at my Sunset location, where you can take in the scene on the Strip from the patio. I definitely take something business-wise from everywhere I go. For instance, at Pink Taco, you’ll see a lot of design elements similar to Malibu’s Double Rl store—from the wood ceiling to the tin paneling. (I must have taken my builder for the
Sunset location there 15 times.) So many cool ideas, and so well executed… that store is just killer. Some of the shops that have come to Malibu are simply stamps of whatever they have on Rodeo Drive, but the Double RL store took on that authentic surf feel. Ralph Lauren is a genius because he adapts everything to its environment. Over the last few years, I’ve really gotten into the outdoors, which has opened up Malibu to me a lot more. It’s become a playground for me—what with all of the opportunities for swimming, cycling, and from left:
Ralph Lauren’s Double RL store in Malibu inspired the design of Pink Taco’s Sunset Strip location; patio dining is de rigueur when the view is this spectacular.
hiking. Every weekend, I ride about 50 to 100 miles in the canyons off PCH or on the Devil’s Backbone trail in the hills; those areas of Malibu are my favorite. I’m looking for properties up there—it’s quiet, and that’s the appeal of it. Some of the best cycling in Malibu is in latigo Canyon. (The Tour of California came through this summer.) You go there, and you can’t believe you’re in LA. The roads look like they’re in Italy and feel like they’re in the middle of nowhere. I’ve lived in Malibu all my life and just discovered it last year! Working on the Sunset Strip, everything seems to move at top speed, so to be up there with no one around is incredible. I also spent a lot of time at Zuma beach this summer, training for the Malibu Triathlon, which I did with my brother. (My whole family is really into health—my dad [Peter Morton] is almost fully vegan, and everyone in my family works out six or seven days a week.) Zuma is essentially the northern base of Malibu and a great place for swimming, biking, surfing, or just hanging out. Since I’m trying to be a bit healthier these days, I’m also frequenting Malibu Farm and sunlife organics. Sunlife has the best açaí bowl in town, and Malibu Farm is a new spot that has brought that farm-to-table feel to the neighborhood. All of these places have informed my approach to restaurants— clean food, simplicity, and outdoor spaces. That’s why it’s been so great to see Skylar Peak become the mayor. Had a slick politician taken office, Malibu might have continued heading in the wrong direction. Peak is a true local and die-hard environmentalist; growing up, everyone knew him because he was the best surfer in town. It’s been really refreshing to see him become the face of the community—he embodies the city, and you know he’ll protect this amazing place that feels like a vacation every day. LAC
morton’s malibu: Harry’s must-sees by the seashore. Double Rl & Co. (3835 Cross Creek Rd., 310-
317-9592; ralphlauren.com) latigo Canyon (from Pacifc Coast Highway to
Kanan-Dume Road)
neptune’s net (42505 Pacifc Coast Hwy., 310457-3095; neptunesnet.com) sunliFe oRganiCs (29169 Heathercliff Rd.,
310-457-6161; sunlifeorganicsmalibu.com) taveRna tony (23410 Civic Center Way, 310317-9667; tavernatony.com) ZuMa beaCh (30050 Pacifc Coast Hwy.; beaches.lacounty.gov)
76 la-confidential-magazine.com
photography by molly cranna
Malibu FaRM (23000 Pacifc Coast Hwy., 310456-1112; malibu-farm.com)
PEOPLE It Guy
Art + commerce! For Benjamin Trigano, photographed in his M+B Gallery in West Hollywood, LA is the perfect laid-back luxe locale for the US debut of his high-style/low-cost Philippe Starck-designed Mama Shelter hotel.
MaMa’s Boy blasted open to create one free-flowing reception, dining, and hangout space, Hospitality runs in Benjamin Trigano’s blood. His grandfather, Gilbert, its 70 modestly proportioned rooms will keep their original footprint. Trigano cofounded Club Med in 1950; later, his father, Serge, took the reins of the global says the design will echo Mama Shelter’s community-building ethos, with lots vacation company. It wasn’t long before Benjamin and brother Jeremie staked of group spaces from the ground-floor lobby up to the their own claim in the overnight-stay service. In 2008, rooftop Muscle Beach-style gym and bar. along with their dad, they founded Mama Shelter So just where does Trigano position the property in LA’s (mamashelter.com), a collection of low-cost, high-style hotels crowded hotel landscape? “If Chateau Marmont had a with Philippe Starck—a partner in the business—at the baby, this would be it, but more affordable and a bit more design helm. Since then, they’ve opened four properties in open,” he quips. Another cradle for celebrity scandal? France and one in Istanbul, and its unique approach—what Hardly. “I don’t want this to be just for studio execs and hipthe 43-year-old Trigano calls an “urban kibbutz” for its sters, but having them with other people is fun,” he says. cross-demographic appeal, affordable prices, and drop“That’s why price is so important. Youth and artists can dead looks—was an instant success. —benjamin trigano bring a lot of life to a place, but if you want them to come, Trigano, who moved to Los Angeles from France 12 you have to price it accordingly.” To that end, rooms will years ago and who owns WeHo’s M+B Gallery, is now average $150 a night, while food and drink will be similarly accessible. bringing that concept stateside for its Hollywood debut next month. “Los “LA is a very particular town—it’s raw and original and not too posh,” says Angeles fits our brand. There’s a great scene here,” he says from the six-story Trigano, a married father of two. “The city just fits our brand. It’s young and 1920s building. Located just a few blocks from Hollywood and Vine, the ediyouthful—the perfect atmosphere.” LAC fice was originally built as a hotel, and while its ground floor has now been
“If Chateau MarMont had a baby, thIs would be It.”
78 la-confidential-magazine.com
photography by Melissa Valladares
Franco-angeleno hotel scion-cum-gallerist Benjamin Trigano is opening the nation’s First boutique-chic mama shelter hotel this Fall. By AlexAndriA ABrAmiAn
G L O S S Y D AY S , G L A M O R O U S N I G H T S
@CromwellVegas
Las Vegas’ only luxury hotel and casino with a rooftop pool and nightclub Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2014, Caesars License Company, LLC.
PEOPLE The Arbiter
from left: Gale Anne Hurd earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012, a year
Gale Force AS THE TERMINATOR FRANCHISE TURNS 30, COCREATOR/PRODUCER GALE ANNE HURD TALKS AbOUT LIFE AS A TRAILbLAZING WOMAN IN THE SCI-FI FIELD. By Scott Huver It’s a story that Hollywood hasn’t tired of yet: a woman of surprising strength, inventiveness, and perseverance journeys to an exciting landscape fraught with pitfalls, defies the perilous odds against her, and emerges victorious. A sci-fi and fantasy fangirl who turned her passion for imaginative stories into a storied three-decade-plus career as a film and television producer responsible for shepherding some of the most popular genre franchises to the big screen, Gale Anne Hurd cut her teeth under the legendary Roger Corman, rose to prominence cocreating and producing the Terminator franchise and reinvigorating the Aliens films with her then-husband James Cameron, made early moves to bring Marvel Comics characters like the Hulk to the big screen, and launched TV’s current horror renaissance by bringing The Walking Dead to AMC. Now CEO of her own production company, Valhalla Entertainment, Hurd, 58, sounds off on her experience rising to the top in what was long considered a boys-only sandbox of spaceships, superheroes, zombies, and lots of sensational explosions.
80 la-confidential-magazine.com
Los Angeles Confidential: You’ve been on quite a ride. What’s the secret? Gale Anne Hurd: Oh wow! I guess persistence. The key thing is just never giving up. Never gave up on Terminator. Ninety-nine times they said no, and the hundredth time someone said yes. The Walking Dead everyone passed on initially; all it takes is one yes. This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Terminator. What got you and James Cameron so passionate about the project? Jim was in Italy in post-production on Piranha 2 and he called me and said he’d had a fever dream. He’d been very sick and the image that was etched in his mind was the anodized metal endoskeleton of the Terminator emerging from the flame. That’s the only image he had, and from that, the movie took shape. It was a story that seemed powerful, inspired by some of the films that had recently come out that we loved—like Mad Max and Blue Thunder —but was unique unto itself. It was also something we could produce on a budget that would allow both of us to remain involved. You’ve been a trailblazer as a woman with a keen affinity for genre material. Where did that connection begin for you? From the time I could first read. I would read comic books, and then I got into speculative fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, horror. From the time that I was 8 or 10, I read a book a day. It got to the point where I was advising the local library on what we now call YA books to add to the library’s holdings. You turned The Walking Dead, a non-superhero comic book in the zombie horror genre, into a smash hit on TV, returning for a fifth season this month. When I read it I thought, This is an ongoing series. This is the journey of the characters, both literally and figuratively, and it can’t be told as a feature. In the time that it would take to film one two-hour movie, we shoot 16 episodes, so we can really tell the stories of a large ensemble cast. People keep saying, ‘How can the situation be more complex and heart-wrenching than last season?’ All I can say is wait until you see this season. What does it mean to have kicked open doors onscreen and behind the scenes, both for female characters and for women who wanted to do what you do? It makes me feel very old! I feel like a pioneer—like I should have been on a wagon train. I think the important thing is to continue to remain relevant so that you can help the next generation. If you could travel Kyle Reese-like back to the past and convey any information to the you who was just starting out, what would you want to tell yourself? There’s the old saying that you learn more from your failures than you do your successes, so I don’t think I’d change a thing. LAC
photography by albert l. ortega/getty Images (hurd); ann ronan pIctures/prInt collector/getty Images (the terminator)
after she became a governor of AMPAS; Hurd wrote and coproduced 1984’s The Terminator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and directed by her now ex-husband, James Cameron.
PEOPLE Spirit of Generosity
To Conserve and ProTeCT
With their neW Wildlife conservation effort, toMs shoes takes a giant step for aniMalkind.
Animal attraction: Heather and Blake Mycoskie are expecting their first child in December.
82 la-confidential-magazine.com
When you hear “TOMS,” you’re likely to think of slip-on shoes, social consciousness… maybe a hemp-milk smoothie. But the company is treading a new path—an exotic one, populated with gorillas, elephants, and rhinos. TOMS founder, 38-year-old Blake Mycoskie, gained renown for his “one-for-one” model, where for each pair of shoes sold by the West LA–based company, another pair is given to a person in need. Now, his wife of two years, Heather, has stepped up to lead the newly created TOMS Animal Initiative, generating funds and awareness for animal conservation. “Animals have been a huge passion of mine ever since I was a child,” says Heather Mycoskie, 32, who grew up in Salt Lake City and was the kind of kid who once hid a stray dog in her closet. (Upon discovery of the furry interloper, her parents did let her adopt it.) She pitched the idea of a global animal philanthropy program to TOMS’s leadership team; its first partnership, launched in summer 2014, raises money for gorilla protection with a shoe featuring an embroidered gorilla. It’s the same symbol worn by rangers at the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to a quarter of the world’s mountain gorilla population. “There are less than 900 gorillas left in the world,” says Heather. “The DRC has seen a lot of war, so the gorillas there are really endangered.” The park rangers are, too; 140 of them have been killed in the past 20 years as they attempt to protect the animals against poachers, oil explorers, and other saboteurs. Blake and Heather became familiar with the situation when they traveled to Rwanda to work on a TOMS coffee initiative. This fall, TOMS will shift its focus to elephants, teaming up with the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Clinton Foundation. And for spring 2015, it will support the rhino protection efforts of the World Wildlife Fund. In addition to the funds donated to animal organizations, TOMS will continue to donate a pair of shoes for every pair sold. Since the company was founded in 2006 in Blake’s Venice apartment, TOMS has given away 15 million pairs of shoes in 70 countries. Its founder has also expanded his one-for-one concept into other product categories. TOMS Eyewear, started in 2011, has helped restore vision for 200,000 people, providing eyeglasses and cataract surgeries. This year’s brainchild was TOMS Roasting
photography by melissa valladares. opposite page: photography by melissa valladares (headquarters); courtesy of toms (elephant, gorillas)
by kathryn drury wagner
Charity register Opportunities to give The AuTumn PArTy
What: Judging by the success of its previous iterations, the ffth annual Autumn Party benefting Children’s Institute, Inc., will be a night to remember. Expect lots of fab fashion—Saks Fifth Avenue and Donna Karen are event partners— plus bites cooked up by celebrity chefs. When: Wednesday, October 8 Where: 3Labs, 8461 Warner Dr., Culver City Website: ps-losangeles.com
The CArousel of hoPe
from left: During a trip to Africa, which inspired TOMS’s Animal Initiative, Heather and Blake Mycoskie pose with an African elephant in Tanzania and gorillas in Rwanda; Animal Initiative Virunga Classics for women (in natural, $64) and kids (in washed green, $48).
“AnimAls hAve been A huge pAssion of mine ever since i wAs A child. There Are less ThAn 900 gorillAs lefT in The world.” —heather mycoskie Company. For every bag of coffee sold, the company gives away 140 liters of clean water—a week’s worth—via the organization Water for People. “The great thing is, a lot of the places we donate shoes are also places where coffee is grown,” Blake says. “Rwanda, Malawi, Honduras, Guatemala… we’ve been working in these countries for a long time, and now we are there supporting local farmers as well.” The coffee program “blew away” his expectations. “We’re the only coffee brand in the country to be in all Whole Foods stores. I didn’t think I’d get national distribution that quickly. It’s fun to be in a new business, the beverage business, after doing accessories, and it will pave the way for other one-for-one products to come.” And as if that weren’t enough, the Mycoskies are also revolutionizing retail. The brand’s stores are designed as community hangouts offering WiFi, coffee tastings, art programs, and yoga—and of course, shopping. The Venice flagship on Abbot
Kinney has been joined by outposts in Amsterdam and Austin, and by November, TOMS stores will open in Chicago, Portland, and New York City. In the next year or two, Blake says, the company plans to open 10 locations in the Middle East, where the brand is popular (various religious groups prohibit wearing leather, and many of TOMS shoes are made from vegan materials). Although the couple is setting up a new home in Topanga and preparing for a baby boy due in December, they still find time to pay their success forward, awarding grants to budding social entrepreneurs. “I wrote a book called Start Something That Matters,” says Blake, “and 100 percent of the proceeds go to fund businesses that want to be like TOMS and do one-for-one as a model. Because as much impact as TOMS has in the world, the greatest impact we can have is inspiring other businesses, small and large, to follow suit.” TOMS, 1344 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310-314-9700; toms.com LAC
What: This biannual mega gala will feature Jay Leno as MC, performances by Jennifer Hudson and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and an appearance by honoree Magic Johnson—all to beneft the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. When: Saturday, October 11 Where: The Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills Website: childrensdiabetesfoundation.org
GAlA in The GArden
What: Join Bottega Veneta and cohosts Tomas Maier, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, and Danna and Ed Ruscha in supporting the Hammer Museum with a dinner catered by Suzanne Goin of Lucques, a surprise performance, and an awards ceremony honoring artist Mark Bradford and musician Joni Mitchell. When: Saturday, October 11 Where: Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood Website: hammer.ucla.edu
elyse WAlker Pink PArTy
What: Hosted by Jennifer Garner and Rachel Zoe, the Pink Party will feature a designer fashion show, live and silent auctions, dining, and cocktails to beneft the Cedars-Sinai Women’s Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute. When: Saturday, October 18 Where: Hangar 8, Santa Monica Airport, 3100 Donald Douglas Loop N., Santa Monica Website: pink-party.org
risinG sTArs GAlA
What: Big Brothers Big Sisters is holding its biggest beneft of the year featuring a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by dinner, awards, and entertainment. Proceeds will beneft BBBS’s mission to provide mentors to children facing adversity. When: Friday, October 24 Where: The Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills Website: bbbsla.org
la-confidential-magazine.com 83
PROMOTION
SUMMER FISH & RICE It’s always Summer here on Robertson Blvd, which is why our family here at Raw Fish & Rice are delighted to announce our new name, Summer Fish & Rice. Our friendly team of staf and chefs are all just as before. You can still expect the same delicious menu, a wide variety of fsh from our open counter Sushi Bar and now you can even watch your favorite dishes come to life in our open-style kitchen. Summer Fish & Rice’s outdoor patio is the place to relax while catching up with friends over our aptly named, now famous Mrs. Robertson roll! 201 South Robertson Blvd Beverly Hills CA 90211 424-279-9111 www.summer.fsh facebook.com/SummerFishAndRice
D OSSIER
LOS ANGELES on ROBERTSON BLVD
STICKS AND STONES FLORAL DESIGN, HOME AND GARDEN Entering Sticks and Stones Floral Design’s new Beverly Hills boutique is a breathtaking experience. Te warm and inviting space is overfowing with gif ideas by owner, Joey Corrigan, for the newly engaged, newlywed and anyone wanting something interesting and unusual. 236 S. Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 310.385.8616 Joey@sasfd.com | sasfd.com | @sticksstonesfd
E. BRAUN & CO
CUVEE
It is the fnishing touches that can make a room special. Such details are not lost at E. Braun & Co. Choose from their many designs and create your own private world. Explains Liz Barbatelli, fne linens are an investment in good design, they are something in which you can luxuriate every day!
A sexy French and Californian style restaurant, Cuvee is a resident staple on the block. A romantic setting for a candle lit date night and a rousing place for boozy brunch sangrias.
Come on in and visit our new store and showroom… E. Braun & Company 457 N. Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90048 310-273-4320 www.ebraunbeverlyhills.com www.facebook.com/ebraunlosangeles
145 N Robertson Blvd Los Angeles, CA (310) 271-4333 www.mycuvee.com @MyCuvee
ROBERTSON AT BEVERLY BLVD
invited
EMMY MANIA!
PhotograPhy by KevorK Djansezian/getty images
LA wArms up for AwArds seAson with A bevy of bAshes ceLebrAting the wonderfuL worLd of teLevision. By Kelsey Marrujo
LAC’s September cover star Lizzy Caplan at the BAFTA TV Tea.
As late-summer temperatures spiked, so did fanfare surrounding the 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. VIPs flocked to H’wood’s flashiest venues to toast the barrage of TV stars in town, starting with Audi’s Emmys celebration at West Hollywood hot spot Cecconi’s, where guests toasted nominees like Julie Bowen (Supporting Actress, Modern Family) and Fred Armisen (Supporting Actor, Portlandia). Days later, Vanity Fair and Maybelline New York held an exclusive reception at The Sunset Tower Hotel for HBO’s Veep Emmy nominations, hosting standouts Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Anna Chlumsky, among others. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts held its annual BAFTA TV Tea Saturday morning at the SLS Hotel, alongside BBC America and Jaguar, while WeHo favorite Gracias Madre welcomed select entertainers to the Variety + Women in Film Pre-Emmy Celebration. Here, nominees like continued on Page 88
la-confidential-magazine.com 87
INVITED Janice and Billy Crystal
Lauren Parsekian and Aaron Paul
Gareth Neame and Joanne Froggatt
Los Angeles Confidential’s September cover star, Lizzy Caplan (Outstanding Actress, Masters of Sex), mingled with industry execs such as Bela Bajaria (executive vice president, Universal Television) and Nancy Dubuc (president and chief executive officer, A+E Networks). On Emmy eve, Showtime counted down to the big show with a party for its talent, including Claire Danes (Homeland) and Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan)—an event that preceded HBO’s takeover of The Plaza at the Pacific Design Center on Emmy night, fêting all HBO nominees and cast members following the worldwide broadcast.
Nigel Daly, Sofia Milos, and Nigel Lythgoe
Laverne Cox
Lorena Mendoza and Shaun Toub
Sofia Vergara and Derek Hough
Lena Dunham Julia LouisDreyfus
Sofia Wolfson, Kiernan Shipka, and Joey King
Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc
88
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
Anna Chlumsky, Matt Walsh, and Morgan Walsh
Michelle Dockery
OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT SAYLES AND ROBERT TODD WILLIAMSON/AP INVISION (NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MUSEUM BRUNCH) THIS PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIREIMAGE/AUDI, GETTY IMAGES FOR VARIETY, ERIC CHARBONNEAU/INVISION FOR SHOWTIME/AP IMAGES, GETTY IMAGES FOR VANITY FAIR, JEFF KRAVITZ/FILMMAGIC, FREDERICK BROWN/GETTY IMAGES, FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY IMAGES, KEVORK DJANSEZIAN/GETTY IMAGES, AND DAVID BUCHAN/GETTY IMAGES
Allison Williams and Justin Theroux
Geena Davis
Kerris Dorsey
Maria Bello and Clare Munn Sophia Bush Addison Timlin
Joan Wages and Callie Khouri Malina Moye
Moran Atias and Paula Abdul
Bryn Mooser and Dawn Olivieri
NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MUSEUM BRUNCH
Kate Walsh
THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MUSEUM and its Los Angeles Regional Council
hosted an elegant brunch at the Skirball Cultural Center to honor the triumphs of local women—namely, actress and philanthropist Sophia Bush; CEO of International Speedway Corporation/vice chair and executive vice president of Nascar Lesa France Kennedy; and producer/director/Oscar-winning writer Callie Khouri. The event, sponsored by Los Angeles Confidential, sought to bring attention to the museum’s pledge to educate, inspire, empower, and shape the future by integrating women’s stories into our nation’s culture and history. Tichina Arnold
Ana Ortiz and Brianna Brown
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
89
INVITED
Estelle Baumhauer, Heather Parton, Vivian Lee, Courtney Goebel, and Cindy Montano
Matthew Berliner, Cassydy Ratyu, Brooke Hodge, and Jennifer Bryan
Dimitri James and Kelly Howard
LAC PRESENTS “PRETTY FOR THE PARTY”
Candice Gonzales and Jennifer Yamini-Poura
TASTEMAKERS AND VIPs descended
upon Vaucluse Lounge in West Hollywood for Los Angeles Confidential’s annual beauty suite. “Pretty for the Party” guests were offered mini pampering services from top-tier beauty brands as they enjoyed Chandon Champagne flutes, Keurig iced teas, and Choctál ice cream. Partners included Urban Decay Cosmetics, Bronzed Bunny, Aura Cycle, Skinn Cosmetics, Lulu DK Tattoos, Nail Bar and Beauty Lounge, Lea Advanced Skincare, and eSalon.com. Bridgett Monterroso and Connie Gandia
Gayane Sargsian
Annie Tevelin and Rachel Johnson Nicole Tomaino
Lulu de Kwiatkowski and Natalie Costantino
Megan Robles and Erika Ivey
90
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
Brooke Hodge and Tinel Carapia
OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY GETTY IMAGES FOR LA FOOD & WINE. THIS PAGE; PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDEN-JOHN
Grace Anaclerio and Carnissa Lucas-Smith
Billy Idol and Lindsay Cross
Vivienne Westwood’s Spring/Summer 2013 runway collection inspired the evening’s stylish table décor.
Touriya Haoud and Cristiano Minchio
Chiara Ferragni, Cristiano Minchio, and Elisabetta Canalis
Phlo Finister
Touriya Haoud and Luisa Fernanda Espinosa
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD DINNER BRITISH FASHION BRAND
Vivienne Westwood welcomed The Blonde Salad blogger Chiara Ferragni to LA with a rooftop dinner at its Melrose Avenue boutique. The Italian fashion “It” girl—joined by LA socialites Elisabetta Canalis, Erica Pelosini, and
Pia Mia and Lawrence Roach
others—indulged in customized martinis dubbed “The Vivienne” and “The Chiara” and an gourmet dinner by Ago Restaurant. R&B songstress Phlo Finister also graced the scene with her band Youthquaker, providing live entertainment for the ultrachic crowd.
Zahra Ayub, Chiara Ferragni, Nikki Deroest, and Assal
Nausheen Shah and James Goldstein
“Live on Grand” featured signature dishes from around the globe prepared by acclaimed chefs.
Courtney Bingham Sixx
Fabio Viviani
Chad Colby, David Bernahl, and Nancy Silverton
Betsy Landin
LOS ANGELES FOOD & WINE CELEBRATED CHEFS took over Tinseltown for the fourth annual Los Angeles Food & Wine festival, a showcase of sublime food and cocktails prepared by some of the world’s finest culinary masterminds. The event opened with Chase Sapphire Preferred’s “Ultimate Bites of LA,” for which local and celebrity chefs (including MasterChef ’s Michael Chiarello
Graham Elliot and Top Chef ’s Fabio Viviani) teamed up for a charity cooking competition. The program also featured “Live on Grand,” an epicurean experience hosted by chef Michael Chiarello and presented by Lexus at which guests sampled exquisite dishes by 25 esteemed chefs.
Patrick Ferguson and Fergie
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
91
taste this Month: Koreatown! Haute pot! Old-schoolis-hip-again marinated rib eye with bulgogi, noodles, kimchi, scallions, and sesame seeds simmers tableside at scalding hot spot Pot.
photography by jessica sample
Seoul Searching
Looking for the most buzzedworthy spot in LA? At Roy Choi’s sizzLing Pot At koreAtown’s hipper-thAn-thou Line hoteL, you’LL think you’ve found it. By Jen Jones Donatelli
What better way to “blaze” new culinary trails than with a weed-themed restaurant in the heart of Koreatown? Enter Roy Choi’s Pot, a cheekily named, carefully crafted homage to Korean hot pots—steaming one-pot meals cooked at the table—that also not-so-subtly alludes to the medicinal drug of choice for so many Californians. The double entendre is blatantly clear from the minute one enters the restaurant—a glowing green sign (like those at marijuana dispensaries) beckons diners from the entryway, and the top of the menu proudly proclaims, “Let’s smoke.” According to restaurant branding guru David Irvin of Folklor, he and Choi first cooked up the concept over ganja-fueled brainstorming sessions on the Venice boardwalk. “We took what the LA landscape gave us and translated it into this restaurant,” says Irvin, who’s also worked with Venice’s Gjelina. Executed poorly, the idea could have been ill received, but thanks to crave-worthy cuisine, Choi’s popularity, and the recent heat around Koreatown as a dining destination, Pot has taken off. Since its March debut inside the Line Hotel, the restaurant has attracted a steady stream of foodies and known tastemakers ranging from continued on page 94
la-confidential-magazine.com 93
taste
What to order
Bar at Pot is the K-town watering hole du jour; Beep Beep Uni Dynamite rice bowl; waiting for a table at Pot is part of the fun.
Mad Men star Kiernan Shipka to chefs like Daniel Humm (Eleven Madison Park) and Tom Colicchio (Craft). It works, largely, because it’s fun. Thumping beats and the sounds of Notorious B.I.G., Ice Cube, and other ’90s hip-hop gods set the highdecibel soundtrack, and servers have been known to take breaks from their dining room duties for spontaneous B-Boy sessions. “It’s a very special vibe to me—one that I haven’t felt in other restaurants,” says general manager Hayden Felice. Certainly apropos for Choi, 44, who’s been called “the Jay-Z of the food world” by fellow celebrity chef Eric Greenspan. It’s been a banner year for the charismatic Korean-American phenom— thanks, in part, to the successful release of Chef (the Jon Favreau film loosely based on Choi’s life). When Choi and Favreau hosted a pop-up at Pot’s Lobby Bar in
May, lines snaked around the corner of Wilshire and Ardmore, with fans clamoring to try the fictional “El Jefe” Cubano sandwich. “People were willing to wait two and a half hours for a sandwich,” says Felice. “I can’t see that happening for a lot of other chefs.” Of course, Choi is no stranger to long lines. It’s all part of his legacy, which started when the Koreatown native spawned the Kogi food-truck craze and continues with popular brick-and-mortar spots like Chego, A-Frame, and Sunny Spot. Even at Pot, his food-truck roots are somewhat evident, with paper towel rolls found on every table. The place is a study in contrasts, which includes fine-dining prices and cachet meshing with a no-frills décor, and trippy touches like lenticular check presenters and tabloid-style newspaper menus. Clearly, this high-low
94 la-confidential-magazine.com
approach is paying off. Since the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, wait times can reach up to two hours most days of the week. (The outgoing voice mail asserts, “No reservations, but yes to good times.”) Most Pot-heads while away the wait in the buzzy Pot Lobby Bar, where the drinks are designed by noted mixologist Matt Biancaniello. On tap are new takes on old-school classics (picture potent Long Island iced teas and White Russians), along with kimchi- and natto-flavored soju cocktails. Once inside, the meal begins with a complementary plate of banchan and a warm pour of barley tea (both traditional accompaniments to a Korean meal). Each diner is presented with a gingham apron, and then the feast begins as sizzling, shareable Korean hot pots and K-town favorites like potato pancakes and BBQ spicy pork—all served with a side of
swagger—come rolling out of the kitchen. “The entire menu is very connected to [Choi’s] family history and his experience of Korean food growing up,” says Executive Chef Jude Parra-Sickels. Between Pot’s restaurant/ bar/café, the room-service menu, and Commissary (a veggie-centric restaurant that opened in August), Choi’s presence is heavily felt throughout the Line Hotel. Though not everyone’s a fan of the overt weed references, deafening soundtrack, and irreverent, somewhat high-priced approach to Korean food, that’s perfectly fine with Choi and his team. For Choi, it’s simply about staying true to himself and his heritage—and letting everyone else in on the fun of it. “It’s just an expression of my true self as a Korean-American kid who loves seeing people have fun,” says Choi. “If that ain’t passion, then I don’t know what to say.” LAC
Best taBle Feeling festive? Snag the six-top in the center of the restaurant, turn up the induction burner, and get the party started. “People just get up and start dancing at that table,” says general manager Hayden Felice. “It’s a great table for exhibitionists.” For a more chill vibe, try the round corner table or a seat at the sushi bar-style counter. Pot, 3515 Wilshire Blvd., LA, 213-3683030; eatatpot.com
photography by jessica sample
clockwise from left: The Lobby
Whether you’re an afcionado or newbie to uni, the Beep Beep Uni Dynamite rice bowl is sure to satisfy. “People who love uni will order this dish the second they see it on the menu, and it breaks down the walls for those who are more wary,” says Executive Chef Jude Parra-Sickels. Other best-selling dishes include kimchi fried rice, Kat Man Doo steamed dumplings, and the OldSchool pot (marinated rib eye, bulgogi, noodles, kimchi, scallion, and sesame seeds).
TO ALL OF YOU WHO ENJOY LIFE RESPONSIBLY thedalmore.com
SIX CASK FINISHES. ONE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT.
taste the Dish
Barbecu-licious!
No trip to K-towN is complete without a visit to oNe of la’s best KoreaN bbQ joiNts. by eric rosen Barbecue. The very word conjures up mouth-watering images of sauce-slathered baby back ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and steak sizzling over an open flame. But in Los Angeles, barbecue means something completely different, tracing its heritage to the intense flavors, exotic cuts of meat, and bustling eateries of the Far East. For when we talk about barbecue in LA, we mean one thing: Korean barbecue. Though a staple in the local food scene, Korean barbecue has emerged not only as one of the most authentically LA dining experiences, but as a trend in its own right; one that has radiated out from LA to shape foodie culture across the country. While diners enjoy the simplicity of the typical experience—spartan dining rooms, simple flavors, and, shall we say, terse service—the high quality of the ingredients and communal atmosphere have
96 la-confidential-magazine.com
elevated Korean barbecue to an art form here in LA. So where to find the finest? Best for luxury: Park’s Barbecue (955 S. Vermont Ave., LA, 213-380-1717; parksbbq.com) is widely acknowledged to be one of the best Korean barbecue experiences in town. The quality of meats and other ingredients is uncompromisingly high, with options like American Wagyu steak on the menu, and the ambience, though somewhat clinical, is also reminiscent of trendy barbecue joints in Seoul’s Garosugil neighborhood. Best for short ribs: Chosun Galbee (3330 Olympic Blvd., LA, 323-734-3330; chosungalbee.com) is the place to order its namesake bone-in grilled short rib specialty—especially since the prime beef it’s created with comes marinated in house-made soy sauce. Even better? The restaurant is one of the
few Korean barbecue houses in Los Angeles that offers an outdoor seating option. Best for beef: The highlight at Star King BBQ (3807 Wilshire Blvd., LA, 213-384-5464; starkingbbq.com) is the lean but juicy Piedmontese beef. Available at few LA restaurants in general, let alone Korean barbecues, this select Italian breed of cattle offers the tender, succulent texture of other fine varieties like Kobe or Wagyu, but with less fat. The pièce de résistance is the enormous tomahawk steak, grilled over charcoal briquettes right at the table, then served with a trio of sauces. Best for banchan: The true forerunner is Genwa (5115 Wilshire Blvd., LA, 323-549-0760; genwakoreanbbq.com), which serves a staggering array of 20 different side dishes along with every entrée, including fish cakes, daikon (a type of radish), potato salad, and, of course, kimchi (fermented veggies), among many others. The sophisticated restaurant stands out in a number of other ways as well, including having smokeless grills that allow patrons to enjoy high-quality cuts of meat without smelling like them at the end of the night. Just be prepared for an hour-plus wait. Best for pork: As the name suggests, at Honey Pig (3400 W. Eighth St., LA, 213-380-0256), the focus is on pork, and more specifically, on pork belly. The domed grills here render the meat juices and sluice them into containers of kimchi and bean sprouts, which servers then fry along with charred flecks of pork, lettuce, and rice for a delicious end to the meal. Save room. Best for duck: If Dha Rae Oak (1108 S. Western Ave., LA, 323-733-2474) is too complicated to remember, just think of it as the duck place. Here, the specialty is clay-pot duck dishes, but for something a bit quicker and lighter, go for its famous duck kochi, or skewers. Best for adventure seekers: Eight flavors of pork belly kalbi make Palsaik Samgyupsal (863 S. Western Ave., LA, 213-365-1750; palsaik bbq.com) the ideal spot to determine which set of savory sauces pleases your palate most. Traditionalists veer toward the miso paste, while more daring types can experiment with the pungent curry and wine-flavored sauces… or mix and match—the options are endless. Because when you get down to it, that is what Korean barbecue is all about: a plethora of choices, delicious flavors, the opportunity to try new things, and come together with friends over a meal. The food may be Korean, but there is no experience more LA than that. LAC
photography by emily cameron
Grills about town! Prime short ribs marinated in housemade soy sauce (and accompanied by plump mushrooms) simmer away tableside at Chosun Galbee on Olympic.
taste On the town K-townies/foodies Mary Thompson, NIck Erven, and Chris Oh hash out the hip-ification of Koreatown over crab cakes and grilled artichokes at blast-fromthe-past Pacific Dining Car. right: The restaurant’s legendary wine room.
‘K’ is for Kool-inary
Koreatown is quickly becoming the place where old school and new school meet—and live in delicious harmony. Nowhere is that more clear than at storied K-Town institution Pacific Dining Car (1310 W. Sixth St., LA, 213-483-6000; pacificdiningcar.com), where Chris Oh, Nick Erven, and Mary Thompson—the driving forces behind two of the neighborhood’s hottest new restaurants—are discussing the area’s newly anointed status as a dynamic dining scene. Oh is the chef at Colombian restaurant Escala, the winner of The Great Food Truck Race, and a coowner of Seoul Sausage Company, while Erven and Thompson are, respectively, the chef and general manager/sommelier at wine bistro Saint Martha (as well as Tart in Mid-City). Over steaks and crab cakes at the 93-year-old Pacific Dining Car—one of the neighborhood’s most enduring bastions of camp-meets-cool—the trio discussed the “hip-ification” of Koreatown, which now dishes up much more than its namesake cuisine.
98 la-confidential-magazine.com
2014 has witnessed a boom in high-profile new Koreatown restaurants—many of which don’t even serve Korean food. Why do you think it’s such a sudden hot spot? Chris Oh: During the LA riots, Koreatown was essentially demolished. Over the last 20 years or so, it’s had a whole rebirth—and now it’s experiencing a second rebirth. Korean culture has gone global, from food to music to fashion. Five years ago, if you were to go into a Korean barbecue restaurant, it would be all Korean people eating. With other cultures and people coming into play, that opens the door for other chefs and restaurateurs to come in—making Koreatown a destination spot not just for Korean food, but for good food. Mary Thompson: Koreatown is what Downtown LA was six or seven years ago. It’s an area that’s primed for a young chef with little to no capital to be able to come in, make his or her mark, and do something more adventuresome than in other neighborhoods that may be more cost prohibitive.
by jen jones donatelli
It allows smaller restaurants to be exactly what they are and not have to sell out their cuisine to do major numbers. Why was Koreatown the right place for each of your respective new projects? Nick Erven: When I first moved to LA about 11 years ago, I lived next to what is now the Line Hotel. I’ve always loved the way Koreatown makes you feel like you’re in an urban center; much of LA is so sprawling that you don’t always feel like you’re in a city. It’s such an interesting neighborhood and an odd melting pot of cultures and age groups. So when we were looking for a space, I immediately knew I wanted to go to Koreatown. CO: Both my partner Chino [Lee] and I are Korean-born, and Chino has also lived in Colombia. Many people don’t know there is actually a huge Latin-American population in Koreatown, which makes opening a Colombian joint like Escala great because it’s a perfect storm of the two cultures. Both cultures are so rich conTinued on pAGe 100
PhotograPhy by Jessica samPle
Koreatown’s new culinary rocK stars are putting K-town on la’s mod-ster map.
A Sweet Haven Relocate and enjoy the benefts of elegant Nevada living. MandarinOrientalResidencesLasVegas.com | 866.950.2489
This is neither an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of offers to buy, any condominium units in those states where such offers or solicitations cannot be made. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING. This condominium project does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or familial status. © 2014 CityCenter Land, LLC. The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas (The Residences) are not developed, sponsored, owned, offered or sold by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group or any affliate thereof (MOHG) and MOHG makes no representation, warranty or guaranty of any kind regarding The Residences. The developers and owners of The Residences use the Mandarin Oriental name and trademarks subject to terms of revocable licenses from MOHG which may expire or be terminated.
taste On the town
from left:
Shrimp and filet mignon is a throwback classic at Pacific Dining Car; the restaurant’s clubby ambience attracts old-timers and hipsters alike.
“Koreatown is what Downtown La was six or seven years ago. it’s primeD for a young chef to come in anD maKe his or her marK.” —mary thompson
100 la-confidential-magazine.com
impressed with what he’s doing at [his newest Line Hotel restaurant] Commissary—global plates that are approachable and price-point accessible. For so long, Koreatown has been the domain of unsung small chefs, but Choi has made it easier for the rest of us to come in by making the area more of a dining destination. CO: Media has also had a lot to do with it; people like Tony Bourdain spotlighting Koreatown[on his CNN show parts unknown] helped put it on the map. What’s next for you? MT: We just rolled out a new tasting menu at Saint Martha, where we now offer five-course and seven-course [food] pairings with wine. We’re also starting a soju-based cocktail program, which is pretty specific to Koreatown; we’d been toying with the idea of using infusions since the beginning, but now we’re looking to do full-fledged cocktails. CO: Along with Escala, I’m involved with [Hollywood nightspot] Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, and I’m currently developing another project with its owners, the Houston Brothers. I’m also busy with Seoul Sausage Company—I want the Seoul sausage to do [for Korean food] what the California roll did for Japanese cuisine. We’re doing different plays on Korean fare, like Korean poutine and Korean-style fried chicken. Our hope is to be the ambassador of Korean flavors. Chinese and Japanese food both had their moment in time, and now it’s Korean food’s turn to be the hottest cuisine on the planet. LAC
Mid-City MOd! Three K-Towners vet the best. AhgAssi gOpChANg (3744 w. sixth st., La, 213-249-9678): “its specialty is beef intestines—which taste just like the best part of a rib eye. i hate to tell people about it because it’s so good.” –oh COMMissAry (3515 wilshire Blvd., La,
213-381-7411; thelinehotel.com): “the menu is full of things you could see yourself having four times a week; the schnitzel is fantastic.” –thompson EMC sEAfOOd ANd rAW BAr (3500 w. sixth
st., La, 213-351-9988; emcseafood.com): “its calamari is super crunchy with great texture; even better, it has a spicy aioli sauce that i just want to swim in.”–thompson EsCAlA (3451 w. sixth st., La; 213-387-1113; escalaktown.com): “i’m impressed by chris’s drive and all that he’s accomplished so far. it’s great to be a part of what’s happening in the Koreatown dining scene, right alongside him.”—erven hMs BOuNTy (3357 wilshire Blvd., La, 213-385-7275; thehmsbounty.com): “my favorite place to hang out for drinks—it’s straight out of a Mad Men episode.” –erven lE COMpTOir (3606 w. sixth st., La,
213-388-8138; lecomptoirla.com): “[chef] gary menes is doing amazing things.” –erven sAiNT MArThA (740 s. western ave., La; 213-387-2300; saintmartharestaurant.com): “Koreatown thrives on small-business owners living the american dream, and nick and the saint martha crew are defnitely well on their way.”—oh
photography by jessica sample
with amazing foods, flavors, music, and art, so to have that mash-up in Koreatown is a perfect match. Were there any challenges exploring this new dining frontier? CO: If anyone would feel comfortable opening a restaurant in Koreatown, it’d probably be me, but we were still nervous about how locals would take to Colombian food. Plus, we’d taken over the space of a very well-known Korean bar that people had gone to for years and years. But even though we may not be infusing Korean flavors into the food, we are infusing Korean culture, which is very family oriented and communal. Everything is tapas style and family style, which adds to the whole vibe. NE: As for Saint Martha, there was a little bit of trepidation about how we would be received. We didn’t want [our arrival] to seem like the sign of pending gentrification; that’s kind of a dirty word because it connotes that [the new] is better [than the old]. Koreatown is an amazing place, and we just want to carve out our own little piece of it. MT: We never wanted to come off as disrespectful of or irreverent to Koreatown’s culture and history, so it was important to be aware of our surroundings. There are certain nods to the neighborhood throughout the restaurant that are reflected in the menu, design, and even the music in the bathroom. Which chefs do you think are helping to change the game here in Koreatown? MT: You can’t say Koreatown without Roy Choi’s name coming into it. He came in at such a grand level with [Pot ] at The Line Hotel, and I’m really
CAPTURE YOUR BEAUTIFUL MOMENT MO 2013 PINOT GRIGIO VA L DA D I G E D.O.C . I TA LY
2012 RED NO. 249
N O R T H C OA S T C A L I F O R N I A
2 0 1 2 C H A R D O N N AY
SONOMA COUNT Y CALIFORNIA
© 2014 CHLOE WINES, LIVERMORE, CA
MEET
TASTE Spotlight! // IN SEASON //
Pan-Asian sensation! Chef Akira Back prepares his signature Japanese-meetsKorean cuisine, which will be found at LA’s new Yellowtail.
1
books
DANKE, CHEF!
THE LA ARRIVAL OF YELLOWTAIL PROVES WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS DOESN’T ALWAYS STAY IN VEGAS. BY AVID KHORRAMIAN Chef Akira Back’s award-winning Yellowtail restaurant—a favorite at the Bellagio Las Vegas—is welcoming a highly anticipated sister location on the Sunset Strip. Back partnered with Lore Group (Pearl’s Liquor Bar, Rock & Reilly’s) for Yellowtail’s LA debut, crafting a space complete with metallic gold-clad ceilings, iron walls, Deco floors, and balcony dining that offers sweeping views of the city. Yellowtail Sunset’s menu will mirror Back’s original Vegas offerings, including a wide array of Japanese dishes with Korean undertones. On his decision to expand west, chef Back explains: “I’ve always been a big fan of California’s local ingredients… opening a restaurant in Los Angeles has been a dream of mine for a while now.” 8768 W. Sunset Blvd., LA, 310-360-0366; yellowtailsunset.com LAC
// spirits //
RISE AND IMBIBE
The Beverly Hills Hotel’s beloved Fountain Coffee Room is welcoming a potent new menu addition: its first-ever signature Bloody Mary. Concocted by the winner of a staff contest, the prize libation consists of
102
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
TRUFFLE LOVE
Don’t miss SAAM’s annual White Truffle Dinner Series, featuring tartufi foraged by LA-based experts Michael and Marco Pietroiacovo (dubbed “The Truffle Brothers”) in Abruzzo, Italy. On Thursday through Saturday nights from October 23 to midNovember, chef José Andrés and his culinary team at the SLS Hotel will prepare a surprise multicourse menu—last year’s included truffle dumplings and a truffled cotton candy dessert. For reservations ($375 per guest), call 310-246-5555. —Jamie Wilde
2
KING FOR A NIGHT
Celebrate Alaskan king crab season at Wolfgang Puck’s WP24 this month with an over-the-top menu inspired by one of the world’s deadliest catches. Chef de cuisine John Lechleidner will prepare four sharable Asian-inspired king crab courses and a decadent dessert. For reservations ($800 per table of 4-6), call 213-743-8824. —JW
Tallarico Vodka gives Beverly Hills Hotel guests a reason to wake up early.
Tallarico vodka, spiced tomato juice, and a cream cheese-stuffed jalapeño wrapped in bacon; it will be available until November for $20. Although the coffee shop previously did not offer spirits, it has made an
exception for Tallarico, described by CEO Giancarlo Tallarico as offering a smoky, peppery essence that “lends itself to a delicious Bloody Mary when combined with a spicy base.” Olé! tallaricovodka.com —AK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JILL PAIDER (TRUFFLE); BUNS PHOTOGRAPHY (BLOODY MARY)
Orient Excess
new in town
German-born chef Hans Röckenwagner—the owner of LA’s Café Röckenwagner, 3 Square Café, and Röckenwagner Bakery—is preparing to debut Das Cookbook: German Cooking… California Style, featuring recipes that incorporate the comforting flavors of his homeland while highlighting fresh farmers-market produce (think rhubarb streusel kuchen—a take on the classic German dessert with an unexpected SoCal twist). “German food is still largely misunderstood in the US,” says Röckenwagner. “I wrote Das Cookbook to shed light on the rich culinary traditions I grew up with… combined with the Southern California touches I have come to love!” —Amanda Bercovitch
Š2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 12-ADV-12221
Mr. Perfectionist Drama, comedy, music… latte art? Is there anything pretty-boy-turned-actor A-lister JAmes mArsDen isn’t good at? by scott huver photography by brian bowen smith
104 la-confidential-magazine.com
A Bond vivant? “I see myself more as James Bond’s goofy younger brother,” insists James Marsden, here smokin’ in Gucci: Stretch velvet Dylan ’60s jacket ($1,950), stretch velvet super-skinny pant ($585), white button-down shirt ($355), and silk bow tie ($170). 347 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-3451; gucci.com. Black patent dress shoes, Ermenegildo Zegna ($750). 337 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-247-8827; zegna.com
nyone familiar with actor James Marsden’s body of work has probably come away with the notion that he’s got a pretty broad skill set. He can effectively pull off drama (The Notebook), comedy (30 Rock), romantic comedy (27 Dresses), superheroics (X-Men), singing (Enchanted), and dancing (Hairspray). But that’s only the half of it. Away from the screen, the actor admits he has a passion for perfecting… well, whatever happens to catch his fancy at the moment. “I’m a hobbyist,” he says. “I get into things, and then that’s all I do.” The pursuits at which he’s become a functional expert are many, diverse, and ever-growing, from the understandable to the arcane: triathlons, cycling, fly-fishing, auto racing, Star Wars, guitars, photography, wristwatches… even coffee. “I got this really fancy espresso maker and I had to learn how to pour latte art,” he explains. “I had this professional barista come to my house and show me exactly how to do it. I got obsessed with grinding my own beans.” His latest obsession, courtesy of his new film, The Best of Me—like The Notebook, a lushly romantic adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel in which Marsden’s character reunites with his high school sweetheart 20 years later but finds familiar obstacles threatening their second chance at love: “I learned how to cut an onion!” he laughs. “I cut my finger doing it, but there’s a proper way to chop vegetables in the kitchen. I needed to look like I knew what I was doing.” There are few actors who have been more dizzyingly versatile than Marsden over the past two decades, constantly proving that he’s got more in his arsenal than the accessible male-model looks that first opened doors for him. “When I was younger, I was always going to be cast as the preppy, good-looking guy at school,” he says. “It was a good thing when I was 19. That helped me get work, and within those opportunities, I tried to show that there was more ability… more talent. My main struggle was I never bought myself as the cool guy because I wasn’t that guy in high school... I see myself more as James Bond’s goofy younger brother, as opposed to James Bond.” Marsden’s breakthrough role was Cyclops, the square-jawed, super-serious leader of the mutant superhero team in X-Men, primarily serving as an uptight foil for Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. “That was something that definitely took me to another level, but I never felt like I was doing what I was best at,” he says. “Beyond X-Men, my choices were more about showing people that I could do comedy.” He cleared that hurdle with his gallantly madcap stint as Prince Edward in Disney’s musical fairy tale send-up Enchanted. “That was like, ‘Whoa— not only can he make fun of himself, but he can sing!’ Then Hairspray followed right after it, another one that [showed people], ‘Oh, he can be funny!’” Being funny allowed Marsden to break away from becoming typecast as the guy who doesn’t get the girl in romantic triangulations. The cult favorite romcom 27 Dresses elevated him to leading-man status and cemented his ability to generate laughs while also closing the on-screen deal. “That kid is hilarious— like, literally, spitting-my-food-out kind of funny!” says his costar Katherine Heigl. “Like, all the time. He’s so funny and so charming, yet down to earth. I have a lot of love in my heart for Jim Marsden.” Growing up in Oklahoma, an outdoorsy kid among five children born to a college professor father and nutritionist mother who split when he was 9, Marsden long had his sights set on making people laugh. “I always did goofy accents or characters from Saturday Night Live—that was the ultimate for me,” he remembers. He naturally gravitated toward showbiz sensibilities; during a cross-country trip after a stop in stodgy Washington, DC, 9-year-old Jimmy informed his father, “‘I’m more of an LA kind of guy.’ And I hadn’t even stepped foot in LA yet!” Marsden took drama classes in high school and briefly studied broadcast journalism in college, but realized his 9-year-old self was on to something. “I
la-confidential-magazine.com 105
106â&#x20AC;&#x192; la-confidential-magazine.com
opposite page: Suit ($2,295), dress shirt ($250), and tie ($135), John Varvatos. 8800 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310-859-2791; john varvatos.com. Piaget Altiplano 40mm watch, in white gold and diamonds, Piaget ($29,000). 323 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 877-8PIAGET; piaget. com. Black patent dress shoes, Ermenegildo Zegna ($750). 337 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-2478827; zegna.com this page: Two-tone Tonic suit ($2,495), shirt ($390), and velvet bow tie ($195), Marc Jacobs Collection. 8409 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-866-8255; marcjacobs.com. Classic 46mm Chronograph watch, David Yurman ($4,800). 371 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-888-8618; david yurman.com. Black patent dress shoes, Ermenegildo Zegna ($750). 337 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-247-8827; zegna.com
“Now that I’m 40, I caN’t get by oN my 19-year-old good looks. you become a maN… those are the roles that you’re goINg to play.”
—James marsdeN la-confidential-magazine.com 107
never had the mind for going into finance or selling insurance—it was all about doing goofy cartoon voices or little bits and skits,” he recalls. “I felt like an outcast, because being an actor in Oklahoma—you can’t really make a living off that. I decided when I was 19, after three semesters of college, to just pack up and move to LA and give it a shot.” He arrived in Hollywood with a foot already in the door. “It’s not a great story, but it’s the truth,” he prefaces. While on a Hawaiian vacation he met and became friendly with actor Kirk Cameron, then at the height of his Growing Pains teen idol-dom, and his family, who later invited him to visit the sitcom’s set as well as that of sister Candace Cameron’s series Full House. “I thought, ‘Oh, what a lifestyle!’” Marsden says. “It was really seductive.” He eventually fell out of touch with the Camerons, but not the idea of giving showbiz a go—something encouraged by continued correspondence with a Growing Pains crew member, who believed Marsden’s looks and sense of humor promised a shot at stardom. “When you hear that now, as an adult, you think, You’re just leading lambs to slaughter, right? That’s like going to Vegas and saying, ‘You’re going to win the jackpot.’ But I was just naïve enough—which you need. You don’t want to know how far you can fall. You just want to look out and see how far you can go.” His father also had a friend of a friend in talent management who sent Marsden out on auditions, landing him plenty of opportunities to play roles with character traits best summed up as “good-looking.” But when offered a long-term contract on a soap opera, he overrode his Oklahoman instinct to snatch up steady work and held out for more interesting options. “I’ve learned that being selective is sometimes a smart path to a longer career.” Prudence and patience still pays off—the guy with the cover-boy face is now a comedic go-to favored by funnymen Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, who were so won over by his read-through of the Anchorman 2 script as a favor that they hired him for the film on the spot as well as casting him in the breakthrough VOD hit Bachelorette and the forthcoming comedy Welcome to Me. Today, Marsden balances work and family time with his 13-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter from his first marriage to actress Lisa Linde, and 18-monthold son from a previous relationship. He recently turned 40 and appreciates “being relatively young while they’re at fun ages. Young by LA standards, I guess—by Oklahoma standards, I’m an old father.” Certainly his career momentum remains full speed ahead. He’s back in a straight dramatic role with The Best of Me, which he calls “an opportunity to go back to a fan base that knows me. I haven’t done a movie like that in a while, and it was nice, an unabashed love story.” And while many actors—including stars collecting big blockbuster paychecks to play to type—may envy Marsden’s increasingly varied filmography, he’s now looking for something perhaps more elusive than the diversity he’s enjoyed. “It’s been great to be the guy who is viewed as multipurpose, but the only thing that’s absent is that defining role. And that’s maybe something I’d want to zero in on,” he admits. He settles on Jeff Bridges as a role model: superstar status, artistic achievements, musical pursuits (Marsden’s readying his own singer/songwriter side gig), and a place in the pop cultural iconography courtesy of The Big Lebowski. “I need to find my Dude!” concludes Marsden. “Maybe that’s part of it, now that I’m 40, now that I can’t get by on my 19-year-old good looks. You become a man, and those are the roles that you’re going to play. For sure they are more interesting. “This has been like a little Hollywood therapy session,” he confesses with a chuckle, only half joking. “I’m figuring out a lot about what I think about myself— and I don’t think of myself that often.” What he thinks about most, of course, is mastering those ever-changing hobbies, and Mr. Perfect admits there’s one pursuit that continues to vex him: “Yoga,” he frowns. “Although the yoga people would say that it’s not something you can suck at—you’re good at it by doing it, no matter what your capabilities are. But that’s my mentality: I have to be the best! I have to be the guy who can twist his back and stand on his head.” Is there any doubt he’s going to get there? LAC
108 la-confidential-magazine.com
“You don’t want to know how far You can fall. You just want to look out and see how far You can go.”
—james marsden
Green velvet and silk three-piece suit ($4,225), cotton dress shirt ($495), and silk tie ($175), Dolce & Gabbana. Beverly Center, LA, 310-360-7282; dolcegabbana.com. White-gold 45mm GraffStar Grand Date watch with black dial, Graff Diamonds (price on request). Saks Fifth Avenue, 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-205-2400; saks.com Styling by Neil Rodgers for Tracey Mattingly Grooming by David Stanwell at soloartists.com using Bobbi Brown Photography Assistance by Lee Wall, Kevin McHugh, and Brandon Smith Video by Nardeep Khurmi Sitting Editor: Danielle Yadegar
All About EVENING LA, An eArLy town? No mas! As the sun sets, the hiLLs (And vALLeys), from sm to dtLA, Are ALive with the sound of reveLry. meet the guys who Are chAnging the fAce of Los AngeLes After dArk with ALL the night moves. by michael ventre photography by ramona rosales
opposite page: David Cooley photographed at his home in the Hancock Park section of Los Angeles. suit ($2,995), dress shirt ($415), and tie ($175), Dolce & Gabbana. 312 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-888-8701; dolcegabbana.com
110â&#x20AC;&#x192; la-confidential-magazine.com
HOORAY FOR WEST HOLLYWOOD!
DAVID COOLEY David Cooley exclaims with glee as a thousand impeccably toned gay men lift him above their heads and carry him through the streets of West Hollywood to the cheers and applause of adoring throngs in thongs. Okay, fantasy aside, the level of appreciation for the CEO and founder of The Abbey in WeHo (sbe.com/nightlife/brands/ theabbeyfoodandbar) overflows like a pitcher of Peach Red mojitos during happy hour. Cooley is the onetime banker-turned-entrepreneur who transformed a 1,100-square-foot churchlike coffee house into a 14,000-square-foot institution. A twotime winner of the “Best Gay Bar in the World” award from MTV Logo, The Abbey is both a local watering hole and an international tourist attraction. And it is a survivor. In a notoriously fickle business where turnover is status quo, The Abbey is celebrating 23 years of operation, with most of the same staff Cooley started with. “You get that family feel here,” he explains. “It’s not corporate. Customers always like to feel, ‘Oh, I know the owner,’ or ‘I know the bartender.’ That’s a big part of our success.” A native of Solon, Ohio, the 55-year-old gay power broker has hosted top Democrats like Hillary Clinton in his club, is active in LGBT causes, leads toy drives for Children’s Hospital, encourages other local businesses, and goes a bit over the top on special nights like Halloween and New Year’s Eve. Soon he will open Cooley’s around the corner from The Abbey, a restaurant he describes as “the opposite of The Abbey—no dancers, no loud music, no lights. Just a great place to socialize with friends.” Cooley says he created The Abbey because when he first came to West Hollywood, many of the area’s establishments were still somewhat closeted in their approach. “I always had a dream to do something better… to be proud of who I am,” he explains. Cue parade dancers, please.
“CUSTOMERS ALWAYS LIKE TO FEEL, ‘OH, I KNOW THE OWNER’… ‘I KNOW THE BARTENDER.’ THAT’S A BIG PART OF OUR SUCCESS.”
THE EXCLUSI-VISIONARIES
JOHN TERZIAN AND BRIAN TOLL
Imagine a fantasy nightclub in the trendy heart of LA, in which A-list celebs and the best and brightest from entertainment, fashion, business, and technology commingle in a private, but festive environment—and where table service can typically run into six figures during primo late-night party hours. Well, that club actually exists; it’s called Bootsy Bellows, and if you dream hard enough, you might just get inside. The Sunset Boulevard hot spot’s concept is high-end exclusivity, and right now nobody does it better than John Terzian and Brian Toll of H.Wood Group, gatekeepers and owners of Bootsy (along with actor David Arquette)—with its Rat Pack-era décor and burlesque touches—as well as Hooray Henry’s on Beverly, Shorebar in Santa Monica, and Bootsy Bellows Aspen. “We’ve had plenty of opportunities to buy up clubs in Hollywood and mass market them—charge at the door, not care who’s inside,” says Toll. “That’s not our strong suit. We care more about having the top people in every industry in there.” Terzian and Toll, both 34, grew up in LA (Terzian went to Harvard-Westlake; Toll, to Beverly Hills High), met at USC, and after working individually for a while, formed H.Wood in 2007. They later joined forces with partners Adam Koral and Markus Molinari, building a following for their venues through friendships and networking. “What we’ve focused on and still do,” Terzian explains, “is the people we grew up with, friends of friends, inner-circle LA, the home base and its extensions. It helps you build a brand naturally.” Leonardo DiCaprio and Katy Perry have graced the VIP room. Bottle service at Bootsy Bellows ranges from $425 to $30,000. The brand: Exclusive… naturally.
112 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
“WHAT WE’VE FOCUSED ON IS THE PEOPLE WE GREW UP WITH, FRIENDS OF FRIENDS, INNER-CIRCLE LA.” —JOHN TERZIAN John Terzian (LEFT) and Brian Toll photographed at Bootsy Bellows in West Hollywood (bootsybellows.com). ON JOHN: Jacket, Etro ($1,871). 9502 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-248-2855; etro.com. Shirt, The Kooples ($215). 100 S. Robertson Blvd., LA, 424-335-0041; the kooples.com. 511 slim-fit jean, Levi’s ($58). Madison, 8745 W. Third St., LA, 310-275-1930; levi.com. Sisto sneaker, Salvatore Ferragamo ($595). Bloomingdale’s, 8500 Beverly Blvd., LA, 310-360-2700; bloomingdales.com. Watch, John’s own. ON BRIAN: Suit jacket ($2,695) and pewter Pulbury shirt ($295), Burberry London. 9560 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-550-4500; burberry.com. Watch, Brian’s own
A TWIN WIN
JONNIE AND MARK HOUSTON
“THEY SAY YOU SHOULDN’T WORK WITH FAMILY, BUT IT WORKS FOR US. WE CAN GET INTO AN ARGUMENT AND THEN FIVE MINUTES LATER GO TO LUNCH.” —MARK HOUSTON
Mark and Jonnie Houston photographed at Harvard & Stone in Los Angeles (houston hospitalityla.com). ON MARK (LEFT): Suit jacket, Burberry London ($2,295). 9560 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-550-4500; burberry.com. Shirt, John Varvatos ($348). 8800 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310-859-2791; john varvatos.com. Pants and shoes, Mark’s own. ON JONNIE: Biker jacket, John Varvatos ($998). SEE ABOVE. Navy shirt, Burberry Brit ($250). SEE ABOVE. Boot, All Saints ($285). 100 N. Robertson Blvd., LA, 310-432-8484; allsaints.com. Pants, Jonnie’s own
While deveining shrimp as 9-year-olds in the kitchen of their mother’s Thai restaurant, Jonnie and Mark Houston made a vow: No more long hours, thankless work, little time to relax. But something either went horribly awry or blissfully correct. Today, the fraternal twins operate seven establishments—including Harvard & Stone, Pour Vous, La Descarga, and the accessibleto-all Piano Bar—where they attend to just about every detail at every venue at all hours. These days, they’re giving the business a big kiss on the lips. “It’s funny how things go full circle and you wind up going back to what your upbringing was,” Jonnie explains. While most nightspots promise a social component, some do it better than others. For the 36-year-old Houstons, native Angelenos, it’s less about selling booze and more about the vibe. Their club No Vacancy, for instance, is ensconced in the 1902 Victorian Hollywood abode known as the Janes House. But to access the New Orleans brothelthemed premises, you either have to have a connection to the NSA or know about the secret speakeasy entrance. And they’re constantly adding playful touches to their establishments: Tightrope dancers. Roller-skaters. Fullsize trolley cars. “They say you shouldn’t work with family, but it works for us because we can be honest with each other,” Mark says of the duo, whose latest entry is Butchers & Barbers, their first restaurant, which opened in Hollywood in September. “We can get into an argument and then five minutes later go to lunch.” Sometimes they even have shrimp.
MIXING IT UP!
JULIAN COX AND JOSH GOLDMAN
This is just one example of an artisanal cocktail that Julian Cox and Josh Goldman once dreamed up, a take on a Charles H. Baker recipe: “Demerara Rum Swizzle: El Dorado 8 Year, Lemon Hart 151, lime, grapefruit, falernum, and pomegranate.” Clearly they are not the kind of bartenders you belly up to and tell your problems—unless your problem is a lack of imagination in beverage menus. As partners in the Soigné Group, a restaurant and bar consulting firm, these two modern-day barkeeps have contributed their liquid assets to beverage services at some of the top eateries in town, including Picca, Sotto, Acabar, and Circa. And now they have their very own establishment: Brilliantshine in Santa Monica, which they opened in August. “It’s a unique bar and food experience,” Cox explains. “It’s kind of entering another world. There’s not another space like it in Santa Monica.” Both are in their mid-30s. Both are alumni of Pacific 12 schools (Goldman went to UCLA; Cox, to Arizona State). And both love bopping around Los Angeles like Pied Pipers with cocktail shakers. “We’ve been fortunate enough to be working with beverages all over the city in different neighborhoods,” Goldman says. “Every time we move into a different area we learn something new about the city and the people who live there. It’s funny how things vary from one neighborhood to the next, but they’re separated by only a few miles.” Anybody want to grab a quick Pan American Clipper?
114 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
“EVERY TIME WE MOVE INTO A DIFFERENT AREA WE LEARN SOMETHING NEW ABOUT THE CITY.” —JOSH GOLDMAN
Josh Goldman (LEFT) and Julian Cox photographed at Brilliantshine in Santa Monica (thebrilliantshine.com). ON JOSH: Jacket, Salvatore Ferragamo (price on request). South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, 714-979-7654; ferragamo.com. Sweater, All Saints ($160). 100 N. Robertson Blvd., LA, 310-432-8484; allsaints.com. Jeans, J. Brand ($165). Ron Herman, 8100 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-651-4129; ron herman.com. The Classic Black Automatic watch ($3,800) and chevron bracelet ($395), David Yurman. South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, 714-444-1080; david yurman.com. Copeland chukka, Johnston & Murphy ($145). Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 310-551-2656; johnston murphy.com. ON JULIAN: Sweater, Todd Snyder ($295). Unionmade, The Grove, LA, 323-965-2248; todd snyder.com. Tyndall cap-toe chukka, Johnston & Murphy ($175). SEE ABOVE. Jeans, Julian’s own
PARTY BOY
JASON HARDER
“YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE JUST AS GOOD AS YOUR LAST EVENT.”
Jason Harder photographed at Shiraz Events in Los Angeles (shirazevents.com). Officer’s blazer ($1,875) and pant ($690), Marc Jacobs. 8409 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-653-5100; marcjacobs.com. Dress shirt, Neil Barrett ($535). Traffic LA, Beverly Center, LA, 310-659-4313; shoptrafficla.com. Bow tie, Title of Work ($225). Maxfield, 8825 Melrose Ave., LA, 310-274-8800; titleofwork.com
If you’ve ever planned a major event—wedding, anniversary celebration, Mad Men viewing party—you know any such endeavor comes with a gnawing anxiety that threatens to eat you alive before the first appetizer is consumed. Jason Harder knows it, lives it—and craves more. As West Coast event director for Shiraz Events, he’s responsible for designing and pulling off some of the more dazzling afterdark soirees in Los Angeles… and just about anywhere west of Dallas, for that matter. He’s been working out of the company’s West Coast office in LA for three years now, and pressure is his date for every affair. “Every single one of them,” he says with a laugh. “You have to make sure you’re just as good as your last event.” A native of Tampa, Florida, the 35-year-old Harder began as a bartender in New York City, later worked as a consultant for bars and lounges, moved to Miami to work in nightclubs, and eventually segued into events by joining Shiraz’s office there. Now he oversees an operation that throws elaborate fêtes for the likes of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (including September’s highwattage annual gala), Unicef, Make-A-Wish, and a vast array of companies in fashion, business, design, and beyond. He and Shiraz have their eyes on more challenging party prey, too. “In LA, it’s hard to get your foot in the door,” he says of potential clients, especially in the entertainment business. “But once they see our work, they give us that one opportunity and they never look back.” Of course, when he isn’t toiling, he’d prefer not to orchestrate his own fun. “Since I plan so much for work,” he explains, “I’m like, ‘Someone else take the reins.’ Dinner parties at other people’s houses are perfect!”
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
115
THE VELVET ROPE UNDERGROUND
DARREN DZIENCIOL AND SCOTT SARTIANO
When John Lennon first met Paul McCartney, he had a decision to make: continue to be top dog or embrace an equal partner. We know the rest. The success of nightclub brand 1 OAK in LA is the result of a similar strategy. Scott Sartiano and Richie Akiva of Gotham-based Butter Group, who established 1 OAK in New York in 2007, realized they needed a savvy Angeleno to establish a Los Angeles branch of the nightclub in the old Key Club space on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. So they joined forces with Bartelier Group’s Darren Dzienciol, a 28-yearold grad of Beverly Hills High with an impressive background in both fashion and nightlife. “They really wanted to bring the New York brand here and go against everybody’s idea of what that might be,” Dzienciol says of the club, which opened last fall. “They wanted to build upon the cachet they created in New York.” While the El Lay edition of 1 OAK thrives on sophistication and impeccable attention to detail and caters to an eclectic clientele that draws from Europe and the US (including a formidable celebrity base comprised of H’wood players such as Jay-Z, Leonardo DiCaprio, and tip-top DJs), the boys strive to present all that with no pressure. “We want to create a cool vibe for people,” says Sartiano, 39. His partner concurs. “We want to make sure people are being relaxed and having a beautiful time without us being pains in the ass,” says the 36-year-old Akiva. “You want them to get to the point where they’re happy and they want to spend money, rather than forcing anything down their throats.” There’s also a 1 OAK in Mexico City, another soon to open in Japan, and the trio has plans to expand in LA. In the nightclub world, think of them as the Fab Three.
116
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
Darren Dzienciol and Scott Sartiano photographed at 1 OAK in West Hollywood (1oakla.com). ON DARREN (LEFT): 18k yellowgold, geode, and yellow-diamond lapel pin, Kimberly McDonald ($7,500). 8590 W. Sunset Blvd., Ste. 10.1, 310-854-0890; kimberly mcdonald.com. Royal Oak self-winding watch with 18k pink-gold case, silvered dial, and black strap, Audemars Piguet ($32,000). Westime, 254 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-271-0000; audemarspiguet.com. Suit, pocket square, bracelet, and shoes, Darren’s own. ON SCOTT: Tuxedo, Givenchy ($3,375). mrporter.com. Dress shirt, Dolce & Gabbana ($415). 312 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-888-8701; dolce gabbana.com. Sterling bar with raw diamond and tie ($400) and pocket square ($125), Title of Work. Maxfield, 8825 Melrose Ave., LA, 310-274-8800; titleofwork.com. Royal Oak Offshore watch, Audemars Piguet ($36,900). Westime, SEE ABOVE; audemarspiguet.com. High-tops, Converse by John Varvatos ($250). Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-276-4400; barneys.com
“THEY REALLY WANTED TO BRING THE NEW YORK BRAND HERE AND GO AGAINST EVERYBODY’S IDEA OF WHAT THAT MIGHT BE.” — DARREN DZIENCIOL
THE PAST PERFECTER
ANDREW MEIERAN
Andrew Meieran shares DNA with Don Quixote. That’s really the only reasonable explanation as to why the 47-year-old filmmaker/real estate developer embarks on seemingly impossible endeavors. But the key difference between Cervantes’ fictional crusader and Meieran is that the latter takes on decrepit Downtown spaces and turns them into astonishingly cool nightspots. His latest project is Clifton’s Cafeteria, a legendary melding of cuisine and kitsch that first opened in 1931 but hit the skids in recent years. Meieran, fresh off the wondrous rehab and repurposing of The Edison, is set to reopen Clifton’s this fall after a major remodeling that began in 2010 and ran north of $5 million. “The more somebody tells me it’s absurd or crazy or it shouldn’t be done,” he explains, “the more I’m intrigued, because I don’t think great things get built by people who shy away from frightful-looking projects.” The new Clifton’s incarnation—open 24 hours—will retain the old forest-themed look in the main dining areas, but there will be new inspired touches, like a tree that extends through three of the five floors and a Polynesian-accented bar-restaurant. It’ll be a distant but still simpatico stylistic cousin to The Edison, a steampunk-themed space in the basement of the Higgins Building in Downtown LA, which originally opened in 1910 and once housed the city’s first private power plant. Although The Edison debuted in 2007, partygoers still line up around the block to enjoy the industrial cool, the rare silent films that play in the background, and the specialty cocktails. It’s all part of what Meieran likes to call “experiential nightlife.” He’s got his eyes on other Downtown projects, too. Naturally. Ride, Don Quixote! LAC
“THE MORE SOMEBODY TELLS ME IT’S ABSURD OR CRAZY OR IT SHOULDN’T BE DONE, THE MORE I’M INTRIGUED.” Andrew Meieran photographed at The Edison in Downtown Los Angeles (edisondowntown.com). Sweater, Canali ($795). South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, 714-662-1800; canali.com. Pant, Todd Snyder ($395). Unionmade, The Grove, LA, 323-965-2248; todd snyder.com. WW1-96 Grande Date watch, Bell & Ross ($4,200). Feldmar Watch Company, 9000 W. Pico Blvd., LA, 310-274-8016; bellross.com All portraits styled by Stacey Kalchman @ Bryan Bantry
Northern ExposurE Clean lines, sharp angles, and a dose of futurism define fall fashion, soCal-style. PhotograPhy by giuliano bekor styling by Douglas Vanlaningham
opposite page: Two-button
padded jacket ($2,975) and silk turtleneck ($1,400), Hermès. 434 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-6440; hermes.com this page: Silk stripe-detail coat,
Salvatore Ferragamo ($6,230). 357 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-273-9990; ferragamo.com. Slubby merino jersey mock turtleneck (price on request), stretch needle corduroy sports pant (price on request), and Adney tassle loafer ($1,610), Tom Ford. 800-TOM-FORD; tomford.com. Grande Seconde Pink Noreen Jasper watch, Jaquet Droz ($29,300). Tourbillon, 329 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-860-9990; jaquetdroz.com
la-confidential-magazine.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 119
120â&#x20AC;&#x192; la-confidential-magazine.com
opposite page: Gabardine jacket,
Prada ($3,890). 343 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-8661; prada.com. Cotton shirt, Dior Homme ($600). 315 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-247-8003; diorhomme.com. Evening trousers ($1,345) and burgundy Territory derbies ($1,275), Louis Vuitton. 295 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-786-9942; louisvuitton.com this page: Silk turtleneck,
Hermès ($1,400). 434 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-6440; hermes.com. Pant, Canali ($816). 261 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-270-4200; canali.com
Printed shirt, Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci ($960). givenchy.com. Slim trousers, Lanvin ($745). 260 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-402-0580; lanvin.com. Socks, Alexander McQueen ($80). 8379 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-782-4983; alexandermcqueen.com. Studded shoes, Emporio Armani ($845). 9533 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, 310-271-7790; armani.com
this page: Leather shirt, Lanvin ($4,270). 260 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-402-0580; lanvin.com opposite page: Black-tide stripe
jacket ($1,800), Atlantic wool plain knit mock neck ($670), and Black-tide stripe super-skinny pant ($660), Gucci. 347 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-3451; gucci.com. Burgundy Territory derbies, Louis Vuitton ($1,275). 295 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-786-9942; louisvuitton.com
la-confidential-magazine.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 125
126â&#x20AC;&#x192; la-confidential-magazine.com
opposite page: Round-neck sweater
($1,795), leather shirt ($4,270), and slim trousers ($745), Lanvin. 260 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-402-0580; lanvin.com. Leather brogues, Burberry Prorsum ($695). 9560 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-550-4500; burberry.com this page: Cashmere double-
breasted shawl-collar coat, Canali ($6,380). 261 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-270-4200; canali.com. Cotton shirt ($600) and silk tie ($190), Dior Homme. 315 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-247-8003; diorhomme.com Grooming by Leiane Taylor/ celestineagency.com Photography Assistance by Kurt Lindner and Charles Brumbly Styling Assistance by Christopher Allison and Halee Harczynski Model: Derek Jaeschke/ Ford Models Shot on location at the Aria Las Vegas Produced by Laura Bialobos @ Lance Media Group
In trend-obsessed la, these immortal classics still reign sublime. By RoBeRta Naas PhotogRaPhy By Jeff CRawfoRd
For more watch features and expanded coverage go to la-confdential-magazine.com/watches.
Styling by terry lewiS
legends of the fall
Pat e k P h i l i P P e R e f. 53 96/1R a n n ua l C a l e nDa R W i t h MOOn P h a s e s Origins: Part of the famed Calatrava series that was created in 1932, this watch is distinguished by its uniformity in tone with an 18k rose-gold bracelet and warm brown sunburst dial. The moonphase complication adds another level of artistry and beauty that reinforces Patek Philippe’s technical prowess—known as the Master of Complications, the 175-year-old brand has created the most complicated watch in the world and has set its own hallmark for aesthetic fnishing and technical excellence. Why it’s legendary: Pieces in the Calatrava collection are worn by former GE CEO Jack Welch and Russian President (and noted watch collector) Vladimir Putin, while Pablo Picasso embraced the artistry of Patek’s moonphase designs. Details: The watch is marked by a mechanical self-winding movement, day and date indication, and moon phases. Price: $76,900 Where to buy: Gearys, 351 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-273-4741; patek.com opposite page: Windsor satin shawl-collar tuxedo,
Tom Ford ($5,040). 346 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-270-9440. Poplin evening shirt ($510) and silk bow tie ($170), Gucci. 347 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-3451; gucci.com. Pocket square, Paul Smith ($85). 8221 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-951-4800; paulsmith.co.uk. Watch, Patek Philippe, see above.
la-confidential-magazine.com 129
C a rt i e r ta n k MC S k e l et On Origins: Cartier is credited by many for creating the modern-day wristwatch in the frst decade of the 20th century based upon Louis Cartier’s original design for dirigible aviator Alberto Santos Dumont. About a decade later, the classic Cartier Tank debuted with a bold square case said to be inspired by the huge tanks driven in World War I. Why it’s legendary: One of the world’s frst square wristwatches, the Tank fast became an iconic timepiece. Cartier has regularly evolved the collection, adding the Américaine, Française, Anglaise, and derivatives thereof, which feature rectangular and square shapes that mimic the original Tank design. A Hollywood favorite, it has graced the wrists of everyone from Greta Garbo and Cary Grant to Andy Warhol and Michelle Obama. Details: This 18k gold watch combines history and modernity with its skeletonized movement. It houses the Caliber 9619MC designed in-house with bridges ingeniously built to form Roman numerals. Price: $56,000 (available by appointment only) Where to buy: Cartier, 370 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 1-800-CARTIER; cartier.com
P i age t a lt i P l a nO 38 m m 9 0 0P Origins: Piaget was a pioneer in the world of ultrathin calibers more than a half-century ago, unveiling its frst ultrathin, hand-wound movement, the Caliber 9P, in 1957. The watch measured just 2mm thick and sealed Piaget’s supremacy in the feld. The Piaget Altiplano collection is considered by many to be the ultimate black-tie watch and was most recently seen on the wrist of Matt Damon at this year’s SAG and Golden Globe Awards. Why it’s legendary: Piaget made history yet again this year with the unveiling of its latest timepiece. It is the world’s thinnest mechanical watch— just 3.65mm—thanks to a revolutionary design wherein the movement parts are merged with the case. Details: This white-gold piece boasts a 38mm diameter, black-coated movement, hours and minutes offset, and 145 parts. Price: $27,800 Where to buy: Piaget Boutique, 323 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 424-3324280; piaget.com
la-confidential-magazine.com 131
ROl e x Oy s t e R P e R P et ua l GM t- M a s t e R I I Origins: The Oyster Perpetual GMT Master was introduced in 1955 for international pilots in cooperation with Pan Am. The original timepiece was designed to help pilots who were increasingly traveling across multiple time zones in the burgeoning passenger airline industry. Why it’s legendary: In 1964’s Goldfnger, Pussy Galore (played by British beauty Honor Blackman) was a personal pilot who wore a man’s Rolex GMT Master, creating a bold cultural statement for the brand; women continue to rock this style today. In 1982, it was reintroduced as the GMT-Master II with a rotating 24-hour graduated bezel, allowing its owner to read time in three different zones. The new renditions, introduced in 2005, feature high-tech ceramic two-tone bezels. Details: Signature touches include a stainless steel 40mm case, rotating black and blue ceramic bezel, 24-hour hand, independently adjustable 12-hour hand, and Oysterlock bracelet. Price: $8,950 Where to buy: Gearys, 351 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-273-4741; rolex.com
MOva D O R e D L a be L C a L e n D OM at iC Origins: Revered 20th-century artist and industrial designer Nathan George Horwitt was infuenced by the Bauhaus movement’s emphasis on sparse design. In 1947, he developed his own interpretation of time on a watch dial, using the solitary dot at 12 o’clock to symbolize the sun at high noon; the moving hands suggested the movement of the earth. He received a patent for his design in 1958 and had three prototypes made; one was accepted into the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art in 1960. Why it’s legendary: Horwitt reached a partnership with Movado, which started creating wristwatches with his Museum Dial in 1960. Today, the brand continues to create new evolutions regularly; Movado ambassador Kerry Washington is regularly seen wearing vintage and current Movado timepieces, most recently at this year’s Golden Globes. Details: The Black Museum Dial features a concave dot, 42mm steel case with steel bracelet, Swiss automatic movement with GMT indication, 24-hour indication, world cities disk, and sapphire caseback. Price: $2,495 Where to buy: Feldmar Watch Company, 9000 W. Pico Blvd., LA, 310-274-8016; movado.com
la-confidential-magazine.com 133
Desert luxury 2014
EAST OF EDEN With the onset of winter, Angelenos follow the red-hot sun east to oases both near (Palm Springs) and slightly less near (Las Vegas, Arizona, Utah). An “ab-fab” hotel in the middle of nowhere? The best party in LV? A high-brow “ happening” in PS?! Herein, our insiders’ guide to all that’s haute in the desert, 2014!
PALm SPriNgS ETErNAL in the Coachella Valley, everything old is new again this fall. by andrea bennett
134 la-confidential-magazine.com
photography courtesy of viceroy hotel
P
alm Springs, having just celebrated her Hathaway went shopping in the same neighborhood 75th birthday last year, is doing what every (rumored), things are getting a bit buzzier—and pricier. This new verve is all coming as the city does some lady of a certain age wishes she could: age in reverse. And how. In the span of a major nipping and tucking. The Uptown Design decade, says J.R. Roberts, a planning commissioner District has long attracted fans for its postwar modern for the city and the managing director of the and Hollywood Regency vintage furniture. But next Architecture & Design Center of the Palm Springs year’s addition of the Arrive hotel (arrivehotels.com), a Art Museum, the visitor population has exploded 32-room modular lodging and restaurant planned by from design cognoscenti and Hollywood escapees to Ezra Callahan—Facebook’s sixth employee and a Palm a perennial crowd of cool-seekers. “We went from a Springs investor—is mobilizing designers, store owners, and gallerists north. This fall, openings include Triada, retirement village to a young, hip place,” he laughs. You might attribute this wave to the maturing of the the formerly Alan Ladd-owned Spanish Inn, now part of city’s artistic trifecta: the Palm Springs International Marriott’s Autograph Collection (640 N. Indian Canyon Film Festival each January; Modernism Week in Dr.,760-844-7000; triadapalmsprings.com); and Palm February, with its 10 nights of cocktail parties, lectures, Springs Hotel, replacing the Palm Grove and promising and home tours of the city’s midcentury treasures; ModShop by Room Service furnishings and thoroughly and Coachella, that surge of music and celebrity that modern perks like Apple TV (2135 N. Palm Canyon Dr., descends on the valley each April. Add to that the 760-459-1255; thepalmspringshotel.com). Jaime Kowal, who owns the recently opened Dinah Shore and White Party Ernest Coffee in Uptown (1101 weekends and the Tachevah “We’re a lab for N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-668Block Party, and hotels took in a 1766; ernestcoffee.com), is part of quarter more in occupancy tax everything cool a contingent of bright young things this year than in 2013. And where and artistic noW. renovating and opening places all the old Hollywood guard had their hideaway homes in the Old We’re becoming the over town (including her partner, Arrive architect Chris Pardo). “Palm Las Palmas neighborhood, their arts and cultural Springs is that balance between replacements are snapping up new and wonderful throwback,” legacy homes. Since Leonardo center that We she says. When Modernism Week DiCaprio bought the former Dinah Were alWays meant holds its Fall Season Kick-Off in Shore estate for $5.2 million earlier mid-October, she’ll be reigniting this year (confrmed) and Anne to be.” —j.r. roberts
All the Mi-rage! The Kelly Wearstler-designed Viceroy Hotel in downtown Palm Springs is a prime base for exploring the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s influx of hip new galleries, restaurants, and shops.
la-confidential-magazine.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 135
UPToWn UP To DaTE! Art galleries and oh-so-cool culinary spots are sprouting up among the vintage stores of the Uptown Design District. Here’s where to go:
Dahlstrom Designs: Calvin Dahlstrom creates custom rustic-meets-modern hybrid furniture using upcycled wood planks and industrial steel. 1566 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 425-890-8101 Dazzles: This gemlike shop features a fantastic collection of vintage costume baubles, plus home accessories. Look for stunning Bakelite jewelry here. 1035 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-327-1446 Kerson Fine Vintage: Buy limited-edition photo prints by Mark Shaw, plus vintage furniture, lighting, clothing, accessories, and jewelry. 2699 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-3223070; kersonps.com Pelago: The beloved San Francisco boutique Pelago takes on Palm Springs with its mix of contemporary and custom, like vintage-inspired upholstered furniture from Austin artists Iron Thread Design and minimalist chrome Black + Blum home accessories. 901 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-322-3999; pelago palmsprings.com
from top:
Palm Springs’ Bootlegger Tiki, an offshoot of Ernest Coffee, will specialize in rum drinks à la Don’s Beachcomber when it opens this month; crowds turn out for the weekly VillageFest on Palm Canyon Drive, a farmers market, flea market, and street fair rolled into one; a midcentury modern building that formerly housed Santa Fe Savings & Loan is now the new Edwards Harris Pavilion, part of the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center.
136 la-confidential-magazine.com
Raymond-Lawrence: You never know what you’ll find at this retail incubator. Owners Larry Abel and Raymond McCallister hold an endlessly fun pop-up parade of new brands in home accessories, clothes, beauty products—and whatever else strikes their fancy. 830 N. Palm Canyon
Dr., 760-322-3344; raymondlawrence.com Trina Turk: Trina Turk, whose flagship has anchored uptown since 2002, is indisputably the queen of contemporary Palm Springs fashion and is keeping it current with new activewear and shoe lines. 891 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-416-2856; trinaturk.com Eat Dish Creative Cuisine: Palm Springs residents have been driving to nearby Cathedral City for Joane Garcia Colson and Michelle Heinrich’s innovative, deconstructed American cuisine. DCC relocates to the Uptown Design District this month. 1107 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-8326526; dishcreative cuisine.com Ernest Coffee and Bootlegger Tiki: A side-by-side coffee shop and tiki bar is a concept that exists perfectly in Palm Springs. Ernest, filling a critical local need, has been serving its Stumptown beans for several months; the adjoining tiki bar opens this month. Expect plays on the rum masterpieces that made the original Don’s Beachcomber famous. (Tahitian rum punch, anyone?) 1101 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-668-1766; ernestcoffee.com; bootleggertiki.com Workshop Kitchen + Bar: Soaring 27-foot ceilings and industrial-chic concrete booths are a “modernist insert” to the colonial building that houses this popular restaurant. An ever-changing menu draws from at least two dozen farms; cult-popular dishes include duck-fat fries and sous-vide octopus carpaccio.
800 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-459-3451; workshoppalmsprings.com and… outSkirtS & about Just because Palm Springs proper is rehabbing doesn’t mean the rest of the valley isn’t keeping pace. The new 260-room The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage (68900 Frank Sinatra Dr., Rancho Mirage, 760-321-8282; ritzcarlton.com) is the brand’s first domestic opening in four years. Sitting cliffside, it has incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountains and a stunning spa sanctuary (try the indoor/outdoor “Spirit of the Mountains” scrub and hot-stone massage). Starting October 1, La Quinta Resort & Club (49-499 Eisenhower Dr., La Quinta, 855-8849315; laquintaresort.com), a 1926 desert hideaway on 45 acres—now a Waldorf Astoria property—is open to guests following a multimillion-dollar face-lift. Its legendary 41 pools, 620 casitas and suites, and 98 villas were reimagined, and a bevy of high-tech amenities came on board. If you need further evidence that the valley is overhauling, consider this: Stalwart hippie hang Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort (67425 Two Bunch Palms Tr., Desert Hot Springs, 760-329-8791; twobunch palms.com), a onetime Al Capone hideout, where people come to take the hot mineral waters in the Grotto, has been renovating for as long as we can remember. But an end is in sight: Phase II of a multimillion-dollar reno adds 26 rooms by the end of 2014 and another 30—plus a new spa and fitness center—in 2015.
photography by Jaime Kowal photography (bootlegger tiKi); © lisa Corson (street fair); Daniel ChavKin (pavilion). opposite page: Jeff Kravitz/filmmagiC (lalli)
Shop BLVD: Dying for a Billy Haines chair or a pristine Arne Jacobsen “Egg”? You’ll find them here, along with a terrific selection of contemporary furniture. 800 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-832-9011; boulevardps.com
the crossed tiki torches that mark their just-opened Bootlegger Tiki, the revival of the iconic Don’s Beachcomber Café, which operated here from 1953 until its fame was extinguished in the 1980s (1101 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-668-1766; bootleggertiki.com). Offsetting all the uptown hullabaloo, the Palm Springs Art Museum prepares for the long-awaited opening of the Edwards Harris Pavilion (300 S. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-322-4897; psmuseum. org), an architecture and design center in a 1950s bank building coincidentally designed by the museum’s own architect, E. Stewart Williams—a development that is quickly invigorating the south end of town. The museum on its own is huge —28 galleries with some 55,000 pieces, including Picasso’s Owl sculpture. When it opens with an E. Stewart Williams retrospective on November 9, Roberts says, “We’ll never have a permanent exhibit and we’ll loosely defne ‘design.’” (Think an A+D lecture series with topics spanning from Renzo Piano to Trina Turk). The downtown area is also abuzz as the city renovates a 14-acre plot of land to create a pedestrian-friendly urban village (“Downtown PS”)—complete with a 150-room, four-star Kimpton hotel (kimptonhotels.com)—breaking ground this month for a 2015 opening. But frenetic (for Palm Springs) renovation isn’t deterring its steady infux of vacationers. Beautiful young things are still lounging around the pool at the Kelly Wearstler–designed Viceroy (415 S. Belardo Road, 800-237-3687; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com), sipping the hotel’s 1940s throwback cocktails (try the jalapeño-licked Sweet Heat), and dining at the new “Cal-Italian” Appetito Deli in South Palm Springs by Danny Meyer alum Patrick Service (1700 S. Camino Real, 760-327-1929; appetitodeli.com). Just off East Palm Canyon Drive, the newly opened, 20-room, modern-rustic ranch Sparrows Lodge (1330 E. Palm Canyon Dr., 760-327-2300; sparrowslodge.com)— think of it as summer camp for cool kids— is serving cocktails in its retroftted barn (check in and soak in one of the tubs crafted from horse troughs). From north to south, says Roberts, “We’re a lab for everything cool and artistic now. We’re becoming the arts and cultural center that we were always meant to be.”
Musician Dominic Lalli of Big Gigantic performs onstage during the second day of the 2013 Life is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas.
LAS VEGAS: SIN-TILLATING CITY! LV music/food/art megafest Life is Beautiful is back and bigger than ever. by david landsel
T
aking over more than 15 blocks of a fastregenerating downtown Las Vegas on October 24-26, Life is Beautiful may appear at frst glance to be a music festival. Still, founder Rehan Choudhry would rather you didn’t call it that. Three things, he says, differentiate the event from your usual weekend out in a feld somewhere. For one, there’s the location, about as far from the typical festival grounds as any organizer could dream of. Today’s downtown is a jumble of classic casinos, new condominium projects, vacant lots, colorful street murals, dive bars, galleries, and unique public spaces. “It’s such a high-energy area of the city,” Choudhry says. “For us to come in and remake what is home to a lot of people is ambitious, but the beauty is that people experience something they haven’t seen before—to see ‘Old Vegas’ transformed into this stunning, highly interactive festival grounds. It gets a lot of people to explore a part of the city they have never seen.” Then there’s the programming itself. Of course there’s music—an astonishing amount of music, actually. Kanye West, Foo Fighters, and Outkast will headline, backed up by a diverse range of acts such as
The Flaming Lips, Arctic Monkeys, and The Roots. But music is just the start. Life is Beautiful aims to blend art, food, and learning opportunities into the mix. These aren’t sidelines, though—think of it, Choudhry says, as multiple festivals all rolled into one. “Each has the level of focus and talent and programming that would allow it to stand alone,” he points out. The lineup certainly reinforces this notion, featuring plenty of street art and performance alongside speakers with a wealth of expertise in topics ranging from synthetic biology to animation. Foodies have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the likes of Nancy Silverton, Susan Feniger, Hubert Keller, and a host of other well-known chefs. “Rather than looking at it as giving music lovers access to, say, great food,” Choudhry says, “I’m looking to attract food and wine fans. And those fans aren’t just walking over to see music; they’re walking into [an event that rivals] Coachella. What we want is a blending of audiences who are uniquely passionate about their own craft.” Finally, the aim is that all of this comes together in a way that organizers hope will create for the attendee a fulfillment of the idea that gave the festival its name.
la-confidential-magazine.com 137
Sundance Helicopters offers a thrilling 3.5-hour tour of the city and desert... with a Champagne picnic thrown in at the bottom of the Grand Canyon; a view of Foxtail, a new nightlife venue in the SLS Hotel Las Vegas (formerly the Sahara Resort & Casino), which recently opened after the property underwent a $415 million renovation; a room at boutique-chic The Cromwell; the interior of Giada De Laurentiisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new restaurant, Giada, at The Cromwell.
138â&#x20AC;&#x192; la-confidential-magazine.com
photography by DaviD becker/getty images for sLs Las vegas (heLicopter)
clockwise from above left:
“The broader purpose is to show people that life is full of hope, of opportunity—that even in the most challenging times, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Choudhry continues. “We like to show people very literally what that journey is like, and what life is like on the other side.” This is the second round for the festival, widely praised after its first year. In fact, this year, things are expanding: It’s now three full days, instead of
two. The music is more diverse, adding such unique boutique acts as Alt-J, Tune-Yards, and TV on the Radio. It’ll be easier to see the acts, too, with programming adjusted so that no more than two artists will go on at the same time. Ambitious? Absolutely. The festival kicks off October 23 with the Grills & Guitars gala ($175); a festival VIP Experience pass is available for $595. General admission is $249.50; lifeisbeautiful.com.
HOT VEgas
Light the town on fire at these other red-haute happenings this fall. RETOUR DE FORCE After a four-year hiatus that seemed a lot longer, Daniel Boulud is back. Shuttering his Wynn restaurant in 2010 was the result of an amicable decision, Boulud says, but either way, Vegas was sad to see him go. The new db Brasserie, housed in The Venetian’s old Valentino space, is comfortable without being too casual; the menu mixes things up nicely, offering bistro classics such as duck confit, escargot, and roasted chicken alongside Boulud’s now-famous burgers. The Venetian, 702-430-1235; dbbrasserie.com
ExTREmE makEOVERs Not too long ago, Las Vegas was all about the biggest, most marquee-name-ridden project you could finance. One recession later, the city once famous for blowing things up is all about adaptive reuse. You won’t recognize The Cromwell, now at the corner of Flamingo and South Las Vegas Boulevard, as what used to be there, but in the husk of the old Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino stands one of the city’s smartest new boutique hotels. Right now the buzz is largely on Giada De Laurentiis’s eponymous eatery, overlooking the Bellagio fountains and offering California-Italian fare. Down at the southern end
of things, it’s a new day for Thehotel, a longtime boutique favorite within Mandalay Bay Resort that’s been made over as Delano, bringing an infusion of South Beach-style sexy to the strip. Up on the 64th floor will be Rivea, a new concept from Alain Ducasse showcasing the oh-so-chic flavors of the South of France as well as neighboring Italy. The Cromwell, 702-777-3777; thecromwell.com; Delano Las Vegas, 702-632-9444; delanolasvegas.com
La mEETs LV Complete rebirth is the most accurate description for the road taken by Sam Nazarian and SBE with The Sahara. One of the Strip’s most storied addresses, the property was badly in need of reimagining after decades of coasting ever so slowly downhill. All that’s done now—at the new sLs Las Vegas, look for familiar LA dining (The Bazaar by José Andrés, Katsuya by Starck—even an Umami Burger and The Griddle Café for those craving something more casual) and nightlife (the smash-hit The Sayers Club, direct from Hollywood), not to mention shopping curated by Fred Segal. The rooms? Straight sexy, just as we’ve come to expect from the brand. SLS Las Vegas, 855-7617757; slslasvegas.com
CanyOn QUiCkiE There are helicopter tours above and through the Grand Canyon—those that’ll touch down and let you experience one of the continent’s preeminent natural wonders up close. But what about a fast ride from Las Vegas that descends 3,200 feet below the rim, with a Champagne lunch at the bottom? sundance Helicopters’ Picnic Tour can do that for you, using its roomy new EC-130 iron birds, all in just a 3.5-hour round trip. Impressive, no? So’s the price tag. (Worth it.) $478 per person, including limousine transfers to and from your Las Vegas hotel; sundancehelicopters.com
ROCk ’n’ HigH ROLLERs Following in the footsteps of classic icons like Guns N’ Roses and Mötley Crüe, the ever-flamboyant kiss takes up residency this fall at The Joint, located inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. From November 5 to 23, fans new and old will have the chance to see one of the planet’s most unique rock outfits, still going strong after a career spanning more than four decades. The 4,500-capacity venue isn’t typically where you’ll find an arena act like Kiss—expect a high-energy evening. Tickets from $49.50, 702-693-5000; hardrockhotel.com
from left:
Squaw Peak Lawn at the Biltmore is a large hexagonally shaped area of manicured lawns, flowers, and fountains that shimmers against a backdrop of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve; the Catalina pool at the Biltmore, said to be Marilyn Monroe’s favorite, features colorful tiles from California’s Catalina Island. The pool was built in 1930 by William Wrigley Jr., who owned Catalina as well as the company that made the tiles.
ARIZONA SPLENDOR: BILT TO LAST One of Hollywood’s favorite hideaways, the Arizona Biltmore, celebrates 85 with a fab face-lift. by emerson patrick
140 la-confidential-magazine.com
houses several restaurants, eight pools, two 18-hole golf courses, and tennis courts—has an infamous speakeasy that was revamped as well. During Prohibition, thirsty guests who found the hidden “Men’s Smoker” room were protected by a spotlight mounted atop the hotel where staff watched for police cars. Now called the Mystery Room Speakeasy, the watering hole is open only on Sundays, with a password-protected door, period décor, and a menu of vintage-inspired cocktails.
“Guests here get the feeling they are part of a compelling legacy not found at any other resort,” says Foley. While this renovation sets the Biltmore up for another 85 years of luxury and tales of modern-day guests like George Clooney and Bruce Springsteen, it’s also fun to tap into the past with a dip in the pool, a drink at the speakeasy, and a swing on the green. 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, 800-9500086; arizonabiltmore.com
VAlley of THe fun A fall trip to Phoenix and Scottsdale isn’t complete without these fun-in-the-sun pursuits. A love of horses isn’t necessary to enjoy the nation’s biggest polo event, the fourth annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. With several matches spread over October 25 and 26—along with a live art auction, fashion shows (both human and canine), a Champagne brunch, culinary competition, and the Arizona Porsche Concours d’Elegance car show—there’s entertainment for everyone. Tickets from $20. 480-4231414; thepoloparty.com
Get in some art-felt laughs with a night at downtown Phoenix’s intimate Herberger Theater Center, where the Arizona Theatre Company— now in its 48th season—puts on the state’s premiere of 2013’s Tony Award–winning Best Play, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (October 9–26). Set in a rural Pennsylvania farmhouse, the Chekhov-inspired comedy about a set of sisters promises to be hilariously absurd. Naturally. Tickets from $35. 602-2566995; arizonatheatre.org
Even at a year old, Scottsdale’s Virtù Honest Craft restaurant (a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in America) is still the hottest ticket in town, with a menu that changes weekly. Nestled inside the four-room Bespoke Inn, Café & Bicycles, chef Gio Osso’s Mediterranean roots inspire contemporary dishes such as grilled octopus with fennel, lemon chickpeas, and Calabrese chili butter. 3701 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, 480946-3477; virtuscottsdale.com
photography courtesy of the biltmore, courtesy of amanresorts (opposite)
P
icture Marilyn Monroe swimming in a pool made of colorful tiles imported from Catalina Island; Irving Berlin soaking up desert sunshine—and inspiration—while writing “White Christmas”; Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Liza Minnelli breaking into song at a lobby piano under a gold-leaf ceiling; and Clark Gable losing his wedding ring while playing golf (and a dedicated employee somehow fnding it). At Phoenix’s Arizona Biltmore, which became the state’s very frst resort upon completion 85 years ago, incidents like this are par for the course. Thanks to a just-completed, multimillion-dollar renovation in celebration of the Waldorf Astoria– owned, 39-acre property’s big birthday, that vintage glamour and intrigue are more present than ever. Not that the property’s past is forgotten, especially Frank Lloyd Wright’s contribution: His “Biltmore Block” design was used to build the sand-colored structure (it’s the only existing hotel in the world boasting his iconic touch). “The historic Frank Lloyd Wright–infuenced architecture is the heart and soul of our landmark resort and we preserved that legacy by weaving Wright elements throughout the fabric of the renovation,” says Arizona Biltmore general manager Sheila Foley. “A particularly memorable feature in the new guest rooms is a mist-colored wall covering embossed with a metallic design echoing the pattern on Wright’s Biltmore Blocks; the inspiration for the new carpet in the corridors is his drawings of the hotel gardens blended with geometric shapes.” Santa Barbara–based design frm Smith & Firestone Associates directed the extensive overhaul, which involves an elegant, natural-hued redesign of hundreds of guest rooms and suites along with ballrooms, function rooms, cabanas, and the spa. The property—which also
MY OWN PRIVATE UTAH For world-weary celebs... and rich mortals alike... the splendidly isolated Amangiri is the last—and best—resort in luxury. by spencer beck
D
on’t fy into Page Airport en route to the most luxurious hotel in the western US. Acclimate slowly… It’s part of the Amangiri experience to touch down in tacky/fabulous Las Vegas, rent a car, and then drive into God’s country. Yes, it’s four-plus hours, but what an excursion. The wasteland of Southern Nevada morphs into the red-rock beauty of Southwestern Utah and the otherworldly grandeur of Zion National Park. Then saunter down, escarpment by escarpment, into one of the most isolated desert landscapes in the world. And that’s the point. When you fnally reach the discreet fence post announcing the entrance to the Amangiri hotel’s 600-acre spread straddling the border of Arizona in Southern Utah, you’ll be suitably decompressed—noise, traffc, cell phones but a waning memory. The splendor of isolation— perhaps the last luxury in our modern-day world— will leave you gasping. As will the fnal approach to the hotel itself. After maneuvering down the private, serpentine, mile-long drive, past a stark landscape unchanged since dinosaurs roamed these parts, you are greeted, as if the lords, ladies, and staff of Downton Abbey were transposed onto modern-day Mars, by a waiting retinue standing at attention in front of the templelike entrance to this fourstar resort in the middle of nowhere. Welcome to “posh,” 2014 style. Gstaad. Portofno. Bora Bora. Blah blah. The Amangiri makes the classic luxury resort experience seem, well, rather bourgeois. Accommodating only several dozen guests, housed in a series of low-slung, architecturally signifcant (read “one” with the landscape) “villas,” the hotel caters to an international clientele who isn’t particularly interested in socializing, much less partying. Garbo would have loved this place. Grand. Quiet. Spiritual. As the very rich imagine these concepts, of course. Rooms are luxurious, in a terribly modern, concrete-chic kind of way— softened by overstuffed beds boasting the obligatory one-billion-count cotton linens (no doubt woven by blind Navajo women—bad joke). Each suite comes with a terrace (some with pools) overlooking incredible, primordial landscapes of rock, sagebrush, and sand, the only movement being the occasional fit of a jack rabbit and the sun’s rays as they fash playfully about on the otherwise-still monumental reliefs of mountain and cliff. Sublime. Naturally, a privileged clientele (rooms start at $1,200 a night) demands certain super-luxury prerequisites. There’s a stunning pool wrapped
Midday at the oasis: The serenely beautiful main pool at Amangiri was fashioned around an age-old stone outcropping. below: An outside lobby affords a view of mountains and desert that seemingly stretches to infinity.
around a million-year-old rock outcropping. An ostentatiously quiet restaurant serves exquisite, inventive cuisine, from eggs Benedict made with duck eggs to locally farmed elk chops. Sore after the drive? A spa boasts an external wall that magically ascends to join the massage room and desert-scented outdoors, transcendentally bringing an end to a day of doing, well, nothing. Ah… “dolce far niente,” as the Italians say. No wonder Hollywood celebs such as George Clooney (in the room next to ours during our visit), like the place. No paparazzi. Few people. A couple of hikes and cave excursions notwithstanding, not much to do. Just blessed serenity. The last gasp of luxury. Amangiri. Amen. 1 Kayenta Road, Canyon Point, Utah, 435-675-3999; amanresorts.com LAC
la-confidential-magazine.com 141
SAGAPOnACK SOUTH
Sagaponack. Spectacular 11,500 SF residence on 3 fnished levels includes lavish master suite with farm and sky views, and 4 additional en-suite bedrooms, fnished lower level includes guest suite, staff room, gym, spa, bar/lounge, home theater and wine cellar. nearly 2 beautifully landscaped acres with pool and spa with tennis court nearby. Co-Exclusive. $12.9M WEB# 47163
BLUFF rOAd, AMAGAnSETT SOUTH
Amagansett. new construction shingle style home just completed, beautiful architectural elements and details in this this nearly 7,000 SF home on three fnished levels is designed for the best of seaside living. Co-Exclusive. $9.75M WEB# 47003
FoReVeR oCeanFRont Water Mill. Unparalleled coastline and panoramic ocean views from this top-of-the-line custom crafted “beach house”. Some of the fnest materials were used in rebuilding and reftting this 2 level shingle and clapboard dream home which has the look and feel of being aboard a Hinckley yacht. Principle rooms each offer spectacular ocean views and the living room has 180 degree views of Mecox Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. A protected setting with bulkheading and a replenished beach offering miles of white sand. Truly special and a must see. Co-Exclusive. $13.95M WEB# 41786
OnCE in A LiFETiME Gin LAnE OCEAnFrOnT
Southampton. Gin Lane carriage house and development opportunity. nearly 4 acres, this exceptional oceanfront estate parcel is available for the frst time in over 55 years. An exclusive offering of a modest guest house and carriage house on coveted Gin Lane. Protected frontage and away from public access, this site suited for development affords room for a 15,000 sF. main house, guest house, pool and tennis court. Build your dream. Exclusive. $50M WEB# 48795
Exclusive representation #4 rAnKEd AGEnT in THE UniTEd STATES
– Wall street Journal 2014
Real estate agents affliated with The Corcoran Group are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of The Corcoran Group. Equal Housing Opportunity. The Corcoran Group is a licensed real estate broker. All information furnished regarding property for sale or rent or regarding fnancing is from sources deemed reliable, but Corcoran makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy thereof. All property information is presented subject to errors, omissions, price changes, changed property conditions, and withdrawal of the property from the market, without notice. All dimensions provided are approximate. To obtain exact dimensions, Corcoran advises you to hire a qualifed architect or engineer. 88 Main Street, Southampton, NY 11968 | 631.283.7300
“GArdEnSidE”: SOUTHAMPTOn HiSTOriC ESTATE
Southampton. “Gardenside” formerly known as Cara-Mia was for many years the home of Madame Jacques Balsan, the former Consuelo vanderbilt who became the duchess of Marlborough. This elegant family residence has been immaculately renovated by master craftsmen. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of Southampton’s treasured estate properties. Exclusive. $28M WEB# 35873
PRoteCted oCeanFRont Southampton. Contemporary Meadow Lane residence. Over 5 acres, ocean with Shinnecock Bay views. Enclosed oceanside swimming pool, seaside gardens and bayside tennis court, all beautifully positioned behind a private gated entrance. Exclusive. $28M WEB# 15809
LittLe PLains Road Southampton. Wonderful prime village location. newly built, 4 levels, 5,000 sF junior master, 2 freplaces, master, and 3 guest bedrooms all en-suite. 3rd foor loft with full bathroom. Lower level theater, wine storage, bedroom, bath and great room. Swimming pool and pool house all blocks from the ocean. Co-Exclusive. $5.65M WEB# 26772
CUSTOM TrAdiTiOnAL
east Hampton. Highest quality craftsman offering amazing details and nearly 10,000 SF of glorious interiors. All open to over 2 acres of lush landscape choreographed by world renowned landscape architect Edmund Hollander. Co-Exclusive. $10.9M WEB# 39920
TiM dAviS L icensed as Timothy G. Davis
L ic. A ssoc. RE Broker Regional Brokerage Advisor East End o: 631.702.9211 tgdavis@corcoran.com
the Hamptons Luxury Market Leader Corcoran’s #1 Hamptons agent timdavishamptons.com
llis
Presenting the best in theater, music, dance, spoken word and family programming, The Wallis begins its 2014 / 2015 Season this October HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning musical
T he Wa
Into the Woods
National Theatre of Scotland & the Royal Shakespeare Company’s
Dunsinane
The Off-Broadway hit
Enter Laughing The Musical
THEATER
THEATER FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
INTO THE WOODS
LIFEBOAT
Based on Carl Reiner’s semi-autobiographical novel
Marsalis Well-Tempered An Evening with Branford Marsalis Featuring The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
MUSIC IGOR LEVIT
Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company POTTED POTTER: The Unauthorized Harry Experience
A Parody by Dan and Jeff
SFJAZZ Collective Satchmo at the Waldorf
Direct from New York!
DanceBrazil
Back by popular demand!
Love, Noël
Lecture Series
Arts & Ideas at The Wallis And much more!
DANCE
FAMILY CONCERTS
CABARET
KIBBUTZ CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY
DAN ZANES & FRIENDS
LOVE, NOËL
THE ARTS DELIVERED. IN BEVERLY HILLS.
310.746.4000 | thewallis.org
SUBSCRIBE NOW AT
TheWallis.org/subscribe
9390 N SANTA MONICA BLVD, BEVERLY HILLS CA
haute property the Sporting Life Home run! Besides a pool with expansive views, this $4.2 million Sunset Plaza aerie owned by ex-SF Giant Barry Zito offers an exact replica of a MLB pitcher’s mound on its spacious grounds.
photography by eric graMMer
Pro Bueno
LA’s sports stArs Are the city’s LAtest reAL estAte superheroes. by kathy a. mcdonald
Health-obsessed LA is like a magnet for professional athletes—even those who aren’t on area teams’ rosters. In season and out, pro players can be found across the basin, from Pasadena to the West Valley to the beach. Because of its proximity to the team’s training facilities at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, the South Bay is home to numerous LA Kings. Hometown heroes in Hermosa Beach, the Stanley Cup winners earned a parade in the city, where three players on the tight-knit team purchased $2 million homes in the past year. For young and single athletes, the Hollywood hills are the go-to spot; once wives and children come along, they may transition to Calabasas, Westlake Village, or Hidden Hills—cities known for their schools and “where you get more for your money,” says ReMax Olson’s Jordan Cohen (jordancohen.com), who’s sold homes owned by Reggie Bush and Pete Sampras. Other favored locations for pros include the sleek condo towers of Marina del Rey (Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Dashon Goldson owns four continued on page 146
la-confidential-magazine.com 145
haute property the Sporting Life
“ATHLETES’ MOST COMMON REQUEST IS PRIVACY. THEY [WANT TO] BE PART OF THE COMMUNITY WITHOUT BEINg HOUNdEd BY FANS.” —ED KAMINSKY condos there), along with the leafy, Dodger Stadium– adjacent cities of Pasadena (Matt Kemp is a homeboy) and La Cañada Flintridge. As for Kobe Bryant, he decamped all the way to Newport Beach to preside over an 8,500-square-foot Mediterranean-style estate, complete with gym, hair salon, and… shark tank! The arena-sized compound, represented by ReMax Olson’s Cohen, is on the market for $7.999 million. With access to cash and significant net worth, star athletes are among LA’s top-of-the-top players in the real estate game. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and wife, Gisele Bündchen, recently sold their newly built Brentwood megamanse for $40
Reggie Bush’s former 5,000-square-foot home in the Hollywood Hills recently sold for $5.7 million. Jordan Cohen was the listing agent.
million. (The lucky buyer? Dr. Dre.) At the same time, former NFL receiver-turned-ESPN-commentator Keyshawn Johnson sold his six-bedroom, nine-bath Mediterranean-style Calabasas pad to Kourtney Kardashian for more than $8.4 million. And former USC Trojan, Cy Young winner, and San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito has two Sunset Plaza properties on the market: one, priced at $3.95 million, comes with a pitcher’s mound that is an exact replica of those found in major league ballparks, says co-listing agent Sharon Hills of Kobeissi Properties La Cañada Flintridge (kobeissirealty.com). Interestingly, a sports-themed house is not
necessarily what high-profile athletes demand. The 2014 French Open champion Maria Sharapova has lived in the South Bay for more than six years and is building her dream manse in the Manhattan Beach Hills neighborhood. Surprisingly, neither of her properties has a tennis court; Sharapova often practices at the Manhattan Country Club. According to Chris Dingman, president of the Dingman Group (dingmangroup.com), a 600-client firm that specializes in managing all aspects of pro athletes’ relocations: “Every athlete has some type of equipment at home, but a training room is not the biggest selling point. They’re not crazy different than an average person, although they might be a lot taller!” Homes with large showers and higher-than-normal doorways and sinks obviously have special appeal. Newer construction and turn-key properties— which guarantee high ceilings and extras like up-to-date home theaters—are another common request, especially by young athletes, says Cohen. Ample space for family, friends, and cars are also at the top of the sporty set’s wish lists. When ex-Laker Andrew Bynum couldn’t find a house with a garage large enough to hold his 10-car collection, Shorewood Realtors’ Ed Kaminsky (shorewood.com) found him an auto repair shop where the famed free agent still stores his Porsche Techart GT, BMW M6, and other collectibles. But, says Kaminsky: “Athletes’ most common request is privacy—a gated home or one with some form of protection.” A relatively paparazzi-free neighborhood is a key selling point, and if it has a strong sports culture where “they can be a part of the community without being hounded by fans,” says Kaminsky, it’s a slam dunk. LAC
Rep Rooms For high-powered Angelenos who don’t work out for a living—and have little time for gym visits—custom-built home ftness centers are the ultimate athletic amenity. Leading the charge is Brian Nguyen of Redondo Beach’s Brik Fitness (brikftness.com), who has created an exercise concierge program for his client base of CEOs, producers, and celebs (Mark Wahlberg among them). After a preliminary evaluation, Nguyen designs a bespoke ftness regime for each client, assigns them an on-call personal trainer, then helps them build out a home or offce gym to meet their goals. And don’t expect the standard treadmill and dumbbells—TRX suspension training systems, Power Plate machines, and state-ofthe-art FitLight trainers are just a few examples of the premium gear frequently prescribed by Nguyen. “Every tool we choose for someone’s home gym makes perfect sense for what they’re trying to achieve,” he says. Score! —Erin Magner
146 la-confidential-magazine.com
photography by eric grammer (pitcher’s m ound, bird street home)
Barry Zito’s prized backyard pitcher’s mound. right: Zito reportedly bought a second home above Sunset Plaza because of its location on one of the quiet Bird streets and the panoramic vistas glimpsed through its many glass walls. It’s now on the market for $3.699 million.
Randy Char, MBA Senior Vice President and Broker
One Queensridge Place For a private viewing, please call 702.646.6377
$1,399,000
$12,900,000
9101 Alta Drive #601
9101 Alta Drive #204
9101 Alta Drive #1801
2 Beds 2.5 Baths 2277 sq ft
3 Beds 3.5 Baths 3100 sq ft
$2,325,000
5 Bedrooms 7.5 Baths 15670 sq ft
You’ve never seen a residential community like One Queensridge Place. Located just 10 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll fnd an exclusive community of “custom homes in the sky”, with foor plans ranging from 2,100 to over 15,000 square feet, including the elegant three-story Crown Penthouse, featuring 360 degree views of the valley and ultra-luxurious fnishes. One Queensridge Place is the perfect choice for discerning homebuyers seeking the ultimate carefree lifestyle.
9 1 0 1 A LTA D R I V E , L A S V E G A S , N V 8 9 1 4 5 Visit us at oneqrp.com or facebook.com/onequeensridgeplace Prices, plans, elevations and specifcations are subject to change without notice. Photographs and/or renderings are for illustrative purposes only. Information shown believed to be accurate but not warranted. Square footage shown is approximate. See Sales Counselor for details. © 2014 Queensridge Towers, LLC.
haute property realty Check
Fore… Sale!
Homes on tHe fairway prove enticing to La’s a-List—even tHose wHo don’t goLf.
When the links beckon, a private country club golf course is LA’s preferred way to play. The same is true for golf-course-adjacent living, as pricey estates line LA’s most revered private courses: Riviera Country Club in the Palisades, Bel-Air Country Club, and the Los Angeles Country Club (L.A.C.C.), in particular, where the Playboy Mansion, Petra Ecclestone’s massive manse once owned by the Spelling family (now a $150 million pocket listing), and Lionel Richie’s Mediterranean-style villa are just off well-tended fairways. Hilton & Hyland’s Drew Fenton (drewfenton.com) lists an 11,000-square-foot Bel Air estate with its own putting green overlooking the Bel-Air Country Club’s course for $18.5 million. Coldwell Banker Brokerage’s Sue Ellen Douglas (californiamoves.com) says the sellers of her $11.9 million, midcentury architectural on the fifth hole of the Riviera don’t even play golf. However, she notes, “The grounds seem to go on forever and ever,” a distinct advantage of golf-course lots. For some, nothing less than their own links will do. Billionaire and Oracle founder Larry Ellison bought the 249-acre, $43 million Porcupine Creek Ranch in Rancho Mirage in 2011. Its showpiece: a 19-hole golf course set into a scenic desert canyon, plus a clubhouse and driving range close to an 18,340-plus-squarefoot mega-manse. The kicker? Ellison, a tennis devotee, does not play golf (but guests like President Obama sure enjoy the game). Professional golfers and celebrities have taken their turns at residential course design. Bob Hope’s parklike 3.86-acre Toluca Lake estate has one
148 la-confidential-magazine.com
hole (and is on the market for $21.8 million); investor and billionaire Jerry Perenchio owns a walled and mostly hidden 10-acre pitch-and-putt course and driving range adjacent to the Malibu Colony. Per the terms of an agreement with the California Coastal Commission, Perenchio’s land will someday be ceded to California and the open space preserved. A golf course does more than offer rounds of play. Well-manicured greens and fairways are “borrowed landscapes,” says Fenton, adding views, privacy, and a greenbelt to LA properties. Hence, golf courses often anchor upscale developments like Thousand Oaks’ Sherwood Country Club, where a 7,740-square-foot French colonial-style château is listed at $4.7 million (sherwoodreal estate.com). Jack Nicklaus designed the par-3 Sherwood Lake Club course, and more than 400 homes have been sold in the tony development. MountainGate, just above the Sepulveda Pass, includes 187 homes close to the MountainGate Country Club’s 27-hole golf course as it winds through the hills. The Coachella Valley blooms with golf-course communities. (There are 125-plus public and private courses in the area.) At the Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert (big horngolf.com), set 1,100 feet above the valley floor, two golf courses (one by Tom Fazio) entice owners who not only can afford to buy in (a $10.68 million estate that overlooks two holes recently went on the market), but can also ante up the $250,000 membership fee. Resorts have long linked golf and home ownership. At the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes (terranea.com), two- and
three-bedroom golf-course villas (up to 2,800 square feet) come fully furnished, and owners have access to the resort’s numerous amenities, from spa to dining to golf on the nine-hole course, which overlooks the Pacific. Prices range from $1.395 million to $2.895 million. Though SoCal has its greenside gems, arguably the ultimate golf-course home is found where golf began—in St. Andrews, Scotland. American businessman and Kohler Company CEO Herbert V. Kohler Jr. has elegantly remade the 1895-built, red-sandstone-faced landmark Hamilton Grand (hamilton grand.co.uk) into 26 luxurious private residences overlooking the 18th green of the Old Course. Priced from 1.2 to 7.5 million pounds sterling (approximately $2.02 to $12.68 million), it’s golf-course living’s ace in the hole. LAC
from top:
This $11.9 million midcentury architectural gem sits on the fifth hole of the Riviera Country Club; set 1,100 feet above the valley floor at the Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, this $10.68 million estate overlooks two holes; the Terranea Resort in Ranchos Palos Verdes offers Italian-style villas that give owners access to a nine-hole golf course and views of the Pacific.
photography by Mark DaviDson (bighorn)
by kathy a. mcdonald
GOOD 62 # S E TIM Grand S mokingGood Times.
CIGARS. SCOTCH SAMPLING. MUSIC, FRIENDS & FUN. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH • STARTS AT 5PM FOR TICKETS VISIT US AT
MORONGO.COM
888.MORONGO
RATED
BY AAA
A M E R I C A N
F I L M
I N S T I T U T E
PASSES
ON SALE NOW
WITH A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO SOPHIA LOREN
AFI.com
#AFIFEST
abode & beyond Male Call
Wild Things
The boundary-smashing duo behind L’esperance is bringing a viriLe vision To La’s sexiesT spaces.
Mad in LA! Paul L’Esperance and Daelen Cory rock “over-the-top” in their WeHo shop, L’Esperance Design, including this Octopus chair, part of The Animal Chair Collection by Máximo Riera.
PhotograPhy by Molly Cranna
by alexandria abramian
“Historically futuristic” is how design duo Paul L’Esperance and Daelen Cory describe their out-of-the-box approach to decorating highly dramatic spaces. Together, the two are the founders of L’Esperance, an LA-based interiors firm whose projects range from the staunchly traditional to the completely mind-bending. “ A lot of our work is like doing set design,” says L’Esperance. “It’s almost like Alice in Wonderland in an odd way.” And much of that big-vision design work is on view inside their decidedly petite, appointment-only Robertson Boulevard showroom. Perhaps no other collection captures their out-there opulence better than their massive, macho, highly sculptural animal chairs. Made in collaboration with artist Máximo Riera, the jet-black pieces are created with computer modeling and mechanized sculpting tools. Even more in demand are their digital textile prints. The duo commissions photographs inside villas, castles, and the like, and then prints those interiors—think ornate plasterwork, Gothic wood ceilings—onto fabric. “This allows us to instantaneously share luxurious locations from around the world with our clients,” says Cory, who is currently upholstering the walls of a Bel-Air home with digital images from an Italian villa. That nexus between real and imaginary is an obsession for the two. Using what they call architectural projection mapping, they create 3-D motion graphics for a variety of spaces. Designed to interact with a client’s art collection or simply his or her sense of whimsy, recent projects include a vine that “grows” on a coffered ceiling. “Design is all about creating a sense of emotion in an environment,” says Cory. “We’re focused on taking that concept to an entirely new level.” L’Esperance Design, 505 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-385-9400; lesperancedesign.com LAC
la-confidential-magazine.com 151
Abode & beyond The Guide Man of the house
Top LA decorator Martyn Lawrence Bullard talks the latest in man-happy home gear. What is the current musthave guy gadget? An under-bed TV lift. At the touch of a button or an iPad, a fatbed appears from beneath and raises an ultrathin fat-screen TV to the foot of the bed. It’s the ultimate
The Masculine Mystique Give your man cave a shot of style with finds from these dude-worthy shops. by alexandria abramian
Bang & Olufsen Cutting-edge technology meets high design at Bang & Olufsen’s Beverly Hills outpost. Impossibly large flat-screens, gorgeously crafted speakers, and lots of guy-friendly gadgets are all on display. 479 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-247-7785; bang-olufsen.com
Bar Keeper For anyone looking to channel his inner Don Draper, this is the place. With a great selection of glassware, cocktail shakers, and hard-to-find liquors from around the world, Bar Keeper is a one-stop shop for crafting your own cocktails at home. The Sunset Junction spot is perhaps best
known for its bar-raising selection of bitters, with more than 25 types on offer. 3910 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323-669-1675; barkeepersilverlake.com
Blackman Cruz Specializing in new and vintage design, Blackman Cruz is the go-to source for statement-making pieces for the home that come with an eccentric, often hard-rocking edge. In its 9,000-square-foot showroom, owners Adam Blackman and David Cruz curate a selection of art, lighting, furniture, and accessories that channel a moody, masculine, moderngothic vibe. 836 N. Highland Ave., LA, 323-466-8600; blackman cruz.com
152 la-confidential-magazine.com
Cleveland Art Massive industrial pieces get the home treatment at Cleveland Art, a huge warehouse-style showroom. Work tables, industrial lockers, army tool chests, die carts, and more are presented in all their battered, hard-living glory. The showroom also offers custom-design pieces such as bookends fashioned from machine gears and chandeliers made of metal chain. 606 N. La Brea Ave., LA, 323-525-0455; cleveland art.com
Jean de Merry This Melrose Place showroom carries a wide variety of items from a select group of interior designers: Look for lighting, furniture, rugs,
and accessories, many of which are made from macho materials like wood, leather, and metal. Owners Jean de Merry and Christian D. Maroselli select decorative pieces that work well in both modern and traditional settings, with a focus on the highly sculptural. 8417 Melrose Pl., West Hollywood, 323-6559193; jeandemerry.com
Nathan Turner The Melrose Avenue store is a favorite with interior designers, who rely on Turner’s evolving selection of laid-back chic pieces for the home. Look for a globally inspired mix of ethnic prints, Moroccan-influenced tables and ottomans, English-style club chairs, striking art, and lots of great lighting. 8546 Melrose Ave., LA, 310-275-1209; nathan turner.com LAC
pad sofa that doubles as a sex pit! How do you create spaces that honor both female and male residents? The one big secret is to understand that lighting is the key to a space. It is both yin and yang. Bold, strong lighting adds character and statement to a room, and, of course, the dimmer switch—to change the mood and make both him and her look good—is vital to the décor. 8550 Melrose Ave., LA, 323655-5080 ; martynlawrence bullard.com
photography courtesy of martyn lawrence bullard (bullard)
The XY factor: Blackman Cruz specializes in a mix of moody, manly pieces for the home.
James Bond moment. Coolest new piece of furniture for the stylish chap? I love the Minotti U-shaped sofa. It has a refned, modern feel while incorporating a streamlined, masculine edge that’s very sexy. The piece is deep and comfortable, with a seductive lounging bed on one side and a warped-leather drinks table attached. The ultimate bachelor-
43 brands. 23 unique to market | theshopsatCrystals.Com
S P E C I A L T R AV E L P R O M O T I O N
DESERT ESCAPES THE SHOPS AT CRYSTALS Te Shops at Crystals is an exquisite 500,000-square-foot luxury shopping experience on the Las Vegas Strip. Crystals houses the largest Louis Vuitton boutique in North America as well as the fagship locations for Prada, Gucci, Tifany & Co., Roberto Cavalli, and Ermenegildo Zegna. In addition, Crystals features 23 unique-to-market brands, including Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Stella McCartney, and Yves Saint Laurent. Visit the oversized shops by Hermès, Dior, Fendi, Cartier, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, and Van Cleef & Arpels. theshopsatcrystals.com 702.590.9230
THE CROWN PENTHOUSE AT ONE QUEENSRIDGE PLACE Elegantly positioned atop the luxury towers of One Queensridge Place is Te Crown Penthouse. With over 15,000 sq f of living space, it is one of the most expansive custom homes in a luxury high-rise setting in Las Vegas. From the terraces, there are sweeping views of the Vegas valley including the nighttime skyline of the famed Strip. oneqrp.com
LA QUINTA Set on 45 lush acres of vibrantly-colored gardens and pathways, La Quinta Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, features 621 recently restored casitas and suites and 98 villas clustered around 41 pools and 53 hot spas and features 5 golf courses, 7 restaurants and Spa La Quinta. 49499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta, CA 92253 760-564-4111 | laquintaresort.com
THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS BIGHORN GOLF CLUB BIGHORN Golf Club has earned an extraordinary reputation among the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most luxurious resort communities. 36 holes of championship golf, endless amenities, including a world-class Spa & Wellness Center, 7 indoor/ outdoor dining venues, private transportation services, a spectacular social calendar and home to award-winning residential architecture. Set 1,100f above the Coachella Valley, BIGHORN is a dynamic environment, where Members engage with life in spirited, engaging ways. 800-551-5578, www.bighorngolf.com Palm Desert, California
Te Cosmopolitan is an original destination in the heart of Te Las Vegas Strip. Tis unique luxury resort features residential-styled living spaces with private terraces and breathtaking views. Combine it all with hand-selected boutiques, an unrivaled Pool District, a 100,000 square-foot casino and the serenity of Sahra Spa & Hammam to redefne your Las Vegas experience. To experience all Te Cosmopolitan has to ofer, visit cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
YELLOWTAILSUNSET.COM
RESERVATIONS 310.360.0366
YTSUNSET
PR OMOTION
LOS ANGELES
RESTAURANTS AND FOOD TRENDS FROM LOS ANGELES CONFIDENTIAL
REGIONAL SPECIALTIES
’S SSUE D I S I TH EN TR
3 1 5
Whether your palate favors the zest of authentic Mexican cuisine or lightly salted caviar from France, it’ll fnd its match from the bevy of local dining
2 4
choices LA has to ofer. Sample plates from around the globe—including California-inspired dishes— with our top choices below, where entrées of the
6
highest quality lie no farther than the chic streets of Los Angeles.
1. CHAYA BRASSERIE
2. L’ASSIETTE STEAK FRITES
3. PETROSSIAN
Chaya restaurants have remained one of the city’s most beloved dining destinations for over 30 years, which is led by Chef Shigefumi Tachibe. Chaya has a rich history of 390 years in Japan and over three decades in California with locations in Beverly Hills, Venice, Downtown LA and San Francisco.
Featuring an impressive list of wines, craft beers and cheeses, L’Assiette offers the quintessential Steak Frites experience. As their signature flagship dish, they focus their talent and attention on preparing the best steak, the best fries, and the best sauce they can possibly deliver. Must be experienced to be believed
For nearly 100 years Petrossian Paris has been bringing the world’s finest Caviars and unparalleled service to our guests worldwide. This tradition continues at our West Hollywood Restaurant and Boutique.
8741 Alden Drive, Los Angeles 310.859.8833, thechaya.com
7166 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046, 323.274.2319, lassiettesteakfrites.com, facebook.com/lassiettesteakfrites
4. LOTERÍA! GRILL
5. GOLDIE’S
6. FRIDA
Lotería! Grill offers a casually elegant, fun and relaxed atmosphere, where you can enjoy margaritas and our award-winning, Mexican regional specialties. Our restaurant was designed by Richard Altuna, and features our lotería cards with a modern twist on traditional Mexican architecture. It features an open-air bar and a dining room. 6333 West 3rd St, Los Angeles 1251 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica 310.393.2700, loteriagrill.com
Goldie’s is a modern, California-inspired restaurant located in the heart of LA. Serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Goldie’s offers seasonal dishes handcrafted by our award-winning team of chefs to celebrate the flavor and freshness of each ingredient. Whether it’s a snack and a cocktail, a date and a glass of wine or dinner with friends, Goldie’s provides the ultimate in casual neighborhood dining.
For over 12 years, FRIDA restaurant has been serving authentic, high quality Mexican cuisine in a relaxed and sophisticated setting. FRIDA offers from ceviches to tacos and everything in between and an extensive array of top shelf cocktails, utilizing Mexico’s premium tequilas and mezcals.
8422 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048, 323.677.2470, goldiesla.com, facebook.com/GoldiesLosAngeles
321 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048 310.271.6300, petrossian.com Instagram: @petrossianweho
236 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.7666 fridarestaurant.com, Facebook: FRIDAmexicancuisine
PROMOTION
K-ZO Known for Authentic TokyoStyle Sushi and a renowned Sake selection, this chic Culver City dining destination draws sushi lovers and foodies alike. Chef/ Owner, Keizo Ishiba (a master of Japanese and French cuisines) sculpts exquisite innovations from fresh, hand-selected and ofen hard-to-fnd ingredients. Delicate and deep, K-ZO is world class. 9240 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 310-202-8890 www.k-zo.com Facebook.com/kzo.culvercity @kzorestaurant (Instagram)
Octopus Carpaccio
D OSSIER
CULVER FINDS in CULVER CITY
HOUSE OF FITNESS
FABIEN CASTANIER GALLERY
House of Fitness sets the bar for Premier Personal Training
Te Fabien Castanier Gallery was established in 2011 in Studio City (CA), and recently relocated to the thriving arts district of Culver City (CA) in May 2014. Te gallery focuses on contemporary art from both established and emerging artists, as well as introducing artists who have not yet been exhibited on the West Coast.
• • • • •
5000 SF State of the art facility Award winning superior training program Personal Training, Group Classes, Indoor Cycling Complimentary Valet You’ve tried the rest, now try the best!
Try us out, Experience 30 Days of Personal Training for $99 GYM & Fitness Studio in Culver City, California | 310.773.9484 info@houseofnessla.com | houseofnessla.com
castaniergallery.com
INVITED Shana and Nick Grouf
Lauri Firstenberg and Edie Yvonne
Brynn Cameron and Kelsey Lee Offield Claire Block, Sheryl Amster, and Jennifer Hawks
Julian Morris, Jessica Yellin, and Landon Ross
Nina Takesh and Natalie Martin
Sonya and Coco Roth
Fritz Chesnut and Molly Shannon
LA><ART BOARD MEMBERS Nick and Shana
Grouf welcomed the city’s art community to their home for LA><ART’s fifth annual Garden Party, presented by Tory Burch. The gathering, also sponsored by Strange Invisible John Yoon and Christopher Yin
158
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
Perfumes and The Real Real, saluted LA><ART’s 10-year anniversary as the city’s premier alternative space for contemporary art, treating supporters to summer fare and a raffle featuring artworks by Karl Haendel, Geraldine Neuwirth, Yunhee Min, Kimberly Brooks, and others. Hannah Simone
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CROTTY/LAXART.COM
LA><ART GARDEN PARTY
THE PERFECT SHADE OF STAND UP
SEPTEMBER 19 & 20
JENNIFER COOLIDGE SEPTEMBER 27
NIKKI GLASER & SARA SCHAEFER OCTOBER 3 & 4
LISA LAMPANELLI OCTOBER 10 & 11
LONI LOVE
OCTOBER 31 & NOVEMBER 1
WENDY WILLIAMS NOVEMBER 7 & 8
ROSEANNE BARR NOVEMBER 28 & 29
WHITNEY HITNEY CUMMINGS CUMMING DECEMBER 26 & 27
LISA SA LAMPANELLI LAMPANELL JANUARY 2 & 3
WHITNEY CUMMINGS
BUY TICKETS NOW AT 866.276.5655 OR LIPSHTICK.COM
INVITED Dennis Haysbert and Kelsey Lee Offield
Festivities culminated in Oceana’s Post-Party Lounge, where guests danced beneath the stars.
Ted Danson and Summer Osterman
Valarie Van Cleave and Keith Addis
OCEANA SEACHANGE SUMMER PARTY INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY GROUP Oceana held its seventh annual
SeaChange Summer Party at a private villa in Laguna Beach, raising $1.4 million for ocean conservation. Celebrity supporters Leonardo DiCaprio, Ted Danson, Dennis Haysbert, Laura Dern, Miranda Cosgrove, and Austin Nichols joined the crowd as they enjoyed dinner, dancing, and speeches by the organization’s executives, directors, and supporters.
Michael and Eve Ruffatto Miranda Cosgrove
Leonardo DiCaprio
Austin Nichols
Jenna Ushkowitz
160
The evening took place at a private villa in Laguna Beach featuring lookout points over the Pacific Ocean.
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
Karen and Bruce Cahill
OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY GETTY IMAGES FOR THE ART OF ELYSIUM, JONATHAN LEIBSON/FILMMAGIC (EMMYS SIDEB AR) THIS PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OCEANA/TOM VICKERS AND ANN CHATILLON
Carl and Janet Nolet
Catt Sadler
Aaron Embry
// trend spotlight //
WHITE HOT TV’S FASHIONISTAS SEIZED THE NIGHT IN WHITE AT HBO’S 2014 EMMY AFTERPARTY AT THE PLAZA AT THE Colton Tran
PACIFIC DESIGN CENTER.
ART OF ELYSIUM’S GENESIS IN CELEBRATION OF the city’s
emerging artists, nonprofit organization The Art of Elysium hosted its sixth annual Genesis fundraiser at the Theatre at Ace Hotel. Drawing forth 1,600 guests—Genesis’s largest turnout to date—the program included art installations and live performances by artists including Soko, Nico Turner, Voorhees, Aaron Embry, and Nite Jewel as well as a lively surprise serenade by Jakob Dylan and Moby, who were joined onstage by Cat Power during the evening’s finale. Proceeds will benefit The Art of Elysium’s efforts to bring the arts to critically ill children.
Jennette McCurdy and Dove Cameron
Padma Lakshmi Michelle Monaghan
Santino Rice
Beau Dunn and Morine Lee Ariel Pink
Jasper Grey
Linda Ramone
Joanne Froggatt
Angie Harmon
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
161
promotion
Skinn Cosmetics
Dimitri James
Skinn Cosmetics is a line of premium skincare and color cosmetic formulas developed by industry veteran Dimitri James. Skinn formulates and manufactures all of its own products using highly active, concentrated natural ingredients and avoiding excess water, fllers or packaging. From concept to compact, from brainstorm to bottle, every product worth of the Skinn name comes to life under one roof, and under James’ watchful eye. Skinn Cosmetics can be purchased at www.skinn.com and on ShopHQ. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ skinncosmetics Twitter: @SkinnCosmetics Instagram: @SkinnCosmetics
skinn.com
Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge Beverly Hills welcomes: Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge, a “one-stop-shop for everything beauty.” Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge ofers afordable luxury at it’s fnest, while maintaining top of the line sterilization and cleanliness. In addition to manicures and pedicures, creative nail art, high quality gels, waxing services, and makeup artistry, it also ofers a full “blow-bar” to create the perfect hairstyle. Te Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge also ofers an exclusive Bridal Suite, fully equipped to transform and prepare for that very special day. Te custom furniture and immaculate equipment is sure to leave customers with an unforgettable experience. 321 S. Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (424) 302-0966 | @nailbarandbeautylounge
nailbarexpressbh.com
CONFIDENTIALLY
speaking beauty’s best kept secrets
Beautify LA Beautify LA: First Tursdays will host its Kickof on October 2nd, 2014! Don’t miss this chance to grab your girlfriends and enjoy an evening of beauty, ftness, food truck fare and wine on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica! On the First Tursday of every month locals are invited to book exclusive ofers on beauty or ftness appointments at participating salons and studios on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, Sunset Plaza in West Hollywood, Canon Drive in Beverly Hills and Larchmont Village in Los Angeles Tickets are $15 for food and wine for the Kickof; the cost of beauty/ftness services are not included. Beauty/ftness ofers valid during business hours. Food truck fare ofered from 6-8pm. Sign up for the event at beautify-la.com
Beautify-LA.com
Bronzed Bunny Bronzed Bunny is not just your typical skin spa. Here, clients can browse the bunny boutique for designer swimwear and other highend accessories while sipping pink bellinis in the lounge. We make our own airbrush tanning solution, which is organic, paraben free, anti-aging and fghts cellulite. Our custom airbrush provides a fawless, even, sheer coverage that is odorless and won’t leave you sticky and orange. We also ofer sugaring which is a natural alternative to waxing. We are the absolute best at making your skin, smooth tan and fawless. Don’t forget to book with our famous brow bunny, the brow artist to the stars! LA 818-416-8770 | OC 949-650-1266 | @bronzedbunny
bronzedbunny.com
PROMOTION
WAGAWARE Te WagAware Charm is the only charm (worn by dogs and their humans) that supports dog rescue. Plus, WagAware donates 50% of profts to rescue groups that save dogs’ lives. When you or your pet wears this charm, you show the world you support dog rescue and encourage others to adopt their next pet. Follow your dog’s leash and wear one on your keychain. Plus, WagAware Charms are light-weight, noiseless and glow in the dark! Together, we can end dog homelessness, one charm at a time. Buy a Charm. Save a Dog. Support Adoption. Join the Ruf-olution!
www.WagAware.com info@WagAware.com Visit us at facebook.com/wagaware
MAN’S BEST FRIEND A GUIDE FOR THE
PAMPERED PET
HOLLYWOOD MOBILE PET GROOMING Where Every Pet Is A Star! No time? No problem. Mobile Pet Spa Vans to your door! Cage and Muzzle Free, Red-Carpet Treatment for your dogs and cats. #1 Mobile Pet Grooming Service in LA.
Visit gohollywoodgrooming.com | 888.665.7766 SERVICING: Los Angeles, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Te San Fernando Valley
CITYDOG! CLUB Ofering dog daycare, dog boarding, dog grooming and boutique dog shop, Citydog! Club is for dogs and their humans with a dazzling array of features and amenities in a sleek, modern, fresh environment. Citydog! Club is a safe, healthy and happy experience where fun is unleashed!
West Los Angeles: 310.477.0364 Culver City: 310.837.8032 or visit citydogclub.com
PUSSY & POOCH PET LIFESTYLE CENTER Te ultimate destination for pets and their people, including a holistic Wellness Spa, Grooming, canine Training Lab and Social Club, Pawbar pet café, expanded Boutique, and Meat Market pet grocery.
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm 9388 S. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, 90210 Visit pussyandpooch.com/BH | 310.221.8644 Facebook.com/pussyandpooch
P R O M OT I O N
A T Y O U R S ERVICE CROSSFIT & RESISTANCE TRAINING
220 FITNESS
AURA BODY
Recently voted “Most Loved Gym in Santa Monica,” 220 Fitness combines the smaller, more independent studio based facilities with the more traditional common gym philosophy. 220 ofers over 60 classes a week, as well as top of the line personal training and the specialized Second To None Boxing Academy. 220 is all about having fun and enjoying ftness! Te staf ’s primary goal is to make every workout a productive, gratifying and happy part of client’s day.
Aura Body, hosted at Aura Yoga’s Sunset Plaza Studio, is LA’s frst strength training program that blends TRX with yoga movements. Aura Body’s training methodology, developed by Trent David, is designed to build lean, defned muscle mass while retaining fexibility and stamina.
3002 Main Street , Santa Monica, CA 90405 310.314.0220 | 220ftness.com facebook.com/220Fit | twitter.com/220Fitness
Aura Yoga 8608A W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 Instagram: aura_yoga
CROSSFIT SANTA MONICA
M7 FITNESS
CrossFit Santa Monica is owned and operated by Navy SEALs who bring a level of experience and training you won’t fnd at other gyms. Teir workouts are specifcally designed to be accessible to everyone and to promote strength, weight loss and increased physical performance for athletes of all levels. Come train with the best.
M7 is a private ftness studio featuring traditional private and semi-private Pilates taught by highly certifed instructors. Our unique ofering combines Pilates with Power Plate, Aerial Physique and the healing benefts of an Infrared sauna and an onsite structural integrative therapist all within a beautiful spa-like facility.
2433 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (201) 500-7325 | info@crossftsantamonica.com Instagram: @crossftsantamonica | Facebook: /crossft.santamonica Twitter: @CFSantaMonica
625 Montana Ave, Suite M (upstairs), Santa Monica, CA 90403 (310) 260-0066; m7ftnesscenter.com @m7ftness
P R O M OT I O N
A T Y O U R S ERVICE
Photography by Miguel Tapia
CROSSFIT & RESISTANCE TRAINING
CROSSFIT LOS ANGELES
HOUSE OF FITNESS
Recently voted “Most Loved Gym in Santa Monica,” 220 Fitness combines the smaller, more independent studio based facilities with the more traditional common gym philosophy. 220 ofers over 60 classes a week, as well as top of the line personal training and the specialized Second To None Boxing Academy. 220 is all about having fun and enjoying ftness! Te staf ’s primary goal is to make every workout a productive, gratifying and happy part of client’s day.
At House of Fitness you can achieve results in a way simply not possible at conventional health clubs. On average, our clients lose 17 lbs of fat and gain over 4 lbs of muscle- all in 75 days or less! Let us help you get in the best shape of your life! Featured in Woman’s Day, NBC, and Men’s Health Magazine.
3002 Main Street , Santa Monica, CA 90405 310.314.0220 | 220ftness.com facebook.com/220Fit | twitter.com/220Fitness
House of Fitness 4130 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 773-9484 houseoftnessla.com info@houseoftnessla.com
THE BOULEVARD HEALTH CLUB & JK ZEN FITNESS
VAULT CROSSFIT
Located on Robertson Boulevard, the Boulevard Health Club & JK Zen Fitness conveniently partner to service your workout & training goals. A boutique neighborhood gym & elegant pilates studio, we ofer a diverse experience for the mind & body, expert trainers & instructors, and friendly staf to cater to your ftness needs!
Vault CrossFit is a 3,000-square-foot gym in North Hollywood ofering a variety of muscle-sculpting classes including: CrossFit, yoga, Olympic lifing and even classes for kids. Our dedicated coaches and workouts that change daily will help you reach all your ftness goals. New members get frst 3 classes FREE.
Boulevard Health Club 120 N. Robertson Blvd. 310.659.5002 blvdhealthclub.com facebook.com/BoulevardHealthClub
JK Zen Fitness 116 N. Robertson Blvd 323.559.4334 jkzenftness.com facebook.com/jkzenftness
5335 Craner Ave. (@ Magnolia & Vineland) North Hollywood, CA 818-509-0725 VaultCrossFit.com | info@vaultcrossft.com Facebook: /vaultcrossft | Twitter: @vaultcrossft | Instagram: vaultcrossft
WEST
FELDMAR WATCH COMPANY
Newly launched in Beverly Hills, WEST is LA’s premiere boutique showcasing the fnest handcrafed boots, jewelry, and leather goods. Specializing in boots from the likes of Lucchese, Stallion, Liberty, Alberto Fasciani and Sartore, WEST ofers the LA shopper a new opportunity to discover exquisite goods not readily available in other cities around the globe.
LA’s landmark destination for an exceptional timepiece experience is Feldmar Watch Company. Feldmar is a fourth generation family-run business that has been bringing the very best luxury watch brands and factory-authorized service to its distinguished clientele for over 100 years. Stop by their exquisitely remodeled and expanded fagship store or visit their website to browse their vast collections and services.
Stop in at 9528 S. Santa Monica, Beverly HIlls, CA 90210 310.470.9063, westbh.com
9000 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles 90035, 310.274.8016, feldmarwatch.com
NOT TO BE MISSED EVENTS • HAPPENINGS • PROMOTIONS
JUSTIN VINEYARDS Located in Paso Robles, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is known for crafing world class wines using Bordeaux grape varieties. Widely recognized for their iconic ISOSCELES Bordeaux blend, the wine that arguably put Paso Robles luxury winemaking on the map, JUSTIN is also known for their Cabernet Sauvignon. Te property at JUSTIN features a Tasting Room, luxury suite accommodations and a Restaurant – making it the only winery on the Central Coast to ofer all three options. For more information or to shop JUSTIN wines, visit JUSTINwine.com.
CELEBRITY WELLNESS WEEKEND AT RIVIERA PALM SPRINGS Get in to stellar shape and join Celebrity Trainer Craig Ramsay and Hollywood Stylist Brandon Liberati for the FIT & PHAB Celebrity Wellness Weekend at Riviera Palm Springs November 14-16. Participants will be educated in proper nutrition, participate in a fat-burning Bootcamp class, learn stretching techniques, delve within during meditation and put their best face forward with celeb makeup tips and tricks. For reservations or more information, visit www.psriviera.com/riviera-ft or call 760-327-8311
WESTFIELD AT LAX TOM BRADLEY INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL Te Journey has become a Destination. Westfeld delivers a world-class experience with 58 premier dining and retail shops. Blending many of the world’s best known designer brands with a distinctly Los Angeles favor, the retail collection provides travelers with an array of specialty retail including Fred Segal, Kitson and international fashion houses Bvlgari, Michael Kors and Coach.
PROMOTION
MR. NAIL LOUNGE Mr. Nail Lounge is LA’s newest premier nail-hand-and foot-care lounge for gentlemen. Te lounge caters to masculine tendencies with its leather chairs, fat screen TV’s, and an aroma of bourbon. Here, services range from a basic “man”-icure to a VIP package that includes a manicure, pedicure, callus removal, 20-minute massage, exfoliating sea salt scrub, and cold beer or whiskey.
QUARTERLY Quarterly is a new way for social infuencers to connect with fans ofine. Each box is thoughtfully curated, ranging from beauty, tech, food, and home to personalized, limited edition, exclusive items from Pharrell to Nina Garcia and more. Pharrell’s latest box featured a custom backpack in collaboration with artist Freegums.
Mr Nail Lounge 9005 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood, CA 90048 424.302.0070 mrnaillounge.com Instagram: mrnaillounge
quarterly.co
MANUAL THE QUINTESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR THE MODERN MAN
EDGUP “Nice neck hair!” Said no one ever. Clean it up yourself with this easy grooming essential. EDGUP-the perfect line every time.
For more information, please visit edgup.com. Visit us facebook.com/theedgup.
MALIBU CLOTHES HENNESSY PARADIS IMPÉRIAL Inspired by an order for Russia’s Tsar Alexander I, Hennessy Paradis Impérial is a refned blend of rare cognacs aged to perfection with over 100 eaux-de-vie.
Paradis Impérial is available at Remedy Liquors in Glendale 818.549.1055.
No matter the occasion, Malibu Clothes will help you leave a lasting impression. We ofer the fnest quality men’s clothing at prices that are unmatched. Look the part for life’s most important moments.
Call 310.278.0040 Visit malibuclothesbh.com 259 South Beverly Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Follow us @malibuclothes
And FinAlly...
Performance anxiety Dating in La? ReaD the scRipt…
bone-marrow tapas. I’m going to lay it on you slowly. Actors and actresses. (Don’t try to fight me on this; I’m way ahead of you.) Actors and actresses. Employed or unemployed, famous or unknown, film or TV, Runyon or Fryman, the species is virtually unchanging. While the rest of us merely work hard in order to survive, these people must think of nothing but their survival in order to survive. They must obsess over details fundamentally out of their control (age, looks, market trends), none of which have anything to do with actual aptitude. Their powerlessness consumes them, and it has to. While ambitious professionals on either coast are prone to careerism, actors must be careerists in a true Darwinian sense. My heart goes out to them. And what’s left of my heart goes out to the rest of us in LA, who, by the law of averages, have to play
in that field. For instance: The other night I was on a blind date with a “recovered” actress. It wasn’t the first time I had heard the term applied to the profession. “You’re never recovered,” I corrected her. “You’re just sober, for now, by the grace of God.” Just then her eyes twinkled. “Do I have something in my teeth?” she asked, looking over my shoulder. Someone she wanted to like her, I assumed, had entered from upstage left. The conversation portion of our conversation would now be over. “No,” I said. “You’re fine.” She pulled out a pocket mirror and checked anyway. Of course, I know I’m typecasting a little. Not everyone here on Planet Murdoch is exactly the same. I hear you; my point is simply that enough of them are exactly the same where it counts. Hand over the trophy, New York. LAC
illustration by daniel o’leary
It is a truth universally acknowledged that when your friend from New York comes to town, conversation, at some point, will turn to LA versus NYC, and he’ll knock LA from stem to stern (“How can you stand all this good weather?”) with the sole and notable exception—this always gets me—of who has the worst singles scene. Here, the game changes. Here, the winner is the loser. The badge of honor goes to the city with the most difficult dating environment. I won’t put you through the various pros and cons of the New York and LA dating scenes; I know we’ve all been down this road before. I do, however, want to share with you the flower of my own struggle, the definitive flag on the tip-top of Everest, the argumentending capstone, with the hope that, upon recognizing the truth when he hears it, your Yankee friend will quickly hand over the trophy and the two of you will get down to the
by sam wasson
168 la-confidential-magazine.com
L.A. STORIES BY BRUCE WEBER A C EL EBR AT ION OF L O S A NGEL E S’ BE A U T I F UL DR E A MER S
BALENCIAGA
BA R N E YS.CO M
9 5 7 0 W I L S H I R E B LV D
THE GROVE
GLENDALE
S A N TA M O N I C A P L A C E
F O R I N S I D E R FA S H I O N A C C E S S: T H E W I N D O W. B A R N E Y S . C O M