Kristin's List: A Guide to Cultivated Los Angeles

A design movement meets cinema meets the wardrobe department. Join the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles for an afternoon of exploring how the looks of such iconic film stars as Joan Crawford, Mae West and Gloria Swanson were influenced by Art Deco. Showing rare footage of Erte dressing Lucille LeSueur (later Joan Crawford) and color clips from 1920s “Fashion News,” fashion aficionado Louise Coffey-Webb examines the origins of Art Deco and its influence on the Golden Age of Film.

WHEN: 2:00pm
ADMISSION: $10 General/$8 Seniors & Students/$7 Members
WHERE: Egyptian Theatre
ADDRESS: 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
THEATRE WEBSITE: www.americancinematheque.com

Open for only a few hours each day, Dave Berger & Sons is the ultimate discount designer shoe warehouse. With 7,000 shoes currently in stock, the Berger family embarrassingly surpasses Imelda’s collection of 3,000 with its selection of shoes by Sigerson Morrison, Prada, Miu Miu, Moschino, Yves Saint Laurent, Robert Clergierie and many more. Though discounts run up to 65% off retail prices, the inventory is always from the previous season, so be warned: you will have to endure trying on beautiful designer sandals from summer ‘08.

HOURS: 7:30am-2:30pm Mon-Fri, closed for lunch 11:15am-11:45am
WHERE: Dave Berger & Sons
ADDRESS: 403 E Washington St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
PHONE: (213) 749-9964
PARKING: Street parking and a few spaces in lot behind the store

The Museum of Natural Dye Arts presents a fashion show and ornament exhibit dedicated to “the beauty of ancient Korean dyeing techniques.” Using dyes made from such plants as safflower and indigo, the works will honor the five colors and elements of Korean cosmology — blue (wood), red (fire), yellow (earth), white (metal) and black (water). Hosted by the Korean Community Center, the Museum will also demonstrate its dyeing methods at a free workshop the following day.

FRI AUGUST 22:
OPENING RECEPTION (fashion show & ornament exhibit): 7pm-9pm

SAT AUGUST 23:
NATURAL DYE WORKSHOP: 11am-2pm

ADMISSION: Free
WHERE: Korean Cultural Center LA
ADDRESS: 5505 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
PHONE: (323) 936-7141
WEBSITE: www.kccla.org
MUSEUM OF NATURAL DYE ARTS: www.naturaldyeing.net

Out of the current boom of heady performance art comes the playful marriage of high fashion and rock ‘n’ roll theatrics by LA band Jean Paul Yamamoto. Join band members for “Instant Couture,” an improvised sewing performance and alternative fashion show where a dozen unique shirts will be designed, sewn and sold on the spot.


The twelve shirts will be sold for $50 each, cash only. To have one of the shirts, come by the event early to put your name on the list.

WHEN: 3pm-5pm
ADMISSION: Free
WHERE: Royal/T
ADDRESS: 8910 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
PHONE: (310) 559-6300
ROYAL/T WEBSITE: www.royal-t.org/cafe
JEAN PAUL YAMAMOTO MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/jeanpaulyamamoto

Abandoning the corseted fashions of the Victorian era, an international crowd of bohemians gave birth to a radical movement in women’s clothing design. Inspired by the Far East and ancient Greece, the loosely constructed garments, now on view at FIDM’s Museum, personify the free-spirited woman of the industrial age.

Due to the increased cost of materials and the rise of mass-produced clothing, the “Artistic Dress” trend was short-lived. However, its avant-garde notions about style continue to influence contemporary fashion design.

WHEN: 10am-4pm Tues-Sun
ADMISSION: Free
WHERE: FIDM Museum (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising)
ADDRESS: 919 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015
PHONE: (213) 624-1200 ext 2224
WEBSITE: www.fidm.com
ADDITIONAL INFO: The exhibit closes July 2

Bedecked in Givenchy-designed cocktail dresses, big sunglasses and pearls, socialite Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) is an icon of glamour and vulnerability in the 1961 “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Delight in Ms. Golightly’s joi de vivre at the social, and equally glamorous, Angel City Drive-In held on the rooftop of a downtown parking lot.

Drivers can make reservations in advance and often arrive early to get a good spot. Bike/walk-ins are also welcome and are encouraged to “bring lawn chairs, blankets, liquor, pillows, and what ever you want to get comfortable” on the Astroturf viewing area. Be sure to check the Angel City Drive In myspace page (www.myspace.com/angelcitydrivein) for complete details.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s”: 1961, Paramount Pictures, 115 min

WHEN: 7:30pm gates, 9pm show
ADMISSION: $10 per person
RESERVATIONS: www.devilsnight.com/store.htm
WHERE: 2nd Floor Roof Parking Lot
ADDRESS: 240 W 4th St @ Broadway, Downtown Los Angeles
WEBSITE: www.myspace.com/angelcitydrivein

From June 20 thru June 22 the TASCHEN bookstore at the Farmer’s Market in Hollywood is having its annual warehouse sale. Thousands of slightly damaged and display copies will be on sale for 50-75% off.





WHEN: 9am-9pm Fri, 9am-8pm Sat, 10am-7pm Sun
ADMISSION: Free
WHERE: TASCHEN
ADDRESS: Farmer’s Market, 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036
PHONE: (323) 931-1168
CONTACT: www.taschen.com

From June 20 thru June 22 the TASCHEN bookstore in Beverly Hills is having its annual warehouse sale. Thousands of slightly damaged and display copies will be on sale for 50-75% off.





WHEN: 10:00am-7:00pm Fri & Sat, 12:00pm-5:00pm Sun
ADMISSION: Free
WHERE: TASCHEN
ADDRESS: 354 N Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
PHONE: (310) 274-4300
WEBSITE: www.taschen.com

Katharine Hepburn’s silver gown in “The Philadelphia Story,” Greta Garbo’s cocked hat in “Romance” and Joan Crawford’s puffed sleeve dress in “Letty Lyndon” are but a few of the stunning costumes designed by Adrian during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Illustrated with archival film and runway images, Christian Esquevin’s book “Adrian: Silver Screen to Custom Label,” showcases Adrian’s glamorous designs for MGM (1924-1941) and his unrivaled position as a creator of American style. Join Esquevin at Book Soup as he presents and signs this new publication.

“Adrian: Silver Screen to Custom Label” also features the designs Adrian created for his own couture and ready-to-wear business which he opened in 1942. Now the public could own his pieces known for their asymmetrical draping, broad shoulders, dolman sleeves, slim skirts and unique patterned fabrics.

WHEN: 7pm
ADMISSION: Free
STORE HOURS: 9am-9pm Sun-Thurs, 9am-10pm Fri-Sat
WHERE: Book Soup
ADDRESS: 8818 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
PHONE: (310) 659-3110
WEBSITE: www.booksoup.com
PARKING: Limited parking behind store & street parking

LA silkscreen collective HIT+RUN brings their mobile screenprinting studio to Farmlab for a limited edition printing session. With graphic designs created by both street and fine artists, choose your own combination and placement of designs to make a customized t-shirt on the spot. Bring a blank shirt to work on and a few will be available at Farmlab.

Artists involved with designing HIT+RUN graphics include Cody Hudson, Maya Hayuk, Kofie, Jeff Jank, Parra, kozyndan, HVW8, B+, Kime Buzzelli, Shepard Fairey, Kevin Lyons, AMBUSCH and Restitution Press.

WHEN: 12noon
ADMISSION: Free
WHERE: Farmlab
ADDRESS: 1745 N. Spring St, Unit 4, Los Angeles, CA 90012
PHONE: (323) 226-1158
WEBSITE: www.farmlab.org

Designed by Peter Marino, the new Chanel boutique on Robertson Boulevard, to open on May 30th, will house a smaller, more tightly focused collection of ready-to-wear, fine jewelry, accessories and cosmetics. The high-concept store is focused on presenting its wares in a gallery-like setting that includes two original works by artist Robert Greene. To celebrate its grand opening the fashion house has designed four limited edition nail lacquers in bright pop-art shades.

WHEN: 11am-7pm Mon-Sat
WHERE: Chanel
ADDRESS: 125 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
PHONE: (310) 278-5505

Alexander McQueen, known as the bad boy of fashion with his outrageous designs and provocative shows, has opened his first LA boutique. The combination of McQueen’s controversial creativity and technical mastery is reflected in the high concept 3,100 square foot store’s design.

The store will carry McQueen’s womenswear, menswear, accessories and eyewear collections. “I am excited about the opportunity of being more accessible to a community that will clearly understand and appreciate the glamour in my work,” said McQueen about the opening of his LA store.

STORE HOURS: 11am-7pm Mon-Sat, 12pm-6pm Sun
WHERE: Alexander McQueen
ADDRESS: 8379 Melrose Ave, Beverly Hills, CA
PHONE: (323) 782-4983
WEBSITE: www.alexandermcqueen.com

The avant-garde Japanese clothing company, Comme des Garçons, has launched its first U.S. guerilla store in downtown LA. Accessible only through an alleyway behind a metal gate, the temporary pop-up shop will carry clothing from nine of the twelve Comme des Garçons lines, as well as the designs of Junya Watanabe, the protégé of head designer Rei Kawakubo.

The Comme des Garçons guerilla stores (Beirut, Athens, Warsaw, Singapore) do not stay open for more than one year, exist in marginalized urban areas, and are about exploring style, art, and space without being attached to place.

Comme des Garçons president Adrian Joffe explains, “Nothing stands still; only the concept and strategy remains the same. Just like guerrillas who are always fighting for freedom, but change their tactics as they go along.”

STORE HOURS: 12pm-7pm Mon-Sat, 12pm-6pm Sun
WHERE: Comme des Garcons Guerilla Store
ADDRESS: 125 W 4th St, Suite 106, Los Angeles, CA 90013
PHONE: (213) 626-6606
WEBSITE: www.guerrilla-store.com/plus1213

This years Vintage Fashion Expo, with clothing and accessories on sale from the last 125 years, presents a Vintage Fashion Show. The show includes a timeline of fashion history and the world events that were related to these fads. In addition, instructions on how to achieve hairstyles from the 30s, 40s and 50s will accompany the book signing of “Vintage Hairstyling.”

WHEN: 10:30am-6pm May 10, 11am-5pm May 11
ADMISSION: $10
ADMISSION NOTE: Early buying 9am-10:30am May 10, $20 Admission
WHERE: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
ADDRESS: 1855 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
PHONE: (310) 458-8551
WEBSITE: www.vintageexpo.com

The Heritage Museum’s “Lights! Camera! Glamour! The Photography of George Hurrell” exhibit displays more than eighty iconic photographs of Hollywood actors.

As studio photographer for MGM, Warner Brothers and Columbia, Hurrell shot some of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing personalities, creating the template for the Hollywood glamour portrait. His flawless photography was instrumental in shaping the images of stars such as Joan Crawford, James Cagney, and Rita Hayworth.

The exhibition also features a replica of Hurrell’s studio, with his camera, boom light and hand painted screen and a room of nude portraits, many of which are being shown for the first time.

WHEN: 11am-4pm Wed-Sun
ADMISSION: $5 General Admission/$3 Seniors & Students
WHERE: California Heritage Museum
ADDRESS: 2612 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
PHONE: (310) 392-8537
WEBSITE: www.californiaheritagemuseum.org
ADDITIONAL INFO: The exhibit runs from January 8 thru June 29