los angeles confidential - 2015 - issue 8 - winter - mark ronson
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Thriller-seekers: Lighting both a red-carpet fire in 1984 having an
18-year-old Brooke Shields on his arm and an actual fire—his hair
went aflame earlier in the year during the filming of a Pepsi
commercial—Michael Jackson ruled the 26th Grammy Awards
at the Shrine Auditorium.
The Shrine Auditorium has been hosting A-1 events and primo performers
since its inception almost a century ago. Its immense stage has seen it all—from
one of the principal locales for the original 1933 film King Kong to the very
place the history-making civil rights march (led by Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr.) began during the 1960 Democratic National Convention. Most famously
perhaps, the world-renowned venue with the tricked out Moorish Revival
exterior has hosted countless entertainment-industry events (the Emmys and
the Academy Awards among them). And, in 1978, the 20th annual Grammy
Awards (folk superstar, the late John Denver, emceed the evening’s festivities)
took a bow at the LA landmark for the first time.
Throughout the 57-year history of the recording industry’s annual musical
shindig, the Shrine has hosted more shows—16 telecasts in total from 1978–1999—
than any other venue in Grammy history. During that time, just about every
mega-talent in the music industry took the stage to accept—or present—a famed
gold gramophone, from Carlos Santana, Quincy Jones, Fleetwood Mac, and
Frank Sinatra to Sting, Miles Davis, the Beastie Boys, and Lauryn Hill.
In 1984, an infamous accident would occur, making the Shrine and the
Grammys even bigger cultural emblems, when pop icon Michael Jackson’s
hair caught fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial at the iconic theater.
Although the pyrotechnic disaster halted filming, it didn’t stop Jackson from
winning eight Grammy Awards that year (setting the record for the most wins
in one night) for his groundbreaking Thriller album.
Built by the Al Malaikah Shriners in 1906, the souped-up auditorium was
built to be the fraternal organization’s official clubhouse, as well as a civic cen-
ter for the citizens of Los Angeles. Though a voracious fire burned the building
to the ground in 1920, a pristine new Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall opened
its doors six years later. Today, after nearly a century in existence, the Shrine is
still hosting Hollywood’s biggest events—a star, past, present, and future. LAC
Shrine On!Home to tHe most televised Grammy awards sHows, tHe Shrine Auditorium celebrates tHe biG 9-0.
by erika thomas
18 la-confidential-magazine.com
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18 // front runner
34 // letter from the editor-in-Chief
36 // letter from the publisher
38 // the list
79 // invited
style
41 // la dolCe vitaDomenico Dolce and Stefano
Gabbana celebrate three decades
of fashion and femininity.
44 // shangri-languorous
This season, shimmering prints and
patterns conjure up wayfaring luxury.
48 // style spotlightFancy slippers, fab-collabs, and Louis
Vuitton in miniature: Welcome to
winter’s most stylish news.
52 // entrée nous…LA’s latest luxury retail trend?
Appointment only, please.
54 // the Wright stuffRobin Wright and Karen Fowler cre-
ate a clothing company that supports
embattled women in the Congo.
56 // va-va-visages!For rare-watch devotees, an elaborate
dial made from extraordinary
materials is the ultimate turn-on.
58 // the house that John built
The father-son team of Westime shares
what makes their family enterprise tick.
41Viva Italia! Stefano Gabbana (seated) and Domenico Dolce pay homage to
all things feminine and favoloso through their forever-iconic label.
65Renaissance (super)man: Indefatigable multihyphenate, LA-native, and music megastar will.i.am goes for global gold.
CUltURe
65 // Will-poWerMusic! Fashion! Tech! Philanthropy! LA’s
biggest multihyphenate, will.i.am, is on
a nonstop course for world domination.
68 // all about neW year’s eveForget the party in the Hills or the lines
at H’wood clubs. Head to Vegas, baby,
where Maroon 5 leads the pack of NYE
superstars on the Strip.
70 // trophy CityOn the winding, gold-brick road to
awards season, there are some essential
stops along the way.
74 // louis! louis!Versailles is for the hoi polloi. This winter,
Louis XIV reigns supreme at the Getty.
76 // a star groWs in Brooklyn…
...and Hollywood! With a spate of scene-
stealing primo roles, Brooklyn’s Emory
Cohen is on his way to the land of Oscar.
tAste
89 // Cuisine artistsWhat do two smokin’ DJs, Asian grub,
and awards season share in common?
E.P. & L.P., LA’s celeb spot du soir.
90 // and the aWard goes to...
LA’s celebrity restaurant owners pick the
winners—from their own menus!
92 // going dutCh!In an exclusive interview, the Nolet
family celebrates 325 years of distilling
some of the world’s most sublime spirits—
including vodka superstar, Ketel One.
98 // taste spotlightThe Belvedere at the Peninsula gets a
Mediterranean revamp, while seasonal
sweets and boozy exclusives bring
holiday cheer.
24 la-confidential-magazine.com
contents Winter 2015/2016
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A HISTORY OF MODERN.
AVAILABLE AT DAVID ORGELL
262 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
davidorgell.com
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features
100 // Uptown BoyThe too-kool-for-school king of post-
modern Pop—Mark Ronson—is at it
again. Just in time for Grammys.
By Luke Crisell
Photography by Karl Simone
106 // AllUsions of GrAndeUr
It’s a new age of magnifcence this season
as fashion goes absolutely opulent.
Photography by Daniela Federici
Styling by Garth Condit
112 // ViVA 48 HoUrs!In the era of acronyms, emojis,
and 140-characters-or-less, comes
turbo-charged travel: the meticulously
planned, lightning-fast two-day vaca-
tion. Here’s what to do, see, and eat in
48 fabulous hours in America’s most
exciting cities.
100Grammy Whammy! The mind behind one of the most successful songs in music history (let alone the year), dandy man Mark Ronson reflects on his ascendancy to Pop-music’s throne.
Velvet tuxedo jacket, Bally ($2,795). 340 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-271-3310; bally.com. White shirt, Prada ($570). 343 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-8661; prada.com. Silk bow tie, Ermenegildo Zegna ($145). 337 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-247-8827; zegna.com. Black suit pants, Canali ($495). 9547 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-270-4200; canali.com. Signature black derby shoes, Saint Laurent ($795). 469 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-271-4110; ysl.com. Oyster Perpetual Milgauss watch, Rolex ($8,200). Gearys, 360 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-887-4200; gearys.com
26 la-confidential-magazine.com
contents Winter 2015/2016
ROBERTO COIN BOUTIQUE1141A Highland Avenue | Manhattan Beach, CA | 90266 | 310.546.4900
®ROBERTOCOIN
POIS MOI COLLECTION | robertocoin.com
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89With celebrated Asian-via-Australia fare (like this scallop and mussel curry) and a blazing-hot rooftop bar scene, in-high-demand E.P. & L.P. puts LA’s Restaurant Row back on the map.
haute
property
123 // RebiRth of
the ModeRn
Long a master of Cali-classic chic,
RH launches a new collection at a
reimagined gallery dedicated to all
things mod.
124 // haute pRopeRty
spotlight
Get the download on the latest
home décor with these contempo-
techie-cool updates.
aND FINaLLy...
136 // seasonal
affection
disoRdeR
Thanks to awards season, these days
spring fever has to wait until winter.
on the coVeR:
Mark RonsonPhotography by Karl SimoneStyling by Kashi Mai SomersGrooming by Jessica Ortiz for Living Proof at The Wall GroupPhoto Assistant: Ned WitrogenLocation: PHD Terrace and The Rickey lounge at the Dream Hotel Midtown, New York City
Jacket, Paul Smith ($1,695). 8221 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-951-4800; paulsmith.co.uk. Cotton shirt, Theory ($205). 8428 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323-782-0163; theory.com. Black suit pants, Prada ($890). 343 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-8661; prada.com
28 la-confidential-magazine.com
contents Winter 2015/2016
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HOW TO BE THE BEST HOLIDAY GUEST
We turn to the pros for advice on how to rock the party circuit.
THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR THE MEN IN
YOUR LIFE
We’ve compiled presents that are sure to please this holiday season.
SEE THE
LATEST FROM
LAST NIGHT’S
EVENTS
Couldn’t attend? Browse
the newest photos from
LA’s most exclusive parties.
photos
gift guide
celebrate
at la-confdential-magazine.comWe have the inside scoop on Los Angeles’s
best parties, pursuits, and more.
JOIN US ONLINE
COME FOLLOW US
©2
015
CO
AC
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CHLOË GRACE MORETZ / Actress
Coach Swagger 27 in metallic blueBiker Sheepskin Coat in black/natural
32 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
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CALIBER RM 63-01
DIZZY HANDS
RODEO DRIVE, BEVERLY HILLS
310-285-9898
RICHARD MILLE BOUTIQUE
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An Editor and a Gentleman: Greeting cover star and humanitarian Richard Gere at Los Angeles Confidential’s October issue party at the AKA Beverly Hills; an aging American gigolo flirting with TV host and blogger Laura Saltman (LEFT) and E! News executive producer Jen Lavin at the magazine’s pre-Emmy soirée at the Sofitel; hanging with ex-colleague/silver fox Pat Walters at LAC ’s Men of Style shindig at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.
SIXTY IS THE NEW 30. Again and again, in our supposedly
youth-obsessed culture, I am struck by the power of my peers (I’ll
turn 55 this month) who keep on striving and thriving, smarter
and sexier than ever, hurtling not toward retirement, Cialis,
and golf, but instead making business deals, creating art, hav-
ing (more) kids (!), and doing good for the planet. Heady stuff.
Recently we hosted a cover party for Richard Gere (who hap-
pens to be my second cousin) to mark the premiere of his 10-year
passion project, Time Out of Mind, in which he explores the complex
problem of homelessness, one of the many causes
close to Gere’s heart. Not only did Gere, 66, traipse
around Hollywood like a trouper promoting his film,
host our event, and gab with guests like a good sport;
he also managed to charm the bevy of women (of all
ages) who fluttered about him like so many moths
to a flame. (Okay, it is Gere.) I was never a huge
fan of the actor back in his early, American Gigolo
and An Officer and a Gentleman days. I am now.
I was similarly moved recently at Quixote
Studios during a retrospective, hosted by photo
agent Jorge Perez, of the work of legendary pho-
tographer Timothy White, 60, whose seminal
portraits of celebrities such as Harrison Ford,
Liza Minnelli, and Brad Pitt have graced publi-
cations from Rolling Stone to Vanity Fair for over
30 years. As with Gere, I was never a big fan of
White’s work back in the day. This time around,
watching all the young, too-cool-for-school guests at this event
pondering the photographer’s classic images, I was struck by
the simple strength of the photographs, blessedly devoid of all
the sex-meets-fashion trimmings ’n’ trappings of much of
today’s commercial photography. The event was also a reunion
for me, after 20 years, with Warhol/Factory photographer
Christopher Makos, 67, my old colleague from Interview maga-
zine in the 1980s. Chris was en route to China to promote his
new work (and introduce his old!) to an American-pop-culture-
starved population. Kudos, Chris.
If 60 is cool, 90 is cooler. This past June marked the big 9-0
for one of my favorite people in the world, Patricia Cavendish
O’Neill, an eccentric South African heiress and zealous animal-
rights activist whom I once interviewed for W magazine and
subsequently befriended. For over 60 years, Pat has saved African
wildlife—hundreds of baboons, monkeys, cheetahs, a lion or two—
most of which have free rein of her house, Broadlands, one of the
great estates outside Cape Town. Our owner, Janie Greenspun
Gale, who is an ardent animal activist herself, has a similar
setup on her ranch north of Las Vegas. She and Pat would be soul
mates. I wish they could meet. For both, age is merely a number.
Speaking of numbers, I can’t wait to reconnect with my favor-
ite absolutely ageless (but definitely not altruistic) gals next
spring, Eddy and Patsy, who are planning a film reunion at
long last! They have been one of my great guilty pleasures for
over 20 years. And if you have to Google them, you are too
young to be reading this note.
Cheers,
Stay up to date with all that’s going on in LA at la-confidential-magazine.com
SPENCER BECK
Ninety is the new 60! Happy birthday to legendary animal-rights activist Patricia Cavendish O’Neill, here with me and Bingo at her estate, Broadlands, outside Cape Town, South Africa, in 1996.
34 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
LETTER from the Editor-in-Chief
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from left: Enjoying an evening with Westime’s Erik Hoopingarner at a private estate, celebrating a limited-edition Zenith watch; with air-race champion Nicolas Ivanoff at the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, sponsored by Hamilton Watch Company; Dan Gross, president of the Brady Campaign, a wonderful nonprofit focused on preventing gun violence, popped by the office for a visit.
With the close of the year at hand and the start of a new one on the horizon, I stumbled across a vintage (from 1900) “Enchanting Predictions” vending machine up for auction. It struck me as interesting that 115 years later, the questions we ponder have remained remarkably unchanged: Will I lose weight, experience a great love, earn more money soon? Our fascination with trying to predict the future, whether we employ antique coin-operated machines, farmers’ almanacs, or shadow-observing groundhogs, speaks to a larger need to understand what’s in store for us. Apparently the unknown is so terrifying to us that we’re willing to entertain future probabilities (no matter how dubious) in order to feel even slightly better about what lies ahead.
Whether it’s political pundits, stock analysts, sports prognosticators, or weather forecasters, this forward-facing “need to know” based only on a handful of recent events leaves us listening to just about anyone willing to make a prediction. On February 7, our own Golden State will host the Super Bowl’s 50th anniversary, and while the offce betting pools and Vegas casinos will be in full swing with their weighted odds and hopes of cashing in, one thing is for sure: CBS will be the clear winner, with the minimum fee for a 30-second commercial weighing in at a whopping $5 million.
Here in Los Angeles, the race to awards season is also charging full speed ahead. An endless number of
organizations are fast at work predicting the Grammy, Golden Globe, and Oscar winners (see “Trophy City,” page 70). Personally, we’re partial to our cover star, Mark Ronson (“Uptown Boy,” page 100), who will no doubt pull off a full Grammy sweep come February 15. We’ve accu-rately called the best song/performer/album on our cover several years in a row now, so trust me, we have some street cred with this!
Despite our best efforts to forecast the coming year, the Chinese zodiac may offer a bit of wisdom and insight. Dubbing 2016 the Year of the Fire Monkey, it suggests there is little point in planning anything, as this cheeky animal bursts onto the scene with endless exuberance. Everything will be in fux, and risks taken will likely pay off. While we rarely go back and evaluate how our prior year-end predictions panned out, my crystal ball says we can take this primate’s energy to the bank. Here’s to a wonderful holiday season surrounded by friends and family, and an exciting start to the new year.
Cheers,
alison miller
36 la-confidential-magazine.com
letter from the Publisher
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Don Henley
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Idris Elba
John Boyega
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Kate Mara
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38 la-confidential-magazine.com
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PH
OTO
GR
AP
HY
CO
UR
TE
SY
OF D
OLC
E &
GA
BB
AN
A
When Domenico Dolce, 57, and Stefano
Gabbana, 53, opened their design studio in
Milan in the early 1980s, they placed a sign out
front that read, simply: Dolce & Gabbana.
Today, 30 years after debuting their first
collection, those two surnames are known
around the world, synonymous with luxury
wares spanning from haute couture and leather
goods to beauty products and statement jewelry.
Muse-en-scène: Domenico Dolce (LEFT) and Stefano Gabbana collab with Italian stunner Monica Bellucci during the filming of the fashion house’s Fall/Winter 2015/2016 ad campaign.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 42
LA DOLCE VITADOMENICO DOLCE AND STEFANO GABBANA
CELEBRATE THREE DECADES OF FASHION AND
FEMININITY. BY BRYN KENNY
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM 41
STYLE Tastemaker
Angelenos appreciate
the spotlight—as a result,
Dolce & Gabbana is
directing its focus to its
West Coast flagship.
Currently available at the
Rodeo Drive boutique
are several one-of-a-kind
bags, each hand-painted
with intricate floral
designs. Available in
vibrant shades of canary
yellow and deep green,
the bags are exclusive
pieces to the LA store,
and are not available
anywhere else in the
world. In addition, LA will
have even more to look
forward to from Dolce &
Gabbana come the new
year. The brand’s Rodeo
Drive and South Coast
Plaza locations are both
in the midst of a total
revamp, with new design
elements and décor to be
revealed in early 2016.
ToasT of
The CoasTFrom exclusive offerings to lavish
store updates, Dolce & Gabbana
is showing some LA love.
// red-carpet ready // STAR POWER!
“What makes us most proud is
the fact that we have managed to
create a very recognizable style,”
says Milan-born Gabbana, who
studied graphic design before
teaming up with Dolce, the son of a
Sicilian tailor. “I’ll notice that a
person may not even be wearing
Dolce & Gabbana clothes, but their
style is indeed Dolce & Gabbana.”
Without a doubt, Dolce &
Gabbana’s distinct DNA, paired
with an unwavering commitment
to quality and craftsmanship, has
served to keep the Italian brand
both relevant and recognizable
over the years. “We strive to create
a personal, special, and intimate
experience for our customers,” says
Dolce. “Our level of quality and
attention to detail have become
[trademarks of] the brand.”
And this attention to detail—from
exceedingly exquisite embroidery
to delicate lace accents—goes
beyond just needle and thread. In
2013, the designers began serving as
creative directors for their own ad
campaigns, with Dolce behind the
lens. “Becoming inspired, creating a
sketch, deciding a mood or feeling,
and then seeing it all come
together—when we personally shoot
our campaign, it feels like things
have come full circle,” he says of the
experience.
As for the next 30 years? The
duo’s aspirations are still rather
simple, according to Dolce. “We
just want to keep working, and to
continue doing what we love
and—hopefully—create beautiful
things.” Bellissima. 312 N. Rodeo
Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-888-8701;
Beverly Center, Beverly Hills,
310-360-7282; South Coast Plaza,
Costa Mesa, 714-668-9142;
dolcegabbana.com LAC
“a PeRSoN May Not eveN Be weaRiNg DolCe & gaBBaNa ClotHeS,
But tHeiR STyle iS iNDeeD DolCe & gaBBaNa.”—stefano gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana’s Cruise 2016 collection exudes elegance in its eveningwear, with striking silhouettes, stand-out jewelry, and rich brocades woven in classic Sicilian prints.
Dolce & Gabbana has a longstanding history with some of music’s biggest names, so it’s no surprise the brand has become a go-to for the Grammys red carpet. Here, a look at some of the label’s standout moments at the iconic awards show, which celebrates its 58th broadcast this February.
John Legend (2015)Katy Perry (2014)Bruno Mars (2012)Taylor Swift (2012)Justin Bieber (2011)Jennifer Lopez (2005)
One-of-a-kind bags exclusive to Dolce & Gabbana’s Rodeo Drive boutique.
ph
oto
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co
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of d
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42 la-confidential-magazine.com
Style tastemaker
www.hublot.com • twitter.com/hublot • facebook.com/hublot
Big Bang Pop Art.
A unique model inspired by the famous art
movement. Automatic chronograph in 18K
yellow gold. Bezel set with 36 amethysts.
Pink alligator-skin strap and blue rubber.
Limited edition of 200 pieces.
Ha
ir b
y D
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br
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at
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; M
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Trip To FanciFul
Delicate lace, vintage prints, and rich
embellishments create exotic opulence.
Iridescent gown, Gucci ($12,500). 347 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-3451; gucci.com. Square
emerald ring ($595) and round, mixed-metal ring ($345),
Alexander McQueen. 8379 Melrose
Ave., LA, 323-782- 4983; alexander
mcqueen.com. Petite Malle sequin clutch,
Louis Vuitton ($6,600). 295 N. Rodeo
Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-859-0457;
louisvuitton.com
Shangri-LanguorouSthis season, shimmering prints and patterns conjure up wayfaring luxury. PhotograPhy by Jeff Crawford
Styling by faye Power
44 la-confidential-magazine.com
STYLE Accessories
DISCOVER THE WORLD THROUGH THE LENS OF PETER LIK LIK BEVERLY HILLS showcases some of Peter’s most notable photographic masterpieces. Located on Beverly Drive just
off Rodeo, LIK BEVERLY HILLS is a natural fit for those who pursue luxury and have fondness for exquisite beauty.
319 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, California 310 285 9705 lik.com
Endless Summer - Limited Edition of 950 with 45 Artist Proofs
Se
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by
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1 2
3 4
GILT-Y PLEASURESFind your exotic zones with otherworldly accoutrements.
ALL THAT GLITTERS…is bold, when gold and silver add a dose of exaggerated glamour.
FAR AWAY WE GORichly woven jacquards and fine metals describe a journey from past to present.
1. Handbag ($3,200) and bracelet ($2,075), Chanel. 400 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-5500; chanel.com. Platform sandal, Lanvin ($2,090). 260 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-402-0580; lanvin.com. 2. Dior Trianon low boot, Dior ($1,070). 309 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-859-4700; dior.com. Clutch, Rauwolf ($1,230). Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-276-4400; barneys.com. Necklace, Bottega Veneta ($6,750). 457 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-858-6533; bottegaveneta.com. 3. Open-toe sandal, Dries Van Noten ($745). Barneys New York, see above. Bangles, Michael Kors Collection ($145–$245 each). 360 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-777-8862; michael kors.com. Clutch, Alexander McQueen ($1,795). 8379 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-782-4983; alexandermcqueen.com. 4. Pump, Bottega Veneta ($1,980). see above. Clutch, Lizzie Fortunato ($505). Tenoversix, 8425 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-330-9355; shop.tenover6.com. Necklace, Oscar de la Renta ($890). 8446 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-653-0200; oscardelarenta.com
GYPSY QUEEN Go for the gold with royal-worthy handicraft.
46 la-confidential-magazine.com
STYLE Accessories
Put a Ring on it! For those seeking extra
sparkle, look no further
than Bulgari’s new custom
B.Cocktail Ring program.
Choose from colorful
gemstones (like peridot or
blue topaz, left), diamond
accents, and handcrafted
settings to create person-
alized high-glam rings to
suit your every bauble
need. 401 N. Rodeo Dr.,
Beverly Hills, 310-858-
9216; bulgari.com
PeRfect
timing
Fancy FootwearJust in time for the holidays, evyn
Wynn launches a new line of luxury slippers. By ramona saviss
Who says you can’t feel both cozy and chic? This winter, entre-preneur Kevyn Wynn introduces her first collection of in-home slippers ($250–$295). “I found that more than ever, I’m spend-ing more time at home,” says the daughter of megahotelier Steve Wynn. Unable to find functional yet fashionable slippers to wear around the house, the LA-based designer, who used to design all the logo merchandise for her father’s hotels, decided to create her own. The result? “Cocktail slippers with leather soles that you could wear outdoors,” she says. Hand-stitched in Italy, the slippers come in seven signature designs—from denim to floral—inspired by Wynn’s personal style. “They’re so comfy, and pretty enough that I wear them out,” Wynn says. As for what’s next, she adds, “All the men in my life are asking for men’s slippers!” If the shoe fits…. Montage Beverly Hills, 225 N.
Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-860-7800; kevynwynn.com
exclusive
Calling all vintage lovers!
Luxury watch company
Omega is bringing its
dazzling exhibition of
women’s vintage
timepieces to the US. This
is the first time many of
these unique watches, on
loan from the Omega
museum in Bienne,
Switzerland, will be on
public display. Omega,
Beverly Center, Beverly
Hills, 310-854-0003;
omegawatches.com
The one-of-a-kind 1956 Omega Topaz Jewelry Secret Watch makes its Hollywood debut.
have a heaRt
Lush velvets and rich textures add a luxe look to winter’s pumps and sandals.
Casadei ($795). Saks Fifth Avenue,
9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills,
310-275-4211; casadei.com
Dolce & Gabbana ($795). 314 N.
Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills,
310-888-8701; dolcegabbana.com
Gianvito Rossi ($670). Neiman
Marcus, 9700 Wilshire Blvd.,
Beverly Hills, 310-550-5900;
neimanmarcus.com
Jimmy Choo ($850). 240 Via Rodeo
Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-860-9045;
jimmychoo.com
Tory Burch ($450). 142 S.
Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood,
310-248-2612; toryburch.com
Giuseppe Zanotti Design
($1,350). 9536 Brighton Way,
Beverly Hills, 310-550-5760;
giuseppezanottidesign.com
// well-heeled! // HeigHts of fasHion
Elton John adds a fab collab with Lalique to his résumé, to benefit his AIDS foundation.
In addition to fve Grammys and an Oscar of his own,
music legend Elton John is known around town
for his lavish annual Oscars party. This year, John
has teamed up with Lalique to create a series of
limited-edition crystal pieces whose sale will ben-
eft the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The Music Is
Love collection features a crystal angel ($1,800), a
red crystal heart ($1,800), and a clear crystal heart
($1,200), as well as the Cire Perdue Angel and four
other unique pieces, to be auctioned off at his soi-
rée on February 28. 238 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills,
310-271-7892; eltonjohnmusicislove.lalique.com
48 LA-COnFIdenTIAL-MAGAzIne.COM
ph
oto
gr
ap
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by
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sa
Va
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(w
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“Young girls love to match their moms,” says Kevyn Wynn, who filled a void in the footwear industry by designing fancy matching Moroccan-inspired slippers (inset) for herself and her daughter, Zoe.
STYLE Spotlight
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME – WITH RIMOWA
RIMOWA STORE BEVERLY HILLS: 313 N. RODEO DRIVE PHONE: 310-888-8686 www.rimowa.com
The 1920s marked the beginning of modern air travel and the golden age of Hollywood. In 1919, Hugo Junkers presented the world’s fi rst all-metal commercial aircraft. It was made using the aircraft aluminum alloy discovered by Alfred Wilm in 1906.
In 1950, RIMOWA presented its suitcase with the unmistakable grooved design made of the same material – at the time, it was the lightest suitcase in the world. RIMOWA was a real pioneer in the sector, starting the trend for lightweight luggage back then.
50 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
PH
OTO
GR
AP
HY
BY
AN
TO
NE
LLO
TR
IO (M
ON
CL
ER
)
French connection: The designer collab-ed with
M/M Paris to turn its 2016 resort collection into a
sexy-chic fantasy portfolio.
Micromanage! Louis Vuitton has reimagined its signature bags,
like the Noe (TOP LEFT), in miniature: (LEFT TO RIGHT) Speedy,
Noe, and (BOTTOM) Turenne.
Fight the tepid LA winter (or just make a style statement!) with Moncler’s beloved puffer jackets.
THE ICONIC OUTERWEAR COMPANY MONCLER has opened its doors at the largest shopping center on the
West Coast, South Coast Plaza. Inspired by the brand’s French-Italian Alpine roots, the new boutique (it has
a sister store in Beverly Hills) features marble and French chêne fumé wood paneling, which gives it the air
of a luxe ski chalet. Shop the famous men’s and women’s quilted puffer jackets, a favorite of the jet set, just
in time for LA’s winter getaways. South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, 714-435-2000; moncler.com
// shop talk // PLAZA SWEET
STYLE Spotlight
With a promising
social-media following
and a style blog that
covers all things fashion
and beauty, Paris-based
blogger, illustrator, and
photographer Garance
Doré has much to offer
style-seekers. Her next
project is a line of
curated essentials,
created in collaboration
with the LA-born label
Vince and available
exclusively at
Nordstrom. The capsule
collection includes
minimally refined
pieces, from a men’s
long-sleeve crew to a
women’s suede ankle
zip legging, perfect for
on-the-go modernity.
Nordstrom, The Grove,
LA, 323-930-2230;
nordstrom.com
It’s only fi tting that Dior would
team up with another French fash-
ion powerhouse—the renowned
Paris-based design duo Mathias
Augustyniak and Michael
Amzalag of M/M Paris—to
bring its Dior Homme Spring 2016
collection of ready-to-wear and
accessories to life in a super-slick...
and super-sexy... collectible
catalog. dior.com; mmparis.com
The Bare NecessitiesLOUIS VUITTON REINTERPRETS ITS CLASSIC HANDBAGS IN SLEEK, ESSENTIALS-ONLY SIZES. BY LISA FERRANDINO
Downsizing has never looked so chic. This season, Louis
Vuitton reinvents its most iconic bags in smaller sizes. The
maison’s first-ever Nano collection boasts seven signature
bags—like the Speedy (a top-handle tote with curved lines,
popular in the 1930s), the Lockit (a feminine bag with a
refined, minimalist silhouette), and the Pallas (a modern
front-pleated carryall)—in miniature versions for the stylish
transport of the bare necessities. Shoppers can choose from
luxe materials, including Vuitton’s classic monogram canvas
and Epi leather. Adding a shoulder strap yields cross-body
functionality, making each mini a perfectly adaptable—and
adorable—traveling companion. 295 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly
Hills, 310-859-0457; louisvuitton.com LAC
blogger-approved
PICTURE
THIS! ménage à deux
Style authority Garance Doré goes from writing about
clothes to designing them.
OU R H ER I TAGE YOU R L EG AC Y
ph
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Psst! More
Hidden
GeMs• Author and philanthropist
Cheryl Saban runs The Shop
on Nemo (9065 Nemo St., West
Hollywood, 424-284-3219;
cherylsabandesigns.com) out of
a chic bungalow in WeHo. The
homey goods, such as curated
gift sets, are all handmade and
designed by Saban, including
beaded necklaces, blown glass
dishes, embroidered napkins,
and organic facial products.
• Trumpet & Horn (607 S. Hill
St., Ste. 215, LA, 800-593-1933;
trumpetandhorn.com),
purveyor of exquisite vintage
engagement rings, does 95
percent of its business online. It
doesn’t tout its LA showroom, but
there is one attached to the com-
pany’s downtown offces; make
an appointment to try on one of
its one-of-a-kind rings.
• It’d be easy to miss the tiny
Ooga Booga (943 N. Broadway,
Ste. 203, LA, 213-617-1105; ooga
boogastore.com) in Chinatown,
but head up the stairs in the
inconspicuous brick building and
you’ll fnd eclectic art, books,
music, and clothing (think: indie
brands such as Nancy Stella Soto
and Creatures of Comfort). It’s
everything you didn’t know you
needed, housed in an 11-year-old
shop revered by fashion insiders.
• Dig deep to fnd the industrial-
chic men’s and women’s shoes
and sustainably made leather
boots at Pskaufman (between
Main and Los Angeles Streets
(enter off of Eighth Street), LA,
213-244-1276; pskaufman.com).
Enter through an alley (look for
the teal boot) to reach this under-
ground fagship, located in the
basement of an old hotel.
When craftsman and artistic master-
mind Blaine Halvorson, 44, opened
his Fairfax studio earlier this year, he
didn’t have to dither about what hours
to set. Appointment-only! “It’s the
only way I can do what I do,” he says.
“At MadeWorn (madeworn.com),
the experience is very immersive.
Appointment-only means a customer
can really enjoy their time, and we can
offer truly personal service.” And so
shoppers make an appointment with
Halvorson, whether they’re Brad Pitt
or Jane Doe, in search of the museum-
quality garments created at the
12,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor
store. It’s not about snobbery,
Halvorson says, but “slowing things
down long enough to capture the
quality and the beauty.”
Los Angeles is embracing this new
shopping philosophy. At Downtown
atelier Cerre (801 Mateo St., LA,
323-985-8666; cerre.com), in-the-know
stylists, editors, and costume
designers schedule one-on-ones to
view the minimalist French-inspired,
California-cool leather and wool
outerwear. With couture and limited-
edition pieces like these, “the
relationship and customized experi-
ence is key,” says Clayton Webster,
Cerre’s creative director and designer.
“We’re so inundated with shopping
opportunities; people want to take
things at their own pace,” insists
Richard Wainwright, owner of
over-the-top vintage (think: silk
Chanel skirts and Jil Sander dresses)
concept studio New/Found (860 S.
Los Angeles St., Ste. 711, LA, 310-383-
5939; newfoundla.com). Appointments
allow him to set up his studio specifi-
cally around the needs of his clients.
“It’s not a static installation.”
Joey Grana, who owns Scout (8021
Melrose Ave., LA, 323-461-1530;
scoutla.net) on Melrose Avenue, just
started taking appointments above
the store for his other fashion business,
Spanish Moss. “I have a lot of stylist
clients; we’d be shooting our products
in the store and they were getting
super curious,” he says. “They wanted
to see the rest of the stock!” Rather
than fighting off the stylists with a
wire hanger, Grana started booking
appointments.
“People are very tired of disposable
luxury. They want something unique
and personal that represents an
investment buy,” says Halvorson,
whose rugged rock ’n’ roll-inf luenced
MadeWorn clothing is all handmade
or hand-finished. The artist often
works with reclaimed materials, such
as crafting shoes from leather rescued
from an old mine.
In a frantic, technology-driven
world, perhaps appointment-only
shopping is a way of reclaiming
time. LAC
Entrée Nous…LA’S LATEST Luxury rETAIL TrEND? AppoINTmENT oNLy, pLEASE.
by kathryn drury wagner
Franco-fine! Celeb stylists and in-the-know fashionistas flock to
Cerre’s oh-so-privé showroom for chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés-
meets-Melrose Place wares. right: Downtown vintage studio
New/Found’s offerings extend from cutting-edge couture to
one-of-a-kind jewelry.
From jackets to shoes, designer Blaine Halvorson handmakes/hand-finishes everything sold in his appointment-only mecca, MadeWorn.
52 la-confidential-magazine.com
style trends
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54 la-confidential-magazine.com
When she’s not playing the fashion-
able and ferocious Claire Underwood
on Netflix’s powerhouse political
drama House of Cards, Robin Wright
channels her influence into helping
Congolese women who have
become victims of sexual violence
amidst the conflict mineral trade.
Fueled by her own global activism
and her decades-long wish to create
“the perfect pajamas,” Wright, along
with her business partner, designer
Karen Fowler, launched Pour Les
Femmes, a “socially conscious
sleepwear company.” With six new
pieces debuting just in time for the
holidays, the luxe pajamas are gifts
that give back. Wright tells us how.
How did you get involved with the Congo? Robin Wright: In 2008, I saw the
documentary The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo, which opened my
eyes to the atrocities against women
fueled by the conflict mineral trade.
Electronics companies are purchas-
ing these minerals, and [we] are
buying the electronics. I linked up
with the DC-based Enough Project
[whose mission is to end genocide
and crimes against humanity in
Africa] (enoughproject.org), traveled to
the Congo, and have been an
activist supporting development in
the Congo ever since.
You have been active in pushing for an end to the conflict surrounding the mineral trade. It’s our duty. We are using our
smartphones and laptops to work, to
connect with our families, and these
devices are part of the demand for
minerals in the Congo. Our hands
are in this. Instead of a boycott, we
can leverage our consumer pressure
to clean up this mess. The more
consumers who become aware of
this link and who speak out about it
to tech companies and on social
media, the sooner we achieve a
transparent, peaceful mineral trade.
We can dry up the revenue source for
the Congo’s armed groups respon-
sible for the worst sexual violence on
earth. And our approach is based on
winning strategies from the blood
diamonds struggle, which effectively
transformed the diamond
industry in West Africa. I
am the executive
director for the
upcoming documen-
tary When Elephants Fight, which will
introduce this conflict
to new audiences and
lead the push towards
transparency through the
#StandWithCongo cam-
paign. I will keep fighting until
there is peace.
How does Pour Les Femmes benefit women in the conflict region?A portion of the proceeds goes to
two civil-society groups—Action
Kivu (actionkivu.org) and
Synergie des Femmes (donordirect action.org/activists/synergie)—which I
met with when I was visiting the
Congo. They now have a commu-
nity center, and they’re starting to
build a school. They’re able to give
vocational training to more of the
women, as well as psychological and
physical help. It’s endless what they
need post-trauma, but basically the
methodology is to start by helping
them with microfinancing so they
can get back on their own feet and
have a sustainable life.
Luxurious sleepwear for a good cause. Tell us about the style of Pour Les Femmes.We wanted to build the perfect
pajama based on things Karen and I
both love. Soft, comfortable cotton
fabrics with vintage-inspired details
and classic silhouettes. The idea is to
feel as if you’re wearing nothing to
bed, though our fine cottons add an
extra ounce of coziness while
sleeping. plfdreams.com LAC
Style Giving Back
It takes deux! Actress Robin Wright and designer Karen Fowler are the minds behind a new luxury sleepwear line (inset) with a conscience, Pour Les Femmes.
Charity reGiSterOpportunities to give.
TREVOR LIVE
Trevor Live calls on leaders in the entertain-
ment industry and other felds to raise money
for The Trevor Project, an organization whose
mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ
youth. The celeb-supported event will honor
The Walt Disney Company as well as Trevor
Hero award recipient Michael Lombardo,
president of programming for HBO.
When: Sunday, December 6
Where: Hollywood Palladium
Contact: trevorlive.org
WISHING WELL WINTER GALA
Join Make-A-Wish of Greater LA at its third
annual Wishing Well Winter Gala. Make-A-
Wish is a nonproft organization that fulflls
the wishes of children facing life-threatening
illnesses. This event supports children and
families that have had a wish fulflled, while
honoring the leaders who made these wishes
a reality. Past attendees have included sports
stars Kobe Bryant and Landon Donovan.
When: Wednesday, December 9
Where: The Beverly Wilshire
Contact: la.wish.org
UNICEF BALL
Celebrate the work of Unicef, which improves
the lives of impoverished children around the
world, at its sixth annual ball. The black-tie
affair, which has raised more than $7 million
for the organization since its inception, brings
together over 700 philanthropists, celebrities,
and community leaders for a night of giving.
The 2016 honorees include C.L. Max Nikias,
president of USC, and David Beckham.
When: Tuesday, January 12
Where: The Beverly Wilshire
Contact: unicefball.org
MUSICARES GALA
The 26th annual Person of the Year gala,
held two days before the Grammy Awards,
raises money for MusiCares, an organization
that supports musicians in times of need. This
year’s honoree is four-time Grammy winner
Lionel Richie. The evening includes dinner, a
silent auction, and a tribute concert with live
performances by Pharrell Williams, Lady
Antebellum, Luke Bryan, and others.
When: Saturday, February 13
Where: LA Convention Center
Contact: grammy.org/musicares
The Wright StuffRobin WRight AnD BuDDy aRen FoWleR TeAm uP To CreATe A CLoTHing ComPAny THAT SuPPorTS emBATTLeD Women in THe Congo. By amy moeller
www.shop.hamiltonwatch.com
THISISVENTURALEGENDICON
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Va-Va-Visages! For rare-watch devotees, an elaborate dial made From extraordinary materials is the ultimate turn-on. by roberta naas
photography by jeff crawford
Top watchmakers are taking haute horology
to new heights by creating pieces that have
surprising design and construction ele-
ments. Sometimes these entail complicated
movements or unexpected materials, but in
these advanced timepieces, the brands are
incorporating atypical—even curious!—
details into the dials, making them works of
art that collectors of premier watches covet.
For more watch features and expanded
coverage go to la-confidential-magazine
.com/watches-and-jewelry LAC
clockwise from top: Parmigiani Fleurier’s Pershing Tourbillon Samba Madeira watch ($248,000) is crafted in titanium and rose gold and features a dial depicting a “Gibson and Brazil” pattern made of a meticulously handworked mosaic of exotic painted woods. The exquisitely artful watch fea-tures a 30-second tourbillon escapement within the 237-part PF510 manual-wind movement. David Orgell, 262 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-273-6660; parmigiani.ch
Fly high with Harry Winston’s new Midnight Feathers 42mm Automatic watch ($30,300), cast in 18k rose gold. The elaborate dial is crafted using plumasserie (ancient feather artistry). Each brown and black feather is carefully selected, shaped, and placed under a magnifying glass to create a mar-quetry of plumes in distinctly masculine tones. Westime, 216 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-888-8880; harrywinston.com
Although not as obviously showy as some rare, collectible watches, the Academia Grande Date Napoleon timepiece ($12,200) from DeWitt will appeal to history lovers. A tiny piece of Napoleon’s hair is inset into the carved likeness of the famed French emperor on the dial. The watch is crafted in steel with a rubber strap, and each piece has its own serial number. Westime, 8569 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-289-0808; dewitt.ch
The Arachnophobia watch ($4,300) by ArtyA is crafted in a 47mm steel case that gets its shape and finish via a high-volt-age lightning bolt. The dial features an actual wolf spider (a non endangered species caught in Switzerland) decorated with gold leaf and acrylic paint. Powered by ArtyA’s in-house A82 modified three-hand movement, the watch has 52 hours of power reserve. Jewells at Galpin Premier, 15500 Roscoe Blvd., Van Nuys, 818-894-3800; artya.com
56 la-confidential-magazine.com
STYLE Time Honored
When John Simonian moved to Los Angeles
from Switzerland in the mid-1980s, he could
hardly have imagined the reverence and devo-
tion his retail watch business would someday
earn. Since opening his first Westime store, at
the Westside Pavilion in 1987, Simonian, 59,
has offered cutting-edge products and high-
end services, allowing him and his son, Greg,
30, to expand all the way to Florida—with 11
stores at present and more to come.
By providing a skillfully curated selection of
sought-after timepieces and sponsoring mega-
events—including the launch of the Devon Star
Wars watch with key producers, as well as celeb-
rity parties and more—Westime has garnered a
loyal following of watch connoisseurs across the
country, including Hollywood VIPs such as
Daniel Craig, Nicolas Cage, and Kobe Bryant.
“At Westime, you’re not only going to find a
wide range of watches at all price points, but
you can also be confident in your purchase,”
says Greg Simonian, who represents the fam-
ily’s fourth generation in the watch business.
The president of Westime, he takes pride in
this family-owned and -operated company.
“We are here for the long haul, and that means
we want our customers to be happy shopping
with us for the long haul, too.”
Greg grew up in the business, spending time
at the company’s Swatch store, which opened
when he was just 8 years old (it has since
closed). “I loved it,” he says. “I learned all of the
collections and talked with all the customers.”
Despite the closing of that store in the late ’90s,
he was hooked on horology. At the start of the
new millennium, his father needed just the sort
of assistance Greg could provide on the retail
end, as the elder Simonian took on the chal-
lenge of becoming the North and South
American distributor for a then-tiny Swiss
watchmaker, Richard Mille. “I believed in the
brand to the point that I decided to take on the
distributorship,” John says, “and because I had
been a retailer for so long, I knew what would
be needed to be a great distributor.”
While John focused on the wholesale side
of Westime, distributing Richard Mille and
later Urwerk in the Americas, in 2009 Greg
began overseeing management of the retail
stores, then took full control of the retail busi-
ness, deciding on store locations and choosing
merchandise. Just as John had taken a chance
early on by stocking his cases with superior
watches featuring state-of-the-art complica-
tions and standing behind independent
brands, Greg took risks in order to lead the
business forward. His immediate challenge
was weathering the recession. “Like the rest
of the world, the watch industry felt many of the
The house ThaT
John BuilTwith a new audemars Piguet
boutique in beverly hills, the father-son team behind Westime shares what makes their family
enterPrise tick. by roberta naas continued on page 60
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The DB28 Maxichrono Black Gold watch by De
Bethune ($295,000) is made of 18k rose gold and elements of blackened zirconium, which makes it the perfect timepiece to wear day and night.
Greg and John Simonian
Westime moved (and expanded) its Beverly Hills location earlier
this year, opening its new 2,000-square-foot luxury-watch emporium at the oh-so-chic Two
Rodeo shopping plaza.
58 la-confidential-magazine.com
Style Dynasty
SB Metropolis collection, Ref. SB15.1 for men and women.
www.steelblaze.com
Also available at: Peter Marco Extraordinary Jewels, 252 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA, 310-278-5353
Ref. SB15.1, $395
1987
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60 LA-conFidenTiAL-MAgAzine.coM
Another avant-cool masterpiece from
Urwerk, the limited-edition UR-106 Lotus
watch ($91,000) is the Swiss brand’s first-ever women’s model. Of the
22 pieces available worldwide, seven are at
Westime Beverly Hills.
“WE arE hErE for ThE LoNg hauL, aNd ThaT MEaNS WE WaNT our cuSToMErS To bE
happy ShoppINg WITh uS for ThE LoNg hauL, Too.”—greg simonian
economic difficulties—so nothing [was] easy from
day one,” recalls Greg, who nonetheless decided to
continue expanding. “My father was gutsy, and I
learned from him.”
Undaunted by the unsettled economy, he decided
to relocate the original Westime store to Sunset
Plaza in West Hollywood. In order to showcase the
breadth and depth of options available from the
brands the Simonians believed in, Westime also
began opening single-brand boutiques: Richard
Mille in 2010, Hublot in 2011, and, earlier this year,
Audemars Piguet. “We can offer a full inventory
level of the brand and present more product,” Greg
says. In addition, he started expanding the com-
pany geographically, opening boutiques in Malibu
and La Jolla as well as single-brand stores in Las
Vegas, San Francisco, and Bal Harbour, Florida—
all within six years.
“Greg has become a partner in every sense of the
word,” says John. “He’s got opinions on marketing
our business and has his own taste when it comes to
what brands and watches to offer.”
And the variety of offerings at Westime is truly
remarkable, from the easily affordable to the very
top end of the market, as well as jaw-dropping one-of-
a-kind timepieces and special limited editions that
are exclusive to the store. Greg’s secret? He is con-
stantly scouting for watches he would want to add to
his own collection: “I buy with my heart.” Westime,
8569 W. Sunset blvd., West hollywood, 310-289-
0808; Westime beverly hills, 216 N. rodeo dr., beverly
hills, 310-888-8880; Westime Malibu, 3832 cross
creek road, Malibu, 310-456-2555; westime.com LAC
Westime’s new 1,342-square-foot
Audemars Piguet boutique, the brand’s fourth in the country,
brings Swiss innovation to Beverly Hills.
PH
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AP
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BY
CB
S V
IA G
ET
TY
IM
AG
ES
(FIS
HE
R); C
OU
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ES
Y D
ISN
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CO
NS
UM
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PR
OD
UC
TS
(S
KE
TC
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A clothes encounter: “We imagined what Captain Phasma would wear out of her Stormtrooper uniform. We wanted to glam her up but still keep her looking fierce,” the spokesperson for fashion brand Parker says of the outfit (RIGHT) consisting of a bodysuit, cloak, headpiece, and body jewelry. BELOW: A Halston gown inspired by the character of Kylo Ren. LEFT: Carrie Fisher steals the spotlight once again this month, here as Princess Leia Organa alongside Anthony Daniels (as C-3PO) in a 1978 CBS television special.
This month, Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits the theaters, celebrating the con-
tinuation of the saga created by George Lucas in 1977. The highly anticipated
film is directed by J.J. Abrams and set 30 years after Star Wars: Episode VI: Return
of the Jedi, which premiered in 1983. Cast members, including Harrison Ford,
Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher (PICTURED ABOVE), and other Hollywood heavy-
weights will be back to reprise their roles from the original trilogy.
In time for the film’s release, shop the Force 4 Fashion charitable collection
at Bloomingdale’s. The exclusive collection features 10 outfits created by
luxury fashion designers such as Diane von Furstenberg, Halston, Opening
Ceremony, Cynthia Rowley, Rag & Bone, Parker, and more. Each look takes
inspiration from Star Wars: The Force Awakens’s costume designer Michael
Kaplan and reimagines a different character from the
new film. The outfits will be auctioned off from December
2–18 by Bloomingdale’s on CharityBuzz.comand will
benefit the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit that sup-
ports mental health care for children, on behalf of Star
Wars: Force for Change. Join forces with the epic series
by giving back this holiday season just in time for the
seventh installment.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in theaters on
December 18, 2015. charitybuzz.com LAC
“WE’RE EXCITED TO SEE HOW
THIS INCREDIBLE LINEUP OF
DESIGNERS INTERPRETS STAR
WARS CHARACTERS IN UNIQUE
WAYS, AS WELL AS TO RAISE
MONEY FOR A GREAT CAUSE.”—LESLIE FERRARO, CO-CHAIR,
DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS
FORCE FOR FASHION! THIS SEASON, STAR WARS IS BACK… WITH GOODWILL AND HOLIDAY CHEERS. BY RAMONA SAVISS
62 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
STYLE Hollywood
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Will-
PoWerMusic! Fashion! Tech! PhilanThroPy! la’s biggesT MulTihyPhenaTe, will.i.am, is on a nonsToP course For world doMinaTion. by michael ventre
Perhaps the best explanation as to why seven-
time Grammy Award winner will.i.am leaps up
suddenly from his studio chair to call up a
YouTube clip on his giant monitor—or catapults
out of a crouch to grab and rip open a big plastic
container filled with cassettes he made in the
early ’90s, or lapses into one character voice after
another as he tells stories, or busts out his
minitablet to demonstrate a song—is that early in
life his creative engine got stuck on warp speed,
and the rest of his being has been forced to follow
along at the same insane pace.
It’s as good a theory as any. The life of William
Adams, aka will.i.am, 40, is filled with revelatory
explosions. Bam! A unique marketing concept
pairing beer and music. Boom! A new song.
Wow! Ways to improve the lives of underprivi-
leged kids using GIS mapping. Pow! DJs and
electronic music online!
Each day brings a meteor shower of ideas, with
more brainstorms in the forecast. And because he
was able to use the momentum established early
on with the success of his hip-hop and pop group
the Black Eyed Peas to channel that creative mojo
into myriad areas, he has become one of the most
successful multihyphenates in the entertainment
business—singer-songwriter-rapper-actor-entre-
preneur-producer-philanthropist. It’s a good thing
he no longer needs a business card, because he
couldn’t fit everything he does onto one.
Grammy man of the world! All that pop/hip-hop icon will.i.am
(photographed here in his Hollywood megastudio) touches
turns to global gold, from records to merchandise, brand launches
to philanthropic initiatives.
continued on page 66
la-confidential-magazine.com 65
Culture View from the top
PH
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S); C
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“He’s just a great guy,” says Jimmy Iovine, music mogul and mentor to Will, as well as business partner and friend. “He’s a real talent. He has extraordinary ideas. He’s always looking to tomor-row. There are times when he’s so in tomorrow that he’s not in today... but he’s incredible.”
With the Grammys approaching in February, the topic of where it all began comes up. Today the LA native has his name attached to Beats head-phones (his original, revelatory, and now-famous “Hardware!” bark to Iovine led to developing the product in partnership with Iovine and Dr. Dre), a smartwatch project with Gucci, an eyewear line called ill.i.Optics, a STEM/STEAM education program helping students prepare for college, a newly announced footwear line with his brother Carl Gilliam, and seemingly more new endeavors by the moment. So it’s easy to forget that the supermogul and philanthropist was once a 4-year-old growing up in the projects of Boyle Heights, singing with his friends, and dreaming.
He breaks out an old color photo of four precocious inner-city kids mugging for the camera and points to each of the other three. “He just got out of prison. He’s dead. I don’t know where he’s at,” Will says. “We were singing ‘Macho Man.’ There’s always a kid in every family—‘Go do the little dance!’ or ‘Sing that song!’—just a little bit more tuned in to the world of music than the other kids. I was that kid.”
He has a million stories, including the one about being in a welfare line with his mom and then declaring, “This isn’t the right path. Let’s go.” So they left. There’s the ascent of the Black Eyed Peas, including the initial bidding war that took place for the group’s services and how the members declared, when the price got to $100,000, that they would all buy Honda Civics with tinted windows. When it got to $1 million, “Man! I’m gonna get an Accord with tinted windows!” Instead, they went with Iovine and Interscope, which offered them only $400,000 but promised that no matter what, they’d always be able to make records there.
Since then, the high-speed generator inside will.i.am’s hatted noggin has given birth to recorded gold like “Let’s Get It Started,” “Hey Mama,” “Shut Up,” and “Where Is the Love?”; built an astonishing state-of-the-art facility in the Hollywood Media District; formed marketing partnerships with major corporations; lent his talents to political campaigns for the Democratic Party; founded the Peapod Foundation with the Black Eyed Peas to help children (with support from Blackberry); delved into acting, deejaying, fashion, technology… actually, the average person may not have enough brainpower to comprehend the output of Will’s brainpower. He also bought his
mom a house from the money he got doing a Dr. Pepper commercial, keeping a promise he made to her as a 13-year-old.
One of his many ongoing passions is a program that serves Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights, helping students develop skills in mapping, robotics, and Mandarin Chinese and putting them on a college track. He got the idea after being seated next to Colin Powell at an event and asking the former secretary of state, “What should I do to keep youth engaged now that Obama is in the White House?” Of the many eruptions from will.i.am’s fertile idea bank, this one is among his most satisfying.
“The number-one thing about Will is that he is truly an innovator,” says Marc Benioff, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and chairman and CEO of Salesforce.com, a cloud computing company, who has worked with Will on a number of projects. “You don’t see that many people who can innovate outside their own industry. He has an amazingly creative mind to see the big picture. He’s able to sit down with any of the world’s most important CEOs and bring immediate value to how they see the world.”
Oh yeah, and the name. “My name is a sen-tence,” will.i.am explains. “It means someone who has will. And I have the will to turn my dreams into reality.” We get it now. LAC
“There are Times
when will.i.am is
so in Tomorrow
ThaT he’s noT in
Today.... BuT he’s
incrediBle.” —jimmy iovine
prince will.i.am decrees...
LA MUST-HAVE: “Nobu!” (903 N. La Cienega
Blvd., LA, 310-657-5711; noburestaurants.com)
MOST LOYAL FRIEND: “apl.de.ap [of the Black
Eyed Peas].”
FAVORITE GRAMMY MOMENT: “Performing
‘Where Is the Love?’ at the 2004 Grammys ceremony.”
BIGGEST GUILTY PLEASURE: “I have no guilt in
[doing the] things I love!”
YOUR INSPIRATION: “My mom.”
To promote sustainability, will.i.am has partnered with Coca-Cola to produce Ekocycle, an eco-chic line of clothing and accessories made from recycled materials.
The winner of seven Grammy Awards (and counting), will.i.am influences much more than music: Earlier this year, he visited Ferguson, Missouri, high school students enrolled in his STEM education program (below).
66 la-confidential-magazine.com
culture View from the top
Beachfront luxuryin the heart of Miami’s South Beach
1825 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
New York - Los Angeles - Miami Coming Soon: Montreal
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ALL ABOUT
NEW YEAR’S EVEForget the party in the hills or the lines at h’wood clubs. head to Vegas, baby, where MAROON 5 leads the pacK oF nye superstars on the strip. by tess eyRich
Every holiday is a cause for celebration in Vegas, but with its
unadulterated glamour and late-night decadence, New Year’s
Eve just might be the holiday best suited to the West Coast’s city
that never sleeps.
“I personally can’t think of a more appropriate place to be
on New Year’s Eve than Vegas,” says Maroon 5 guitarist James
Valentine, 37. In keeping with Valentine’s thinking, nearly six
months ago he and his bandmates—lead singer Adam Levine,
bassist Mickey Madden, keyboardists Jesse Carmichael and PJ
Morton, and drummer Matt Flynn—announced their plans to
play two shows at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, December
30 and 31, making this the fourth consecutive year the LA-based
superband has opted to ring in the new year in Las Vegas.
For Maroon 5, the shows will be a ftting fnale to a banner
year that opened with a live performance of their Oscar-
nominated song “Lost Stars” at the 2015 Academy Awards
and continued with a massive tour across Europe, Asia, and
Australia in support of their record-breaking ffth album,
V. “We still love touring and going to those faraway places,”
Valentine says. “It’s such a trip to be on the other side of the
planet and have people singing back to us.”
Still, come New Year’s Eve, Vegas is their go-to destination,
thanks in part to the city’s proximity to their hometown of Los
Angeles. “Celebrating in Vegas has become this awesome tradi-
tion kind of by accident, and now it’s like we can’t imagine not
being there on New Year’s Eve,” Valentine says. “We’re able to
get all our friends from LA to join us, and at the afterparty for
last year’s show, David Copperfeld even came out with us. That
was a very Vegas moment—I don’t think we’ll ever forget it.”
This year their entourage will include Valentine’s close
friends in the LA-based indie pop band Phases, who are set
to open both shows, but he’s quick to imply there’ll be even
more surprises onstage. “Every New Year’s Eve, we’ve done
something special,” he says. “Who knows? Maybe we’ll even
get David Copperfeld up there!” December 30–31. From $99. Mandalay Bay Events Center, 877-632-7400; ticketmaster.com
All about Adam! This NYE, follow the big lights to
Vegas, where Adam Levine and Maroon 5 will be
counting down to the new year at Mandalay Bay.
68 la-confidential-magazine.com
Culture Hottest ticket
1
3
2
4
5
Take FiveMaroon 5 isn’t the only Megawatt
act kicking off 2016 in Vegas.
Don’t Miss these fiVe More party-
reaDy perforMers Doing the
strip this new year’s eVe.
1. Bruno Mars: The
Grammy Award winner who
christened Cosmopolitan’s
The Chelsea theater when
it opened in 2013 returns
to the venue for a single-
night engagement with
his eight-piece band, the
Hooligans. Tickets start at $150. 800-745-3000; cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
2. Calvin Harris:
The newest haute spot
to hit the Strip, Caesars
Palace’s jewel-like Omnia
Nightclub, hosts its frst
New Year’s Eve affair, with
top-earning Scottish DJ/
hottie Calvin Harris at
the helm to close out 2015
beneath the main club’s
pulsating chandelier. Tickets are $200 for men, $125 for women. 702-785-6200; omnianightclub.com
3. alesso: Swedish
deejaying superstar Alesso
launches his brand-new resi-
dency at Wynn Las Vegas’s
XS Nightclub with top
billing at the indoor/outdoor
playground’s holiday EDM
extravaganza. Tickets are $100 for men, $50 for women. 702-770-0097; xslasvegas.com
4. TiësTo: The festivities
at MGM Grand’s sprawling
Hakkasan nightclub include
a headlining performance
by Dutch DJ Tiësto, who will
deliver a special holiday edi-
tion of his massively popular
Clublife party. Tickets are $150 for men, $75 for women. 702-891-3838; hakkasanlv.com
5. Diplo: Known as much
for his recent collaborations
with Skrillex and Justin
Bieber as for his solo work as
a veteran DJ and producer,
Wynn Las Vegas resident
Diplo takes over the tables
at the intimate Surrender
Nightclub, inside Encore
resort. Tickets are $82 for men, $55 for women. 702-770-7300; surrendernightclub.com laC
For Adults only
More into a civilized toast by candlelight than
a midnight scream with 5,000 other par-
tiers? Book the late seating at Twist by Pierre
Gagnaire at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas
(702-590-8888; mandarinoriental.com/
lasvegas), whose six-course New Year’s Eve
menu includes a Maine lobster salpicon, sea
bass loin with Alba white truffes, grilled fllet
of beef, and Gagnaire’s Grand Dessert, with
no fewer than 16 components. Guests can
ring in the new year with Gagnaire himself
at the private seating, or in the 23rd-foor
Mandarin Bar. If even that is too noisy, a special
in-room package includes Champagne and
party favors—for toasting à deux. Parfait.
locAls Know Best
Vegas insiders share their tried-and-true tips for making the most of your night on the town.
— ARRIVE EARLY —
“Road closures usually begin happening
around 3 pm, so if you’re celebrating on the
Strip, plan to arrive around noon for the
easiest access to hotels.”Cathy Tull
Senior Vice President, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
— DITCH THE BULKY BAG —
“Instead of carrying around your usual
purse, stash your ID, cash, and cards in
a case that’s small enough to ft inside a
clutch or cross-body bag.”Sophia Song
Marketing Consultant, Saks Fifth Avenue
— STAY IN ONE PLACE —
“Dining at the same property as the night-
club makes for an easy transition from
dinner to the club. Most clubs have deals
with restaurants, so do your research and
make reservations!”Jon Opas
Director of VIP Marketing, Hakkasan Group
inn-credible
la-confidential-magazine.com 69
The Coming-ouT ParTy The Fall Film Festivals
While some early-year fests, like Sundance and Cannes, spread their share of cachet, it’s the fall festivals—particularly those in Toronto, Telluride, and Venice—that typically fre the starter’s pistol for the awards race, as studios and indie pro-ducers alike begin to position their contenders.
“Fall is sort of the ideal time because it gets people talking and excited about movies, not too early and not too late,” says Scott Feinberg, awards colum-nist for The Hollywood Reporter, who adds that positive buzz generated at a fest can be cru-cial, while a poor reception can kill a campaign before it begins, even though trophy voters are
not the primary festival attend-ees. “It’s not that they’re reaching the voters directly through these festivals, but the buzz created reaches the voters.
“The number-one objective of any Oscar campaign is to just get your movie seen,” he says. “Because the reality is many voters, whether they’re in the Academy [of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences] or some of the other groups that vote, are
still active in their careers and very busy. At the end of the day, the deep, dark secret of a lot of them is that they only see maybe a dozen of the contenders.”
geT The VoTe ouT The Awards
Campaign Consultants
Each year, the studios collectively spend $150 million positioning their contenders from the start
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Going for gold! In Hollywood, it takes more than mere merit... and money... to bring home these golden boys.
Poised for flight, Michael Keaton attends the 2014
Venice premiere of Birdman, for which he won the Golden Globe
for best actor.
conTinued on page 72
70 la-confidential-magazine.com
CULTURE The Industry
Trophy City On the winding, gOld-brick rOad tO awards seasOn, there are sOme essential stOps alOng the way. by scott huver
Ever since Joan Crawford essentially invented the art of the Hollywood awards campaign, when she hired a full-time public relations wizard in 1946 to steer her bid for an Academy Award for her performance in Mildred pierce (it worked), the process of strategically boosting one’s odds of collecting showbiz’s most coveted trophies has evolved into a full-blown industry. Or, as it’s more aptly known, given the urgent sense of the hunt that emerges every year at this time, “awards season.” For the motion pictures, filmmakers, and performers seeking Hollywood hardware, there are a growing number of essential moves they’re expected to make starting in September if they want to fill that mantel by March.
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ects and performances before the eyeballs of the professional guilds—notably the Screen Actors Guild, the Producers Guild of America, the Directors Guild of America, and the Writers Guild of America, which each bestow their own high-profle awards—as well as Academy voters and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hands out the Golden Globes.
Even the presentation of the Academy’s prestigious Governors Awards, confer-ring lifetime honors on industry veterans, has turned into a key schmoozing oppor-tunity for A-list awards hopefuls. “Because of their association with the Academy, you now have a room that’s packed with potential voters,” says Feinberg. Other opportu-nities are more low-profile: Earlier this year, at the home-video launch of Boyhood, which packed the Chateau Marmont with scores of gray-ing, slightly out-of-place guild members, a producer urged filmmaker Richard
Linklater to abandon press interviews and start working the room, “because these people are old and going to go home and go to bed soon.”
Kathy Connell, executive producer of the Screen Actors Guild Awards, says studios and strategists take the voting
of balloting through the big galas, with a campaign’s price tag ranging from a modest $3 million to a staggering $25 mil-lion. Each step is strategically planned by a small, in-demand, highly secretive cadre of consul-tants—award whisperers, if you will—who chart out elaborate campaigns (including parties, stunts, special events, Q&As, advertising, magazine covers, media appearances, even the occasional smear tactic) with the precision of a politi-cal operative. Many of these specialists learned at the knee of the master awards strategist himself, Miramax cofounder Harvey Weinstein, a formi-dable awards-derby game changer since the late ’90s.
“The people who still are at the forefront of that profes-sion are people who came out of the Miramax golden age, because they learned how to do it so well and because it was such a priority,” says Feinberg. “They had a lot of success with it, and now they’re applying what they do for other people!”
For Your Consideration
The Voters
Winning admiration and affection by courting the show-business insiders who actually cast votes is, of course, paramount to a successful campaign, as is getting proj-
membership “extremely seri-ously,” sending out screeners to all 100,000-plus members of SAG-AFTRA at great cost. They also work with the guilds’ schedules, beginning nearly a year in advance of the first awards ceremony, to ensure that their members have ample consideration opportunities, including screenings, Q&As, DVDs, streaming options, and unique mailers. “The industry really values the SAG-AFTRA membership’s opinion,” she says.
Jon Brockett, supervising producer of the SAG Awards, adds that the campaigners work assiduously to reach out to the members of SAG’s nominating committees for film and television. “I’ve seen a particular uptick in inten-sity throughout the years on reaching the SAG-AFTRA voters,” Brockett says. “If you look at my screenings and Q&A calendar, it’s packed in October, November, and early December.”
“If you do get a nomination or win, it can have a ricochet
effect,” says Feinberg. “It puts you on the radar of people who may not have been aware of you and makes people more inclined to check you out.”
everY (Best) PiCture
tells a storY The Narrative
Even better than a flm with a compelling story line is an awards hopeful with his or her own compelling story line, whether that’s a came-out-of-nowhere Cinderella
“the people still at the forefront of [awards
campaigning] came out of the miramax golden
age, Because they learned how to do it so well
and Because it was such a priority.”—scott feinberg
In addition to Academy Awards, actors, directors, and producers vie for other prestigious hardware, like the Screen Actors Guild Award, which Matthew McConaughey presented last January to Julianne Moore for her performance in Still
Alice. inset: Moore brought home the Oscar a month later.
A megaproducer like Harvey
Weinstein, seen here with
Bradley Cooper in 2013, is a
major advantage to securing
awards-season brass.
72 la-confidential-magazine.com
Culture the Industry
“Does Meryl streep neeD to Do 20 Million
events leaDing up to voting? no. soMetiMes
you have to let the work speak for itself.”
—carol marshall
story (like Lupita Nyong’o), a
two-childhood-pals-make-good-
in-Hollywood tale (such as
Matt Damon and Ben Affeck),
the career-capping achieve-
ment of a deserving veteran
(like Bruce Dern), or a dynamic
comeback after a long absence
(as with Michael Keaton).
“The centerpiece of any
campaign is the narrative,”
says Feinberg. “You create a
story line that’s going to be
repeated by journalists and
on [magazine] covers, a story
line that people will share
with others.”
Competition for space in
which to share that narrative
can be fierce. “There’s a lot
of jockeying,” says publicist
Carol Marshall, whose
clients, like filmmaker Peter
Jackson (the lord of the rings
film series, king kong), have
been in heated awards races.
“And you have to be very
strategic with when things
run—you want to kind of
spread it out a little bit.
There’s only so much you
can talk about.”
Other increasingly critical
places to share that narrative
include the “second stage” film
festivals at Palm Springs and
Santa Barbara, guild- and
Academy-heavy communities
where awards contenders col-
lect festival honors and share
their stories with voting attend-
ees. “This is their chance to
hear what it was like to make
any particular movie,” says
Marshall. “It connects them to
the film or to the project or to
the actor in a way that just
seeing the film doesn’t do.”
Yet even today, not every-
one needs to make the rounds
during awards season. “There
are some people who just do
very select things, and that’s
enough,” Marshall adds.
“Does Meryl Streep need to
do 20 million events leading
up to voting? No, she doesn’t.
And that’s to her credit. I
think she steps back for a rea-
son. Sometimes you have to
let the work speak for itself.”
The Winner’s CirCleFor those who do dive deep
into the process, however,
there can be both a payoff
and a price. Patricia Arquette,
who won the 2014 Oscar for
best supporting actress for her
performance in Boyhood, says
she was pleased to work the
system if it meant that more
people would see the flm.
But the nonstop red carpets
“kind of freaked me out,” she
admits. “It was just getting too
weird. I felt like, overnight,
people wanted me in some
kind of way. Like they per-
ceived me with so much more
value. And it just made me
uncomfortable, really. I just
needed to take a deep breath
and be with my family.
“And then I always forget
I won it,” she chuckles.
“Someone will say, ‘You
won the Oscar.’ And in my
mind, I’m like, Whoa. I did.
Oh my God, I did.” LAC
Campaign winners: Brit It man Eddie Redmayne
scored his first statue last February for his lead
performance in The Theory of Everything, just
as newcomer Lupita Nyong’o (above) won hers
the year before, for 12 Years a Slave.
la-confidential-magazine.com 73
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Louis! Louis!Versailles is for the hoi polloi. this winter, Louis XiV reigns supreme at the Getty. by andrew myers
Who was the original reality superstar chronicled exhaustively in the media?
The mesmerizing cynosure who draped himself in bling, wore elaborate coifs,
built pleasure domes, proved that living regally was not only the best revenge,
but had a gilded political and economic point—and even went so far as to liken
himself to the chiseled gods? No, not Donald Trump…
It’s Louis XIV, the lustrously bewigged, legendary French Sun King who
reigned 72 years (1643–1715). He manifested the chateau by which all mega
mansions are measured (uh … Versailles?), made France Europe’s biggest eco-
nomic and military muscle, and in so doing invented the “luxury brand,” a
commodifiable concept that further promoted French power and prestige,
which resonates to this very day in that Frenchiest of four-letter words: chic.
Leave it, then, to the Getty—the world’s richest museum, whose progenitor,
oil magnate J. Paul Getty, was an avid collector of French decorative arts—to
reflect and celebrate the Sun King’s material magnificence upon the 300th
anniversary of his death.
Opening December 15 and running through May 1, 2016, “Woven Gold:
Tapestries of Louis XIV” is the first major tapestry exhibition in the western
U.S. in four decades. Highlighting 15 monumental tapestries (10 of which have
never before been allowed out of France), this Great Hanging also demonstrates
why tapestries were the ultimate power symbol. “Tapestries conveyed a prince’s
status, wealth, erudition, aesthetic sophistication, and patronage,” explains the
Getty’s curator of sculpture and decorative arts, Charissa Bremer-David.
What makes these tapestries all that and a bowl of bouillabaisse? The great-
est painters of their eras, such as Raphael and Rubens, had to conceive and
paint the prototypes. As such, each tapestry was created by a veritable dream
team of artists.
Further enlarging Louisland, “Louis XIV at the Getty,” a second exhibition
running through July 31, 2016, highlights pieces culled from the Getty’s perma-
nent collection made during Louis’ lifetime, including an eye-popping ivory
table once owned by the king and housed at the now extinct Trianon de Porce-
laine at Versailles, and which has a racy backstory. “It is supposed to have been
made for Madame de Montespan, the mistress of Louis XIV,” says Anne-Lise
Desmas, curator and head of the department of decorative arts and sculpture.
Finally, giving greater context to all things Louis, including his lesser-known
father and progeny, “Louis Style: French Frames, 1610–1792” (through January
3, 2016) draws on the Getty’s substantial collection of French frames from five sty-
listic periods (Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Régence, Louis XV, and Louis XVI), and
showcases the too-little-explored dialogue between a painting and its frame.
Says Getty Museum Director Timothy Potts: “Together these three exhibits
provide a spectacular overview of the arts at the heights of ancien régime extrava-
gance, and the impact the Sun King has had on taste up to the present day.” Plus
ça change… 1200 Getty Center Dr., LA, 310-440-7300; getty.edu LAC
Look of Revel-ations: Picture-perfect postcards of the lavish lifestyle of Louis XIV come to the Getty for the first time ever this month in the form of the Sun King’s tapestries, like this exquisite example, Autumn, completed in the mid-17th century, by Charles Le Brun, Adam Frans van der Meulen, and Isaac Moillon.
74 la-confidential-magazine.com
culture Art Full
“I thought, ‘Oh, they are never gonna cast me, not in a
million years,’” actor Emory Cohen recollects about
his star turn in the critical hit, Brooklyn. “Then, I got a
call from [director] John Crowley and I ended the con-
versation with, ‘You know, I’d love to do this film.’
And John said, ‘Well, come on and do it, already!’
That’s the first time that has ever happened to me.”
And it certainly won’t be the last. Cohen, who
plays heart-on-his-sleeve Italian-American Tony
Fiorello opposite Saoirse Ronan’s Irish immigrant
Eilis Lacey, turns in a performance that is both heart-
felt and, at times, heartbreaking. “We’re both
0-to-100-type guys,” he says of his character. “When
we’re in, we’re in. I understood that element of him.”
But Cohen was also dedicated to understanding the
elements of Tony that were dissimilar to his own life.
“I spent about three months prepping this role,” he
says. “I did a lot of research on the journey of Italian
immigrants to New York.”
Research of the academic kind is something
Cohen may come by honestly: “The people in my
family are mostly teachers,” he says. “Just a bunch of
lunatic New York Jews! We’re all very intense and
very emotional.” Cohen learned to channel that per-
sonality trait into performing at an early age, working
at the adult division of the Atlantic Acting School by
age 17. “I got hooked once I got into the craft of it
because I was a very emotional kid,” he says.
“Through acting, I finally had a use for these feel-
ings. It made me feel like less of a weirdo.”
And casting directors are taking note of Cohen’s
immense talent: He’ll be seen later this season in
both the drama Vincent-N-Roxxy, alongside Emile
Hirsch and Zoë Kravitz, as well as playing the lead in
indie film Stealing Cars, with John Leguizamo,
Felicity Huffman, and William H. Macy. “I’ve been
fortunate,” he says. “I’m 25 and I’ve done 17 or 18
films.” There are a few characters, however, that he’s
dying to play (no pun intended): “I’m torn between
being a zombie or a vampire,” he laughs. “You know,
heavy-duty stuff like that.” LAC
A StAr GrowS
in Brooklyn…And Hollywood! witH A spAte of scene-
steAling primo roles in four films And counting, Brooklyn ’s Emory CohEn is on His
wAy to tHe lAnd of oscAr. by juliet izon
The kid’s alright! At the august age of 25, actor Emory Cohen is pulling one star turn after another, and Hollywood’s big boys are taking note.
Emory DoEs LA
EggcEllEnt!: “For breakfast, I love Alcove Café (1929
Hillhurst Ave., LA, 323-644-0100; alcovecafe.com) in Los
Feliz. It’s got a neighborhood feel to it, and they make perfect omelets.”
Hollywood HustlE: “LA, in general, has that ‘wild
west’ feeling, where it feels like you’re going out there trying to gun
down jobs. You’re hustling and I like that aspect of it.”
supErb saoirsE: “[Saoirse Ronan’s] a brilliant actress. I was
very nervous; I was much shyer around her than I normally am!”
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76 la-confidential-magazine.com
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IBID. LONDON / LOS ANGELES, GALERIE KADEL WILLBORN DÜSSELDORF,
KAYNE GRIFFIN CORCORAN LOS ANGELES, KLEMM’S BERLIN,
DAVID KORDANSKY GALLERY LOS ANGELES,
JOSH LILLEY LONDON, GALLERY LUISOTTI SANTA MONICA,
M+B LOS ANGELES, MICHAEL JON GALLERY MIAMI / DETROIT,
MONITOR ROME, MOT INTERNATIONAL LONDON,
GALERIE NAGEL DRAXLER BERLIN / COLOGNE, NEON PARC MELBOURNE,
NEUMEISTER BAR-AM BERLIN, NICODIM GALLERY LOS ANGELES / BUCHAREST,
NIGHT GALLERY LOS ANGELES, ON STELLAR RAYS NEW YORK,
ONE AND J. GALLERY SEOUL, DAVID PETERSEN GALLERY MINNEAPOLIS,
THE PIT GLENDALE, PRAZ-DELAVALLADE PARIS, CLINT ROENISCH TORONTO,
MARC SELWYN FINE ART LOS ANGELES, TIF SIGFRIDS LOS ANGELES,
SMART OBJECTS LOS ANGELES, STANDARD (OSLO) OSLO,
STARKWHITE AUCKLAND, SUTTON GALLERY MELBOURNE,
TEAM (GALLERY, INC.) NEW YORK / LOS ANGELES,
RACHEL UFFNER GALLERY NEW YORK, VARIOUS SMALL FIRES LOS ANGELES,
SUSANNE VIELMETTER LOS ANGELES PROJECTS LOS ANGELES,
WORKPLACE GALLERY GATESHEAD / LONDON
INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERSBADLANDS UNLIMITED NEW YORK, DOPE PRESS LOS ANGELES,
GOLDEN SPIKE LOS ANGELES, HASSLA NEW YORK,
INVENTORY PRESS NEW YORK, PRIMARY INFORMATION NEW YORK,
PRINTED MATTER NEW YORK, RAINOFF SYDNEY / NEW YORK
ART LOS ANGELES CONTEMPORARY IS PRODUCED BY
FAIR GROUNDS ASSOCIATES. ARTLOSANGELESFAIR.COM
JANUARY 28–31 2016 | THE BARKER HANGAR
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MEN OF THE HOURTHE CITY’S MOST STYLISH STUDS CHECKED INTO LOS ANGELES
ATHLETIC CLUB TO FÊTE LAC ’S OCTOBER ISSUE. BY KELSEY MARRUJO
Los Angeles Confidential saluted the trendsetters
featured in its annual October Men’s Issue,
including rising NBA star Jordan Clarkson of the
Los Angeles Lakers, with an ultra-privé cocktail
Shooting star! Lakers sophomore Jordan Clarkson is ready to shine—in high style—in his second season wearing the purple and gold.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 80
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM 79
INVITED
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AR
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DIA
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, JE
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, A
ND
JA
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reception at Los Angeles Athletic
Club in Downtown. Luxury
menswear brand Canali sponsored
the affair, hosting an on-site
giveaway and presenting guests with
exclusive gift bags. Attendees
mingled in the sports-themed
venue’s polished Olympic Lounge,
sampling canapés, enjoying Voss
Water, and imbibing cocktails
courtesy of Casa Noble tequila—all
set to the music of DJ Milo Rock.
Melia Kreiling and Jonas Bell Pasht DJ Milo Rock
Guests entered a drawing to win a luxe silk and cashmere scarf from Canali.
Bobby Bennett and Marc Berger
Jack McClinton and Jordan Clarkson
David Fynn and Lauren Murphy
Neno and Sanja Mladenovic
Shawne MerrimanJada Paris and Trey Cameron
Bradley Kohn
Travis Strickland, Amber Eckerlund, Catherine
Shu, and Karim Ceran
80 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
INVITED
©2015 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 14-ADV-15941
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JA
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O (IV
Y); D
ON
ATO
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/GE
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(D
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Allison McAtee
Jason Dee and Erin Everly
Jesse Warren and Allison Henry
Anthony Kelani
Kate Lapotosky, Ramon Christian, Maggie Davis, and Eric Gross
SOCIAL CLUB IVY PRESENTED a unique night of fashion and cocktails at Skybar at
the Mondrian in honor of 2015 LA Fashion Week. Sponsored by Icelandic Glacial, Los
Angeles Confidential, and Glamsquad, the event spotlighted burgeoning designer Maria
Korovilas’s latest collection before an audience of young trendsetters in the fashion industry.
IVY FASHION NIGHT
Michael Polish and Kate Bosworth
Orlando Bloom
James Marsden and Glen Powell
MEN’S DESIGNER FASHION brand Dior
Homme held an elegant cocktail party at Chateau
Marmont, hosted by Creative Director Kris Van
Assche, to kick off the fall season. A bevy of A-list
supporters gathered at the famed venue, including
Orlando Bloom, Jeremy Irvine, and Anton
Yelchin, who arrived clad in Dior Homme in
honor of the fashion-forward occasion.
DIOR HOMME COCKTAIL PARTY
Maggie Geha
Nick Young
Miles Teller
Luke Grimes
John Legend
82 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
INVITED
WHAT DO YOU GET TE PERSONWHO HAS EVERYTING?AN OBSESSION.
STREAM LIVE OR ON–DEMAND CYCLING CLASSES DIRECTLY TO YOUR HOME. VISIT PELOTONCYCLE.COM. RIDE NOW
1. Rachel Bilson
2. Kristen Bell
PH
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CA
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SO
N/B
FA
.CO
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AN
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); G
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FO
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OF M
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EN
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OP
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ET
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(P
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// style spotlight //
DENIM DOLLS
H’WOOD’S IT GIRLS EXCHANGED
RED-CARPET DUDS FOR CASUAL
WEAR AT THE ALLIANCE OF
MOMS’ RAISING BABY EVENT,
ROCKING FITTED JEANS
AS THEY VOLUNTEERED TO
SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE
DAY’S HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS.
Celia Chen, Eliza Osborne, and
Kelly Lamb Laura Hyatt and Marcy Miller
Ellen Page and Samantha Thomas
Kim FisherClaressinka Anderson Pugliese and Fay Ray
Mieke Marple
Natasha J. Wagner
Shamim Momin
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION Los
Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND),
which curates site-specific public art exhibi-
tions across the country, held its sixth annual
art auction and benefit at the Ebell of Los
Angeles. The event, hosted by LAND
founding director and curator Shamim
Momin, honored visual artist Cameron and
culinary artist Craig Thornton.
LAND’S ALL
SOULS EVE
21
84 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
INVITED
Joaquin Phoenix
Jason Biggs and Maggie Q
Hilary Swank
Rob Zombie
PETA TOASTED ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY with an
awards ceremony hosted by Anjelica Huston and Pamela
Anderson, doling out much-deserved honors to advocates
like Jason Biggs, Alicia Silverstone, and Jillian Michaels
for their efforts in halting animal cruelty. The evening
culminated in an exclusive performance by Sir Paul
McCartney, accompanied by Beck, before the
sold-out crowd at the Hollywood Palladium.
PETA’S 35TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
Herbie Hancock
Gael García Bernal
Amy Wakeland and Mayor Eric Garcetti
THE LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC launched its 2015/2016
season with the opening night gala The Brilliance of Beethoven at Walt
Disney Concert Hall. The black-tie affair spotlighted not only the LA
Philharmonic but also music and artistic director extraordinaire
Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of
Venezuela. To top off the evening, the Los Angeles Master Chorale
graced the stage, performing the final “Ode to Joy” movement of
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
LA PHILHARMONIC
OPENING NIGHT
Bryce Dallas Howard
Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee
Joanna Krupa
Alejandro González Iñárritu and Gustavo Dudamel
Julie Andrews
Kate Burton
Alicia Silverstone and James Cromwell
LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM 85
Guests of The Palazzo can expect a level of
pampering that begins and ends each day in
spacious accommodations beyond anything the
city has to offer. Every room at The Palazzo is a
suite, starting at twice the size of the average
Las Vegas hotel room. The suites at The Palazzo
were created specifically to appeal to guests
with impeccable taste who expect world-class
treatment and spacious resort living.
A leader in the luxury market, The Palazzo
has enhanced its Bella Suite with stunning
architectural features, such as a sunken living
room that makes receiving friends for pre-dinner
cocktails a luxurious treat. Guests can indulge in
a relaxing bubble bath in the 130-square-foot
bathroom’s soaking tub, which is complemented
by a separate, glass-enclosed shower.
At 720 square feet, the exquisitely appointed
Bella Suite is replete with lavish amenities that
include remote-controlled shades and curtains,
luxurious Anichini linens, a full menu of pillows
to customize your comfort, and three plasma
televisions, including a 17-inch flat-screen
EvEry KEy UnlocKs a sUitE™
Indulge at The Palazzo® Las Vegas, where each guest is royalty.
embedded in the bathroom mirror. With
opulently curated accommodations like these,
you may never want to leave your suite — and
with a gourmet in-suite dining menu at your
fingertips, you won’t have to.
Elevating your Las Vegas experience even
further is Prestige at The Palazzo. From a
private check-in on the 23rd floor accompanied
by a glass of sparkling prosecco to a butler
unpacking your belongings, guests who book
Prestige can expect first-class treatment.
Prestige’s top-flight services include everything
from a personal concierge, who can secure
show tickets, hard-to-get dinner reservations,
or book in-suite massages from Canyon Ranch
SpaClub®, to gaining entry to the exclusive
Prestige private lounge to nosh on a
never-ending flow of food and beverages.
It is indulgent touches and conveniences like
these that make staying at The Palazzo the
ultimate Las Vegas luxury. Come, stay, and
experience an opulence like no other.
Visit Palazzo.com for reservations.
Feed your mind,
body, and spirit at
Canyon ranCh spaClub®
Get your heart rate up scaling by the
SpaClub’s 40-foot indoor rock-climbing
wall, exercising in the Pilates studio, or
spinning in the indoor cycling studio.
Unwind in the soothing “sea air” of the
Salt Grotto or the aromatic humidity of
the Herbal Laconium after soaking in the
HydroSpa’s massage fountains.
Indulge in a reenergizing ritual bath, body
scrub, hydrating facial, aromatherapy
treatment, or deep-massage therapy to
rebalance energy and release tension.
Satiate your appetite at Canyon Ranch
Café, where organic ingredients are
orchestrated into a deliciously natural
experience of ancient grains, grass-fed
beef, and river-fresh wild salmon.
ULTImATE GETAWAy
S P o n S o R E d
Luxury Suite at The Palazzo Bathroom at The Palazzo
Prestige at The Palazzo
100% BLUE AGAVE | TRIPLE DISTILLED | LUXURY TEQUILA
Please enjoy Casa Noble responsibly. © 2015 Casa Noble Imports, Canandaigua, NY. Tequila. 40% alc./vol.
WWW.CASANOBLE .COM
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Cuisine ArtistsWhat do tWo smokin’ dJs, asian grub, and aWards season share in common?
E.P. & L.P., La’s ceLeb spot du soir. by jen jones donatelli
Pair an award-winning chef who attended high school with Iggy Azalea
with two high-profile DJs (one as a silent investor) and a real estate/hospi-
tality guru, and the result is a stellar team with celeb cred in both the
culinary and music spheres. They’re all in the mix at West Hollywood’s
hottest new hang, E.P. & L.P.—an “eating and drinking house” spanning
three floors and the spectrum of Southeast Asian cuisine.
“Music, fashion, art, and design are our big drivers,” says co-owner
David Combes. “That’s the type of demographic we’re looking to attract.”
So far, it’s working—notable clientele has included A-listers Matt Damon,
Queen Latifah, Gerard Butler, Don Cheadle, and Christoph Waltz.
And there’s certainly something for everyone. The restaurant is split
into three different concepts: E.P. (serving what Combes calls “elevated
Asian fare”); L.P. (a greenery-laden rooftop lounge with a street food-
centric menu); and Frankie’s (a private rooftop VIP area). Although the
menu is primarily Thai-oriented, Executive Chef Louis Tikaram’s
WeHo-hit wonder: With its celeb-heavy clientele (and ownership) and delectable
Southeast Asian fare—like this scallop and mussel curry with
turmeric, coconut, and galangal —E.P. & L.P. is lighting LA’s
Restaurant Row ablaze anew.
continued on page 90
la-confidential-magazine.com 89
taste Celeb-rated!
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(M
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The L.P. rooftop bar serves up chart-topping cocktails and bar bites,
like oysters and bao buns, until 2 AM every night. BELOW, FROM LEFT:
Executive Chef Louis Tikaram with co-owners Grant Smillie and David
Combes; kokoda, or Fijian-style ceviche, with Baja rock shrimp,
coconut milk, lime, and chili.
approach also incorporates Chinese, Fijian, and Vietnamese touches.
It’s something Tikaram and the team feel uniquely qualified to do, hailing
from Australia’s red-hot Asian food scene. “People joke about the national
dish being kangaroo, but our national cuisine is primarily Asian,” says co-
owner Grant Smillie, who is also a house-music DJ in Australia. “If you
described this project in a tweet, it would be ‘two crazy Australians with a
Fijian chef coming to America to cook Thai food.’”
The result? Shareable, flavorful dishes like Fijian-style ceviche, wood-
grilled lamb neck with chili jam, and hot-and-sour Wagyu tartare. The menu
upstairs resembles more of what one might find at an Asian hawker bar—
think soft-shell crab buns, Thai-style jerky, and Boba-infused cocktails.
Tikaram amps up each dish with locally grown Southeast Asian staples, such
as galangal, lemongrass, and turmeric. “When I came over [to America], I
learned that all of these ingredients grew locally,” says Tikaram. “People
don’t understand that you can get them here—I want to expose this type of
produce to people in California.”
And then there’s the cultural aspect. Along with the vinyl-inspired moni-
ker, the musical influence is evident from the moment one enters. A row of
vintage albums decorates the maître d’ stand (all plucked from Smillie’s col-
lection of 30,000 records), while carefully curated playlists and copper
turntables provide the soundtrack. Those in the know also realize that one of
the restaurant’s silent partners is DJ Axwell, of Swedish House Mafia fame.
Smillie plans to capitalize on their collective music connections with
Grammy parties, BBC Radio One showcases, exclusive album previews, and
music-centric documentary showings on the rooftop. And there’s talk of
opening another location Downtown.
But, for now, they’re content at the prime corner of Melrose and La Cienega,
at the start of LA’s famous Restaurant Row. From Combes’ perspective, their
biggest draw is the food, along with the creative forces behind it—which is
exactly why the front-row seats at E.P. & L.P. are at the chef’s counter and
custom onyx chef’s table. “It’s all about having an open kitchen so diners can
see the show,” he says. “Chefs are the new rock stars rolling through town!”
603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-855-9955; eplosangeles.com LAC
Moby
And the Award Goes To… LAÕS CELEBRITY RESTAURANT OWNERS PICK THE
WINNERSÑFROM THEIR OWN MENUS! BY ERIC ROSEN
Back in the ’90s and early aughts, it seemed like
every A-lister was publicly investing in restaurants.
The trend seemed to die down for a while, but
lately, the celebrity-owned restaurant has qui-
etly returned, with stars taking on minority
investment stakes and silent-partner roles all
over town. Just in time for awards season, we
turned the table and asked these Tinseltown
luminaries about their personal favorite dishes
from their own hot spots.
Most recently, vegan restaurant Little Pine
(2870 Rowena Ave., LA, 323-741-8148; littlepine
restaurant.com), in Silver Lake, opened with musi-
cian Moby at the helm. “I plan to integrate some of
my favorite organic ingredients from the dishes I
make at home, such as a kimchi pasta fagioli,
into the menu at the restaurant,” says the music
star about the Mediterranean-inspired fare.
You will often find host extraordinaire Ryan
Seacrest holding court at Bouchon Bistro (235
N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-271-9910; bouchon
bistro.com), where he is an investor. “Brunch on
Sunday morning has an amazing menu of options,
including some of my favorites, trout almondine and
grilled salmon,” he says. But his number-one choice at
Thomas Keller’s casual-chic bistro is “hands down
the fried chicken. It’s golden perfection!”
Eva Longoria explains, “I love to cook for my
friends, and I’m renowned for my tortilla soup
and guacamole. So when we were designing the
menu for Beso (6350 Hollywood Blvd., LA, 323-
467-7991; besohollywood.com), I had to make sure
both items were included.” The star even goes so
far as to taste test on visits to the restaurant. “When I
am at Beso, I always make sure to pop into the kitchen
and taste the soup, just like I would at home. It has to
be just right!”
Musician/actor Joe Jonas is one of the minority
investors in new SaMo hot spot Hinterland (2917
Main St., Santa Monica, 310-399-0805; hinterland.la),
where the menu melds Southern flavors with
coastal cuisine. Jonas says, “My favorite dish at
Hinterland is the shrimp and grits. Chef Max
[DiMare] has done a great job taking an old
Southern classic and putting a new spin on it.”
These restaurants are not just celebrity-owned,
they are celebrity-approved. Now that’s a delicious
endorsement! LAC
Ryan Seacrest
Eva Longoria
Joe Jonas
90 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
TASTE
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92 la-confidential-magazine.com
ingredients:
1 oz. Ketel One vodka
1 oz. Strega liqueur
1 oz. kumquat-thyme
syrup
1 oz. ginger syrup
1 oz. lime juice
Shake with a sprig of
thyme and sliced
kumquats and strain
over fresh, crushed ice.
Top with a splash of
tonic water and
garnish with a sprig of
clapped thyme.
Going Dutch!in an exclusive interview, the Nolet family celebrates 325 years of distilling some of the world’s most sublime spirits—including vodka superstar etel oNe. by matt stewart
Today the Nolet family, headed by Carolus “Carl” Sr., 74, and his sons, Carl
Jr., 47, and Bob, 45, is known internationally as the maker of the enormously
popular Ketel One vodka. But Ketel One is just the tip of the iceberg for this
family business, which for 11 generations has been distilling fine spirits in the
Dutch town of Schiedam, adjacent to the port city of Rotterdam. Founded in
1230, Schiedam was already a major spirits center (known mainly for Jenever
or “Holland gin”) when Joanness Nolet established his distillery there in 1691.
The family has spent more than three centuries building the business,
turning it into a leading player in the global spirits market, with distribution
in more than 90 countries. “The very definition of ‘craft’ is something we
have been doing for hundreds of years,” says Carl Jr., “though, at 325 [years
old], we are a relative newcomer in Schiedam.”
The Dutch are a resilient people who have created a thriving culture and
economy on land reclaimed from the sea. The Nolet family embodies this
unwavering spirit, as they have faced countless challenges over the years. The
political instability that gripped Europe at the end of the 18th century, in the
aftermath of the French Revolution, tested the business. In the mid-19th
century, the development of the column still (then a new, more efficient way
of distilling) allowed for increased production of purer neutral spirits,
leading to a price war that wiped out many of the distilleries in Schiedam.
The Nolet Distillery not only survived, but
the family employed the technology to create
more-refined spirits than ever before. During
the Nazi invasion, the distillery was all but
shut down, and Carl Sr.’s father, Paulus,
turned the property into a safe haven for Jews
escaping to England (the office used by Carl
Sr. today proudly displays a mural painted by
a Jewish artist during his refuge there). Nolet
was one of a handful of Schiedam distilleries
that were able to survive in a postwar Europe
left in physical and economic tatters. In the
early ’80s, after a “cocktail tour” of the US,
Carl Sr. made the strategic decision to
expand into the premium vodka market
that was booming with American
consumers. “I knew that I would have to
spend 100 percent of my efforts to save the
ketel 101
“The very
definiTion of
‘crafT’ is
someThing we
have been doing
for hundreds
of years.”—carl nolet jr.
Sample Ketel One with this
El Holandes Valiente cocktail
from top barkeep Juan Martinez
at Toca Madera (8450 W.
Third St., LA, 323-852-
9400; tocamadera.com).
Proost! The Nolet family (from left: Bob, Carl Sr., and Carl Jr.) toasts 325 years in business with a special anniversary bottle of Ketel One vodka.
Nolet was one of the very few Schiedam distilleries able to
survive in postwar Europe.
cOnTinuEd On pAgE 94
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taste Heritage
“It Is our duty to leave both the busIness and the town of schIedam
healthy and to buIld theIr future.”—bob nolet
family business,” he
remembers.
After several years of
experimenting with his
great-grandfather’s recipe for
wheat-based vodka, Carl Sr.
realized that the cleanest,
crispest taste possible resulted
from combining the heavier-
tasting spirits from Distilleer
Ketel 1, the distillery’s oldest
coal-fired copper pot still,
with the lighter product from
the column still—and Ketel
One was born. In 1983, Carl
Sr. brought the vodka to the
US. His plan was to intro-
duce it to America through
the best establishments and
most-noted bartenders,
building interest by word of
mouth. Carl Jr. and Bob joined
in helping expand Ketel
One’s presence, armed with
their father’s mantra, “Don’t
oversell; find people who want
to try it.” This strategy helped
Ketel One achieve strato-
spheric growth, selling 1
million cases a year by 2002.
Other milestones followed,
including the launch of Ketel
One Citroen in 2000 and
Ketel One Oranje in 2010; a
partnership with global
distributor Diageo in 2008 to
take the company’s expansion
to the next level; and, most
recently, drinks International’s
recognition of Ketel One as
the best-selling vodka and
most trending vodka in 2015.
As the Nolets prepare to
celebrate the 325th anniver-
sary of their distillery with
the release of a limited-edition
Ketel One vodka bottle,
incorporating key elements
of the brand’s history and
inspirations into its design,
Carl Sr. and his sons take pride
in their continued stewardship
of the family enterprise. “It is
our duty,” says Bob, “to leave
both the business and the town
of Schiedam healthy, and to
build their future.” LAC
Family ties: This limited-edition anniversary bottle borrows its design from the distillery’s front gate and the family crest. below: The Nolet men work together in every facet of the company’s operation.
The 10-year-old De Nolet windmill not only embraces Schiedam’s agricultural heritage; it also produces 20 percent of the energy used by the distillery.
// distill responsibly //
GOOD NEIGHBORS
the nolet family has invested in
the long-term well-being of their
business with environmental
and social practices that make it
not only a model for progres-
sive operations, but also help
maintain the health and beauty
of their hometown, schiedam.
Early 1980s: carl sr.
incorporates air purifers into the
exhaust system of the coal-fred
still to improve air quality in
schiedam.
2005: the 141-foot-tall de
nolet windmill (which is actu-
ally a wind turbine) is built,
providing 20 percent of the
distillery’s power while refect-
ing schiedam’s heritage.
2007: to eliminate heavy truck
traffc in town, the nolet family
digs the netherlands’ only pri-
vately owned tunnel to connect
the distillery with its distribu-
tion center on the opposite bank
of the buitensluis canal.
94 la-confidential-magazine.com
ELTON JOHN
FOR
MUSIC IS LOVE
Proceeds to benefit
238 N. Rodeo Drive At 2 Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, (310) 271-7892
WWW.LALIQUE.COM
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888.459.6598
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HOW TO CELEBRATEin Style by Emma Willett
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Going global! The Belvedere’s menu re-do
includes a Mediterranean-inspired fattoush salad with charred pita, Feta, cucumber, and parsley-
buttermilk dressing.
limited editions
Holiday CHeers
This season, give the gift of
a special pour. The suitably
festive Cordon Rouge Gift
Pack ($40) from Grand
Marnier includes a full-size
750mL bottle of the
original Grand Marnier
Cordon Rouge and a
smaller, 375mL bottle of
Grand Marnier Raspberry
Peach made with rare red
peaches from the south of
France. grand-marnier.com
Champagne house
Perrier-Jouët brings a little
extra sparkle to the
holidays this year with the
release of its 2007 Limited
Edition Belle Époque
($235). The vintage comes
in a specially designed
bottle (below), courtesy of
Austrian artist duo
Mischer’Traxler, which
takes inspiration from a
garden in bloom and
features a landscape of
butterflies, dragonflies, and
white Japanese anemones.
perrier-jouet.com
12 days of souffléThis year, make your Christmas countdown a sweet one. “The most popular desserts at the Polo Lounge are our signature souf-fés, so we decided to introduce holiday-themed selections,” says Executive Pastry Chef Michael Aguilar.
The iconic LA restaurant, at The Beverly Hills
Hotel, will offer a different favor for each of the 12 days leading up to Christmas (December 14–25), including candy cane (pictured), gingerbread, and eggnog ($20 each). 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly
Hills, 310-887-2777; dorchestercollection.com
Cozy up to Salt & Straw’s all-new holiday flavors,
including bourbon- pecan pie.
salt & straw goes seasonalNot only did Portland-based artisanal ice cream shop Salt & Straw open a new location on Ab-bot Kinney this fall (with plans to set up shop in the Arts District in early 2016), it now debuts a slate of all-new seasonal favors. Among the holiday-inspired varieties unveiled in November were sweet-potato casserole and salted-caramel turkey brittle; come December, expect the likes of peppermint-cocoa, bourbon-pecan pie, and spiked butterscotch eggnog. 1357 Abbot Kinney
Blvd., Venice; 240 N. Larchmont Blvd., LA, 323-
466-0485; saltandstraw.com
Chef David Codney sources some of the restaurant’s produce straight from its rooftop garden.
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Oh-So-Med!The Belvedere at The Peninsula GEtS
a EURO-CHIC REVaMP. by eric rosen
Long a Hollywood power players’ preferred deal-making spot,
The Belvedere restaurant at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
(9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310- 975-2736; peninsula
.com/beverlyhills) reopens this winter after three months of renova-
tion. The new space boasts stunning, French-inspired interiors; an
expanded patio surrounding an oversize tree; new, significant art-
work (think: paintings by Alex Katz and Sean Scully); and a new,
creative menu offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a
strong emphasis on seafood and fresh-caught fish. (You will still be
able to find some old favorites, though, like the truffle mac and
cheese—by special request.) There will also be 50 wines available
by the glass or carafe, including rare and vintage pours, seasonal
cocktails, and a selection of California craft microbrews. LAC
While celebrity hot spot Bouchon Beverly Hills (235 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-271-9910;
bouchonbeverlyhills.com) may be among LA’s paparazzi-worthy restaurants, A-list chef Thomas Keller
doesn’t think dinner there should have to cost a fortune. This winter, Bouchon Bistro’s second-foor Belle
Époque–inspired zinc bar will serve a special dinner starting at 5 pm daily. Pull up an haute bar stool and
order from the new $20 menu featuring Keller’s and chef de cuisine David Hands’s fve favorite dishes,
including the bistro’s famous roast chicken and classic burger—alongside a glass of beer or house wine.
// happy hour 2.0 // Raising the BaRThis winter, Bouchon Bistro classics, like its famous burger, won’t break the bank.
98 LA-CoNfiDENTiAL-MAgAziNE.CoM
TasTe spotlight
MORONGOCASINORESORT.COM 888.MORONGO
GOOD TIMES PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT
THE NEW HIGH LIMIT ROOM AT MORONGO
CIRCA 2015
Good Times.
All funked up! “I spent 10 years paying my dues,”
says the one-time house-party DJ-turned
prolific producer and fashion darling, Mark
Ronson, here dolled up in a blazer ($1,360) and
trousers ($675) by Marc
Jacobs. 8400 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-653-5100;
marcjacobs.com. Short-sleeved shirt, Paul
Smith ($375). 8221 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-951-4800;
paulsmith.co.uk
The too-kool-for-school king of postmodern Pop—Mark ronson—is at it again. Just in time for Grammys.
Watching him slouched on a crescent-shaped purple
sofa in a midtown New York City hotel suite, it’s very easy to mistake
Mark Ronson’s sangfroid for lackadaisicalness. Listen to the way he
delivers every sentence, chewing the syllables like cud, and it
becomes even easier. But talk to the people who know him, and look
at the sheer scope and quantity of his musical output, and it quickly
becomes clear this is a man whose measured demeanor and diplo-
matic delivery belie an intensity as well as a passion for music that has
made him one of the most in-demand producers in the world.
Ronson’s latest album, Uptown Special, was released last January
and marked one of the year’s high watermarks on the Pop charts—
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon even wrote many
of the lyrics. And, of course, on that record is the most popular song
of the year, a Grammy favorite omnipresent on radio stations
around the world and, let’s be honest, the reason Mark Ronson is
now a household name: “Uptown Funk.” With 1,150,000,000 views
on YouTube (and counting), it’s the kind of song that only comes
along very rarely, and when it does, can permanently alter the
course of Pop music, sending it rushing headlong into new and
unexpected places, full of fresh and unfamiliar sounds.
It would be hard to overstate the success of “Uptown Funk,”
which was produced by Jeff Bhasker (who has worked with Jay Z,
Kanye West, and The Rolling Stones, among many others) and
features the unmistakable vocal delivery of Bruno Mars (who co-
wrote and co-produced the track). And it’s difficult to under-
estimate its significance: Put simply, it’s one of the biggest singles
in Pop-music history, on a seemingly unshakeable course to win
a Grammy for Record of the Year.
“We were messing around in Bruno’s studio in Hollywood,”
Ronson, 40, says, “and Bruno’s like, ‘I got an idea! I got an idea!’ And
he got behind the drums and starts making a straight beat. And Jeff
starts playing this bass line and we ended up writing the lyrics to the
first verse that night.” But the rest of the process wasn’t as seamless.
“Every time we got together, we never had that spontaneity,” Ronson
says. “We’d try to write another part and we’d lose the magic.” Adds
Bhasker: “It took pretty much nine months to get it to the form it
ended up in,” he says. “It was a lot of hair pulling and teeth pulling
and second, third, fourth, and fifth guessing of each other. But the
Rubik’s Cube got solved, which doesn’t always happen.”
Everything finally came together in London, when Bruno was
passing through the city for a festival. “I knew if it didn’t happen
then, it wasn’t going to happen at all,” Ronson recalls. They nailed
Mars’s part in the studio, then Ronson and Bhasker went for lunch,
where Ronson promptly fainted in the bathroom. “We’d done like
80 versions [of the song],” Bhasker says. “I’m more of an optimist,
but Mark’s very much like: beat your head against the wall until the
wall comes down. He left the table and I was like, ‘Something’s not
right,’ so I went to check on him and he was incapacitated on the
floor.” Bhasker had tasked Ronson with making sure his guitar
part was “really, really special: something Nile Rodgers would lis-
ten to and say, ‘OK, that’s legit.’” Wouldn’t statements like that
stress Ronson out a little? Bhasker laughs: “Well, it’s not that hard
to do: He’s a pretty tightly wound fella.”
Nevertheless, that afternoon, “Uptown Funk” was born. Even
now, it’s still finding new fans. “The song has been claimed by the
under-12 set,” Ronson says. “My friend’s son was really into it and
was like, ‘Daddy, is there more music like ‘Uptown Funk’?” The kid
is now listening to Rick James and early Prince.
Ronson, Who noW lives in london, was born and
reared in the tony suburb of St. Johns Wood. When he was eight
years old, his parents divorced and his mother, Ann Dexter, moved
the family—Ronson and his younger twin sisters, Charlotte (now a
fashion designer) and Samantha (now a DJ)—to New York, where
she married Mick Jones, the guitarist of Foreigner. Ronson and fam-
ily lived in the San Remo, one of the swankiest residential buildings
in New York, and became friends with Sean Lennon, who lived a
stone’s throw away in the Dakota. It was a privileged and eventful
childhood, one to which many attributed his subsequent success as
a DJ. “The family thing is cool, I guess,” he says, somewhat
uptoWn Boyby luke crisell
PHOTOGrAPHy by kArl siMONe
la-confidential-magazine.com 101
“It’s good that I
dIdn’t get my fIrst
success untIl I
was 30. I partIed
quIte a lot
around that tIme
but there was no
way I was goIng
to squander It In
the way I mIght
have If It had
happened to me
when I was 24.”
—mark ronson
opposite page: Three-piece suit ($2,995) and dress shoes ($845), Dolce & Gabbana. Beverly Center, Beverly Hills, 310-360-7282; dolcegabbana.com. Shirt, Marc Jacobs ($540). 8400 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-653-5100; marcjacobs.com
Shirt, Gucci ($1,020). 347 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-3451; gucci.com. Brown slip-ons, Jimmy Choo (price on request). 240 Via Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-860-9045; jimmychoo.com. Suit pants, Ronson’s own
la-confidential-magazine.com 103
Suit, Bottega Veneta (price on request). 457 N.
Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-858-6533;
bottegaveneta.com. Socks, Falke ($30). Douglas Fir, 8311 W. 3rd St., LA, 323-651-5445; falke.com. Monk strap shoes,
Marc Jacobs ($865). 8400 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-653-
5100; marcjacobs.com. Shirt and watch, Ronson’s own
Styling by Kashi Mai SomersGrooming by Jessica Ortiz for Living Proof at The Wall GroupPhoto assistant: Ned Witrogen
Location: PHD Terrace and The Rickey lounge at the
Dream Hotel Midtown, New York City. dreamhotels.com
“If uptown special
wasn’t good, then
I was pretty much
over. I just felt
lIke If I’m goIng
to do somethIng
It has to be the
shIt that I know
I do great.”
—mark ronson
reluctantly. “There are the fun anecdotes, like my mom and Paul
McCartney saving me when I was drowning. I don’t even know if
any of that stuff is true. It’s just par for the course at this point.”
As a teenager, Ronson began DJing around the city with turn-
tables he received as a high-school graduation present. He soon
progressed from house parties in his Upper West Side neighbor-
hood to nightclubs downtown. “When I became known... it was
because I was DJing fashion parties. And suddenly it goes from
music heads knowing your name to seeing your name in the news-
paper. It’s so easy for everyone to say, ‘Oh, he just got that because
his mom is the cool woman around town and his dad is a musi-
cian,’ and, obviously, that used to drive me crazy.” He perks up a
bit here. “But no, I spent ten years paying my dues at these clubs.
That’s why people know me: because I’m good at what I do!”
He also found some important fans, which didn’t hurt his ascen-
sion. “I remember DJing at [the club] Life, and Puffy [Sean
Combs] was at one table, Jay Z at another, and Chris Rock walks
in with Rick Rubin,” he says. “It was crazy. Puffy came up to me
and asked for my number, then took me to do a couple of gigs. Jay
Z started hiring me to DJ his album launch parties.” Jay Z’s track,
“So Ghetto,” released at the height of this era in 1999, includes the
lines: “Wednesdays I’m up in Shine, Cheetah’s Monday night/
I’m f--kin’ with the model chicks Friday night at Life.” “And the
cool thing about that,” says Ronson, allowing himself a little
smile, “was that all three were my residencies at the clubs.” This
was the era of Funkmaster Flex and Stretch Armstrong, well
before the rise of EDM: DJs were there to make people dance, not
to be idolized. “You wouldn’t even know where the DJ booth
was,” Ronson remembers. “You came to be shown a great time.
That’s the thing that kind of unnerves me when I DJ now. They
come and stand and stare at you on a stage. And I’m [always] say-
ing: ‘Guys, turn around and dance, you don’t need to look at me!’”
Ronson is clearly done apologizing: “It’s not even a chip [on
my shoulder] anymore,” he says, leaning back and putting his
arms over his head. “I got to prove the haters wrong. There are
1,000 reasons for me to get down about stuff, but what I realize
is: Those are things you can’t control. The things you can con-
trol are doing good work, putting your head down, and going to
the studio. Making records that feel good, DJing, and just bring-
ing a f--king great time to people.”
Outside the hOtel, the rain is torrential. Sirens rico-
chet between the buildings, a cacophony so familiar in New
York it seems to not be there at all. Earlier, when Ronson was
wrapping a photo shoot downstairs, I asked him if he wanted to
get changed before our interview: he was, after all, still wearing
a vintage cream ’70s-style suit, complete with extra-wide lapels
and bell bottoms. Ten minutes later he emerged in what looked
to be almost the same suit, only in an emerald green. (The
cream one, it turns out, was his as well.) “I definitely don’t have
just one style,” he says. “If something is beautifully made or
well-designed, it’s almost like a piece of music. It says something
to you. It actually elicits an emotion.”
Beloved by the fashion set, Ronson modeled for Tommy Hilfiger
(in a campaign along with a very young Britney Spears), and had
a cameo in Zoolander. At 27, he made his first record, Here Comes
the Fuzz. It bombed, but the single “Ooh Wee” and Ronson’s
subsequent production of Nikka Costa’s album got him noticed.
“You have a little moment where you’re the new hot guy, but you
can only be that guy with the buzz for a little bit,” he says. He was
friendly with Kanye West, having worked on the single “Jesus
Walks,” and the producer Danger Mouse, but couldn’t seem to
accomplish anything close to what they were achieving. “Seeing
these guys be massive while I was doing the same old shit and writing
the music for TV commercials, I genuinely thought, ‘Maybe I’m not
cut out for this. I’ve got a girlfriend, I’ve got a dog: that sounds sensi-
ble.’” It was then that Ronson met Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen.
He would produce albums for both of them, but it was the late
Winehouse’s now-classic record, Back to Black, that pushed Ronson
into the global spotlight (he won his first Grammy for Producer of
the Year, in addition to Winehouse’s wins for Record of the Year
and Best Pop Vocal Album). “I just liked her instantly,” he says.
“I’ve been in the room with the most talented young writers of their
generation, but she had those divine bouts of inspiration that you
see in the movies. Most people don’t have the balls to be that hon-
est.” The album, which came out in 2006, sold 3 million copies in
the US alone. The phone started ringing again. “It’s probably good
that I didn’t get my first success until I was 30 because I appreciated
it so much [more] by the time it came,” he says. “I was a bit of an idiot
and partied quite a lot around 2006, 2007, but there was no way that
I was going to squander it in the way that I might have done if it had
happened to me when I was 24. Everything happens for a reason.”
A couple more solo albums followed—the successful Version in
2007 and the less successful Record Collection in 2010—but by this
point Ronson was more concerned with quality than shifting
units. He married the French actress and singer Joséphine de La
Baume and started to take a more considered approach to making
music. “I knew with Uptown Special that I had to make something
great,” he says. “I can’t control whether something’s going to be
successful, I can only control the quality while I’m making it.”
So Ronson, all grown-up, roped in some important collabo-
rators: Bhasker, of course, as well as Kevin Parker, of Tame
Impala, and Stevie Wonder. “I thought: ‘I can’t make bangers
and crazy beats that are going to compare with DJ Snake and
Hudson Mohawke at this point in my career. But what I can do
is make the grown-man version of that: great musicianship,
sophisticated arrangements, soulful vocals, and good Pop
tunes.” In Ronson’s mind, the stakes could not have been higher.
“If this record wasn’t good, then I was pretty much over, at least
as my artist’s career went, you know? I just felt like if I’m going
to do something, it has to be the shit that I know I do great, and
that nobody else is making.” Job done.
The day before our interview, while he and Bhasker were
rehearsing, a friend invited them to meet Donald Fagen, who was
practicing for his own impending show in a space next door.
Ronson, a huge Steely Dan fan (the group’s lyrics inspired a lot of
Uptown Special), was apprehensive. “Like, what are you going to
say to him?! What if I say something dumb?” They worked up the
courage and, later that night, Fagen replied to an e-mail Ronson
wrote to him. “And I just ran around showing everyone I care
about and respect my email from Donald Fagen. It was the same
thing 12 years ago when Q-Tip left a message on my answering
machine—I played it to everyone who would come over to my
house.” He considers this for a moment, and his eyes flicker with
excitement. “I’m still such a [music] fan, so anytime I meet someone
whose work I genuinely love or who has influenced me or brought
me joy—it could be a legend like Donald Fagen or it could be some
24-year-old producer—it still makes me a little giddy.” lAC
la-confidential-magazine.com 105
IT’S A NEW AGE OF MAGNIFICENCE THIS SEASON
AS FASHION GOES ABSOLUTELY OPULENT.
photography by Daniela Federici styling by Garth Condit
ALLUSIONSof GRANDEUR
106 la-confidential-magazine.com
opposite page: Dress, Chloé ($11,595). 8448 Melrose Pl., LA, 323-602-0000; chloe.com.Silver and red Vibrante pendant necklace, Lalique ($825). 238 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-271-7892; lalique.com
this page: Dress ($9,965) and choker ($730), Emilio Pucci. emiliopucci.com
la-confidential-magazine.com 107
108 la-confidential-magazine.com
opposite page: Dress, Valentino
($32,000). 324 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-247-0103; valentino.com
this page: Coat ($1,340) and dress ($3,710), Dries Van Noten. Saks
Fifth Avenue, 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-275-4211;
saks.com. 7.90-carat emerald and 2.68-carat white-diamond Bombé
ring, Graff (price on request). Saks Fifth Avenue, see above
la-confidential-magazine.com 111
opposite page: Dress, Erdem ($5,280). Saks Fifth Avenue,
9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-275-4211; saks.com.
White-gold Miss Dior amethyst and diamond ring,
Dior Fine Jewelry ($18,500). 315 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills,
310-247-8003; dior.com
this page: Dress ($7,950), necklace ($1,750), and belt
($690), Lanvin. 260 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills,
310-402-0580; lanvin.com. 18k white-gold Jazz ring set with 90
brilliant-cut diamonds, one square-cut diamond, and 48
round-cut black spinels, Chanel Fine Jewelry ($76,500). 400 N.
Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-5500; chanel.com
beauty: Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation ($45),
Luxury Palette in The Sophisticate ($52), Filmstar
Killer Cheekbones ($110), Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Foxy Brown ($22), and Brow Lift Eyebrow Pencil ($30). Nordstrom, The
Grove, LA, 323-930-2230; nordstrom.com. Kérastase Forme Fatale ($36), Sérum
Oléo-Relax ($40), and Laque Noire Hairspray ($37 for 300ml). Cristophe Salon, 348 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-274-0851;
kerastase-usa.com
Hair by Luca Blandi/Oscar Blandi Salon
Makeup by Georgina Billington/Judy Casey using Charlotte Tilbury
Model: Nicole Meyer/Wilhelmina
Shot on location at Fonthill Castle (East Court Street and Rte. 313, Doylestown, PA, 215-348-9461; fonthillmuseum.org). Built from 1908 to 1912, Fonthill was the home of archaeologist Henry
Chapman Mercer, who used the castle and estate both as his
home and as a showplace for his collection of tiles and prints. Designed by Mercer himself, Fonthill is an eclectic mix of
Medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles.
viva 48hours!
In the era of acronyms, emojIs, and 140 characters-or-less comes
turbo-charged travel: the metIculously planned, lIghtnIng-fast
vacatIon, spIked wIth snappy Indulgences, Intense enjoyment,
and now-or-never experIences that gIve you the feel of the
place, fast! wIth no tIme to spare—It’s the festIve season, after
all—nIche medIa's expert local edItors-In-chIef have curated
the ultImate guIde to what to do, see, and eat In 48 fabulous
hours In amerIca’s most excItIng cItIes.
The Back Room is the power lunch spot
for international billionaires looking to buy eight-figure
properties at One57.
la-confidential-magazine.com 113
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Billionaire's nY
Burch a stylish billionaire,
holiday shops at cult favor-
ites Kitsuné (212-481-6010;
kitsune.fr) and Opening
Ceremony (212-219-2688;
openingceremony.us), both
known for cutting-edge brands.
ExpEriEncE
For VVIP New York moments,
CAA Premium Experience
(877-599-1765; caapremium.com)
can plan everything from a
theater evening with a Broadway
actor (and post-show visits with
cast members) to cooking
classes with one of the city’s
celebrity chefs.
Good SportS
Take in the action at the city’s
newest sporting arena, Barclays
Center, in a glam private suite
(which can be rented on a nightly
or seasonal basis). Loft suites are
just 26 rows from all the action
on the court. For Islanders’
suites, call 844-33-ISLES; for
Nets’ suites, 855-NETS-TIX;
barclayscenter.com.
powEr BrEakfaSt
Make like a boldfacer and snag a
window seat at The Regency
Bar & Grill (212-339-4050;
regencybarandgrill.com), a
power-crowd favorite owned by
the billionaire Tisch family.
UltimatE BUSinESS lUnch
The Back Room (212-897-2188;
thebackroomone57.com) is the
go-to canteen for international
gazillionaires buying eight-figure
properties at One57. Try the
modern delectables like beet
risotto and kale Caesar salad.
inSidEr’S SUnday
dinnEr
Billionaires who like comfort
food, Italian style, head to
the Upper East Side and dine
at Sette Mezzo (212-472-
0400), which serves almost
as a clubhouse for the likes of
Leonard Lauder, the Newhouses,
and Henry Kravis.
cryStal palacE
Order a signature cocktail,
like the Hemingway Daiquiri,
in the Grand Salon in the
Baccarat Hotel (212-790-8800;
baccarathotels.com), a
luxe lounge lit by a huge
Baccarat chandelier.
timE oUt
Tory Burch, one of the city’s few
female billionaires, likes to meet
friends for coffee and artful
cappuccinos at Bottega del
Vino (212-223-3028; bottega
delvinonyc.com) and for pretty
sweet treats at Ladurée on
Madison Avenue (646-558-3157;
laduree.com).
collEct
Gagosian galleries (gagosian.com)
on the Upper East Side (212-
744-2313) and in Chelsea
(212-741-1111) are perennial
meccas for one-tenth-of-one-
percenters broadening their
art collections.
BUy
For a sumptuous, pampered
retail splurge, head to Bergdorf
Goodman (212-872-8757;
bergdorfgoodman.com) and
enlist a personal shopper to take
you through this fabled designer
emporium. Aerin Lauder, like
living rich
Favorites of the city’s most successful denizens (and those who
aspire to be).
New York is home to more billionaires than any other city
on the planet—a whopping 78 men and women who can
claim a 10-figure net worth. Even the world’s richest man—
Bill Gates—keeps a pied-à-terre here, at Trump World Tower.
So where do the city’s ultimate one-percenters like to dine,
shop, and experience New York at its finest? Check out our
suggestions below.
Day 1 (evening): A driver will
whisk you to Marea (marea-
nyc.com) or Eleven Madison
Park (elevenmadison
park.com) to sample the
exclusive tasting menus,
then take you to a VIP table at
one of the city’s hottest clubs,
like Provocateur (provocateur
ny.com) or 1 Oak (1oaknyc
.com). Day 2: First enjoy
breakfast in bed, then have
a bespoke wardrobe
consultation from Barneys
New York (barneys.com) or
Brioni (brioni.com), or a
lesson on the world’s best
diamonds from Jacob & Co.
(jacobandco.com). In the
afternoon we’ll arrange for a
guide to take you to the city’s
top galleries. After a light
supper, you’ll have tickets for
an incredible performance
at Carnegie Hall (carnegie
hall.org). The post-performance
cocktail party is an exclusive
one—in your suite, where
handcrafted cocktails will be
designed just for you and
your guests. Day 3: Enjoy a
Champagne brunch followed
by a wine tasting focused on
how to enhance your cellar.
Then take a helicopter tour of
the city, before a car whisks
you to Teterboro Airport for a
private jet out of the city.
ask the expert
regena Falling, chief
concierge of the Park hyatt
new york—anchored in
Power tower one57—curates
an imPeccable weekend.
The ultimate 48 hours in New York could include a private helicopter tour of the city, cocktails at the Baccarat Hotel (inset left), and lunch at The Back Room at The Park Hyatt (inset right).
nyc
48hoursin
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cool and culture
Roman Holiday
Modeled after Rome’s
Pantheon and originally
home to a bank, The
Ritz-Carlton (215-523-8000;
ritzcarlton.com) melds
history with luxe hotel
amenities. The grand
Rotunda lobby bar entertains
a mix of guests and locals
alike for cocktails and bites.
Book the stately Penthouse
Suite for unparalleled views
of City Hall across the street.
Boutique CHiC
King of Prussia Mall (610-
265-5794; simon.com), the
largest retail property on
the East Coast, is set to
unveil 50 more stores next
fall. In the meantime, there’s
more than enough Louis
Vuitton, Saint Laurent, and
Salvatore Ferragamo to
keep you happy. Call on
KOP’s personal shopping
service (ext. 212) to take you
on a dizzying retail tour.
FRame oF mind
The ultimate way to
experience the more than
3,000 masterpieces at
the Barnes Foundation
(215-278-7200; barnes
foundation.org)—including
one of the world’s most
notable collections of French
Impressionist paintings—is
with a private docent tour.
Share your interests, like
exploring Picasso’s many
works, and the Barnes plans
your hour-long tour
accordingly.
Haute Happy Hour
While the main dining room
at Volvér (215-670-2302;
philadelphia.volver
restaurant.com) is a study in
pristine plates and sublime
service, its plush bar is
a hidden gem. Sample
one of Volvér’s signature
cocktails—the basil chili
smash and Nero Manhattan
are exemplary sips—
alongside a revamped menu
that includes shrimp toast
and ham tartines.
HigHeR gRound
The new One Liberty
Observation Deck
(215-561-3325; philly
fromthetop.com) takes
the visitor experience from
the streets to the skies.
The 57th-floor attraction,
from the design team
behind the 360 Chicago
observatory, promises
panoramic views of
Philadelphia, interactive
features, and city-inspired
art installations.
gReat esCape
The Rittenhouse Spa
& Club—Hair by Paul
Labrecque (215-790-2500;
therittenhousespaclub.com)
is an utterly relaxing urban
retreat. Step up your
skincare with the Vitamin C
facial or the 30-minute
Express facial (perfect for
travelers). For the ultimate
body treatment, two
therapists perform a finely
orchestrated massage
during The Quartet.
WhirlWind Weekend
The birthplace of America is no longer just a hot spot for
history buffs thanks to the city’s acclaimed dining, shopping,
and cultural destinations.
From Independence Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art,
Philadelphia held the world’s attention during Pope Francis’s two-day
visit in September. But it’s the miles in between those iconic landmarks
where the heart and soul of Philadelphia can be found: on a bench in one
of many bustling city parks, outside a theater on the Avenue of the Arts,
or strolling by the shops and restaurants that line Walnut Street.
What are the top things to
do this winter? Blue Cross
RiverRink, Waterfront
Winterfest at Penn’s Landing
(delawareriverwaterfront
.com), and the Dilworth
Park ice-skating rink at
City Hall (ccdparks.org/
dilworth-park). Where
should a first-time visitor
to Philly go? The historic
attractions in Old City like
the Liberty Bell and
Independence Hall (visit
philly.com), shopping on
Walnut and Chestnut Streets,
the museum district on the
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
(parkwaymuseumsdistrict
philadelphia.org), and
exploring Fairmount Park
(phila.gov/parksand
recreation). any hidden
city gems? A great way to
experience Philly is to get
out of Center City and visit
the neighborhoods, from East
Passyunk Avenue in South
Philly and University City
across the Schuylkill River to
the west, to Fishtown/Port
Richmond and Manayunk.
dining is a big part of the
Philly experience. There are
just too many innovative,
creative restaurants to list
here. And there’s always
Reading Terminal Market
(readingterminalmarket.org)
for lots of options under
one roof.
Finding pHilly
Mayor Michael a. nutter’s
top destinations for an
unforgettable weekend
of culture.
tHat’s tHe tiCket
The epicenter of arts and
culture in Philadelphia is the
Kimmel Center (215-670-
2300; kimmelcenter.org).
The grande dame of South
Broad Street presides over
an exhaustive calendar at
venues across Center City,
from Opera Philadelphia at
the historic Academy of
Music to The Philadelphia
Orchestra in Kimmel’s own
Verizon Hall.
steak a Claim
Known for more than a
decade for its $100 wagyu
beef cheesesteak, Barclay
Prime (215-732-7560;
barclayprime.com) on
Rittenhouse Square is home
to a bounty of bubbly,
hefty prime cuts, and an
assortment of caviar. After
dinner, stop by the lounge,
the coolest “library” you will
ever have the pleasure of
sipping a gin martini in.
PHILADELPHIA
48hoursin
la-confidential-magazine.com 115
hip happenings
Says Artistic Director Nathan
Allen, “There will be nothing else
like it—it’s like a crazy haunted-
house ride.” January 21–March 27
Soak It In
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a rustic
indulgence in the heart of the
city at NoMI Spa (312-335-1234;
parkchicago.hyatt.com), where
for 90 minutes guests can
unwind with a body polish and
massage featuring Farmhouse
Fresh’s festively decadent
Bourbon Bubbler, complete with
brown sugar and Kentucky
whiskey. $200
taSte SenSatIonS
Attending an event on an
empty stomach may seem
unorthodox, but at First Bites
Bash (above; choosechicago.
com/things-to-do/dining/
first-bites-bash) it’s essential.
The kickoff to Chicago
Restaurant Week features plates
from more than 50 premier
restaurants, all served up in the
grand surroundings of Union
Station. January 21
eye-PoPPIng art
Closed for nearly nine months,
the contemporary galleries at the
Art Institute of Chicago (312-
443-3600; artic.edu) reopen with
a bang, unveiling the largest gift
in the institute’s history: 44 iconic
works ranging from Warhol’s Liz
#3 (below) to Jasper Johns’s
Target with Four Faces. Opens
December 13
raISIng the SteakS
Restaurateurs Kevin Boehm and
Rob Katz bet big on the Fulton
Market district with Japanese
stunner Momotaro. Now they’re
doubling down with Swift & Sons
(312-733-9420; swiftandsons
chicago.com), a hugely antici-
pated steakhouse helmed by
rising star chef Chris Pandel.
go natural
Four years after a hailstorm
devastated Garfield Park
Conservatory (312-746-5100;
garfieldconservatory.org),
the century-old West Side
institution is shining again
with “Solarise: A Sea of All
Colors,” an interactive exhibit
drawing on the relationship
between plants and light to
explore a see-it-to-believe-it
spectrum of color. On view
through September 2016
JaPaneSe ChIC
There’s fashion for days and lines
out the door at the Mag Mile’s
latest style flagship, as Japanese
retailer Uniqlo (uniqlo.com)
marks its Midwest debut with
a jaw-dropping 60,000-
square-foot emporium—its
second largest in the US.
DrInk Me
The ultimate winter cocktail is
the Hearthstone at new
Andersonville mixology hot spot
Elixir (773-654-1751; elixir
andersonville.com), where whiz
kid Vlad Novikov combines
bourbon, nocino liqueur, curaçao,
and two kinds of bitters to come
up with something dark, nutty,
and dangerously drinkable.
gaMe on
Jump into the action at The
Last Defender (773-769-3832;
thehousetheatre.com), an
interactive stage collaboration
between the award-winning
House Theatre and some of
Chicago’s top game designers.
Heat Wave
From groundbreaking theater to one of the year’s hottest new restau-
rants, eight ways to turn up the temps this winter in the Windy City.
The wind may be howling down Michigan Avenue, but
winter in Chicago is no time to hibernate. The season is set
to be sizzling-hot, abuzz with anticipated cultural events
and new destinations for fashion, dining, imbibing, and
more. If you have 48 hours to spare, get a taste of the
excitement with these essential winter experiences.
ice age: The Blackhawks
have been killing it. Our
stages are close to United
Center, so anytime I get the
chance, Eamonn Walker,
Jesse Spencer, and I will
go. In the 2013 season, I
caught maybe 20 games. The
Blackhawks were on a run,
and we all thought we were
good-luck charms. go-to
restaurant: The Monkey’s
Paw (themonkeyspaw
chicago.com)—great bar,
great food, great kitchen.
I like tough-to-find
neighborhood joints. secret
spot: Lagunitas (lagunitas
.com) has a huge brewery,
but unbeknownst to a lot
of people, there’s a bar in
there. It’s like Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory for a beer
aficionado. Can’t-miss show:
TJ & Dave at The iO Theater
(312-929-2401; ioimprov.com).
They do this improv show,
and it’s just amazing. pizza
preference: I’m a Pizano’s
Pizza (pizanoschicago.com)
guy. I like their thin-crust,
which is kind of sacrilege
for any Chicagoan. Must-
see spot: If my mom
comes to town, I like to
go to The Signature Room
(signatureroom.com) at the
95th. You can see forever,
and especially in winter,
it’s beautiful with the
festive lights.
inside chicago
ChiCago Fire star
taylor Kinney shares
his ultimate buzzy
Windy City Weekend.
The interactive exhibit “Solarise”
ushers in a new era at Garfield Park
Conservatory.
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A LiterAry trAdition
The historic Hay-Adams
(202-638-6600; hayadams
.com) hosts an Author Series,
in which guests (of the hotel
and the city) are invited to
join acclaimed writers for
cocktails and conversation.
Thinking about making the
Hay-Adams your trip’s home
base? Splurge on the Federal
Suite—its private balcony
overlooks the White House—
perfect for a nightcap.
Better Brunch
The Blue Duck Tavern (202-
419-6755; blueducktavern
.com) in the Park Hyatt offers
something for everyone at
brunch—from Chesapeake
Bay jumbo lump crab
cakes to chicken biscuits.
Staying at the Park Hyatt?
Take an exclusive peek at
artwork from The Phillips
Collection without leaving
the hotel. Through the end of
2015, reproduction photo-
graphs from the “American
Moments” exhibit will be on
view on the mezzanine, with
more pieces coming in 2016.
A ritzy SpA
After brunch, indulge in a
hedonistic retreat at the Day
Spa at The Ritz-Carlton,
Tysons Corner (703-744-
3924; ritzcarlton.com). At
this oasis for relaxing and
revitalizing, therapies use
natural ingredients, includ-
ing avocado, brown sugar,
seaweed, and Dead Sea
salts. Every guest’s wellness
experience also includes
access to a 24-hour fitness
center, steam rooms, and
saunas.
MAgnifique Wine
And cheeSe
The Sofitel (202-730-8800;
sofitel.com) offers wine
and cheese pairings daily
beginning at 11 am, featuring
a selection of French and
domestic cheeses. Enhance
your knowledge of French
culture and gastronomy.
Afternoon teA
The Empress Lounge
(202-787-6140; mandarin
oriental.com/washington)
at The Mandarin Oriental
offers an updated take on
the classic afternoon tea.
Overlooking the gardens,
guests can enjoy savory
sandwiches and sweet
Hotel Hopping
Whether you’re checking in or just passing by,
Washington’s luxury hotels are destinations in
themselves.
As a mecca for men and women of influence, DC
has set a new standard for luxury, and its hotels
are offering some of the best in the city. Stay in
one, and make a weekend of visiting the others.
Top-line dining, art, spas, and nightlife are at
your fingertips in Washington’s finest lodgings.
most-wanted staycation:
Just down the road in
Middleburg, Virginia, at the
Salamander Resort & Spa
(salamanderresort.com).
Favorite hotel restaurant:
Art and Soul (jdvhotels.com/
restaurants/the-liaison-
capitol-hill/art-and-soul) in
the Liaison on Capitol Hill.
Try the pork belly confit and
grits! Best hotel bar: Without
a doubt POV’s rooftop
lounge at the W Hotel
(wwashingtondc.com/pov),
with its incredible views of
the White House and The
National Mall. Favorite
hotel spa: The Four Seasons
Spa (fourseasons.com/
washington/spa) in
Georgetown. The spa is a
tranquil haven in the
middle of the city. most
beautiful lobby: The Willard
InterContinental (washington.
intercontinental.com).
The stately 1850 hotel on
Pennsylvania Avenue
has a majestic lobby
featuring columns and
gilded ceilings.
dc insider
NBC WashiNgtoN’s
Angie goFF dishes oN
her favorite WashiNgtoN-
area hauNts.
treats paired with cocktails
or Champagne, and a wide
selection of herbal, green,
white, and black teas.
five-StAr fAre
Plume (202-448-3227;
plumedc.com) at The
Jefferson Hotel is the only
Forbes five-star restaurant
in Washington. Its menus
are inspired by Thomas
Jefferson’s gardens at
Monticello, and the wine
program has received Wine
Spectator’s “Best of” Award
of Excellence.
An evening of JAzz
With its Jazz Legends series,
the iconic St. Regis (202-
638-2626, stregiswashington
dc.com) transports guests to
a Prohibition-era speakeasy
featuring performances by
local and national musicians
in a sultry, martini-sipping
setting—it’s the perfect
evening out on the town.
Winter WonderLAnd
Ready for a nightcap? Enjoy
drinks alfresco—even in the
snow! Kimpton’s Poste
Moderne Brasserie (202-
783-6060; postebrasserie
.com) invites you to embrace
fresh air year-round in its
Winter Lounge, with fire pits
(with s’more-making kits!),
heaters, and piping-hot
cocktails to keep you warm.
Feast on macarons and
Champagne for a taste of French gastronomy at
The Sofitel.
dc
48hoursin
la-confidential-magazine.com 117
nonstop nightlife!
Afrojack, Calvin Harris (pictured),
and Armin van Buuren. Modeled
after a European opera house, the
four-story room is surrounded by
mezzanine-level private booths.
Swept AwAy by Celine
Celine Dion has performed nearly
1,000 times in the Colosseum
(866-320-9763; thecolosseum
.com), and she puts on one of the
most spectacular shows on the
Strip. In August she started a
performance run that continues
through June 2016. Yes, your
heart will go on.
light Up
The Louis Vuitton store in The
Shops at Crystals is filled with
every Vuitton item you can
imagine, but its best-kept secret
is a permanent installation by
light artist James Turrell called
Akhob (702-730-3150; theshops
atcrystals.com). Visitors stand in
a light-filled room whose colors
continuously change, creating a
meditative sanctuary on the Strip.
RomAnCe A DAte with
lAte-night JewelS
Some high-carat pieces will never
make it to the front counter at
Van Cleef & Arpels (702-560-
6556; vancleefarpels.com) in
The Shops at Crystals, where
spendy shoppers are invited
to a luxurious back room to sip
Champagne and see some of the
house’s rarest items. The store is
open until midnight on weekends.
meet the miDnight iDol
Take in the Vegas sunset at Casa
de Shenandoah (702-547-4811;
casadeshenandoah.com), Wayne
Newton’s 52-acre ranch. It has
barns for his Arabian horses, a
mansion with secret passage-
ways, an exotic-animal farm,
Rolls-Royces formerly owned by
Steve McQueen and Liberace,
and Franklin Roosevelt’s own
desk. You can even take a tour
with Newton himself (for a
reservation, e-mail MrLV@
casadeshenandoah.com).
Dine on the lAke
Bellagio, the Lake Como–themed
Italianate hotel, has been newly
invigorated by chef Julian
Serrano’s modern restaurant
Lago (702-693-7111; bellagio.com),
where diners can enjoy tapas-
style Mediterranean-inflected
dishes, such as pristine crudo and
an exceptional red-wine risotto.
Design by Munge Leung
celebrates early-20th-century
Italian futurism, and the new
outdoor patio offers dining next
to the famous fountains.
JoURney to pARiS
Michael Mina’s beautiful new
Bardot Brasserie at the Aria
Resort & Casino (877-230-2742;
aria.com) elevates French fare—
for instance, onion soup studded
with braised oxtail and bubbling
with aged Gruyère is covered in
Perigord truffles. The gold letter-
ing stenciled on the windows, the
Laguiole cutlery, and the zinc bar
make this one of the most trans-
porting restaurants in Vegas.
A bit of eveRything
Once a restaurant/nightclub,
Lavo (702-791-1800; lavolv.com)
is taking on a new identity. Now a
hybrid private gaming room and
lounge with private bottle ser-
vice, Lavo is still serving elevated
Italian comfort food (wagyu
meatballs!), but now it will bring
dinner right to your gaming table.
ClUb of the moment
Omnia (702-785-6200;
omnianightclub.com) takes the
place of the old Pure in Caesars
Palace, offering a massive
showcase for celebrity DJs like
life begins after sunset
Daylight in Vegas is for spa recovery sessions and disco naps. Here
it’s all about what you can do when the sun goes down.
There are few certainties in the world’s favorite gaming
playground. Some things, however, are guaranteed: There
will always be a fabulous new restaurant to try or a hot new
club to jockey your way into, and, should the need arise to
buy fine jewelry or a handbag at midnight, someone will be
happy to accommodate you.
Best secret place in Vegas:
The Thomas Keller restaurant
Bouchon (venetian.com) is a
hike to get to, but when you sit
on the patio overlooking the
garden, you’re transported
right to Yountville. Best over-
the-top date: The world’s
greatest chefs come to Vegas
December 17–20 for a weekend
called Ultimo (venetian.com/
ultimo). The signature event is
The Grand Banquet—dinner at
a spectacular table that spans
the entire Grand Colonnade.
Civilized cocktail: My favorite
bar outside Venetian and
Palazzo is the Mandarin Bar
(mandarinoriental.com/las
vegas/fine-dining/mandarin-
bar). It’s chic, sophisticated,
has an excellent bar program,
a nice selection of wine by
the glass, amazing service—
and that view! What should
no one miss in 48 hours in
Vegas? There is no ultimate
weekend in Vegas without
gaming and nightlife. I
suggest some gambling in
the new Lavo Casino Club
(lavolv.com/casino-club) at
Venetian, then on to Marquee
(marqueelasvegas.com) at the
Cosmopolitan, and finish
in the early morning at XS
(xslasvegas.com) at Wynn.
Up all night
seBastien silVestri,
VP of food and beVerage
at Venetian and Palazzo,
shares his Vegas faVorites.
James Turrell’s installation Akhob is the
best-kept secret in the Louis Vuitton store at
The Shops at Crystals.
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music lover's paradise
TURNTABLE FOR TWO
Come to the tucked-away
bistro Justine’s Brasserie
(512-385-2900; justines
1937.com) for chef Casey
Wilcox’s seductive take on
French classics; stay for
cocktails and a scene that
revolves around an impres-
sive vinyl collection. Special
events attract musicians like
Richard Hell, Sonny Rhodes,
and Jello Biafra, and its New
Year’s Eve extravaganza is
debauchery at its finest.
ROCK HEAVEN
Named after the patron
saint of music, the luxury
boutique Hotel Saint Cecilia
(512-852-2400; hotel
saintcecilia.com) features
Rega turntables and Geneva
sound systems in every
room, with albums and rock
bios available for checkout.
Concierge programs include
a private vintage vinyl
shopping service courtesy
of Breakaway Records and a
guitar loan from Gibson.
LYRICAL COCKTAILS
Geraldine’s (877-202-2191;
hotelvanzandt.com), the
restaurant at the new Hotel
Van Zandt (which is named
after beloved singer-
songwriter Townes Van
Zandt), pays its respects to
musicians with a top-notch
bar program created by
Jennifer Keyser. To get into
the spirit, order Willie’s Cup,
a playful spin on the mint
julep, made with hemp-
seed milk. The hotel also
features live music nightly.
MUSIC HISTORY
The 1960s and the legacy of
Lyndon B. Johnson live on
after 2012’s multimillion-
dollar upgrade to the LBJ
Presidential Library (512-
721-0200; lbjlibrary.org) in
the heart of the University
of Texas campus. Through
January 10, 2016, explore
The Beatles’ impact on
America at the impressive
“Ladies and Gentlemen…
The Beatles!” exhibit.
CITY LIMITS AND
BEYOND
Experience live music as it
should be at ACL Live at
the Moody Theater (512-
225-7999; acl-live.com), the
home to tapings of Austin
City Limits as well as more
than 100 concerts a year.
The highlight is always
Willie Nelson’s New Year’s
shows, which the country
legend recently expanded
to three nights. For the
ultimate experience, book
a package through the
adjoining W Austin hotel.
SPIN SOME TUNES
Owner Kim Dowling moved
to Austin from New York in
part because of the music
scene, so it’s no wonder her
downtown spin studio,
Ride Indoor Cycling
(512-322-5252; ride-
indoorcycling.com), is
centered around the slogan
“Ride. Rock. Repeat.”
Classes, featuring top-of-
the-line Schwinn AC Sport
bikes, often fill up early, so
book your bike online.
the beat goes on
This independent city honors its rich musical legacy by moving to its own
unforgettable rhythm, night and day.
Top-notch venues, South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, and Waterloo
Records are why Austin is called the “Live-Music Capital of the World.”
But the beat goes far beyond the music: It is simply everywhere, from the
Whole Foods flagship to the city’s thriving food, cocktail, and hotel
scene. A weekend here is good for the soul.
my favorite way to kick off
the weekend: 3 pm happy
hour at Clark’s Oyster Bar
(clarksoysterbar.com) for
oysters and rosé. i could
spend hours in: The dress-
ing rooms at Found (found
austin.com), which feature a
doorbell to order Champagne.
I love the boutique’s selec-
tion of designers. When i
want to recharge: I spend the
day at Lake Austin Spa (lake
austin.com) reading a book in
a hammock by the river after
my treatments. at the stroke
of midnight, you might find
me: At C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
(cboysheartnsoul.com), the
rhythm-and-blues joint with
a great vibe and cool people.
my music venue of choice: If
you’re invited to an event at
historic Arlyn Studios (arlyn
studios.com), don’t turn it
down. A night here is always
one for the books. The most
beautiful spot in austin is:
Mount Bonnell at sunset,
where you see it all: the vast
Texas sky, rolling green hills,
and the water. don’t leave
austin without: Eating a
breakfast taco. My favorite is
from Tacodeli (tacodeli.com)—
tacos for breakfast are genius.
inside austin
lisa Hickey—who furnishes
the ViP areas at music
festiVals through her
comPany, the Panacea
collection—reVeals her
ideal weekend.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Summon your inner Red
Headed Stranger and rent
an original Willie Nelson &
the Family Band tour bus
from Vintage Innovations
(512-524-1390; vintage
innovations.net). For about
$2,500 a day, you can rent
the 1983 Silver Eagle, named
after Nelson’s 1985 album
Me & Paul. The bus, whose
interior has been preserved,
holds up to 20 people.
GUITAR TOWN
Founded by Bill Collings,
Austin-based Collings
Guitars (512-288-7776;
collingsguitars.com) is one
of the most respected
manufacturers of guitars,
mandolins, and ukuleles in
the world; the instruments
are still mostly handcrafted.
See where the magic
happens during tours of the
2,700-square-foot facility,
offered only on Fridays;
reservations are required.
Music mecca Austin has live shows galore,
plus museums, memorabilia, and
tributes all over town.
austin
48hoursin
la-confidential-magazine.com 119
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
enclosed in a heart. Then stroll
to Galerie d’Orsay (617-266-
8001; galerie-dorsay.com) for
the Salvador Dali collection and
Martin Lawrence Galleries (617-
369-4800; martinlawrence.com)
to view modern masters.
Shopping Spree
Jimmy Choo stilettos for her, a
Louis Vuitton briefcase for him:
Browse the boutiques at Copley
Place (617-262-6600; simon.com/
mall/copley-place), where virtually
every global luxury brand can be
found. Enjoy VIP access with a
personal shopper.
Date night
The century-old culinary
establishment Locke-Ober is
Do not DiSturb
XV Beacon (617-670-1500;
xvbeacon.com) blends Brahmin
history with world-class luxe for
a love temperature that’s piping
hot. Special treat: Every Boston
Common magazine guest will
receive a signature box of
chocolate truffles.
art of SeDuction
There’s nothing like artistic
passion to ignite the flames of
romance, so why not go gallery
hopping? First stop: the DTR
Modern Galleries (617-424-9700;
dtrmodern.com) to see the
Damien Hirst series “I Love You,”
featuring Hirst’s iconic butterflies
ULTIMATE ROMANCE
Love is all around the Hub of the Universe, and it’s looking
quite sexy.
Take one of the most historically rich cities in the country,
mix in a thoroughly modern spirit, then top it all off with
exponential luxury, and you are in for the craziest, sexiest
48 hours of your life. Now go on, indulge, Boston-style.
reborn as the modern supper
club Yvonne’s (617-267-0047;
yvonnesboston.com). Its library
bar is a perfect romantic nook,
with cozy dining tables and
lounge seating beside the historic
fireplace. Special treat: Enjoy an
off-the-menu Boston Common
cocktail throughout January.
the Dance of Love
Boston Ballet (617-942-6398;
bostonballet.org) prides itself
on excelling in both the classics
and modern-as-it-gets dance.
“I believe art feeds our soul,”
says Artistic Director Mikko
Nissinen. “So what better way
to spend a date?”
heavenLy brunch
Snuggle into the front-win-
dow banquette at Puritan
& Company (617-615-6195;
puritancambridge.com).
Start your meal with the divine
Church cocktail, mixed with gin,
aperol, and lemon, then tuck into
a sirloin steak and eggs topped
with hollandaise sauce.
pairS, pLeaSe
For a scene straight out of
Norman Rockwell, head to
the Frog Pond (617-635-2120;
bostonfrogpond.com) skating
rink at the Boston Common.
“We have marriage proposals
here every season,” says general
manager John Schaub. Warm up
with a steamy hot cocoa when
you say the code words: “Boston
Common magazine.”
afternoon DeLight
For a sensual retreat, the
Green Tangerine Spa & Salon
(617-585-6498; greentangerine
spa.com) offers Drops of Jupiter:
the Ultimate Urban Boston
Experience, exclusively for
Boston Common readers. Begin
with a 50-minute couples treat-
ment that includes a full-body
massage and aromatherapy.
Continue with a 50-minute facial,
followed by couple’s hairstyling.
Special treat: complimentary
Champagne, chocolate-covered
strawberries, body products,
and hair products.
Dream date spot: Deuxave
(deuxave.com). The wine
collection is award-
winning, and the room
is intimate yet never
crowded. Most romantic
stroll: A walking tour
along Commonwealth
Avenue after dark. Start at
Arlington Street. If there is
snow on the ground, lie
down with your mate and
make a snow angel—
and be sure to look up.
Thousands of white lights
adorn the trees from
December to February.
Weekend outing: An
afternoon at the Harvard
Art Museums (harvard
artmuseums.org). Gaze
at the drawings of John
Singer Sargent in the
preservation lab in an
incredible glass box.
Standing in the Renzo Piano
building is a treat in itself.
There are many intimate,
quiet places to make out...
among the masters.
Main EvEnts
Boston’s golden host,
BRyAN RAfANELLI—who
produced chelsea clinton’s
wedding—curates your
perfect romantic itinerary.
The sexy new supper club
Yvonne’s is the perfect spot for
a romantic dinner date.
boston
48hoursin
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up all night
“miami beach is one of the
most beautiful beaches in
america, so sit on the sand
on ocean drive.”
—cedric gervais
BAR HOP
Lines form around the block
at Bodega (305-704-2145;
bodegasouthbeach.com),
the Alton Road–adjacent
lounge with a secret
entrance and taco stand.
The party can start with
Mexican food and end eight
hours later with bottles of
vodka—or vice versa,
depending on your mood.
LIV IT UP
For the biggest DJs and
wildest party crowds,
LIV (305-674-4680;
livnightclub.com) at the
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
is the go-to destination. You
can sip Champagne and
dance under falling confetti
on the lavish dance floor,
while top spinners like
Tiesto or Zedd are working
just steps away.
AN INTIMATE AFFAIR
Though the quarters are
close at Wall (305-938-
3130; wallmiami.com), the
celebrity-studded lounge
packs a mean nightlife
punch. With some of
Miami’s sexiest dance
parties and performances,
Wall is an intimate spot
where you can let loose
with friends and rub elbows
with A-listers.
SOUTH OF FIFTH
SOUNDS
With its world-famous DJs,
Story (305-538-2424;
storymiami.com) is a
must-see for any vacationer.
Private tables next to the DJ
booth or near a recognizable
celebrity can run over
$100,000 on special
occasions. But any view of
Calvin Harris at 4 am is sure
to be a good one.
24-E11EVEN
In a category all by itself,
the “showclub” E11even
(305-829-2911; 11miami
.com) is where the party
literally never stops. You
can stumble in at 5 am to
find it packed with people
dancing, or just watch the
in-house talent perform
their moves—often
including an acrobat
dangling from the ceiling.
SOUTH BEACH CLASSIC
Delano South Beach
(305-672-2000; morgans
hotelgroup.com/delano/
delano-south-beach) offers
unparalleled attractions,
including the Delano Beach
Club’s weekend daytime
poolside parties. Relax on
the sophisticated deck,
sipping exquisite cocktails in
a private cabana, or lounge
by the infinity pool until
sunset. After dark, head to
FDR, the Delano’s nightclub,
and dance the night away.
NEW IN TOWN
Amidst the colorful buildings
in the Art Deco District is the
recently renovated Nautilus,
A Sixty Hotel (305-503-
5700; sixtyhotel.com/hotel/
nautilus). You can unwind by
the heated saltwater pool at
the Cabana Club during the
day, dine at the stunning
Driftwood Room in the
evening, and enjoy sublime
libations in the Lobby Bar
before a night on the town.
TO THE NORTH
Hyde Beach Kitchen +
Cocktails (954-699-0901;
sbe.com/restaurants/
locations/hyde-beach-
kitchen-cocktails) in
Hallandale Beach offers the
perfect dining experience
for those who are heading
up north but still crave a
taste of South Beach. This
oceanside destination
serves heavenly cuisine
and cocktails.
MIDNIGHT RAMBLERS
From Brickell to South Beach, in Miami the day
begins when the sun goes down and then just
keeps on going.
Miami is a city that loves to celebrate, and it
doesn’t let a little thing like sleep stand in its
way. A quick trip to town can offer a full 48
hours of activity should one so desire. While the
fun often begins in the evening, it doesn’t
necessarily ever have to end.
Fun dinner before a night
out: Drunken Dragon
(drunkendragon-hub.com).
It’s a very cool spot in a strip
mall, and you don’t really
see it from the outside. You
walk in and the energy is
incredible. Best way to
experience the Miami club
scene: On a Friday night,
Story (storymiami.com) is
the best. Saturday night, if
you really want to go for it,
you should stop at LIV
(livnight club.com) and
end up at ClubSpace
(clubspace.com) for the full
Miami experience. They
bring international talent
every week. Best place to
watch the sunrise after a
long set: Miami Beach is one
of the most beautiful beaches
in America, so sit on the
sand on Ocean Drive.
Recovery the next day: A
liquid IV at VitaSquad
(vitasquad.com), and then
end up at the beach at the
W South Beach hotel
(wsouthbeach.com) and
just relax.
How to Spin it
Grammy-winninG, miami-
based dJ CedRiC geRvais
selects the best of miami’s
niGhtlife scene.
Miami’s nonstop nightclubs are as alluring as the city’s
gorgeous beaches.
miami
48hoursin
la-confidential-magazine.com 121
Grammy-tastic!
bar, and party it up with table
service alongside LA’s A+-list.
living legend
Ditch the paparazzi at Staples
Center on Grammy night
(February 15) and grab a
nightcap at nearby Clifton’s
Cabinet of Curiosities (213-627-
1673; cliftonsla.com), formerly LA
institution Clifton’s Cafeteria.
After being closed for five years,
this revived, revamped cafeteria
and lounge—which dates back to
1935—keeps the cool party going
(and the sips flowing) until 2 am.
rock all night
Stop by The Viper Room (310-
358-1881; viperroom.com) in
West Hollywood for a late-night,
heart-pumping performance.
This recently relaunched LA
classic (celebrating its 21st
anniversary this winter) has seen
the likes of Johnny Cash, Tom
Petty and the Heartbreakers,
and Courtney Love take its
legendary stage.
musical gift
Before leaving town, pick up
a few souvenirs from the
renowned Amoeba Music
(323-245-6400; amoeba.com)
on Sunset Boulevard. The
megastore features a matchless
selection of records, CDs, DVDs,
and even cassettes, including
rare collectible items, as well as
in-store performances by
on-the-rise local talent. lac
paparazzi-proof
Check in at the Sunset Marquis
(310-657-1333; sunset
marquis.com) hotel, West
Hollywood’s super-private
celebrity hot spot, where Steven
Tyler, Matthew McConaughey,
and other stars escape for a
little R&R—rock ’n’ roll, that is.
Located just off the Sunset Strip,
the hotel features a spa with
specialty massages for
musicians and the Morrison
Hotel Gallery, which showcases
fine-art music photography.
backstage pass
Head to the Grammy Museum at
L.A. Live (213-765-6800; grammy
museum.org), Downtown’s
shrine to the music awards.
Be sure to catch the exhibits
“Sinatra: An American Icon,”
which comes to a close on
Grammy weekend, and “On
the Red Carpet,” a display of
unforgettable Grammy outfits.
the tune-up
Do like a local and kick off your
high-octane Grammy weekend
with a Soundbath at The Springs
(213-223-6226; thesprings
la.com). This oh-so-Zen space
features a sound-healing class
led by electronic artist Torkom
Ji. Using special frequencies and
sounds, the class brings guests
to a blissful state, healing
muscles and organs, and
relieving stress. February 12,
8:30–10 pm
scout for talent
The Hotel Café (hotel
cafe.com), located in the heart
of Hollywood, is known for
breaking up-and-coming artists
in the industry with secret
concerts, intimate showcases,
and a jam-packed schedule of
performances (five shows a
night, seven nights a week).
grab the Mic
If all the touring makes you want
to sing your own tunes, belt it
out at Blind Dragon (310-274-
7500; blinddragonla.com) in
West Hollywood. Show off your
Mariah Carey–esque vocal range
(in your own private room, of
course) at this upscale karaoke
HItsvIlle l.A.
Just in time for the 58th annual Grammy Awards, these top
Hollywood haunts should be high on your bucket list for any
music-themed LA itinerary.
Calling all music fans! Forget the cheesy double-decker buses or the tourist trap that’s Hollywood Boulevard—spot celebs and live like a rock star with a musical LA tour de force that will have you singing sweet melodies. Check off these rocking spots from your Los Angeles to-do list for a 48 hours you’ll want to play on repeat.
tell us about your must-
visit places in La. Tower Bar
(sunsettowerhotel.com). It’s
a hideout—no paparazzi.
Last time I was there, I ran
into Simply Red. And, of
course, I go to Madeo
(310-859-4903) for great
Italian food, and Cut
(fourseasons.com/beverly
wilshire) is always great.
Chateau Marmont (chateau
marmont.com) has never
changed. If you want to see
the up-and-coming, that’s
where you go. [For music]
I go to Motown [Records]
studios to get “the jelly”—if
you will. Where is your
favorite La venue to perform
and hear great music? I
started out at The Forum
(fabulousforum.com), and
it’s come back around again.
I’ve gone to concerts there,
and I cannot wait to play at
the new Forum! The venue is
just spectacular—that’s like
my living room, as far as I’m
concerned. it doesn’t look
like you’re slowing down
anytime soon with a
Vegas residency at Planet
Hollywood coming up.
I’ve always had the Italian-
racecar-driver mentality:
Whatever is behind me
doesn’t count; it’s always
what’s next. I love what I do.
music man
On the eve Of his 2016
MusiCares award, Megastar
LioneL ricHie gives us
the 411 On hOw tO enjOy
graMMy seasOn.
Gary Clark Jr. at an in-store show at Amoeba Music. inset, left: The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.
los angeles
48hoursin
S P A C E
O P E N S P A C E S
M E E T
U R B A N P L A C E S
Situated on the Westside of LA,
Playa Vista puts you right where
you want to be and close to
everything else. Head to Whole
Foods at Runway, The Resort, great
restaurants and shopping or even
LAX. With the booming tech hub
featuring Google and Yahoo at The
Campus, you’ll even find yourself at
the center of Silicon Beach.
PLANS, PRICING, SQUARE FOOTAGE, PRODUCTS, AMENITIES AND COMMUNITY/NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. MODEL DOES NOT REFLECT RACIAL PREFERENCE. © 2015 PLAYA VISTA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CALBRE #00991326.
WelcomePlayaVista.com BROKERS WELCOME
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Everly by Brookfield Residential
RebiRth of the ModeRnlong a master of CalI-ClassIC ChIC, RH launChes a neW ColleCtIon at a reImagIned
gallery dedICated to all thIngs mod. by matt stewart
Last year, RH (formerly Restoration Hardware)
unveiled its latest LA gallery on Melrose Avenue.
While the design of the new 40,000-square-foot
space created enormous fanfare, the brand now
introduces its first-ever free-standing RH Modern
Gallery in their former Beverly Boulevard space.
The entire space is dedicated exclusively to RH’s
new Modern collection and RH Contemporary Art.
In this exclusive interview, RH Chairman and CEO
Gary Friedman shares his thoughts on RH’s debut-
ing collection and its Beverly gallery, both of which
exemplify LA cool at its best.
What made you decide to launch RH Modern?
A modern collection is something we’ve been talking
about [for quite some time]—we started working on it
about a year-and-a-half ago. We could see multiple
trends coming together that could create a market for
modern design. For example, architecture has been
predominantly modern over the last two decades.
Millennials, who have grown up with innovative
technology and modernized working spaces, are
beginning to enter their home-purchasing years.
This big wave is coming, but, with that said, I think
outstanding products make a market.
Who are some of the designers and artisans
behind RH Modern? What are a few highlights?
The lighting by Jonathan Browning (pictured above)
is some of the best I’ve seen in years. Another favorite
is the cloud sofa and sectional by Timothy Oulton. It
has such beautiful lines, and is so comfortable you
don’t want to get up.
Why did you dedicate the Beverly location exclu-
sively to this collection?
We believe the physical manifestation of a brand
and the physical act of shopping are the most
important aspects of the retail experience. With that
in mind, we decided to reimagine this midcentury
masterpiece in the West Hollywood Design District
as a home for the new collection, so the space and the
[collection] would complement one another.
What are some unique aspects of the location?
We’ve created a sculpture garden with towering,
architectural palm trees, [and] a beautiful wall of
water. The exterior of the building has been stripped
down so that its clean lines shine. We’ve incorpo-
rated polished white plaster both inside and out to
keep a spare, linear feel and built a monolithic stair-
case inside to serve as an anchor between different
levels. I have come to understand how important
modern architecture and design are to the fabric of
Los Angeles, so it is particularly important to launch
our Modern collection from a structure that speaks
to the city’s creative genius. LAC
Cube side table in smoke shagreen with polished stainless steel (starting at $695). far right: Milo
Baughman Model #3426 chair in black velvet mohair and brushed-brass finish (starting at $3,195).
top, from left: Jonathan Browning’s Boule de Cristal round chandelier
(starting at $3,695), shown here in burnished brass; Alia rug by
Ben Soleimani in white and silver (starting at $1,095).
RH Modern’s expansive gallery lands on Beverly Boulevard as a shrine to modernist design.
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Haute property abode & Beyond
“If everything in your home has a home, it’ll just flow more smoothly,” says Housepad
creator Michael Bruno.
PH
OTO
GR
AP
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CO
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OF H
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OU
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)
Latest download: With the Depict Frame, LA homeowners have the power to change the art in their home at the touch of a finger.
Shockproof: This unlikely mixture
of water and electricity produces
at-home calm.
These sleek “invisible” speakers stay out of sight, but, with their incredible sound, never out of earshot.
Make your newsfeed come to life with Framebridge’s phone-to-wall service.
RAIN? CHECK! Water and electricity are
normally a dangerous mix,
but Richard Clarkson’s Rain
Lamp (from $940) is what
the designer calls “a harmo-
nious contradiction.” Made
of a large clear globe, a micro
peristaltic pump, and an LED
light bulb, the lamp releases a
single drop of water at a time,
creating both the calming sound
of falling rain and mesmerizing
patches of refracted light. A
nostalgic remedy to winter’s dol-
drums, the Rain Lamp may just
cause you to light a fi re, grab some tea, and tuck
into a good book. richardclarkson.com
RAD PAD
An app to change the
way we manage our
homes? The newly
launched Housepad
helps you, your fam-
ily, and everyone else
involved with your
ménage stay con-
nected, organized, and
safe. Michael Bruno,
founder of the global
antiques network
1stdibs.com, conceived
Housepad with his
own organizational
needs in mind. The app
has several platforms
that bring necessary
information to your
fi ngertips, including
emergency contacts
and other details for all
members of the house-
hold (plus emergency
info for the house
itself), a digital to-do list
that allows tasks to be
assigned to a specifi c
person and checked
off when completed,
and a feature called
Lookbook for creating a
home inventory—
perfect for home
owner’s insurance!
housepadapp.com
Art à la Mod THE DEPICT APP AND FRAME CREATE AN
INSTANT IN-HOME DIGITAL ART GALLERY.
BY ALLYSON REES
On a daily basis, we curate our clothes, our meals, even our Instagram feed, so why not curate our home art collection, too? Depict does just that. A new service from Kim Gordon, a product designer, tech entrepreneur, and former artist, Depict offers a curated collection of ultra-HD digital artworks from more than 100 contemporary artists, including Nicole Cohen, Eric Cahan, and Chris Doyle. With the Depict app, users can purchase individual limited-edition works or opt for a monthly subscription. Those wanting a stronger artistic presence in the home can hang the Depict Frame ($1,800) and change the art displayed via the app. Available in American maple, white, or black, with a museum-quality 50-inch display, the Frame is the perfect digital canvas for an LA-worthy art stash. depict.com LAC
// frame of mind // PICTURE THIS
// STAR TECH //
THERE’S NO EXCUSE for closets packed with years of unframed artwork and drawers fi lled with stacks of
loose photographs (and what about all those Instagram shots you’d always planned to print someday?).
Framebridge, a custom framing app, offers a streamlined solution: Upload your images for preview in a
variety of frames, mattes, and shapes, or have Framebridge send you free packaging so you can mail in
your art for framing. With more than 30 frames in a range of styles, fi nishes, and materials, and a simple
pricing structure starting at $39, Framebridge is a techie-chic way to elevate your space. framebridge.com
SOUND OF THE FUTUREWith premium sound quality and minimalistic
design, it’s no wonder the Clio Invisible Speaker
(from $299) received a 2015 Red Dot Design
Award. Made of invisible glass, this Bluetooth-
enabled speaker disappears into its environment,
all while delivering heart-pumping, panoramic
sound. Bloomingdale’s, Westfi eld Century City, LA,
310-772-2100; clearviewaudio.com
124 LA-CONFIDENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM
HAUTE PROPERTY Spotlight
More wiggle in the wag!
Culver City310/837-8032
West Los Angeles310/477-0364
Dog Daycare • Dog Boarding • Dog Grooming • Dog Shop
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MARVEL JEWELRY INC.550 S. Hill St., Suite 940, Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.marveljewelry.com | 213-680-1645
Marvel Jewelry Inc. is the leading innovator in diamond importing and fne jewelry manufacturing dealing wholesale to the public. Marvel’s jewelry
continues to be appreciated by a sophisticated clientele with classic, contemporary, or modern taste. The featured diamond bangle is made up of
18 karat white gold with 228 round diamonds in leaf motif design.
I T ’ S I M P O S S I B L E
T O B E A T C A N C E R .
A L O N E .
It takes all of us to beat cancer.
Doctors, researchers, volunteers,
and most importantly, people like
you. Join the movement to beat
cancer at StandUp2Cancer.org
Stand Up To Cancer is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Photo Credit: Randall Slavin
Julie Bowen
SU2C Ambassador
NOT TO BE MISSEDE V E N T S • H A P P E N I N G S • P R O M O T I O N S
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
MONNALISA
Monnalisa Boutique on Beverly Drive. Establishedin 1968 in Arezzo, Italy, Monnalisa is a world leaderin garments and accessories for children, operatingin over 60 countries through exclusive distributionin flagship stores and shop-in-shops. Join Us, LateNight Shopping, Sat. Dec 5th and 12th until 9:30pm.
Monnalisa Beverly Hills338 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210310.271.2588 | [email protected] @MonnalisaBeverlyHills on Instagram and Facebook
ALICE + OLIVIA
Stacey Bendet’s Spring 2016 collection for alice + olivia is set in the scene of an urban inspired desert. The color palette features bright pops of poppy red, aqua and shades of chambray denim juxtaposed against camel colors. This collection reflects the mindset of a bold and independent woman bursting with confidence, sophistication, and natural beauty.
8501 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069410 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 902103939 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
SERAPIAN
The Melanie bag, originally commissioned bya Serapian customer in the early 1960s, to beused as a lightweight, stylish, compact bag for “jet set” travel. The bag remains timeless and modern to this day. Price $1740. Available atthe Serapian flagship boutique:
204 N Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills or online at www.us.serapian.com
VDARA HOTEL & SPA®
AT ARIA LAS VEGAS®
Vdara Hotel & Spa® at ARIA Las Vegas®, is a AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Four-Star Award-winning international all-suite, dog friendly, boutique hotel that appeals to guests who choose to enjoy Las Vegas from an exclusive, non-gaming, smoke-free environment. Vdarais connected to the Bellagio® and offers thevery latest modern amenities and services.
Visit Vdara.com to escape today.
THE FRONT YARD
Nestled under towering sycamore trees inNorth Hollywood at The Garland is The Front Yard, celebrating LA’s diverse food culture in a setting as comfortable as an evening at the neighbors’ house. Find yourself dining on the spacious outdoor patio or sip on your favorite cocktail by the fireplace.
4222 Vineland AvenueNorth Hollywood, CA 91602818.255.7290 | www.thefrontyardla.com
VITRA EYEWEAR
LUXURY OPTICAL BOUTIQUE
DEBUTS IN SOUTH COAST PLAZA
Vitra Eyewear, purveyor of extraordinary and unusual designer frames, features a “transparent” storefront lab and diverse collection of top-tier brands including Chrome Hearts, ic! Berlin, Retrospecs, Sospiri, Shamballa, Salt, Lindberg, Thierry Lasry, Dior and more. Vitra Eyewear is unlike any other.
(714) 966-2186 • www.vitraeyewear.com
Chrome Hearts at Vitra Eyewear
Every 8 minutes the American
Red Cross responds to a disaster
and makes this promise. This holiday
season, you can help us keep it.
Donate today at redcross.org
This is how you say
it’s going to be okay.
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FITNESS KITCHEN LA
FITNESS KITCHEN LA, Los Angeles and Southern California’s premiere daily meal delivery service offers a variety of healthy meal plans that work with
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Transform your health and lose weight with Z.E.N. Foods’ delicious Paleo Plan. Or choose the Standard Weight Loss Plan and enjoy the amazing variety via
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TRUE FOOD KITCHEN
True Food Kitchen is serving you honest food that tastes really good. With a wide, healthy selection of vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free options we offer something for everyone. At True Food Kitchen, we want you to feel better,
live longer, and make your mouth happy in the process.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Cannabis Connection
GOING GREEN! Cannabis is no longer only forhippies and stoners – in today’smarket, marijuana products arehandcraf ed and oh-so-luxe.
No longer stigmatized, medicinal marijuana is f nally ready for its big debut – just in time for legalization. Endorsed by doctors, politicians, celebrities, and more, the medicinal plant is at the center of a multibil-lion-dollar industry on the rise.
Known to aid those dealing with medical conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, and seizures, medical marijua-na is lauded for its multiuse purposes, in addition to being consumed recre-ationally. With the growing popular-ity and wider acceptance of cannabis in the public eye, legalization for recreational use of cannabis seems to be just around the corner, and the industry is taking note.
As the popularity of cannabis grows, budding companies are f nding inno-vative ways to appeal to new con-sumers, including those in the luxury sector. Premium products, such as 24-karat gold rolling papers to intri-cate handcraf ed pipes and bongs, are being introduced as the market widens to include those looking for luxury goods. Take, for example, Altai’s delectable confections made from specially sourced Peruvian dark chocolate infused with THC, the ac-tive ingredient in cannabis – perfect for those looking to sweeten up their intake.
Today, cannabis is being use for “medicreational” purposes (both medically and for fun) among a wide range of people, including those look-ing for top-of-the-line goods. Use this guide to indulge and expand your use with artisanal edibles, sweet elixirs, and high-end products to pair withyour daily dose.
1. ALTAI BON BONS
A new line of artisanal edibles thoughtfully crafted for well being and enjoyment, featuring a bittersweet dark bon bon composed of 72% dark chocolate creates the ultimate treat for a classic chocolate lover. Pure, bittersweet dark chocolate is blended with milk and cream for the perfect velvety chocolate flavor. Visit www.altaibrands.com for more information.
2. UP HIGH EXTRACTS
Up High Extracts is committed to providingthe highest quality extracts from the highestquality plants.
For inquiry on all products, [email protected] or Weedcare in Riverside.
3. SPEAKEASY
Speakeasy is a new cannabis brand that is sneaking through the back door with their pure golden oil. Their alchemist is a Ph.D. who’s already won first place Cannabis Cups(6 times) and is now creating vape cartridges and tonics that are pure, potent and high quality. Keep an eye out for them at a dispensary near you. Visit www.speakeasydispensary.comfor more information.
4. SPRIG
Take a sip of this delicious, refreshing, THC-infused soda for a social, energetic, and uplifting time. Available at California dispensaries. Grab a Sprig and smile more. Visit www.drinksprig.comfor more information.
5. STOWVAPE
The Original Stowvape introduces the world’s first dual-purpose all-in-one personal pen vaporizer with a built-in storage system & 100% discreet pen cover design. Easily vape dry-herbs & concentrates on-the-go in less than3 seconds. Powerful 650mAh battery allows 5 hours of constant use.Stowvape comes complete with stainless steel multi-tool and bristle brush.
Available exclusively at www.WickiePipes.com.
W W W . A L T A I B R A N D S . C O M
Furthering 2500 years of cannabis use, Altai creates thoughtfully
craf ed artisanal edibles for well-being and enjoyment. Our brand
pays tribute to an ancient princess, found entombed in the Siberian
permafrost for nearly 2,500 years. Her burial chamber included several
ceremonial bridled horses, silks and an adorned vessel of cannabis.
SEA SALT CARAMEL BON BONS
10mg / 25mg SATIVA / INDICA
2015 High Times Cannabis Cup Honoree
Cannabis Connection
HIGH SOCIETY THE CANNABIS QUEEN OF BEVERLY HILLS,
CHERYL SHUMAN, IS AT THE TOP OF THE
LEAFY GREEN INDUSTRY.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Known as the “Martha Stewart of Marijuana,” Cheryl Shuman is leading the front for women in the cannabis industry. First introduced to the plant for its medicinal uses to combat PTSD and anxiety in 1996, the marketing matriarch has since founded the Beverly Hills Cannabis Club (now in its 20th year; bhcclub.com) and helps women in the industry through networking groups such as Women Grow and Moms for Marijuana. With the advancement of the cannabis legalization, the LA local remains at the forefront of the ever-growing feld.
What is the biggest issue the cannabis industry faces today?
For women and families the biggest fear is losing your children, job, or home afer being “outed” as a cannabis consumer. Similar to the LGBT movement, social acceptance with Cannabis consumers
“coming out of the cannabis closet” is rapidly changing public opinion.
And what about for those on the business side of cannabis? Te biggest issue for businesses is for the laws dealing with banking and 280E IRS codes to catch up with how fast the cannabis industry is growing. Marijuana is now mainstream with [an industry] estimated $47 billion by 2018. By rebranding cannabis, making it acceptable in mainstream culture, marijuana will be legalized around the world. With the negative stigma removed, [cannabis use] will be as common as having a glass of wine at dinner.
Do you have any advice for those looking to invest
in the cannabis industry?
As the senior advisor on a $50 million investment fund with Jacob Securities, I would say only deal with the most respected investment professionals. Understand the variable risk involved with the plant itself, and hire an expert that understands the opportunities available with solid teams.
What are your favorite at-home edibles? In the mornings I like to have a CBD Cannabis Juice smoothie. For lunch, grilled medicated chicken with a raw food cannabis leaf salad and cannabis infused salad dressing vinaigrette. For dinner, grilled vegetables and cannabis infused Chilean sea bass. And I love caramel pecan chocolate cannabis “turtles”—decadent, delicious, and delivers an amazing restful night’s sleep.
What’s the most chic way to enjoy your cannabis?
I love vaporizing (vaping) cannabis in my brand new 14 karat gold and pave diamond vaporizer.
Tell us why legalization is important.
Finding a win-win for the politicians, patients, community, businesses, and families is the best way that we can revitalize our economy by creating new jobs and companies. If matriarchs can be persuaded that marijuana boosts, rather than imperils health, then cannabis caramels may one day be found stuck to the teeth of a grateful nation! cherylshuman.com
Cheryl Shuman (RIGHT) here with her daughter Aimee Shuman, is going green.
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THE WAREHOUSE
478 W. Baseline St.
San Bernardino, CA 92410
909-567-2277
TOTAL HEALING TOUCH COLLECTIVE
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Studio City, CA 91604
818-579-4337
ZEN OC
949-200-0747
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1 LOVE BEACH CLUB
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Long Beach ,CA 90803
562-343-5388
99 HIGH TIDE COLLECTIVE
Malibu’s Premiere Beachside Collective.The highest
quality Cannabis products and compassionate
knowledgeable consultants. Organic, Vegan, Gluten
Free options. Heal * Expand * Awaken. “Be Your
Higher Self”. 22775 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
90265 www.99hightide.com (310)456-9930
BUDDHA COLLECTIVE
440 N. La Cienega
Los Angeles, CA 90048
CALIFORNIA COMPASSIONATE CARE NETWORK
4720 Vineland Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91602
818-980-6337
CONEJO WELLNESS CENTER
30101 Agoura Court
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
818-865-8085
GOURMET GREEN REMEDIES
2000 Cotner Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-473-3509
HOLISTIC CANNABIS EVALUATION
2388 N. Lake Ave
Altadena, CA 91001
626-817-9025
HOLLYWOOD HIGH GRADE
7051 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-536-9133
LOS ANGELES PATIENTS
& CAREGIVERS GROUP
7213 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
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MARY JANE’S COLLECTIVE
4901 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
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OCEAN GROWN COLLECTIVE
583 Oleander Rd.
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Cannabis Connection
99 High Tide Collective22775 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-9930
www.99hightide.com
The Green Easy8311 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 424-3035
www.greene420.com, PRE-ICO and Prop D Compliant
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
GREEN SHIELD PATIENTS COOPERATIVE INC. Premium cannabis medicine from our door to yours.
Our Cooperative is focused on providing quality
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MARIJUANA COUNTY
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714-837-9333
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UBER DOOBER
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Our ocean’s hidden treasures, the
nurseries and homes of life in the
ocean, are in trouble. Scientists
say they need to be protected.
Please help. Go to oceana.org/
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ILLU
ST
RA
TIO
N B
Y D
AN
IEL O
’LE
AR
Y
Roughly a decade ago, in anticipation of the big awards-season push, dis-
tributors started withholding prestige pictures—their contenders—until
the final moments of the calendar year, squeezing into fall release their
best bets for Oscars and Globes so they would be fresher in the minds of
voters come ballot time. From the distributor perspective, I get it. But
burying the gold—and burying it deeper every year—has begun to play
havoc with our social lives. And by “our” I, of course, mean “my.”
For the first 10 months of the year, there is virtually no reason to
check in with Hollywood, unless a) you have children, or b) identify
with them, in which case, yes, from January through October, you live
in a weekend paradise of Hogwarts, Hobbits, and Wookies. But—it
must be said—in either case, something is emotionally wrong with you
because a) you’ve been forced to watch this stuff over and over, or b)
you’re over 35 and you want to.
As for the rest of us, we are now abiding streamers—a euphemism for shut-
ins. In consequence, I have begun to notice in me pangs of agoraphobia (or
is that just wise?), and I feel, seriously, like a strong candidate for Hoarders:
Buried Alive, or a private reboot of Grey Gardens, in which I play both recluses.
Winter through summer, I miss the crowds, the boffo laughter, the
collective church silence that says something meaningful is happening to us. I
even miss the little things, like the Grove parking lot, which is manageable
and satisfying and, for my money, has the best 360-degree view of Los
Angeles there is. But most of all, I miss Dinner and a Movie.
Aside from being fun in its own right, Dinner and a Movie is a funda-
mental courtship ritual, hallowed and sacrosanct, and for good reasons:
Sitting in the dark next to someone you don’t yet really know, looking at a
screen instead of each other, sharing, in other words, a paradoxical expe-
rience of togetherness apart, offers in those early stages the perfect amount
of intermediary intimacy. There is no substitute.
But awards season, as it is now practiced, has changed all that. Unless you
are addressing a leprechaun or Stan Lee himself, no date that begins with “I
got us tickets to Ant Man” has ever ended well. So, new lovers over the age of
14, on your marks—you have only two months to enjoy those electric, banter-y
conversations, laden with innuendo and the preludes to things that come on
one’s way out of the theater and into the restaurant. Unless, of course, you are
in high school and your idea of romance begins with Jurassic World and ends
with furtive groping in a car parked outside your parents’ house. In that case,
have at it, kids. This is your world and I—surprise—am the Jurassic. LAC
SeaSonal affection DiSorDer
Thanks To awards season, These days spring fever has To waiT unTil winTer. by sam wasson
136 la-confidential-magazine.com
AND FINALLY...
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