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Ashton Kutcher Reunites With Former Stepdaughter Rumer Willis at L.A. Bar
After all these years, Ashton Kutcher and Rumer Willis are still good friends.
The former stepfather and stepdaughter, in addition to a group of friends, reunited for a round of drinks at…
E! Online (US) – Top Stories
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Categories Entertainment ArticlesTags Ashton, Former, Kutcher, L.A., Reunites, Rumer, Stepdaughter, Willis
Balenciaga Opens New L.A. Flagship
Balenciaga is bringing its industrial warehouse chic to tony Rodeo Drive.
The Kering-owned brand has moved its L.A. flagship across the street to 338 N. Rodeo Drive, nearly doubling the floor space and introducing a new, two-story, garage-like design in keeping with artistic director Demna Gvasalia's love of all things gritty.
Balenciaga is looking to the U.S. retail market for growth. The new store follows a Miami Design District flagship that bowed in April, and a Madison Avenue boutique is scheduled to open later this summer in New York.
About 6,000 square feet, the L.A. store was designed by Balenciaga's in-house team under the creative direction of Gvasalia. The facade looks like it is sliced in half, with an enormous glass window letting the L.A. light in, while reflecting the palm trees lining the shopping street outside. The stone tile on the ground floor is flush with the sidewalk, giving the illusion of a continuous walkway. Inside, garage doors define the space, revealing raw, graffitied walls underneath, while polished metal tables, glowing displays and padded seating evoke a laboratory. Warehouse-style shelving and conveyor rails add to the industrial aesthetic.
Women's accessories, eyewear, small leather goods, ready-to-wear and footwear are on the ground floor, while
Categories Style ArticlesTags Balenciaga, Flagship, L.A., Opens
Happy Socks Founders Open Creative Hub in L.A., Tout U.S. Expansion
The novelty sock wars are heating up.
Just up the freeway from San Clemente, Calif.-based Stance, which has collaborated on limited-edition styles with Rihanna, the NBA, the Grateful Dead and most recently with singer Billie Eilish, another multimillion-dollar sock brand has moved to town.
Happy Socks founders Mikael Söderlindh and Viktor Tell established their brand in Stockholm 2008, but since last August have been spreading sock love from Los Angeles, where they recently planted roots with a new store-meets-creative hub on Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake.
"We have done so many collaborations with celebrities and now we can meet them here instead of a huge office," said Söderlindh, president of the socks-to-lifestyle brand that has paired with Snoop Dogg, Iris Apfel, Wiz Khalifa, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones among others, and most recently launched Happy Socks swimwear with David Hasselhoff.
Happy Socks' Los Angeles office.
"We wanted to feel creative again," Tell, the brand's creative director, said of the move and the opening of the new office, which will be used to identify local talent for capsule collections. The colorful duo have dubbed it The Rabbit Hole after "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." "We wanted to look at Happy Socks from a new way. We
Categories Style ArticlesTags Creative, Expansion, Founders, Happy, L.A., Open, Socks, Tout, U.S.
Lakers' org chart: Who sits in the seats of power in L.A.?
Since Magic Johnson's sudden resignation on April 9, the Lakers' front office has experienced a whirlwind of activity, including coaching rejections and hires. A look inside the hierarchy reveals who's pulling the strings.
Categories Sports NewsTags Chart, L.A., Lakers', Power, Seats., Sits
Dôen Fetes Net-a-Porter Collab, Announces First Retail Store in L.A.
Margaret and Katherine Kleveland gathered supporters of their four-year-old Los Angeles clothing brand Dôen at Gjelina restaurant Monday night to toast their first capsule collection for Net-a-porter.
The two sisters, who built their brand of romantic, Victorian-inspired prairie blouses and dresses through a collective of female tastemakers and social media reach, also shared that they will be opening their first permanent brick-and-mortar retail store this summer at Brentwood Country Mart.
"We just got the keys today," said Katherine, twinning with Margaret in Dôen all-white dresses on the rooftop of the Venice, Calif., restaurant. "We're very excited to be in Irene Neuwirth's company," she said of the L.A. jewelry designer's new store in the retail center, where Dôen had a pop-up store last year.
Margaret and Katherine Kleveland
Chelsea Lauren/WWD/REX/Shutterstock
But first, they were there to celebrate the 15-piece Net-a-porter capsule launched this week, which retails from $ 135 to $ 305, and includes blouses, summer frocks and sundresses in "crispy sun-dried" cottons; "salt," "prairie blue" and "nutmilk" solid hues, as well as allover ditzy poppy and garden blossom prints.
"It's a treat for everyone to be able to be here and be together," said Katherine of the dinner party, which started with an acoustic performance by Primrose Forever
Categories Style ArticlesTags Announces, collab, Dôen, Fetes, First, L.A., NetAPorter, Retail, Store
Busy Philipps, Irene Neuwirth and Peter Pilotto Celebrate Capitol L.A. Opening
"Forget Coachella — Ren Faire, that's the only way I want to dress. Mark my words, it's the next thing," said Busy Philipps, nodding approvingly at Capitol boutique founder Laura Vinroot Poole dressed like a fair maiden in a Peter Pilotto square-neck liquid organza gown, a blonde braid wrapped around her head.
Philipps took time off her late-night talk show "Busy Tonight" to join Poole and L.A. jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth to celebrate their newest venture — the opening of an outpost of the Charlotte, N.C.-based Capitol boutique at the Brentwood Country Mart. The Peter Pilotto designers came over to L.A. to join the festivities, hosting a pre-dinner trunk show at the store, which has a shop-in-shop full of Neuwirth's nature-inspired fine jewelry.
From @ireneneuwirth at the new @shopcapitol store in Brentwood.
A post shared by Booth Moore (@boothmoore) on Apr 26, 2019 at 9:52am PDT
"Our work brought us together and we became friends. There is such a synergy. We are both so drawn to color," said Pilotto of how his vibrant prints mix with Neuwirth's surf-and-sky-inspired gemstones. "I remember in school, Peter had such a fascination with opals," added Christopher de Vos.
Categories Style ArticlesTags Busy, Capitol, Celebrate, Irene, L.A., Neuwirth, Opening, Peter, Philipps, Pilotto
Moore From L.A.: How Hollywood Turned the Apple Stage Into a Red Carpet
There was no actual red carpet, no flashbulb clicking press line. But Hollywood made its style known in Cupertino, Calif., on Monday, when Oprah, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and more took the stage to tout Apple's new content strategy and streaming TV offerings.
Although Apple doesn't have a specific dress code for its office or events, its late cofounder Steve Jobs is still the archetype of Silicon Valley fashion; his uniform of black turtleneck, jeans and sneakers still permeating the keynote stages of tech power nearly eight years after his death.
What was interesting on Monday was to see how Hollywood challenged that carefully dressed-down image, both on the Apple presentation stage and at the party the night before that had stars capturing candid snapshots and chatty social media posts that invited the public into the notoriously private, Norman Foster-designed Apple campus.
"In association with the misfits, rebels and troublemakers," the opening film credits teased in the Steve Jobs Theater, setting the stage for the storytellers from down South who Apple is counting on to transform its hardware-based business model and help take it into a content-driven future.
Apple chief executive officer Tim Cook wore his 2019 version of Jobs' tech uniform: gray jeans,
Categories Style ArticlesTags Apple, Carpet, from, Hollywood, Into, L.A., Moore, Stage, Turned
Cory Booker Coming to L.A. to Fundraise for 2020 Campaign
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) is the latest 2020 presidential candidate to plan a trek to Los Angeles to raise money. He will headline an event on Feb. 21 at the Beverly Hills home of Bob Gersh, co-president of the Gersh Agency, and his wife Linda, a philanthropist. Tickets start at $ 500 per person, according to […]
SHOPPING DISCOUNT UPDATE:
Categories News & EntertainmentTags 2020, Booker, Campaign, Coming, Cory, Fundraise, L.A.
Rhode Resort x Shopbop Capsule Collection Debuts in L.A.
"This is the first time we've really been able to sit back and enjoy what we've done," says Rhode Resort cofounder Phoebe Vickers, celebrating her label's new six-piece capsule collection for Shopbop at a flower-festooned dinner at L.A.'s Chateau Marmont Thursday night.
Jaime King, Skyler Samuels and Shopbop fashion director Caroline Maguire joined guests in wearing the collection's vacation-ready, exclusive cactus and hibiscus flower-print dresses (some sold with fun, matching belt bags), while sipping prosecco in Bungalow One, before sitting down to dinner beneath a rainbow grove of blooms created by L.A.-based florist Art Fleur.
"We love to nurture young designers," said Shopbop's Maguire. "Rhode Resort especially resonates with who our brand is; it's bright, cheery and colorful — our customer loves it."
Pieces from the Rhode Resort capsule for Shopbop.
Jennifer Johnson Photography
Rhode Resort was founded in New York in 2014 by Vickers and Purna Khatau, who met as freshman roommates at Hamilton College and discovered they had the same taste during their first trip to stock their dorm room at Bed Bath & Beyond. After school, Khatau gained experience as a buyer for Harvey Nichols in London, while Vickers worked in advertising. They reconnected over a desire to create daywear that bridged
Categories Style ArticlesTags Capsule, Collection, Debuts, L.A., Resort, Rhode, Shopbop
L.A. Knitwear Label Replica Ramps Up With Nostalgia
As nostalgia continues to drive designers to mine their pasts for inspiration, L.A.-based knitwear label Replica Los Angeles is gaining traction in the market for its throwback motifs. Angeleno Nathalie Saphier, who spent 15 years in Paris designing for Sonia Rykiel, Christophe Lemaire, Eric Bergère, Gaspard Yurkievich and Isabel Marant, decided to venture out on her own after another decade of styling for magazines and celebrities such as Amber Heard and Serena Williams and consulting for L.A. brands ranging from Lucky Brand to Equipment, A.L.C. and Raquel Allegra.
Nathalie Saphier
Courtesy image
"When I lived in Paris, I was constantly trying to piece together looks based on my youth—I grew up on David Bowie and punk rock, and designers like Terry de Havilland and Peter Max have always been big inspirations," Saphier said. "Replica has become a billboard for all the things that shaped me in the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties. I'm replicating in a way, my ideal wardrobe when I was a teenager."
As megabrands such as Gucci popularize logo and graphic knits, Saphier decided to pay homage to Bowie, Iggy Pop and Pop Art at a more accessible price point—$ 180 to $ 500 retail for cashmere and cotton blends. "I'm not a knitwear
Categories Style ArticlesTags Knitwear, L.A., Label, Nostalgia, Ramps, Replica
Goff to L.A., Wentz to Philly: How they became the top two picks in 2016
The duo may not get a shot at a rematch Sunday because of Wentz's back issue, but they'll forever be linked by the intrigue of the 2016 draft.
Categories Sports NewsTags 2016, Became, Goff, L.A., Philly, Picks, They, Wentz
Dior Men's x Maxfield KAWS Capsule Debuts in L.A.
Los Angeles fans of Kim Jones' work for Dior Men's will be among the first to shop the summer 2019 capsule collection, which was installed Wednesday at Maxfield's Jean Prouvé 'Nomade' House at 8825 Melrose Avenue and will run until Dec. 26. The first pop-up made its debut at Isetan in Tokyo last month.
The Dior Men's artistic director commissioned artist KAWS to reimagine the Dior logo and iconic bee for a variety of streetwear-inspired products including T-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, backpacks and accessories from the Dior Oblique line such as sneakers, and denim pieces using the special craft of Japanese Boro. The complex 17th-century embroidery technique punctuates some of the casual denim pieces to give them a "couture" flavor. In addition, Jones reinterpreted the Saddle Bag for men for the first time. Retail prices range from $ 550 to $ 2,350.
There's also a limited-edition, white Oblique BMX bike that comes for the first time with a "Dior Oblique" patterned aluminum case with side and top handles for easy carry, in case one chooses to travel with it.
Hard to miss is the large-scale, yellow-and-black cabochon light KAWS bee in Maxfield's street-front window and another one within the Prouvé House installation that stands roughly eight
Categories Style ArticlesTags Capsule, Debuts, Dior, KAWS, L.A., Maxfield, Mens
Concert Review: L.A. Phil Tackles Kubrick's Sublime Musical Terrors at Disney Hall
Plenty of people have heard 20th century concert music solely because Stanley Kubrick smuggled it into his movies. The L.A. Philharmonic returned the favor over the weekend, by smuggling the director's films into the concert hall. "Stanley Kubrick's Sound Odyssey" took the Phil, along with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, on a musical voyage through […]
Categories News & EntertainmentTags Concert, Disney, Hall, Kubrick's, L.A., Musical, Phil, Review, Sublime, Tackles, Terrors
NFL moves Chiefs-Rams from Mexico City to L.A.
The NFL has decided to move Monday's game between the Chiefs and Rams from Mexico City to Los Angeles before of poor field conditions at Estadio Azteca.
Categories Sports NewsTags ChiefsRams, City, from, L.A., Mexico, Moves
Experts' award picks: Will LeBron's move to L.A. lead to an MVP?
Who will win top individual honors in 2018-19? Our NBA writers and analysts make their predictions for MVP, top rookie and more.
www.espn.com – NBA
Categories Sports NewsTags Award, Experts, L.A., Lead, lebrons, Move, Picks
Profile: Raised in South Central, Joe Ide Expands the Territory of L.A. Noir
The third entry in the IQ crime series, "Wrecked," comes out this month.
NYT > Books
BOOK SALE UPDATE!
Categories 2 Spendless MarketplaceTags Central, Expands, L.A., NOIR, Profile, Raised, South, Territory
Concert Review: Norah Jones Rocks Out Amid Jazz Comeback in L.A.
Thank heaven Norah Jones ditched jazz… and thank the stars she came back. Not that she ever entirely went away, or probably cares about our genre distinctions much anyway, but her sold-out show at L.A.'s Theatre at Ace Hotel this week felt like a sort of homecoming, making good live on what she'd delivered on […]
Categories News & EntertainmentTags Amid, Comeback, Concert, Jazz, Jones, L.A., Norah, Review, Rocks
Will LeBron be able to accept less success in L.A.?
After eight straight trips to the NBA Finals, LeBron might have to deal with more losing as a Laker.
Categories Sports NewsTags Able, Accept, L.A., LeBron, Less, Success
Less LeBron? L.A. plans to try something new
With a roster loaded with playmakers, the Lakers are going to utilize their deep bench to play an up-tempo game and have the world's best player handle the ball less.
Categories Sports NewsTags L.A., LeBron, Less, Plans, Something
Party like it's 1994: For one preseason game, Raiders retake L.A.
The Raiders' first game in the L.A. Coliseum in 13 years was part nostalgia and part farewell ahead of another Raiders exit.
Categories Sports NewsTags 1994, Game, It's, L.A., Like, Party, preseason, Raiders, retake
'He wanted to come to L.A.': The reaction to LeBron's move
In advance of LeBron James' return to Akron on Monday, ESPN spoke to more than two dozen NBA figures about his move to L.A. Not everyone was impressed.
Categories Sports NewsTags Come, L.A., lebrons, Move, Reaction, Wanted
Chrissy Teigen, John Legend Cheer Brooklyn Decker at Finery's L.A. Launch
"We realized that women were spending more on their clothing than their education, and yet there is so much that is hanging in their closets that they don't use," said Whitney Casey by way of explaining why she and Brooklyn Decker decided to create Finery, the virtual wardrobe and styling app they launched in March 2017.
Just over a year later, the former CNN journalist and the model-actress celebrated with a launch party at the Microsoft Lounge in Culver City, Calif. While the company is based in New York, where both divide their time with Austin, Tex., Decker has a host of friends in Los Angeles, such as Chrissy Teigen, John Legend and Jen Atkin, all of whom came to cheer her on, as did New Yorker Emmy Rossum (both she and Decker are filming television shows in L.A. this summer).
Finery cofounders Whitney Casey and Brooklyn Decker.
Getty Images for Finery
Casey shared the stat that women only wear 20 percent of what's in their wardrobes because "you really can only inventory that much in your busy life. How are you also supposed to remember everything that you own? You have your three go-to outfits and that propagates not wearing the rest of
Categories Style ArticlesTags Brooklyn, Cheer, Chrissy, Decker, Finery's, John, L.A., Launch, Legend, Teigen
Basketball is just a piece of LeBron's move to L.A.
If LeBron James had wanted to chase another ring, he would have gone to Houston or Philadelphia. Going to L.A. and the Lakers is strictly business.
Categories Sports NewsTags Basketball, Just, L.A., lebrons, Move, Piece
Sources: 76ers to meet with LeBron reps in L.A.
Representatives for LeBron James will meet with the 76ers on Sunday, sources told ESPN.
Categories Sports NewsTags 76ers, L.A., LeBron, Meet, reps', Sources
Lonzo, LeBron and LaVar: Could it work in L.A.?
The Lakers have a very good chance to get LeBron James in free agency, especially if they can land Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. But one big question would still remain.
Categories Sports NewsTags Could, L.A., LaVar, LeBron, Lonzo, Work
Frankies Bikinis to Launch RTW During L.A. Runway Show
Frankies Bikinis, the Los Angeles-based contemporary swimwear line founded five years ago by then-18-year-old Malibu native Frankie Aiello, is branching out into ready-to-wear. The collection, dubbed Aiello, will debut alongside Frankies Bikinis' resort 2019 collection during a runway show in L.A. on June 21.
Aiello, now 23, said she chose to forgo showing at Miami Swim Week, which she has done for the past four years. "I feel like at this point I could show in Miami with my eyes closed. Now was the time to bring it back to my hometown and do something different," she said. (Another 18-year-old designer, Gianna Caruso of Gigi G, will make her Miami Swim runway debut this year.) Frankies Bikinis sells in 200 retail doors worldwide including Kith, Selfridges, Diane's Beachwear and Revolve.com, and Aiello will sell primarily on the Frankies' e-commerce site.
Two Polaroids from the upcoming Frankies Bikinis RTW collection, which will debut during the resort 2019 runway show in L.A. on June 21.
The designer believes there are few rules to follow in fashion anymore, which is also the idea behind her rtw collection. "I cringe when I hear the words 'beach cover-up.' We wanted to detach ourselves from that and create
Categories Style ArticlesTags Bikinis, During, Frankie's, L.A., Launch, Runway, Show
Sources: Kawhi wants to leave Spurs, eyes L.A.
After seven seasons in San Antonio, Kawhi Leonard says he wants to leave the club, sources told ESPN. Leonard has Los Angeles as a top destination, sources say.
Categories Sports NewsTags Eye's, Kawhi, L.A., Leave, Sources, Spurs, Wants
Julia Roberts, Kobe Bryant and More Celebs Hit Up Taylor Swift's Reputation Concert in L.A.
It was the hottest show in town!
This weekend, celebs turned out in droves to catch Taylor Swift's Reputation Tour stop in Los Angeles. The performer rocked the Rose Bowl in Pasadena…
Categories Entertainment ArticlesTags Bryant, Celebs, Concert, Julia, KOBE, L.A., More, Reputation, Roberts, Swift's, Taylor
Phillip Lim Celebrates Cinco de Mayo, 1st Anniversary of L.A. Concept Store
Phillip Lim celebrated Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles, where his downtown Arts District concept store also marked its one-year anniversary with the launch of "Global Series: Mexico" in collaboration with artisanal tequila Casa Dragones. The monthlong installment celebrates Mexico's art and design culture, and kicked off with a party Friday night
featuring performances by local bands Sin Color and The Mexican Standoff.
The 3.1 Phillip Lim concept store in downtown Los Angeles' Arts District
Linnea Stephan/BFA.com
"We envisioned this as a space that's always changing, a place where we could host events for the community," said Lim. Indeed, while some of the collectible furniture pieces remained the same over the year, others were added or moved to make way for art installations. The clothes and shoes were not the focus but instead a small edit of pieces displayed as one-off installations themselves.
Others were worn by those in attendance, including 3.1 Phillip Lim chief executive officer and cofounder Wen Zhou, models Sami Miro and Chloe Norgaard and actor Jack Falahee. Also in the mix were designers Eddie Borgo and Trina Turk, Barneys New York creative ambassador-at-large Simon Doonan and Magasin owner Josh Peskowitz.
Phillip Lim and guests celebrate Cinco de Mayo in his L.A.
Categories Style ArticlesTags Anniversary, Celebrates, Cinco, Concept, L.A., Mayo, Phillip, Store
L.A. Brand Rails Founder Jeff Abrams Speaks About London Store Plans, Plots Accessories and Homewares Expansion
LONDON-BOUND: Los Angeles-based label Rails founder Jeff Abrams says he feels like he's been in expansion mode since he started his company with upcoming plans to open a store in London and potentially grow his line to include accessories and homewares.
Stocked at Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Trilogy, he recently held a pop-up showcase at Harrods showcasing his full spring 2018 women's wear range, which was filled with his signature shirts, easy dresses and rompers. Prices ranged from 140 pounds for a shirt to 300 pounds for denim or knitwear.
Launched in 2008, the label is known for its luxe soft button down shirts won by the likes of celebrities including Jessica Alba and Kendall Jenner.
He said there's a lot of room for growth for his brand in Europe. "We're always trying to identify places where we have room for growth," Abrams said. "Even in this market where we've been for a couple of years, there's still so many places where we're not selling yet. We're actively growing those markets in Asia, Middle East, South America. There are so many places that we can see customers are visiting us online and buying our product, but we may not have retail distribution and
Categories Style ArticlesTags About, Abrams, Accessories, Brand, Expansion, Founder, Homewares, Jeff, L.A., London, Plans, Plots, Rails, Speaks, Store
Victoria Beckham Previews Reebok Capsule Collection in L.A. Alongside Shaquille O'Neal
While Victoria Beckham's Reebok capsule collaboration won't be released until later this year, the designer unveiled what she called "a little merch collection" on Thursday night during a Reebok event held at The House on Sunset in West Hollywood. Beckham was joined by longtime Reebok ambassador Shaquille O'Neal as well her husband David Beckham and their three sons Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo, who all wore coordinating monochromatic pieces from their mother's new line. "They are very excited because they love sportswear," she said. "And they're huge Shaq fans."
Shaquille O'Neal and Victoria Beckham at the Reebok event in Los Angeles.
The new throwback line pays homage to O'Neal and consists of two shirts and two hoodies emblazoned with the NBA All Star's name. The pieces will be available next month on Reebok and Beckham's web sites. The collection was inspired by Beckham's recent visit to the brand's Boston headquarters, where she explored the Reebok archives and found herself drawn to its heritage basketball pieces from the Nineties.
While Beckham has lent her name to promoting the new merchandise, her personal branding isn't anywhere on it. "This is just a little collection that I wanted to do to celebrate Reebok, celebrate Shaq and really celebrate
Categories Style ArticlesTags Alongside, Beckham, Capsule, Collection, L.A., O'Neal, Previews, Reebok, Shaquille, Victoria
Demi Moore Honored as a Visionary Woman at L.A. Gala
Demi Moore got her moment in the spotlight on International Women's Day when Visionary Women, an L.A.-based nonprofit organization focused female empowerment and advancement, honored the actress and activist with its inaugural Visionary Woman Award for her work to combat human trafficking. Moore, cofounder of the nonprofit organization THORN, picked up her award at Spago Beverly Hills on Thursday night.
Moore's friends Adam Sandler and his wife Jackie, Shepard Fairey, Eric Buterbaugh, Soleil Moon Frye, Maye Musk and others were on hand to support her, along with her daughters Scout and Tallulah.
"Demi's strength and dedication in her career and charitable endeavors are what make her the epitome of a visionary woman," said Angella Nazarian, cofounder of Visionary Women. To date, THORN's work has led to the arrest of 6,500 child sex traffickers.
"We don't have to fight much, we just need to unite," said Moore. "The power of our collective is only going to bring the light and the success to an even greater level."
The affair, sponsored by Cartier, was one of several events with a fashion tie-in taking place to celebrate International Women's Day. Jonathan Simkhai teamed up with activist Janet Mock at The Standard Hollywood to promote Ring
Categories Style ArticlesTags Demi, Gala, Honored, L.A., Moore, Visionary, Woman
'LeBron to L.A.' is going strong, but does King James even fit with the Lakers?
Although LeBron James' focus remains on trying to will the Cavaliers back to the NBA Finals, the time in the L.A. spotlight will be meaningful.
Categories Sports NewsTags Even, Going, JAMES, King, L.A., Lakers', LeBron, Strong
Nicolas Sarkozy, Fashion Crowd Cheer On Carla Bruni at Her L.A. Concert
Los Angeles' European contingent — led by former French president Nicolas Sarkozy — was out in full force Wednesday night for Carla Bruni's concert at The Orpheum Theatre downtown in support of her new album, "French Touch."
"It's so chilly in Los Angeles today, but you are so warm," Bruni purred as she sauntered around the stage in all black leather jeans, T-shirt, blazer and ankle boots. (She changed into what looked like a Balmain band jacket after a brief intermission.) The crowd was full of seasoned continental types also donning leather pants and all manner of black clothing, along with recognizable faces such as Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan and his swimsuit designer wife Susan Holmes, actress Lucila Solá, Nathalie Marciano, and two other model contemporaries of Bruni's, Elaine Irwin and Patricia Velásquez.
Sarkozy emerged from the wings and slid into a seat in the orchestra next to David Foster as the lights were dimming, but he didn't remain unnoticed because his wife referenced "my man" several times and sang a song she wrote for him, with the chorus "triste garçon," or "sad boy."
Bruni's fourth album, produced by Foster, features a range of English language standards, pop and rock songs
Categories Style ArticlesTags Bruni, Carla, Cheer, Concert, Crowd, fashion, L.A., Nicolas, Sarkozy
BAFTA L.A., N.Y. Announce New Chair, Board Members
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced on Tuesday it has elected new board members in New York and Los Angeles. Arianna Bocco has been elected to serve as chair of the board of BAFTA New York, replacing Luke Parker Bowles, who will step down to the position of vice chair for one year. […]
Categories News & EntertainmentTags Announce, BAFTA, Board, Chair, L.A., Members, N.Y.
Inside Beats President Luke Wood's John Lautner-Designed L.A. Home
One of Lautner's masterworks was left unfinished until Wood and his wife decided to realize his plan—and update it for the 21st century.
WSJ.com: Lifestyle
Categories News & EntertainmentTags Beats, Home, Inside, John, L.A., LautnerDesigned, Luke, President, Woods
Your move, L.A.: Magic and Lakers must hold LaVar Ball accountable
The Lakers knew what they were getting in LaVar Ball when they drafted his son Lonzo. But after multiple meetings and pleas not to publicly disparage their team and coach, the situation remains unchanged. What will the Lakers do now?
Categories Sports NewsTags accountable, Ball, Hold, L.A., Lakers', LaVar, Magic, Move, Must
How Tesla Electrified Rivals at the L.A. Auto Show
The Silicon Valley carmaker cast a long shadow in Los Angeles as BMW, Jaguar and VW imitated the wily brand. Can their electric concepts hold their own next to Elon Musk's Model 3, asks Dan Neil.
Categories News & EntertainmentTags Auto, Electrified, L.A., Rivals, Show, Tesla
Hillary Clinton, Yara Shahidi Keynote Teen Vogue Summit in L.A.
"Thanks so much for all of your help," Hillary Rodham Clinton said backstage at the inaugural Teen Vogue Summit on Saturday morning. As she posed for a photo with a large group of police officers at 72 and Sunny's Playa Vista campus in Los Angeles, Clinton told the photographer, "This is a very important group. Take a good picture." The former Secretary of State and presidential candidate had just completed the opening keynote conversation with activist and "Black-ish" actress Yara Shahidi.
While the question-and-answer session lasted 40 minutes, it took less than seven for the discussion to shift toward the previous night's vote on tax reform. "In the last 24 hours, the Senate passed this absolutely horrible tax-cut plan," Clinton said, as the crowd booed in support of her sentiment. "It's great for Donald Trump and his family. It's great for the billionaires who support him, but it's going to make life much harder for middle-class families and poor families. It even cuts the tax deduction for teachers who buy supplies for their classrooms and their students."
"Now it takes care of you if you have a private yacht or a private plane," she continued, "but heaven forbid if you buy some
Categories Style ArticlesTags Clinton, Hillary, Keynote, L.A., Shahidi, Summit, Teen, Vogue, Yara
Mansur Gavriel Continues Bricks-and-Mortar Retail Push in L.A.
Things appear to be going well for Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel. Within the last year, Mansur Gavriel's collection of handbags and shoes, done in minimalist lines and prices that sit at the minimalist end of luxury, has expanded into a full see-now-buy-now line, driven by mostly outerwear and knits, for fall, with two retail spaces of their own in which to showcase it. The company opened a pop-up on Madison Avenue in October and a space on Wooster Street in SoHo in November 2016, which also debuted as a pop-up, but has been extended indefinitely.
Now they're bringing retail to the West Coast with their first Los Angeles store opening next month at 8475 Melrose Place. Finding the location was "semi-serendipitous," said Mansur. "In summer 2016 we happened to walk by the space. We had been considering where to open our first retail store, and the space immediately spoke to us. It felt very on brand — private from the exterior, warm and intimate once you entered. There was an opportunity for an interesting relationship between architecture and nature with the quiet patio and indoor interior garden open to the sky."
The total space is 5,000 square feet that is designed
Categories Style ArticlesTags BricksandMortar, Continues, Gavriel, L.A., Mansur, Push, Retail
Samara Weaving, Miranda Otto and Jessica Gomes Attend Zimmermann Dinner in L.A.
"We like to be wherever our girl is," said Nicky Zimmermann, cofounder and designer of the label that bears her and her sister Simone's last name. The designer was in Los Angeles to shoot the brand's spring ad campaign, so she took the opportunity to celebrate at a dinner hosted by her fellow Australians, editors Laura Brown, Christine Centenera and Jillian Davison. The night before, Zimmermann hosted a VIP shopping party at her store on Melrose Place.
The floral-laden dinner on the pool deck of Sunset Tower attracted actresses Samara Weaving, Miranda Otto, Anna Torv, Madeline Brewer and Carson Meyer; models Jessica Gomes and Nicole Trunfio; stylists Monica Rose, Sophie Lopez, Annabelle Harron, Tara Swennen Jeanann Williams, Penny Lovell, Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, and influencers Amanda Steele and Marianna Hewitt.
Zimmermann and husband Chris Olliver, the company's chief executive officer, were off next to check out spaces for a store in San Francisco. The company has 26 stores in Australia, one in London, and six in the U.S. "We tend to open in places where our customers travels to," she said. "It's not so much about trying to hit a certain number, but it's more about having fun. Most Australians know
Categories Style ArticlesTags 'Dinner, Attend, Gomes, Jessica, L.A., Miranda, Otto, Samara, Weaving, Zimmermann
Sally LaPointe Fetes Resort 2018 Collection With Dinner in L.A.
New York designer Sally LaPointe spent the last couple of days in Los Angeles strengthening ties with the fashion community and hosting a dinner on Wednesday night at Chateau Marmont. LaPointe had a little help from entrepreneur NJ Goldston, who cohosted the affair with Mimi Cuttrell.
Sally Perrin and Emma Perrin attend Sally LaPointe dinner.
Getty Images for Sally Lapointe
"It's my first time doing something like this in L.A.," said the designer, who currently sells in 25 retailers including Moda Operandi, Allora by Laura in Santa Barbara, Switch in Beverly Hills, and 1508 in Venice Beach.
LaPointe is often on the road for trunk shows at boutiques, but took a few days to meet with stylists and editors at Palihouse West Hollywood. "The clothes seem like a good fit in L.A., because they are about easy dressing," she said. Although she prefers designing for fall, where she can use luxurious trims like fox fur on sweaters, she has found a following among women like Goldston who travel often.
The scene at Sally LaPointe dinner hosted by Sally LaPointe, NJ Goldson & Mimi Cuttrell at the Chateau Marmont.
"I have been hosting dinner salons for emerging designers because I think certain women
Categories Style ArticlesTags 'Dinner, 2018, Collection, Fetes, L.A., LaPointe, Resort, Sally
CFDA, Wall Group Host Celebrity Stylist Panel in L.A.
In the second of two bicoastal panels organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and The Wall Group, celebrity stylists Elizabeth Stewart, Karla Welch and Ilaria Urbinati convened at the W Hollywood in Los Angeles on Monday for the panel "Today's Image Makers: The Relationship Between Stylist and Designer."
Moderated by Melissa Magsaysay, the panel explored the changing role of the celebrity stylist, and how they work with myriad designers hoping to get their clothes and accessories on stars on the red carpet.
"We're really like mini magazines now," said Stewart, who started her career as a fashion editor at Fairchild Publications and The New York Times. "My assistants do what a market editor would do at a magazine, and we are creating content when we create looks for our clients."
What used to be a behind-the-scenes job has morphed into one where the stylist, via social media, shares behind-the-curtain glimpses of readying clients for the red carpet, as well as his or her point of view on everything from fashion to politics.
"Would you ever dress Melania Trump?" asked one person in the audience. "No. Absolutely not," said Welch and Stewart. "She buys her own clothes," said Stewart.
The women also discussed
Categories Style ArticlesTags Celebrity, CFDA+, Group, Host, L.A., Panel, Stylist, Wall
Cronut Creator Dominique Ansel Opens First L.A. Outpost at the Grove
Is it possible that it's only been four years since the invention of the cronut? The flaky hybrid pastry drove customers including Leonardo Di Caprio and Hugh Jackman to stand in line for hours at the Dominique Ansel bakery in New York and spawned a thousand imitators, not to mention some obsessive fans. Wedding proposals […]
Categories News & EntertainmentTags Ansel, Creator, Cronut, Dominique, First, Grove, L.A., Opens, Outpost
8 Delicious Tacos Filled With L.A. Attitude
8 tacos from the new cookbook 'Guerrilla Tacos: Recipes From the Streets of L.A.,' by famed food-truck chef Wesley Avila with Richard Parks III—from pork-packed to veggie, old-school to out-there.
Categories News & EntertainmentTags Attitude, Delicious, Filled, L.A., Tacos
The Outnet Toasts Campaign With Amber Valletta in L.A.
The Outnet's executive vice president Andres Sosa welcomed Amber Valletta to the family at a dinner at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills on Thursday night. The supermodel appears as the first "face" for the online retailer, part of the Yoox Net-a-porter Group, in its fall digital campaign alongside pal Missy Rayder.
"We've never pictured a personality in any of our campaigns before, and we thought Amber was the perfect person to bring it to life," Sosa said. The small gathering included some of Valletta's oldest friends, Jaime King, Crystal Lourd, Rosetta Getty, Ross Cassidy, Jennifer Meyer, Shiva Rose and Cameron Silver. Also in the mix were Erica Pelosini, Carlos Lopez, Brigette Romanek, Elsa Dahan and Shea Marie.
Valletta wore a Saint Laurent sequin sheath and smoking jacket, part of The Outnet's discounted high-fashion offerings. Some guests found it hard to believe that she's a mother of a 17-year-old son. "It was his birthday yesterday, and we went car shopping," Valletta said. She agreed to let him get a pickup truck, she said, "because it's sturdy and safe."
"Teenagers can be a handful" said Getty, who has two. "I'm trying to negotiate with my daughter right now, because she's trying to stay out past her curfew.
Categories Style ArticlesTags Amber, Campaign, L.A., Outnet, Toasts, Valletta
Erica Tanov to Open First L.A. Boutique at The Row DTLA
Berkeley-based designer Erica Tanov will open her first Los Angeles boutique at The Row DTLA with regular hours starting next month. The 650-square-foot space, which will be open on Sundays starting this week, will feature an assortment of Tanov's clothing, accessories and home goods, alongside a select group of independent designers and including Bay Area painter Emily Payne, Oregon ceramicist Notary Ceramics and furniture craftsman Russell Fong.
"It wasn't on my radar to open a store in Los Angeles until Runyon Group approached me," said Tanov of the shopping center developers behind Platform in Culver City. "When I saw that like-minded independent brands were also there, including Bay Area companies like Mission Workshop and Tartine, I was intrigued."
Tanov said the "crumbling, industrial" vibe of the complex, the former American Apparel factories, which were built in 1918, appealed to her sensibility as well. "It was in some way very luxurious," she said of the soaring ceilings with exposed beams and raw concrete floors. She added her own vintage fixtures and display cases and an enormous antique door she had in storage. Black powder-coated rolling racks completed the look.
Collaborations with California-based artists distinguish Tanov's work, including fine art photographer Todd Hido, who produced
Categories Style ArticlesTags Boutique, DTLA, Erica, First, L.A., Open, Tanov
Celebrities Join L.A. Loves Puerto Rico Restaurant Fundraiser
Los Angeles restaurants are coming together Oct. 7-14 to raise money for Puerto Rico hurricane relief, with help from several celebrities. Among the entertainment figures supporting the LA Loves Puerto Rico fundraiser are "Arrow" star Stephen Amell, Lance Bass and Disney star Kayla Maisonet. Each participating business will create a dish or cocktail inspired by […]
Categories News & EntertainmentTags Celebrities, Fundraiser, Join, L.A., Loves, Puerto, Restaurant, Rico
Garcetti: Wildfire Largest 'in L.A. City History'
A Los Angeles wildfire is that Mayor Eric Garcetti calls "the largest by acreage in the city's history" is raging perilously close to the Burbank Media District, where AMC Cinemas has 30 screens in three locations. The 5,000 acre La Tuna fire is blazing through the San Fernando Valley's Verdugo mountains, driven by dry temperatures… Read more »
Categories News & EntertainmentTags 'In, City, Garcetti, History, L.A., largest, wildfire
COS Opens Downtown L.A. Store, Chicago Up Next
GROWING SCENE: COS is set to open the doors to its 5,511-square-foot store in downtown Los Angeles on Friday afternoon.
The space, located within the 90-year-old Olympic Theatre building, places it roughly a block away from the Broadway and Ninth Street corridor that a cluster of retailers — including Mykita, Tanner Goods, Aesop, BNKR, Acne and A.P.C. — call home.
COS partnered with The Gentlewoman, the British magazine, on a map available in-store pointing out Los Angeles landmarks. Among the stops are the building where the new COS store sits along with the Eames House, Frank Gehry's residence and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
In late 2015 the minimalist retailer, part of H&M Group, tested the downtown market with a pop-up shop designed in collaboration with design firm Snarkitecture.
"L.A. has always been a city of huge importance to the COS brand and the architecture, art and design scene here are all points of inspiration to our creative team," said COS managing director Marie Honda. "We are very happy with the brand's growth in the U.S. and look forward to introducing more stores into the market in 2018."
Los Angeles marks the final new store opening for the retailer in the U.S. for this year and its
Categories Style ArticlesTags Chicago, Downtown, L.A., next, Opens, Store
Chrissy Teigen Attends A.L.C. x Intermix 'On Duty' Dinner in L.A.
Chrissy Teigen isn't one to hold back when it comes to indulging in her favorite foods, so the model and her pal, stylist-turned-designer Andrea Lieberman, chose trendy Los Angeles eatery Jon & Vinny's as the venue for a dinner to launch A.L.C.'s new collection for Intermix, titled "On Duty."
Andrea Lieberman
Getty Images for INTERMIX x A.L.
The 16-piece contemporary line, for which Teigen was the muse, includes Lieberman's takes on the classic white shirt, black trousers, track suit and other wardrobe staples, and ranges in price from $ 128 to $ 895 retail.
Lieberman started the collection with the track pant. "Since my days as a stylist, traveling around the world, I've wanted to find a pant that could take you from city to city, day to night. Pair it with a sneaker, pair it with a heel, it is equally cool and totally effortless," she said. "My good friend Jen Atkin puts it best, 'Life is hard, looking good should be easy.'"
The collection is available exclusively at the retailer's web site and brick-and-mortar boutiques. Guests, including Teigen's stylist Monica Rose, singer Kacy Hill and Justin Bieber's stylist Karla Welch, all got the dress code memo, arriving in white shirts and black pants.
Teigen wore a
Categories Style ArticlesTags 'Dinner, A.L.C., Attends, Chrissy, Duty, Intermix, L.A., On..., Teigen
A. Sauvage to Launch Sportswear Collection After Moving Studio to L.A.
Adrien Sauvage, who established his men's wear label A. Sauvage in London in 2010, has become the latest designer to decamp for Los Angeles, opening up a studio in Beverly Hills this summer.
"Basically I came here for Christmas holiday and I never went back," said Sauvage, who said Robert Downey Jr. was among the first of his clients to encourage the move. Sauvage launched his line of contemporary suiting in Harrods, then opened his own shop on Bond Street, and today his made-to-measure pieces are also available online. He still travels back to London every eight weeks for his made-to-measure clients, but says the California lifestyle has inspired a new idea — a sportswear line due out in January.
"I surveyed the land of T-shirts. I thought two or three years ago the whole sportswear thing was going to go in the bin, but it's still here. It's even tweaked my own style a bit. My sportswear line is going to have a casual elegance, the whole seven days a week wardrobe. It's perfect for getting on or off a plane," he said. He is still exploring wholesale partners for the line.
Sauvage has several star NBA clients, such as Dwyane Wade,
Categories Style ArticlesTags after, Collection, L.A., Launch, Moving, Sauvage, Sportswear, Studio
Rachel Zoe Sets 'Pop-In Shop' in East Hampton, Spring 2018 Fashion Show in L.A.
Next month, Rachel Zoe will dip her toes into the warming waters of the seasonal East Coast retail scene with her first-ever East Hampton "pop-in shop" at What Goes Around Comes Around. The shop will feature a selection of Rachel Zoe Collection's pre-fall and fall pieces styled with her picks from WGACA's vintage selection.
Zoe will launch the shop — open from August 5 to 13 — with a VIP shopping night on August 4. "I wasn't ready to open up my own pop-up shop for the whole summer, but I have known the guys at What Goes Around Comes Around for 20 years, so we thought, 'Why not do a pop-in shop for part of the season?' It's a great way to have a presence in a place that's like my second home. In August you're still wearing sundresses but you're also in a fall state of mind, so why not mix in some chunky knits, statement outerwear and boots? I love mixing my own new pieces with vintage, and my customer dresses that way too," she said.
The pop-in will showcase light, airy silhouettes and statement staples such as printed silk tops, dresses, faux furs and jumpsuits that can work from the
Categories Style ArticlesTags 'PopIn, 2018, East, fashion, Hampton, L.A., Rachel, Sets, Shop, Show, Spring
CP3 says goodbye to L.A. after trade to Rockets
Categories Sports NewsTags after, Goodbye, L.A., Rockets, Says, Trade
L.A. Brand Chaser Expands With East Hampton Store
STAY A WHILE: Los Angeles contemporary line Chaser has made its way to the East Coast with a second store.
The brand — known for its extra soft, vintage-inspired rock T-shirts across men, women and kids — now sits on both coasts with the opening of its store on Main Street in East Hampton, N.Y.
"The Hamptons is one of the most gorgeous places in the whole of America. We felt it represented what the brand is about," said owner and founder Hadi Salem. "East Hampton, for us, it felt like it was the right demographic for the brand and we thought we could do business there. In a world where not many people are opening stores, we thought, 'OK, let's take a chance.'"
Chaser, seen as embodying an effortless chic that has come to define many of the brands coming out of the Los Angeles area, is sold in about 800 U.S. boutiques and department stores, including Ron Robinson, Fred Segal, American Rag, Revolve, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. What has set Chaser apart is its rock 'n' roll edge with tanks and deconstructed T-shirts featuring the Dead Kennedys, The Who and AC/DC.
Chaser has a lease on the East Hampton door, totaling about 1,400
Categories Style ArticlesTags Brand, Chaser, East, Expands, Hampton, L.A., Store
L.A. Dance Project Partners With Ermenegildo Zegna Couture for Marfa Performances
ZEGNA SUITS UP DANCERS: L.A. Dance Project's founder and artistic director Benjamin Millepied used his artistic vision to help dancers make an impression at Marfa.
For the troupe's "Marfa Dance Episodes" last weekend in Marfa, Tex., all of the dancers wore Ermenegildo Zegna Couture custom-designed looks by artistic director Alessandro Sartori. He flew in for the performances, which were hosted by the Donald Judd-started Chinati Foundation and featured a series of live-streamed events, which were inspired by Chinati's art collection.
The collaboration for the dancers' fluid wardrobes stemmed from Sartori's interest in the arts and his eagerness to partner with his friend Millepied. The duo decided to go with lightweight fabrics in a range of muted colors such as concrete gray, white, indigo blue and camel. To help keep the dancers in motion, they wore exclusive blends of silk and jersey that were meant to relay modern design. During his tenure with the LADP, Millepied has called in a range of talent for select projects including John Baldessari and Christian Lacroix for new sets, and Karl Lagerfeld, Gareth Pugh, Mary Katrantzou and Iris Van Herpen for new costumes.
The Paris Opera's director of dance at one time, Millepied is a movie director who
Categories Style ArticlesTags Couture, dance, Ermenegildo, L.A., Marfa, Partners, Performances, Project, Zegna
Cops look into racial slur on LeBron's L.A. home
Categories Sports NewsTags 'COPS', Home, Into, L.A., lebrons, Look, Racial, slur
Made for L.A.: Billy Reid Sets Up Shop at Magasin
Billy Reid will plant a flag — albeit temporary — on the West Coast today. The Alabama designer is set to kick off his monthlong pop-up shop at friend Josh Peskowitz's Magasin concept shop in Culver City, Calif., with a made-to-measure event running through the weekend.
"We think it's a good opportunity for them to showcase more of who they are in Los Angeles," Peskowitz said. "It's a nice, organic partnership certainly and I have an enormous amount of respect for him."
The temporary installment will carry exclusives including hand-painted graphic shirts and an assortment of tailored pieces, such as shorts made from selvage chambray. This weekend, clients of the brand can come into the store for custom orders, which have about a four- to six-week turnaround.
The designer, while having done trunk shows and special installations within his own stores, has never offered the made-to-measure experience outside of those and Reid said the success of what happens at Magasin will no doubt be weighed for the possibility of doing similar events going forward.
"We do not have a shop out here on the West Coast, but we have several customers out here," Reid said. "I think once we go through it and figure out
Categories Style ArticlesTags Billy, L.A., Made, Magasin, Reid, Sets, Shop
Demi Lovato and Kate Hudson Host L.A. Lunch for Fabletics Collection
Demi Lovato was the guest of honor as Kate Hudson and Fabletics hosted a lunch at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Wednesday for the brand's first collaboration, dubbed Demi Lovato for Fabletics. The designing duo were joined by Amanda Peet, Molly Sims, Erin Foster, Erin Hudson, Ashley Hart, Jennifer Meyer, Fletcher, Bea Miller, Crystal Lourd, Kelly Sawyer, Jamie Tisch, Baron Davis, Monique Coleman, Eric Buterbaugh and several stylists.
The limited-edition capsule collection, on sale online and in-store May 17, is meant to represent Lovato's shared commitment to inclusion, female empowerment and body positivity. The collection will support the brand's ongoing partnership with the United Nations Foundation's Girl Up campaign, a "by girls, for girls" movement that empowers them to become a force for change.
Jennifer Meyer, Kate Hudson, Erin Foster and Kelly Sawyer.
Lauren/WWD/REX/Shutterstock
Guests enjoyed music by DJ Samantha Ronson and a special performance by MUSYCA Children's Choir, who performed "Best Day of My Life," and "Let It Be." Models showed off the collection in the hotel's garden, while people were invited to "free their inner fighter" in a boxing ring photo booth, as well as play games such as ping-pong, life-size Jenga and chess.
"It's amazing to see the designs come to life and
Categories Style ArticlesTags Collection, Demi, Fabletics, Host, Hudson, Kate, L.A., Lovato, Lunch
Jenny Slate, Ted Danson Celebrate Bird Brooklyn's First West Coast Store at Platform L.A.
Bird Brooklyn has finally flown the New York coop and landed in Los Angeles. The cult favorite designer boutique, which has four locations in Brooklyn, has opened its first store outside of New York at Platform, Runyon Group's edgy new retail development in Los Angeles' Culver City.
The 5,000-square-foot space, one of the largest in the complex, features loft-like ceilings, large plate-glass windows and blonde wood walls and shelves.
"I get to be sort of like an anchor in an exciting new development, which is so cool," said Bird owner and founder Jen Mankins. "I never would have said yes to being in a 'retail development' because it sounds like you're in a mall, but Runyon reached out to me and once I saw what it was all about, I was, like, 'I'm in.'"
Bird joins other high-end brands such as Magasin, Janessa Leone, Freda Salvador, Aesop, Poketo, Linda Farrow and Velvet by Graham & Spencer. Among its current pop-ups are Catbird, Pop & Suki and Salt Surf, with Prism and Garmentory coming soon, and it is the creative headquarters for SoulCycle, Criteo and Technicolor.
Among the guests at the opening party were actors Jenny Slate, Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson; singer Agnes Badoo;
Categories Style ArticlesTags Bird, Brooklyn's, Celebrate, Coast, Danson, First, Jenny, L.A., Platform, Slate, Store, West
Police Brutality Set Off The L.A. Riots 25 Years Ago. We've Learned Nothing Since.
Go watch the video of Rodney King being beaten. Really watch it. You'll see eight brutal minutes of an unarmed black man being kicked, clubbed, and tasered within an inch of his life by LAPD officers ― men sworn to protect and serve.
When the clandestinely shot video of King's beating came out in 1991, it sent shockwaves throughout the entire country, sparking a conversation about racial bias and police brutality. The four police officers charged in the King beating were acquitted, and the city saw one of the most destructive riots in American history.
April 29th will mark the 25th anniversary of the LA riots, 25 years since a mirror was held up to the face of America and revealed a grotesque reflection. Anniversaries are about looking back. They are about legacy. But what is the legacy of the three days of carnage that ensued back then, sending much of Los Angeles into a deluge of violence, looting, and burning buildings?
In their new National Geographic documentary "LA92," filmmakers T.J. Martin and Daniel Lindsay go in-depth to explore the legacy of the riots, forgoing the usual talking heads and experts and using only raw, unedited archival footage, leaving it up to the audience to make up their minds about the meaning of the riots.
There's a moment in the documentary, one day into the deluge, where a Korean shop owner defiantly defends her store from a band of black and Latino looters.
"This is America!" She screams at the crowd. "This is America!"
The moment, is the film, and the riots themselves, in microcosm. In other words ― the riots were complicated, and messy. They weren't just black-and-white. The underlying tensions weren't just about the beating, but the racist justice system that allowed the cops to go free and, just a year earlier, Korean shop owner Soon Ja Du to go free in the senseless killing of Latasha Harlins.
I spoke with T.J. Martin and Dan Lindsay about what they learned about the riots in retelling this story on film ― and what America has yet to learn.
HuffPost: The film opens and closes with black-and-white footage from the Watts Riots on 1965, which juxtapose in such a stunning way with the LA Riots which took place decades later. There's this sense of history repeating itself. Why do you think this keeps happening ― the beatings and killings of unarmed black folk, and the subsequent unrest?
Dan Lindsay: Our country has never reconciled the inherent contradictions of its founding. The people that wrote the document that said all men are created equal owned human beings. That's just mind-blowing. As a country, we've never been able to reconcile that. And as long as we continue to have marginalized communities that don't have a voice, as long as that happens, you shouldn't be surprised if uprisings or unrest happen. It's happened throughout all human history, throughout all of the world, from the same circumstances.
HP: The film is derived entirely from archival footage of news broadcasts, court videos, aerial footage and so on. What was the reasoning behind that, and what was the process like to organize all those hours of footage into a cohesive narrative?
T.J. Martin: We wanted to take a unique approach that would maybe inspire a unique perspective, and ultimately create a new way of thinking about these events. We didn't want the the filter of an expert telling you what you think. It was less about deconstructing the anatomy of the events. It became much more immersive as an experience.
DL: We wanted to challenge the audience to begin thinking about these things, to have conversations, to ask the question: What do we need to do to make it so this never happens again? Because clearly we tend to have these cycles of things. We deal with it for a little bit, then everybody goes back to their lives.
HP: There are a lot of interesting moments with the media in this film, little vignettes where we see anchors right before going live, adjusting their hair and doing their makeup before launching into somber broadcasts. What do you think the role of the media was, and continues to be, in conversations about police brutality?
DL: That was a really intentional device because we had concerns that, not all of this, but a lot of this, was created by the media. The media was complicit in creating the events that led to this. We wanted to find a way to imply the idea and that was showing the getting ready. It indicates the facade of the media. It's presentation. It's business as usual. To us, that's representative of America. We have this facade, this image we sell, that we don't necessarily live up to.
HP: It's been 25 years since the riots, and while we haven't had anything as destructive as that happen again ― there's a sense that it's only a matter of time. What, to you, is the legacy of the riots?
T.J.: I think what came out of it was for a short moment, an engaged conversation on race and class. But that same short engaged moment of conversation happened after 65 Watts. That same short engaged moment of conversation happened during the race riots in Detroit. These spurts operate as fads. It's a symptom and also an extension of the problem. I don't know about legacy. To me I just think of [the L.A. riots] as one chapter of an ongoing story.
HP: What's stopping us from bringing this story to a close then?
T.J.: We haven't figured out the tools of how to talk about this thing where it becomes a constructive conversation. The moment you bring up race and class, it becomes a debate. But it's not about a debate. There are marginalized communities. This is real.
DL: But we're trying to activate the audience's own realization of these things, right? Near the end of the film, you see Bill Clinton watching Bush give his address after the riots, and you realize the riots were at least part of what made Clinton president. And then you think of today, when you hear phrases like "law and order," the [fear-mongering], and then Trump becomes president. It's our collective society's reaction to things, these shifts.
HP: There are moments in this film that are difficult to watch ― the looting of businesses, especially Korean-American businesses. The beating of the white truck driver Reginald Denny. When we talk about riots and unrest, there's always criticism about rioters destroying their own communities, or resorting to violence instead of peace. What would be your reaction to someone who saw this film and felt the black and Latino rioters weren't justified in their acts?
T.J.: If anyone were to come with that type of argument, they are neglecting the visceral violence that happened to Rodney King. What we try to do, at the very least, is set context. King just happened to have a video. These atrocities, these abuses of power have been happening since the birth of the country. So by isolating members of a community (who were rightfully so angry) and dismissing 400 years of horrible treatment of one specific community…. that alone is an unfair analysis of the situation, period. We are not watching the same movie.
Categories Divorce ArticlesTags Ago., Brutality, L.A., Learned, Nothing, Police, Riots, Since, We've, Years
Made L.A. to Return in June With Opening Ceremony, Wiz Khalifa Shows
Made is back for a second helping. Made L.A., the two-day, two-night fashion, music and cultural event, today announces its return to L.A. Live on June 9 and 10. This year's highlights include consumer-facing fashion shows and live performances from Opening Ceremony and Wiz Khalifa, respectively.
The event will also feature unique, independent fashion brands, designers and activations set in a special retail section called Shop Small at Made L.A., presented and co-curated by American Express. Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. PST on May 1; with a pre-sale for American Express Card members that began today.
"We're excited to return to the West Coast for the second edition of Made L.A.," said Catherine Bennett, senior vice president and managing director at IMG Fashion. "From Opening Ceremony and Wiz Khalifa headlining to the burgeoning brands and designers being featured at Shop Small at Made L.A., we're welcoming a group of unique talent in the fashion and music industry to our stage. We're excited to continue celebrating the increasing intersection of fashion and entertainment in L.A."
While Opening Ceremony is no stranger to throwing events in L.A., Friday evening's showcase will be the brand's first Los Angeles fashion
Categories Style ArticlesTags Ceremony, June, Khalifa, L.A., Made, Opening, Return, Shows
Peri Arenas Opens Peri.A Boutique on Robertson Boulevard in L.A.
Peri Arenas is betting on Robertson Boulevard's comeback. The New York transplant has opened her second California boutique, Peri.A, at 146 North Robertson Boulevard in the former Kitson Men space. The 2,400-square-foot luxury boutique will stock emerging designers such as Marie Marot, Greg Lauren, Mira Mikati and Rahul Mishra, the latter of which sells exclusively in her store for spring.
Peri.A is Arenas' follow-up to Veri Peri at Parker Palm Springs, the desert resort founded by her grandfather, Jack Parker, also of Le Parker Meridien fame. Adjacent to other multiline bricks-and-mortar chain stores including Curve and Intermix, the store will carry a collection of curated designers and brands in both apparel and accessories, such as emerging South Korean handbag designer Cecilia Ma. The offering also includes vintage hand painted Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Chanel bags, Jupe by Jackie, custom-made, hand-painted clothes from India, and Aalto, a new line Arenas bought in its entirety.
The interior of Peri.A boutique.
Arenas decided to open a second store after relocating her family to Los Angeles three years ago.
"Looking at locations I remember Robertston having its heyday years ago and thought, 'I'm going to make it happen again.' I'm a true optimist," she said, noting two new
Categories Style ArticlesTags arenas, Boulevard, Boutique, L.A., Opens, Peri, Peri.A, Robertson
L.A. Laker Jordan Clarkson and Chris Stamp Link for Fan Fashion Event
Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson took a moment off the court to join L.A. streetwear designer Chris Stamp of Stampd for the Delta Airlines Beyond the Court event on Monday. Held at the brand's La Brea Boulevard store, the early evening affair featured an interactive experience for 100 fans who clamored for selfies following a Q&A about Clarkson's design aspirations.
"It's been a process," Clarkson told WWD beforehand, explaining he's been "drawing out different things and exploring" the possibility of launching his own line once the basketball season ends. "A lot of it is probably going to be done this summer when I don't have anything to do."
The 24-year-old basketball player — who has reportedly dated models Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin and Chanel Iman — describes his style as "kinda off the wall."
For more on Jordan's fashion preferences, click here.
Prior to the event, Stamp met with Clarkson to offer advice and discuss the design process. "It was cool to show him what we do and to see which of our pieces he was drawn to outside of what I maybe had thought," said Stamp. "Style is about being comfortable, being yourself in your own skin, and I think he
Categories Style ArticlesTags Chris, Clarkson, Event, fashion, Jordan, L.A., Laker, Link, Stamp
Malin Akerman Hosts Benefit at Neiman Marcus For Children's Hospital L.A.
"Billions" star Malin Akerman hosted a shopping event at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills on Friday evening in support of Children's Hospital Los Angeles' Make March Matter campaign, in which more than 100 local businesses and corporate partners offer consumers opportunities to raise money for the nonprofit hospital through everyday activities such as drinking coffee, going shopping or getting a blowout.
Malin Akerman in Rag & Bone.<br />
Held in the third-floor Cusp department, the event donated 10 percent of proceeds from Theory, ALC, Rag & Bone, Frame, J Brand, Helmut Lang and Etienne Marcel to CHLA.
"I've been involved with the hospital for four or five years; I live really closeby and have been in to visit the kids," said Akerman, who's back home from filming and promoting the second season of the Showtime hit "Billions."
She won't have long, though, as she just signed on to costar in "Rampage" opposite Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Naomie Harris, and filming begins April 4 in Atlanta.
"It's been a while since I did a big film. I get to play a villain in this one. It'll be a big 'King Kong' kind of vibe," she said of the video game reboot, slated for
Categories Style ArticlesTags Akerman, Benefit, Childrens, hospital, Hosts, L.A., Malin, Marcus, Neiman
Pro Bowl gives Rivers closure after move to L.A.
Categories Sports NewsTags after, Bowl, Closure, Gives, L.A., Move, Rivers
Greg Lauren, Banana Republic Partner for Made in L.A. Men's Collection
Banana Republic is following Greg Lauren down the path of artisanally crafted, domestically sewn fashion for its new men's collaboration.
Lauren, who's known for designing clothes that meld Old World tailoring with resourcefulness in incorporating vintage fabrics at his namesake Los Angeles-based label, is offering 16 pieces that have undergone multiple washings and hand-done techniques in local factories. In a partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Gap Inc.'s Banana Republic is embarking on the new capsule collection to follow a women's project designed with Timo Weiland last March.
"We want to challenge our customers, the ones that are forward thinking," said Michael Anderson, the retailer's senior vice president of design. Having observed Lauren's emergence in the industry, he added, "What really interested me in him is: His reference points in his collection are very similar to our reference points."
Fond of whimsical details, such as inserting a red whipstitch on a denim jacket as it's being slipped into a box for shipping, Lauren recalled that his initial response to the CFDA's proposition from Banana Republic was: "Wow — that's interesting. Are you sure they really want to work with me?"
Banana Republic did. Hoping to reverse a 10 percent drop in
Categories Style ArticlesTags Banana, Collection, Greg, L.A., Lauren, Made, Mens, Partner, Republic
Be Thankful You're Not in This L.A. Traffic Jam
This video will stress you out.
Categories News & EntertainmentTags L.A., thankful, this, Traffic, You're
L.A. Dodgers New Era City Factory 59FIFTY Fitted Hat – Royal
No one will doubt your devotion to the L.A. Dodgers when they see you wearing this New Era City Factory 59FIFTY fitted hat while watching the game. The vivid L.A. Dodgers graphics will stand out in any crowd, whether it's at the ballpark or at home with friends. The structured fit brings added comfort and security to any outfit you wear while rooting for the L.A. Dodgers.
Categories Sporting & Fitness SectionTags 59FIFTY, City, Dodgers, Factory, Fitted, L.A., Royal
L.A. Dodgers New Era Youth Diamond Era BP 59FIFTY Performance Home Fitted Hat – Royal/White
Crank up your little one's L.A. Dodgers fandom on game day with this Diamond Era 59FIFTY performance game fitted hat from New Era! This authentic hat is perfect for rallying up some team spirit and showing off how much pride he has in his L.A. Dodgers! It features a unique L.A. Dodgers design and COOLERA technology that helps wick away sweat.
Categories Sporting & Fitness SectionTags 59FIFTY, Diamond, Dodgers, Fitted, Home, L.A., Performance, Royal/White, Youth
L.A. Dodgers New Era League Basic 59FIFTY Fitted Hat – Black
Give your beloved L.A. Dodgers a sweet shout out! Every fan needs a cool hat to rock on game day, and this League Basic 59FIFTY from New Era is just what you need to show that team spirit as they dominate the field! It features big bold L.A. Dodgers graphics that you'll wear with pride every time they play!
Categories Sporting & Fitness SectionTags 59FIFTY, Basic, Black, Dodgers, Fitted, L.A., League
�Si, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A. (English and Spanish Edition)
�S�, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can! is a bilingual fictional story set against the backdrop of the successful janitors' strike in Los Angeles in 2000. It tells about Carlitos, whose mother is a janitor. Every night, he sleeps while his mother cleans in one of the skyscrapers in downtown L.A. When she comes home, she waves Carlitos off to school before she goes to sleep. One night, his mam� explains that she can't make enough money to support him and his abuelita the way they need unless she makes more money as a janitor. She and the other janitors have decided to go on strike.How will Carlitos support his mother? Carlitos wants to help but he cannot think of a way until his teacher, Miss Lopez, explains in class how her own grandfather had fought for better wages for farmworkers when he first came to the United States. He and the other children in his class join the marchers with a very special sign for his mom!�S�, Se Puede! is a Jane Addams Peace Award Honor Book, a Skipping Stones Honor Book, as well as a selection for The Best of Beyond Difference, a recommended list of the top 10 diversity books published in 2002.Diana Cohn, the author, is a social activist. As an elementary teacher, she discovered there were few books for children that discussed social issues, so she began to write as an avocation. She now works as Program Director for the Solidago Foundation, a foundation that supports communities working for economic and env
Categories Men ClothingTags �Si, Edition, English, Janitor, L.A., Puede, Spanish, Strike
Carlitos' mother is a janitor. Every night, he sleeps while his mother cleans in one of the skyscrapers in downtown L.A. When she comes home, she waves Carlitos off to school before she goes to sleep. One night, his mam� explains that she can't make enough money to support him and his abuelita the way they need unless she makes more money as a janitor. She and the other janitors have decided to go on strike.Will he support her and help her all he can? Of course, Carlitos wants to help but he cannot think of a way until his teacher, Miss Lopez, explains in class how her own grandfather had fought for better wages for farmworkers when he first came to the United States. Finally, Carlitos knows how he can show his mam� how proud he is of her. He and the other children in his class make posters and Carlitos joins the marchers with a very special sign for his mom!�S�, Se Puede! is a Jane Addams Peace Award Honor Book, a Skipping Stones Honor Book, as well as a selection for The Best of Beyond Difference, a recommended list of the top 10 diversity books published in 2002.Diana Cohn, the author, is a social activist. As an elementary teacher, she discovered there were few books for children that discussed social issues, so she began to write as an avocation. She now works as Program Director for the Solidago Foundation, a foundation that supports communities working for economic and environmental justice. She lives on a houseboat in Sausalito, Cal
Categories Women ClothingTags �Si, Edition, English, Janitor, L.A., Puede, Spanish, Strike
ArtsBeat: 'Made in L.A.' at Hammer Museum Casts a Global Eye
A show intended to focus on emerging artists adds a biennial veteran, Sterling Ruby.
Categories ArtsTags ArtsBeat, Cast's, Global, Hammer, L.A., Made, Museum
Mavs' Parsons: Jordan 'not a priority to us' or L.A.
ESPN.com – TOP
Categories Sports NewsTags &aposnot, Jordan, L.A., Mavs&apos, Parsons, priority, us&apos
Kobe sets mark by tipping off 20th season in L.A.
Categories Sports NewsTags 20th, KOBE, L.A., Mark, Season, Sets, tipping
From Nirvana to GG Allin, Flipside's Krk Dominguez Photographed Post-Hardcore in L.A.
Like all vital, dynamic art movements throughout history, punk rock suffered from the high bar set by the earliest proponents of the movement. By 1980, no punk band in England could ever hope to match what the Sex Pistols and Clash had done and likewise in Los Angeles, the Germs and Black Flag were high water marks of the genre that few in the mid to late 1980s could reach.
Krk Dominguez solo show "More Than A Witness: Post-Hardcore and Beyond 1985-2015." Lethal Amounts Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles.
As it was for the bands in L.A., so too was it for the photographers on the scene. The footsteps of the great Ed Colver were impossible to fill. With the lion's share of the iconic shots hoarded by that one talent, few could imagine that an artistic record of the ongoing movement would make for a compelling art exhibit.
Nirvana onstage at Al's Bar, Downtown Los Angeles, June 1989. From the Krk Dominguez solo show "More Than A Witness: Post-Hardcore and Beyond 1985-2015." Lethal Amounts Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles.
And yet, almost thirty years after he began, Krk Dominguez has delivered a reminder that there was life after "Damaged" in the clubs and bars and that documenting it in the shadow of a giant allowed him to find his own artistic voice. Hanging floor to ceiling, the over-poster-sized photo editions are printed on thick paper and feature glimpses into bygone moments of beer, sweat, anarchy and the culture of suburban American nonconformity made manifest.
The bands that came after punk's first wave knew they were not foraging new territory and that created a hunger to push any edge they ever happened upon. At L.A.'s Lethal Amounts Gallery, Dominguez presented "More Than A Witness," his solo exhibit documenting thirty years of photographing punk and alternative performances. Dominguez casts a wide umbrella to describe the scene he covered: Post-Hardcore. The Post-Hardcore scene broke from many orthodoxies that had strangled the creative energy out of punk. Long hair, the last taboo of original punk, seems the trademark at times in these pictures. Bands suddenly didn't give a shit to admit they liked Black Sabbath as much or more than they liked Fear or Bad Religion. The Post-Hardcore scene welcomed many touring acts through Los Angeles, returning the favor that many early L.A. greats had done small scenes nationwide in relentless touring across the country.
A large centerpiece triptych of GG Allin installed beneath an enlarged proof sheet of Norvana playing in 1989 at Al's Bar. From the Krk Dominguez solo show "More Than A Witness: Post-Hardcore and Beyond 1985-2015." Lethal Amounts Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles.
Post Hardcore was good at finding the edges and Krk's camera found its chief purveyors heading straight toward the cliff. The glazed eyes of GG Allin stare into oblivion in the show's artiest indulgence, a wall installation triptych that repeats the same photo of Allin once on a car hood and twice on more traditional rectangular surfaces. The patron saint of self-destruction holds center court, but look above – a proof sheet blowup of Nirvana playing to twenty people on a bill they shared with bands like Claw Hammer at Downtown L.A.'s Al's Bar in 1989. The installation seems to imply that while Allin did himself in quite spectacularly, Kurt Cobain was ultimately no less self-destructive when he committed suicide.
A photo of Nirvana at Raji's from 1990 emblazoned across the front window of the Lethal Amounts gallery. From the Krk Dominguez solo show "More Than A Witness: Post-Hardcore and Beyond 1985-2015." Lethal Amounts Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles.
Nirvana pops up a lot here, with the legendary Claw Hammer co-bill show and hanging out at Raji's two years before fame would strike, pre-Dave Grohl. Nirvana's "Grunge" label belies them as the ultimate purveyors of a Post-Hardcore sound that fearlessly played verses slower than the punk thrash standard and then blew out all cylinders in sheer intensity on choruses. Yes, they were the band that "won it all" and in true punk fashion, threw it all away. And Krk was there when they were just one more band to shoot and interview for the pages of Flipside, L.A.'s longest-running punk zine.
Photographer Krk Dominguez at the mid-August opening reception for his solo show "More Than A Witness: Post-Hardcore and Beyond 1985-2015." Lethal Amounts Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles.
The motto of founder Al Flipside: "Be more than a witness," is a maxim Dominguez took in earnest. We are treated to a chaotic stage shot of Savage Republic that blurs where the band ends and the crowd begins. GWAR in all of their costumed glory are still the furthest thing from quaint over 25 years after Krk shot them in what appears to be a nightclub parking lot. Fugazi, the Dwarves, the Melvins – it all starts to blur in an installation that packs in large prints with no concept of what a minimal hanging might even look like. And were proper gallery centerline hanging instructions given, well, El Duce, of the Mentors, has a time-honored one-finger salute to cure you of any illusions of artsy seriousness or nostalgia for a simpler time.
El Duce Hollywood Live, Hollywood, circa: 1991. From the Krk Dominguez solo show "More Than A Witness: Post-Hardcore and Beyond 1985-2015." Lethal Amounts Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles.
•All photos here from the gallery's opening reception courtesy of Ben Easley.
•Photos of Nirvana and El Duce are courtesy of the artist.
•Krk's solo show runs thru the end of September at Lethal Amounts Gallery in Downtown L.A. – for more info visit their website.
•Follow Krk Dominguez online: FaceBook – KRK Dominguez • instagram: @krkdominguezphoto
Entertainment News-Visit Adults Playland today for the hottest adult entertainment online!
Categories News & EntertainmentTags 'allin', Dominguez, Flipside's, from, L.A., Nirvana, Photographed, PostHardcore
Pharrell, Pusha T Propel Creativity With Adidas and L.A. Kids
THE NEW SUPERSTARS: Rap music fired up more than 200 artists, athletes and students to get creative with Pharrell Williams and Adidas at Los Angeles' Milk Studio on Saturday night.
Using the athletic company's Original Superstar sneaker as a canvas, guests dug into a tote bag of tools provided by Adidas, which wanted to see how the Millennials would reinvent its signature shell toe detail. Each unique design was then digitally printed onto an actual pair of shoes and projected as the backdrop for a surprise performance by rapper Pusha T, one of the five influencers hand-picked by the multifaceted Williams.
"The goal was for Adidas to open up doors and provide a platform for young creative minds to, you know, bring their ideas into fruition and to see that it could be done," said Williams, who enjoys an ongoing collaboration with Adidas that lets him show not only his artistic side but also his progressive views on society and culture.
"It's just a way to be with the culture, with the kids and with the people," Pusha T said. "We're pushing creativity, and getting to see the youth."
The event embodied Adidas' fall campaign motif of creating for an audience of one, something exemplified
WWD » Pharrell, Pusha T Propel Creativity with Adidas and Kids in L.A. | WWD
Categories Style ArticlesTags Adidas, Creativity, Kids', L.A., Pharrell, Propel, Pusha
L.A. Slasher
Categories Movie Reviews & TrailersTags L.A., Slasher
New Era L.A. Dodgers Diamond Era 59FIFTY Fitted Hat – Royal Blue/White
Before you head out on your annual Spring Training trip: make sure youre protected from the sun by wearing what Los Angeles wears out on the diamond. Be a part of the Dodgers by sporting this 2013 Diamond Era 59FIFTY fitted hat. This is the official cap that is worn by the players during Spring Training games and pre-game workouts. This New Era cap features a 3D embroidered team logo on the crown: is made with COOLERA technology to wick away moisture and SOLARERA technology to protect you from UV rays. This is the start of a new season for L.A.: so make sure youre sporting this 2013 official B.P. cap while youre enjoying the games this spring!
Categories Sporting & Fitness SectionTags 59FIFTY, Blue/White, Diamond, Dodgers, Fitted, L.A., Royal
L.A. Reid Says It's Not 'Realistic' For Mariah Carey To Make Another Number One Hit
Mariah Carey has a new compilation of her number one hits entitled, "#1 to Infinity." Sound familiar? Yes, it's her third. On Monday, the songstress gave fans a sneak peek of the music video for the album's lead single, "Infinity."
Although the single failed to crack Billboard's Top 10 charts — it debuted at 82 earlier this month— Carey's longtime label boss, L.A. Reid, says it's not "realistic" to expect the Grammy Award-winning songstress to regain her previous chart-topping success in today's music climate.
"Mariah Carey made her first hit record in 1991. To even be on the radio at this point in her career is a huge accomplishment, because radio doesn't cater to veteran artists or legends," he said.
But he didn't stop there. In a new interview with Billboard, Reid explained why he feels veteran artists such as Carey, Bruce Springsteen and Prince have difficulty earning radio airplay.
"Radio caters to in-the-moment stars… Nobody that put out records 25 years ago is going to have a No. 1. Not Paul, Stevie, Bruce, Mick or Keith. Not Prince, not anyone. So if she can get on the radio, we've done damn good. Would we like to have a No. 1? F– yeah, I'm greedy. But it's not realistic."
Reid's revealed his solution for veteran artists to the mag. "I like concept records, I like the idea of thematic, storytelling records. I love duets and the Great American Songbook. I think a great vocalist should un-cage themselves and think about things like that sometimes," he stated.
"I mean, Frank Sinatra did it. It's fun to sing songs you love. And let's not forget that one of Mariah's biggest hits, 'I'll Be There,' was a cover. There are many things that Mariah can still do."
Read more of L.A. Reid's Billboard interview here.
Categories Divorce ArticlesTags Another, Carey, It's, L.A., Mariah, Number, Realistic, Reid, Says
The miracle in L.A.
Categories Sports NewsTags L.A., Miracle
The L.A. Wedding: A Guide to Wedding Planning, Sites, and Services
Categories Wedding SectionTags Guide, L.A., Planning, Services, Sites, Wedding
St. Louis mayor: No bidding war with L.A.
City and state leaders are committed to keeping the Rams in St. Louis, but not at the expense of a "bidding war" with Los Angeles.
ESPN.com – NFL
Categories Sports NewsTags bidding, L.A., Louis, Mayor
Rams owner planning stadium site in L.A.
The St. Louis Rams could be headed back home to Los Angeles as early as 2016.
Categories Sports NewsTags L.A., owner, Planning, Rams, Site, Stadium
Giovanni L.A. Natural Styling Gel 6.8oz
Strong holdGrab onto style and hold on tight with our strongest gel that takes hold to the extreme so you can stand firm in the spotlightSecures shape with extreme holdShines brilliantly with surface enhancersControls frizz with authorityAqua (Purified Water) with Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Oil, Nettle (Urtica Dioica) Oil, Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil, Birch Leaf (Butela Alba) Oil, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis Flower) Oil, Clary (Salvia Sclarea), Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago Farfara), Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Oil, Mallow (Malva Sylvestris), Horsetail (Equistetum Arvense) Oil, PVP/VA Copolymer, Soybean Protein (Glycine Soja), Hydroxyethylcellulose (plant derived), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid (corn), Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Grapefruit Seed (citrus derived). Certified organic
Categories BeautyTags 6.8oz, Giovanni, L.A., Natural, Styling
Sources: Goodell says no L.A. team in 2015
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told the San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams that there will not be a team that moves to Los Angeles for next season, according to league sources.
Categories Sports NewsTags 2015, Goodell, L.A., Says, Sources, Team
Giovanni L.A. Hold Hair Spritz 5oz
Maximum holdSpray this hard-holding mist all over your finished style for total controlHolds hair hard and in place all dayRetains style and adds shineWashes out easily, leaving a conditioned feelAqua (Purified Water) with Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Oil, Nettle (Urtica Dioica) Oil, Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil, Birch Leaf (Butela Alba) Oil, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis Flower) Oil, Clary (Salvia Sclarea), Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago Farfara), Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Oil, Mallow(Malva Sylvestris), Horsetail (Equistetum Arvense) Oil, PVP/VA Copolymer, Soybean Protein (Glycine Soja), Alcohol Denatured (plant derived), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Trace Minerals, Citric Acid (corn), Grapefruit Seed (citrus derived), Fragrance with Essential Oils. *Certified Organic by Guaranteed Certification Services.
Categories BeautyTags Giovanni, Hair, Hold, L.A., Spritz
L.A. Dodgers 3-Pack Clothes Hangers
Celebrate your L.A. Dodgers fandom with these 3-pack clothes hangers. You are the type of fan that likes to keep your team apparel wrinkle-free and these convenient clothes hangers will have you covered. They feature printed L.A. Dodgers-themed graphics on each hanger and have extra strength for those L.A. Dodgers jackets or hoodies. Shop for your favorite MLB gear at Fanatics.com
Categories Children ClothingTags 3Pack, Clothes, Dodgers, Hangers, L.A.
Matt Kemp L.A. Dodgers Triple Play Game Used Photomint
Your office needs a touch of Los Angeles Dodgers pride in it. Make it a point to show the rest of your coworkers who you root for on the diamond by hanging up this Matt Kemp Triple Play game used photomint. This 16 x 13 frame features a highdefinition photo of Kemp, his stat sheet, a Dodgers commemorative coin and a coin with authenticated infield dirt. This limited edition photomint is numbered out of 1000, so you better make room for this frame in your office before they sell out!
Categories Games & ToysTags Dodgers, Game, Kemp, L.A., Matt, Photomint, Play, Triple, USED
Made in L.A. 2014
Used – Celebrating the Hammer Museum's biennial, this volume brings together the work of thirty-five emerging and under-recognised artists from Los Angeles. It features new installations, videos, films, sculptures, performances, and paintings, commissioned exclusively for the biennial, and offers a snapshot of the current trends and practices coming out of the L.A. scene. Each artist is featured in multiple pages, along with six foldout spreads specifically designed for the book by some of the a
Categories Sporting & Fitness SectionTags 2014, L.A., Made
Neil LaBute Q&A: The Controversial Playwright Talks About His L.A. Theater Takeover
Fans of safe and saccharine theater in Los Angeles better run and hide this summer because acclaimed and controversial playwright Neil LaBute doesn't just have one production currently in town — he has two!
Vilified and labeled as a misanthrope and misogynist thanks to his unflinching brand of art, indeed his plays and films have shocked many, including films In the Company of Men, Your Friends & Neighbors, Nurse Betty and The Shape of Things to Come. It's interesting to have LaBute's unrelenting drama, often filled with self-absorbed characters and very poignant and disturbingly social themes, takeover Los Angeles theater.
Continuing with his beauty trilogy in Reasons to Be Pretty at the Geffen Playhouse, LaBute takes on society's ongoing fixation with beauty and in particular one man's inability to say the right thing — ever. When Greg makes an innocuous, off-handed remark about his girlfriend Steph, it triggers a battle by which their relationship will forever be defined. Tony nominated for Best Play, Reasons to Be Pretty continues a series that includes The Shape of Things, Fat Pig (a previous Geffen Playhouse hit) and Reasons to Be Happy.
Meanwhile, across town on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, LaBute's personal In a Dark Dark House focuses on the many effects of sexual abuse and the way society might be expected to react to abused victims.
While LaBute has recently directed episodes of AMC's "Hell on Wheels" as well as the good natured ensemble comedy Death at a Funeral possibly giving way to a kinder and gentler LaBute, it's his taut dramas that have caused critics and some audiences to label him as a pariah.
Who can forget Aaron Eckhart's character Chad in In the Company of Men hatefully blather, "Women. Nice ones, the most frigid of the race, it doesn't matter in the end. Inside they're all the same meat and gristle and hatred just simmering."
Or that other gem of his, "Never trust anything that can bleed for a week and not die."
You can see why LaBute is a lightning rod, even if the man himself doesn't.
Your name and work evoke a strong gut reaction. Do you consider no reaction the worst kind of reaction?
I probably do. I would think just about anybody would feel that way. We're taught at some age to always want positive reaction but it makes sense when you're out there asking questions, which is a big part of what playwrights are supposed to do, not always having answers but at least asking questions. I think, depending on the questions, it's very important to take the temperature of people. If people think you have nothing to say or you're of little interest that would probably be the worst.
If everybody were to love your work, is that not the reaction you would want either?
I'm not the kid in class who only wants negative attention, that's certainly not me. I'll take nothing but positive attention, that's OK. I feel that I've had almost negative attention for some things. I know what it feels like on both ends. You're always trying to connect and tell stories that are different than what everyone else has. I'm always looking to connect with an audience, and yet, sometimes it's negative but through that negativity sometimes you've left them with something to think about. I think both sides of that can be useful.
In college, some of your plays where shut down immediately after their premieres. How do you define success–just opening?
Getting in front of an audience, in this world, is the requirement for the endgame, at least for theater. Once you've written something you're part of the way there. You do need to get in front of an audience. To have a connection with an audience is ultimately the goal.
With everything you've accomplished, is there still room for you to grow as an artist?
Of course, that's why I probably go back to teach as often as possible, just because you learn a ton from teaching people. There are so many parts of this world that I'm interested in. I get more interested in editing as I work in film; I haven't done much television and that world is new to me. Broadway is still a creature that I'm weary of. Event at my age, there are a lot of aspects that I have to learn or try to fail at.
Your name sparks a reaction. What's the biggest misconception about you?
The ones that I hear upon meeting people sometimes are, 'You're much nicer than I thought you'd be.' I wonder what it was exactly they were thinking. They imagine you're the worst. They never seem to think you're the best at what you can imagine. You were able to think of something, therefore, that must be you. Also, for the last seventeen – eighteen years, there's been this label of misogyny that started with In the Company of Men, that's a hard one to kick because people label you and once they've done that, they make it very hard for you. If they see something else, they'll say, that's no as misogynistic. For a movie that so many people actually saw as being a critical essay of men, being labeled misogynistic I thought was strange.
Is it fair that 17 years later people so closely identify you with that film?
I don't think it would hurt to reassess things every five years or so. That would be nice of people to check in on that sort of thing. I know how it happens but it's a bummer when you don't agree with it.
Can you talk about the power of the written word and what the various outlets mean to you?
Theater is still a place that allows you to say anything you want to say and take on anything that is of interest to you. There is no taboo, not for me at least. There's nothing that shouldn't be taken on.
Film, I think, is a medium that people still see as a more popular form of entertainment. Television, I think, is becoming a great place for writers and storytellers. I like this idea of telling multiple stories about a set of characters. I always turn the page and write about a new group of people. For a writer, that's a really interesting task to take on.
You have two shows currently playing in Los Angeles. What's that like?
They're two very different ones as well. I'm really excited by the people who are in them and also the directors.
What originally inspired these two productions?
You never know. I ended up with this third play in this trilogy about beauty; and I knew I wanted to do something about beauty and the way that we'll change ourselves or change for others. In a Dark Dark House was just a story that came to me, not thinking about my own past so much as filtering what I knew about the lives that these characters have and then wanting to tell a story about siblings.
You've called In a Dark Dark House very personal, yet this version was tweaked from its original form when it premiered in New York. Is it still as personal now?
I think so. The work that was done honed the structure and I moved things around and ultimately I think this version is the best structure of the play. It's not autobiographical but it's touching on things that were close to my life.
So plays are never finite?
Oh God no! I just wrote a new monologue for Amber Tamblyn in Reasons to Be Pretty. She had some questions and thoughts and it led me to write something. They're finished for now until somebody opens the book again and you start working on it again.
Reasons to Be Pretty marks your fourth collaboration with the Geffen Playhouse. What do you like about that theater?
It's nice to have a home somewhere. Because you can spread yourself so far around and with so many people, it's always great to go back to a place or group of people who you know and work with. It's great when the Geffen is interested in me doing something again. I love the space but I also love the people who run the place.
Are you happy playing in intimate theaters or do you want Broadway or the Pantages, which is the big theater in Los Angeles?
I tend to write things that are often pretty small cast and I love small theaters. That said, there are things you write that you think could be for Broadway but I tend not to think or write in those terms. Sadly, what usually drives people to think something would be good for Broadway is the fact that they have some star who might be interested. Rare is the play that I've written that I think it can only fit on a stage for a thousand people. They're often very intimate character studies.
You always get great talent in your plays, from David Duchovny to Ed Harris. What attracts big name actors to your work or is it that they just have to work?
It's probably a mix and that's OK for me. I think actors do, at some point, get a sense of a person who like actors and writes for actors, and is interested in them. I certainly feel that I've always liked actors and they get a buzz off me that says that. I never tend to write for people, as many good actors as I've had, I always have written just for characters and then good actors will appear. But like you said, some actors just want to work.
What do you hope audiences take away from a production of yours?
I just hope that there's something that they find there, whether it is characters or themes. I tend not to write about themes so much, but I love the idea that somebody in today's world, because we've created this kind of speed that we devour information these days, that any time that somebody goes to see your work and thinks about if for any length of time is a total victory.
Both Neil LaBute productions play through August 31. In a Dark Dark House plays at the Matrix Theatre, and Reasons to Be Pretty plays at the Geffen Playhouse.
Photo courtesy of Aaron Eckhart
Categories News & EntertainmentTags About, Controversial, L.A., LaBute, Neil, Playwright, Takeover, Talks, Theater
L.A. Shape Diet
Dr. Heber maintains that everyone is born with a particular shape and that this shape makes a huge difference in how you should approach weight loss. We've all heard about apple shape vs. pear shape and upper body fat vs. lower body fat, but how does this affect your ability to lose weight? Apple-shaped women tend to have more muscle than pear shaped women of the same height, and upper body fat is easier to lose than lower body fat, which is maintained by female hormones. Dr. Heber teaches the difference between the shape you can change and the shape you cannot, and how to do this with the right amount of dietary protein (and most women eat too little protein). Based on over 3500 measurements made by his researchers at UCLA, Dr. Heber has come up with tables that estimate how much protein you need in your diet at a given height and weight, and how many calories you should consume every day. Then Dr. Heber helps you build your own ideal diet, starting with protein, then 7 colourful servings of fruits and vegetables and finally whole grains. Dr.Heber explains not only glycemic index (how fast blood sugar goes up) but glycemic load (glycemic index + how much carbohydrate a food provides), which determines how a particular food affects the overall diet. He groups foods into four tables to make it easy for readers to navigate their dinner table.-
Categories Health & Wellness BooksTags Diet, L.A., Shape