“I came to L.A. when I was 23 and found the city completely transformative and so driven toward the future,” says Jean-Christophe (JC) Chopin, who moved from his native France to the City of Angels in 2019. Chopin, co-founder of successful brands like E-Trade, Verisign and more, recently launched BORN (born.com), an innovative, invite-only global network that connects design-driven brands like Land Rover, Adidas, Rimowa and more to luxury retailers. Although Chopin hails from Europe, he chose to set up shop in L.A. where the BORN headquarters (House of BORN) resides near Chateau Marmont. “I’m from France, which gives me a combination of Parisian sophistication and also authenticity. But I also have Italian heritage, and spent several fascinating years in Asia,” he says. “I feel that my diverse global experience and perspective have really shaped the entrepreneurial spirit that allows me to build brands like BORN. Having said that, I’m totally influenced by the American business mindset, and have a proper 30-year love story with Los Angeles and California,” he says. “Ultimately, my passion and lifestyle are driven by creativity, sports, design, food and, above all, products with a purpose.” This all fuels what Chopin does on a typical day, which twists and turns depending on what meetings and events he has to attend. But no matter what his schedule permits, or how busy he may be, the common denominators mentioned above play into his choices. That can mean great food at Angelini Osteria (eggs, avocado toast and cappuccino served by Davide); an afternoon shopping at Fred Segal or Stahl + Band; working out at Equinox; dinner and drinks at Sunset Tower Hotel, Tesse or Madeo; wine at Wally’s, Élephante or the bar at Hotel Bel-Air; and shows at the Hollywood Bowl. “Above all,” he explains, “I like to find things in L.A. that do not exist anywhere else. Look left for a peek at some of Chopin’s favorite spots across the city.
5AM
early start
“I work with Europe every day, so I have to wake up at 5AM and start a call with London, Paris or Milan. I usually work until 8AM from our BORN headquarters—House of BORN—in West Hollywood.”
born.com
8AM
quick sips
“I have a few favorites for breakfast, depending on if I’m alone or taking a meeting. Joe & The Juice is great for a quick green juice and protein shake.”
Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Glendale and West Hollywood, joejuice.com
2PM
smart shopping
“The items you surround yourself with can really change your world. Stahl + Band has a wonderful selection of unique pieces made with quality materials and craftsmanship.”
Venice, stahlandband.com
3PM
relax & recharge
“Hotel Bel-Air is such a classic and elegant escape, and brings the Riviera feeling to L.A. The spa is great for a weekend treatment or massage.”
dorchestercollection.com
9PM
cheers!
“I am not particularly into cocktails and spirits. But of course, with my French background, I do love wine. My father owns vineyards in Burgundy, so wine is a culture for me. I like heading to Élephante to enjoy some after an early dinner.”
Santa Monica, elephantela.com
Photography by: matcha photo by chpua/istock.com; portrait courtesy of BORN;
Élephante photo by Bella Marie Adams; pool photo by Lainie Johnston; spa photo courtesy of hotel bel-air;
stahl + band photo by Erik Benjamins
