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West Hollywood
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - West Hollywood prepares for the opening of
Christian Louboutin boutique and studio this fall on Robertson Blvd. in the
heart of the city's fashion scene, south of the Pacific Design Center in the
Avenues of Art & Design along Melrose Ave., Robertson Blvd. and Beverly
Blvd.
GLOBAL FASHION'S LOCAL PRESENCE
In addition to the new Christian Louboutin store opening this fall at 650 N.
Robertson, a number of global fashion shops have chosen West Hollywood as
the location of their newest stores. Alberta Ferretti, an Italian designer
known for her beautiful cocktail dresses, opened her only North American
boutique at 8626 Melrose. The Alberta Ferretti boutique has been nominated
for World Building of the Year 2009 in the World Architecture Festival. The
store's interior is being recognized for its sophisticated, simple palette
and bespoke magnetic display system.
Balenciaga opened its fourth U.S. store at 8670 Melrose in West Hollywood in
2008. This is one of only two U.S. stores to carry both men's and women's
designs. Cristobal Balenciaga, Balenciaga's founder, has been called "the
master of us all" by Christian Dior, and actress Salma Hayek called the West
Hollywood store "the most beautiful store in the world." 3.1 Phillip Lim,
which celebrated its first anniversary at 631 N. Robertson in June, is the
celebrated designer's second U.S. store, and features his full line of
women's, men's and children's wear, as well as accessories. Stella McCartney
may have spearheaded this wave of fashion prowess when she opened her West
Coast boutique in West Hollywood in 2003. Located at 8823 Beverly Blvd., the
store has been a runaway success since it opened.
LOCAL DESIGNERS & BOUTIQUES ARE THE HEART OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
In addition to these high-fashion imports, West Hollywood is home to many
homegrown designers and eclectic boutiques. Among the most prominent is
Maxfield (8825 Melrose), the legendary retailer whose avant-garde styles and
VIP treatment attract a second-to-none celebrity clientele. Other hip local
retailers include Alpha Man (8625 Melrose), which offers clothing,
accessories and gifts for the man with everything. Kitson Melrose (8590
Melrose), which has graced the pages of many lifestyle magazines,
consistently stays one step ahead of the latest trends and attracts a
devoted following among Hollywood's young and fashionable.
Among the more unique offerings, designer Julia Gerard has maintained a
store on Melrose Ave. for nearly 25 years. After 9/11, she turned her store
into the Peace Gallery (8575 Melrose) and produces rock and roll-inspired
clothing adorned with peace signs and thought-provoking messages. ARCADE by
Rochelle Gores, located at 8473 Melrose, carries an eclectic collection of
renowned designers, including Yigal Azrouel and Emanuel Ungaro .
Outside of the Avenues of Art & Design, another great shopping destination
is Sunset Plaza (8623 Sunset) on The Sunset Strip, which features stores
like Badgley Mischka, Catherine Malandrino, Leona Edmiston and On Sunset. An
added perk of shopping at Sunset Plaza is plentiful parking in their lot on
the south side of Sunset. For the latest styles in trendy men's sportswear,
look no further than LASC, located at 8592 Santa Monica Blvd. This
4,000-square foot store carries Diesel and G Star Raw, in addition to a huge
selection of athletic apparel.
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