Victorinox Opens at the Bev Center

As the second store in the U.S. (NY being the first), Victorinox opened it's first west coast store last month at the Beverly Center.  The label known for it's Swiss Army knives and watches, also has a women's and men's clothing collection.  I was particularly fond of a fur hooded long coat, even though I wondered if I'd ever have a reason to wear it in L.A.  Regardless, it's good to have just in case it gets below 50 degrees.  The store includes everything Victorinox in one location including (besides the knives, watches, and apparel) household cutlery (who knew they made these!), fragrances, and luggage.  Definitely the place to stop if you're taking a trip into the wilderness or going to Mammoth for the weekend.  Let's not forget the Swiss Army knife that was left behind in 127 Hours.

The 2,333-square-foot store includes geometrically cut oak wood walls, steel fixtures and the familiar Swiss Army shade of red throughout the store.  The wall of Swiss Army knives in various colors is a great centerpiece and even stands out when you pass by it from the outside.

Victorinox Swiss Army on the Beverly Center's sixth floor is located between the J. Lindeberg and Godiva Chocolatier stores.

Splendid Gets Crafty at The Grove

As I spotted back in April, the new Splendid boutique officially opens at The Grove on Friday, June 17th, but the big party happens on Father's Day, Sunday, June 19th. They have collaborated with Crafting Community, an organization that brings families closer together through the power of art and recreation, to host a free event which features fun, interactive workshops focused on reusing and repurposing natural materials. I'm loving the green theme!  The activities for the day include Sew Splendid Cart, where families can design their own custom Splendid scarf by mixing and matching fabrics, Fun with Fabrics, a fabric and beading workshop where participants create one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, and key fobs by braiding, twisting, and knotting Splendid fabric with colorful beads. If at the end of the day you're still yearning for more crafty fun, you can purchase "Fun with Fabrics" to-go kits that include all the ingredients necessary to construct DIY accessories at home. Plus, yes there is more, five of the limited-edition to-go kits contain $250 shopping sprees at the Splendid store.  Since it's Father's Day, Splendid is offering 20% off all men's merchandise throughout the day.  What dad wouldn't love a super soft and comfy shirt?

Related article:

Splendid Store Opening Soon at The Grove

Splendid Store Opening Soon at The Grove

While meandering through The Grove this Sunday, I noticed a sign for a new Splendid store in between La Piazza Ristorante Italiano and the Apple store.  I think it was a Quiksilver surf shop before.  It's a pretty hidden spot so I'm not surprised businesses don't do well there, but we'll see how Splendid does.  This will definitely create some competition for Michael Stars, another LA-based comfy t-shirt company, which is located around the corner and across from Barney's Co-Op.  According to The Grove's website, the store opens this Summer.

Tom Ford Rodeo Drive Store Opens with a Star-Studded Party

The long awaited Tom Ford store on Rodeo Drive finally opened to the public last Friday. Mr. Ford held his opening party the night before and it was probably as huge as the Oscars Vanity Fair party, which was that same weekend.  After work Thursday, I decided to stop by and try to somehow talk my way into the party.  As I walked up Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Eva Longoria, Colin Firth (by the way, he thanked Mr. Ford in his Oscar acceptance speech), Kristin Davis, and Milla Jovovich had just arrived and were immediately escorted through the velvet ropes. Needless to say I was unsuccessful in crashing the uber-exclusive party, but, hey, at least I tried.

On Saturday, I visited the store (again) and it was as gorgeous as I had imagined.  As soon as I walked in, a very handsome male model greeted me with champagne and graciously informed me that the downstairs was menswear and the upstairs was womenswear (I wonder how much he gets paid to serve drinks and give directions). One of my favorites parts of the store was the mirrored spiral staircase, even though it made me dizzy.  The store had a very relaxing ambiance and the staff were surprisingly friendly. In a recent interview with LA Times' Booth Moore, Tom Ford said, ""Even if they are not affordable to everyone, I want people to think, 'If I had the money, I'd love that.'" It's like you read my mind, Tom.

Related Articles:
Vivienne Westwood, Tom Ford, and Lanvin Stores Are Opening Very Soon!
Tom Ford's Highly-Secretive Spring Summer 2011 Show Video
Store Openings Around the City
 

More photos after the jump...

Agent Provocateur Opens Their Rodeo Drive Store With A Sexy Party

Agent Provocateur on Rodeo Drive

Thursday night I attended the Agent Provocateur Rodeo Drive store launch party. I have been anticipating the opening for quite some time and was curious if it would be different from the store on Melrose Ave. As I walked in a girl in black lingerie greeted me with a glass of Veuve Clicquot. Almost immediately I fell in love with the Hollywood glamour decor. The new store fits in perfectly on Rodeo Drive with its luxurious, high-end feeling, which differs from the edgier Melrose Ave. store. Agent Provocateur seems to be placing themselves in more prestigious locations with this Rodeo Drive store and the Madison Ave. store in New York, which opened on Sunday night.

Estelle Warren, Debi Mazer, Julie Newmar (the original "Catwoman"), Dominik Garcia-Lorido (Andy Garcia's daughter and known for her role in "City Island"), Sally Kellerman ("MASH"), Agent Provocateur's creative director Sarah Shotton, and owner Garry Hogarth were all in attendance at the launch party sipping glasses of Veuve. Throughout the party, models came out in very revealing lingerie including a few in pasties. I thought to myself, is this a "Eyes Wide Shut" party or a store opening? Nevertheless, I couldn't get over how gorgeous each piece looked on them. First, the models came out in different black lingerie pieces and, next, in cream-colored and crystal embellished lingerie. Most of the pieces were from the Soiree collection, a new luxurious line Agent Provocateur launched this year. At the end of the night all the guests received a gift bag with the new fragrance, L’Agent. It was a great night that seemed to be enjoyed by all who attended.

Creative Director Sarah Shotton & Owner Garry Hogarth (left)

Inside Agent Provocateur Store

 More photos after the jump...

Another Night With More Windows Uncovered at Vivienne Westwood on Melrose

Last Thursday night, I reported that one of the window of the Vivienne Westwood store on Melrose was uncovered while they were doing some work on the store. Then, last night they were working again and the side and front windows were uncovered, but this time the mannequins were dressed. As was the case last week, the windows were covered up again this morning.

The inside looks amazing with it's beautiful wood floors, gold accented furniture, and high ceilings.  Also, it looks like there is a large handbag section in the middle of the store. I'm loving these sneak peaks into the store but there is still no official opening date. I think they are just teasing us at this point.

Related article: Sneak Peak Inside The New Vivienne Westwood Store!

More photos after the jump...

Sneak Peak Inside The New Vivienne Westwood Store!

Last night one of the windows of the Vivienne Westwood store on Melrose was uncovered. It looked like they were hard at work preparing for the opening. As I drove by, I was able to snap a couple of photos of the inside of the store. It's looking amazing!  Their PR rep hasn't confirmed an opening date, but said the store will open very soon.

Vivienne Westwood, Tom Ford, and Lanvin Stores Are Opening Very Soon!

The Vivienne Westwood store on Melrose Ave. should be opening any day now. Over the weekend, I was super excited to see Westwood's name made out of hot pink fluorescent lights. It has a funky and creative aesthetic that has come to be expected from Westwood. The signage is also identical to the Tokyo storefront. Starting on Wednesday, I followed the fast unveiling of the store. First, the gold doors with the logo were uncovered. Then, the whole storefront was revealed and finally the hot pink sign was put on. It was a very exciting week, to say the least.  UPDATE: According to Blackburn and Sweetzer, the store is expected to open the first week in February and Racked LA heard it's opening in March. 

In Beverly Hills, I'm still axiously awaiting the opening of the Tom Ford store.  The storefront has a new photo of Tom Ford dipping Abby Lee Kershaw in his S/S 2011 blue sequence dress.  The store is expected to open Oscar weekend with a very intimate cocktail party which will include an elite VIP guest list hand picked by Mr. Ford.  I can imagine the guest list will be very similar to his highly secreative runway show back in September.

Further down Rodeo Dr., Lanvin's whismical signage is down and a gold "Lanvin" sign is up.  I'm already missing the colorful and playful signage but I'm sure the window displays will make up for it once it opens. The store is excepted to open any day.

Related article: Store Openings Around The City

Store Openings Around the City

Although it seems that more and more stores are shutting their doors, there are a few exciting LA openings coming up soon.

On Rodeo Drive, the opening of the Tom Ford store has been abuzz since December 2008, when WWD got wind that a space had been leased.  If it opens soon, it seems perfectly timed to the release of Mr. Ford's Spring/Summer 2011 collection.  Since Vogue's sneak peek in their December issue, I can hardly wait to see the whole collection!

Just down the street,  Lanvin recently put up a very cute "Opening Soon" sign in front of their soon-to-be store.  I absolutely love the whimsical graphics on the windows. In early August, WWD reported that the store will be 6,000 square feet and include an underground VIP entrance for celebrity clients. After my euphoria from the Lanvin for H&M debut, I'm even more excited about the new Lanvin store!

A few doors down, Agent Provocateur will open a store in Spring 2011.  Earlier this month, they put out a Craigslist ad that they were hiring for the new store.  And down the street closer to Tom Ford, Badgley Mischka is opening a fancy new two-level flagship store (bridal on second level), which was suppose to open Summer 2010.

On Melrose, Vivienne Westwood will open sometime in the new year, according to their PR person.  I'm really looking forward to that opening since it's their first U.S. store.

In Beverly Hills on Canon, Priscilla of Boston will debut their first SoCal store in December.  For my wedding, I had my girls wear a super cute Melissa Sweet, which is under the Priscilla of Boston label, short babydoll dress. Their wedding dresses are gorgeous as well.

For those interested in interior design, their are two stores opening on Melrose Place and Melrose. Pratesi, luxury home linens, and Siglo Moderno, contemporary designs, are preparing to open their doors very soon.

For Lease signs are still up at the former Anthropologie store in Beverly Hills, the Miss Sixty and Fornarina stores on Melrose, and large retail spaces next to Toast on 3rd Street.  I can't wait to see what pops up at those prime spaces.

More storefront photos after the jump...