A New Book Goes Inside Over 40 L.A. Fashion Studios

Large pearl drop earrings, $450, sophiebuhai.com

“Fashion in [Los Angeles] was always happening,” writes Krista Smith, co-author of the new book Fashion in LA ($80, Phaidon, available Oct. 30). “There’s a definite upward trajectory to the rise of L.A. as a fashion hub, and it’s inextricably connected to this idea of L.A. as a final destination, both culturally and geographically.” The ex-Vanity Fair executive West Coast editor, who, alongside Fashion Trust founder Tania Fares, explores the studios of over 40 leading L.A.-based designers, documents the city’s arrival onto the global sartorial scene. Through both the history the authors’ trace and the interviews they conduct, the book makes a compelling argument for the City of Angels as the newest fashion epicenter (here, here!). Designers from Rodarte, Jeremy Scott, Rachel Zoe, Lisa Eisner and Sophie Buhai—the modernist jewelry designer whose distinctive pearl earrings are featured here—all have their say. And to the last, each one voices something similar to what Buhai herself declares: “I feel very, very deeply connected to the city.”