David Montalba, founding principal of Swiss American firm Montalba Architects PHOTO: COURTESY OF MONTALBA ARCHITECTS
Usher in autumn in style with L.A.’s latest launches, from a brand-new Rodeo Drive Jimmy Choo boutique to the arrival of Veuve Clicquot’s world-traveling anniversary exhibit.
New book Place and Space showcases Montalba’s signature projects, such as the Oxnard Beach House in Los Angeles BY KEVIN SCOTT
BY THE BOOKPlace and Space, the first retrospective book by Swiss American firm Montalba Architects published Aug. 30 by Artifice, displays the award-winning firm’s unique blend of California and Swiss design. Th e tome features conversations with notable collaborators, such as film director and client Zack Snyder, alongside Montalba’s signature projects that showcase its “paring down” philosophy—using fewer but only the highest-quality materials. “We organically over the years started to accumulate ideas and projects that have a certain synergy and connection,” says the firm’s founding principal David Montalba. Montalba, whose own house is in the book, is hard-pressed to pick a favorite among the residential and commercial projects spotlighted, but he calls out L.A.’s Th e Row Melrose Place and LR2 House, an expansive residence outside Pasadena. He notes, “With studios in Los Angeles and Lausanne, it felt only natural to use this momentum to release our first concept book focused on our practices’ connection between these two places.” montalbaarchitects.com–Maren Miller
A carry-on from Globe-Trotter’s exclusive Melrose capsule collection. COURTESY OF GLOBE-TROTTER
TRAVEL-MINDED Beloved by clients from Sir Winston Churchill to David Beckham, renowned British luggage brand Globe-Trotter is bringing its custom cases to a new U.S. flagship on Melrose Place. “Like our existing flagship stores in London and Tokyo, we wanted to deliver a first-class experience for our customers to see how beautiful our handcrafted luggage is,” says Vicente Castellano, executive chairman of the brand founded in 1897. Alongside Globe-Trotter’s full collection, the store carries collaborations with Disney; Rowing Blazers; and Tyler, the Creator’s GOLF le FLEUR brand; plus the luggage featured in James Bond film No Time to Die. An exclusive Melrose capsule collection offered in-store boasts a leather trim in L.A.-inspired colors and a multicolored palm tree lining motif. Shoppers can also design their own items. “We wanted customers to feel at home,” Castellano says, “so we’ve created a relaxed living room environment where all of Globe-Trotter’s bespoke and customization services take place.” us.globe-trotter.com–Kamy Smelser
Veuve Clicquot’s global traveling exhibition, Solaire Culture, opens on Rodeo Drive. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
POP THE CHAMPAGNE Celebrating 250 years of world-class bubbly, Veuve Clicquot’s first-ever global traveling exhibition, Solaire Culture, lands in the U.S. after making a splash in Tokyo. Running Oct. 26 to Nov. 17 at 468 N. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, this spirited show honors the esteemed French house’s heritage and cultural imprint from 1772 to the present. “Solaire Culture is an expression of the brand ethos set forth by our founder, Madame Clicquot,” says chief marketing and communications officer Carole Bilde of the legendary businesswoman who took the house’s reins in 1805. “Madame Clicquot revolutionized the world of Champagne with her audacious spirit, innovation and creativity.” Alongside a selection of archival objects—from a Madame Clicquot portrait reimagined by famed artist Yayoi Kusama to vintage bottles—the exhibit includes original artwork by 10 female artists honoring Madame Clicquot and the sun (the inspiration for the label’s yellow hue). Guests can finish the tour by visiting a boutique offering souvenirs and iconic collectible items. veuveclicquot.com–Camryn Wilneff
The Library Room at Soho.Home. Studio Melrose PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
HOUSE MADE Angelenos can finally bring Soho House’s chic feel into their own homes as Soho.Home.Studio—the luxury interiors business and retail store that enables customers to replicate the private members club’s design aesthetic—opens its second U.S. location, on the West Coast. “Th ere’s been a growing demand from our members and the public to do what we like to call ‘bring the House home,’” says Soho Home managing director Aalish Yorke-Long. Th e over 9,000-squarefoot Melrose Avenue outpost—located in the former Rose Tarlow Melrose House space—offers products inspired by the brand’s newest house, Holloway House, in addition to home furnishings and accessories; vintage pieces; and Member Market, a curated edit of lifestyle and home products from local Soho House members. “Timeless Soho House icons also remain popular, such as the Barwell crystal found across the bars in our Houses and the in-room robe, which can be personalized,” says Yorke-Long. Or, book a one-on-one with an interior designer in one of three custom consult rooms. sohohome.com–CW
Jimmy Choo Eris 100 gold liquid metal leather pump PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Dreece stiletto-heel boot; Varenne Avenue shoulder bag. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
FANCY FOOTWORK Jimmy Choo’s new Rodeo Drive home captures the brand’s long-standing affinity for glamour. With a history of dressing Hollywood stars, Jimmy Choo’s legacy of luxury persists on and off the red carpet, and in the details of its newest boutique. Spanning 1,805 square feet, the inviting space embraces a refreshed interior design concept with limestone floors, travertine millwork, natural stone details and sumptuous furniture. Th e earthy elements set against textured plaster walls serve as an artful backdrop for the brand’s complete women’s collection of shoes, handbags, fragrances, bridal pieces and accessories; the newly launched fashion jewelry collection; and its menswear line. Bestselling products like the Bing mule and Love pump accompany exclusive items like the all-over crystal Blake boot and matching Varenne Quad XS bag—or create your dream item with the made-to-order service. Th is fall brings new silhouettes, such as the Dreece stiletto-heel boot and a new Varenne Avenue Quad handbag. jimmychoo.com–Lauren Nehorai
The enchanting outdoor area at West Hollywood’s Avant Garden Bistro AVANT GARDEN PHOTO BY CHRIS FREMONT/AVANT GARDEN BISTRO
MAGIC GARDEN After over 15 years of helming restaurants and bars in New York—including East Village staple Death & Co—2022 James Beard-nominated restaurateur Ravi DeRossi of Overthrow Hospitality knows how to create dining atmospheres as unique as his venues’ fully plant-based menus. His first L.A. project, Avant Garden Bistro in West Hollywood, serves elevated new American vegan cuisine in a Parisian-inspired dining room and an enchanted garden with chandeliers and a two-story tree, imagined by Hollywood set designer Andrew Nowling. “We’ve worked to develop how this concept could be transformed,” says DeRossi, who opened Avant Garden in NYC in 2015. Th e menu features favorites like avocado with crispy sushi rice, alongside L.A.-inspired items like chef Sarah Stearns’ smoked bok choy and a Green City cocktail. “Only about 10% of our guests are plant-based or vegan,” says DeRossi. “It isn’t about using ‘fake’ proteins or manipulating ingredients, it’s about highlighting beautiful produce in a reimagined way.” avantgardenbistro.com–MM
Sora Connor helms the Pilates classes at Fairfax Training Club. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
DON’T SWEAT IT Led by personal trainer and nutrition expert Chiheb Soumer—a German-born former professional muay thai fighter—Westwood’s new private Fairfax Training Club offers members exclusive access to all aspects of wellness. Combining personalized training with small group classes and hotel-like amenities, the club offers state-of-the-art strength training equipment, infrared heated yoga, a Pilates studio helmed by Dua Lipa’s trainer Sora Connor, Bala fitness products, Le Labo toiletries, and areas for meditation and breathwork. “More and more, clients are drawn to places that can provide all aspects of wellness under one roof,” said Soumer, who built Fairfax Training Club with well-being experts. “We believe having the option to give our clients more than just private training but complementing their practice with yoga or Pilates will enhance their fitness and wellness goals.” fairfaxtrainingclub.com–Cleo Kanter
Nobu Ryokan Malibu and Malibu Fit Concierge teamed up on wellness packages, including a vintage surf van rental for a nostalgic beach day. PHOTO: COURTESY OF NOBU RYOKAN MALIBU
SURF EXCURSIONS Affluent adventure seekers can enjoy unique Malibu beach escapes with new water-themed wellness packages created by Nobu Ryokan Malibu and Malibu Fit Concierge. “These wellness experiences were curated for surfers of all levels, and for guests who are searching for exclusive water excursions,” says Amir Vahdani, hotel manager at Nobu Ryokan Malibu. Just steps from Carbon Beach, the property grants guests quick, private access to the Pacific Ocean, where they can surf, paddleboard and snorkel. Add-ons for guests include a stand-up paddle and snorkeling excursion with a local guide to secret kelp beds and coves; a vintage surf van rental for a nostalgic beach day with surf equipment and a picnic lunch from Nobu Malibu; and a two-day surf tour with an instructor to the area’s best surfing spots. Says Malibu Fit Concierge’s health and wellness consultant, Peter Deacy, “These experiences provide guests the most local, authentic Malibu experience.” malibu. nobuhotels.com; malibufitconcierge.co–LN
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch features high-quality pumpkins, plus Halloween rides and festivities. BY OLYA KOBRUSEVA/PEXELS
FAMILY FUN Now entering its 35th year, Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch has become a Los Angeles staple. “We created this patch as a way to celebrate family and community tied to an iconic holiday like Halloween,” says owner Lyra Marble—whose father, who created and produced the Back to the Future ride at Universal Studios, designed Mr. Bones with her mother. “Because we have been such a mainstay in Hollywood, we attract a really fun clientele, including some celebrities.” Alongside high-quality pumpkins, the patch features a super slide, an elaborate straw maze and a petting zoo—as well as pony rides, face painting, magicians and live entertainment. mrbonespumpkinpatch.com–Julia Sasonkin
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