It’s a lotta Escada, and a Shabby Chic peek
Mayday, Mayday! There’s a new Gucci opening at the Beverly Center, a Shabby Chic dress installation in Malibu and a Stella McCartney trunk show in West Hollywood. Not enough? Take your pick of runway shows: eco-friendly in Santa Monica, whiz-kid fashion students downtown or emerging designers at Barkar Hangar. Check for weekly updates at latimes.com/image and feel free to tip us off at the Exchange.
OPENINGS
Escada Could it be that Escada is trying to pull a St. John? The international luxury brand known for its rather staid designs opens a new flagship boutique this week inside the Beverly Wilshire hotel, showcasing the work of newly appointed creative director Damiano Biella. Previously, the designer worked ladylike labels as Valentino and Carolina Herrera, so shoppers probably won’t be in for too many surprises. The store will offer the main collection, accessories and eveningwear. Now you’ll have something to wear when you finally get that reservation at Cut. Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, 9502 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 285-0330; www.escada.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon.-Sat.; noon to 5 p.m., Sun.
Lambertson Truex May 15: The latest addition to the ultra-chic yet low-key Melrose Place is the first boutique from the American accessories house. The store will carry the entire collection of understated bags and shoes for men and women, along with gloves and umbrellas. There will also be a bespoke area where customers can create special-order bags designed to perfectly match the Oscar de la Renta luncheon suit that can be purchased just down the street. 8459 Melrose Place, Los Angeles; (323) 951-9622; www.lambertsontruex.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon.-Sat. Closed Sun.
Chip & Pepper May 17: Chip and Pepper, the funny twins who started with a surfer-chic label, now have a burgeoning denim brand known for the worn-out vintage look, and a new store to showcase it. The boys are opening their first California boutique in -- where else? -- surf city, Newport Beach. Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Suite 235, Newport Beach; (949) 644-2447; www.chipandpepper.com. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun.
Gucci Mid-May: The Beverly Center has gone totally high-low with D&G;, Dior and Louis Vuitton already open mere steps from H&M;, Steve Madden and Guess. A Gucci boutique is next. Hopefully, the mall’s escalator construction will be done soon, to make schlepping those Gucci goods to the car a little easier. Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 854-0071; www.gucci.com. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun.
FASHION EVENTS
Shabby Chic Vintage Dress Installation Through June 3: Interior designer Rachel Ashwell, known for mixing casual comfort, distressed vintage and country flair, has created an art installation of eclectic vintage dresses on display at her Malibu store before they travel to other Shabby Chic boutiques across the country. The one-of-a-kind dresses are embellished with brooches, silk trims and vintage flowers. Can a clothing line be far off? Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic, 3900 Cross Creek Road, No. 2, Malibu; (310) 317-9750; www.shabbychic.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon.-Sat.; noon to 5 p.m., Sun.
Downtown Magnet High School fashion show “Lights, Camera, Fashion!” Saturday: Los Angeles Unified School District’s Fashion Careers Center students wrap up semester-long internships with a show that includes the work of 20 designers. Los Angeles Trade Technical College, Grand Theatre, 400 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles; (213) 481-0371, Ext. 5177. 5 p.m. $10.
Vintage Fashion Expo Saturday-next Sunday: Paging all lovers of vintage duds: The Vintage Fashion Expo, which comes to L.A. only three times a year, is the place to find authentic timeless design. The expo includes over 75 dealers from across the country who sell clothing, textiles, jewelry and accessories that span more than 125 years. This event has a serious cult following among celebs, costume designers and vintage collectors as well as fashion designers looking for inspiration from other eras. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica; www.vintageexpo.com. Regular hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat.; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. $10. Early buying: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Sat. $20.
“Revel With a Cause” May 20: Now in its 16th year, the Santa Monica Festival features music, dance and, for the first time, a fashion workshop with costume designer Ann Closs-Farley. Participants will create accessories and clothing using recycled and repurposed materials, then model their new eco-threads on the catwalk. Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica; www.arts.santa-monica.org. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
Ella Moss May 26: Meet the designer, known for her flowing tops, summery dresses and use of stripes, while previewing her new collection. Nordstrom, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; (714) 549-8300, Ext. 1360. 1 to 4 p.m.
Revamp Vintage Fashion Show May 27: On the last Sunday of every month, Annamarie von Firley holds a free fashion show featuring reproduced vintage clothing from a specific decade. Perhaps playing off Miuccia Prada’s obsession with retro starlets for spring, the focus this month is the 1940s. After the show, you can sip champagne, try on, and maybe even take home that pair of high-waisted sailor pants you were eyeing. Revamp Salon, 834 S. Broadway, Suite 1200, Los Angeles; (213) 488-3387; www.revampvintage.com. 12:30 p.m.
BEAUTY EVENTS
Beauty Week L.A. Thursday-Saturday: Think of it as a three-day, beauty variety show where guests can meet with beauty experts and receive complimentary consultations for makeup, hair and skincare. Guests will also be privy to discounts, gifts with purchases and swag, swag, swag. Euphora Apothecary, 8590 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 11, West Hollywood; (310) 360-1400.
SAMPLE SALES
Spring Glam Sample Sale Saturday: Fashion, jewelry and accessories for men and women at wholesale prices from designers such as T-Bags, Yoga Army, B. Boheme, Hudson, Splendid, Hale Bob, Ella Moss, J Brand, True Religion and Ted Baker. A runway show showcasing emerging designers begins at 1 p.m. Barkar Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica; www.gotofem.com. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $15 for VIP preview access, $5 for general admission in advance; $7, cash only, at the door.
TRUNK SHOWS
Stuart Weitzman May 21-23: The Fall 2007 trunk show will be held at the Stuart Weitzman boutique on Rodeo Drive and will have an extensive range of sizes (from AAAA to C) for those tough-to-fit tootsies. 437 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills; (310) 860-9600; www.stuartweitzman.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Stella McCartney May 30-31: McCartney is so busy designing clothes for H&M;, Target Australia, Adidas and soon (we hear) LeSportsac, sometimes we forget what she’s putting together for her own store. Check out her fall collection at her West Hollywood shop. 8823 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood; (310) 273-7051; www.stellamccartney.com. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
-- Lizzie Garrett
