Brunello Cucinelli
(Beverly Hills and Palisades Village, brunellocucinelli.com)
Cashmere, mohair, linen and wool are king at the venerable Italian brand’s two L.A. boutiques. Although suiting is an important category, a soft, relaxed feel defines the perfectly cut clothing, which has been seen on A-listers like Jon Hamm and Jennifer Lopez. An ideal go-to for luxurious basics and handmade knits, the leather suit in cream is a standout for spring. insider’s tip Devoted customers may be invited to the brand’s new West Hollywood showroom for an ultraexclusive VIP styling experience.
Capitol x Irene Neuwirth
(Brentwood Country Mart, shop-capitol.com)
Charlotte, N.C.’s go-to for bold, resort-inspired clothing and accessories is right at home here in L.A. Head to the colorful boutique—which also houses an Irene Neuwirth shop-in-shop—for statement-making pieces by designers including Valentino, Rosie Assoulin and Johanna Ortiz.
insider’s tip Capitol’s complimentary in-home personal styling service includes a wardrobe assessment, event styling preparation, packing assistance and organization advice.
The Great.
(West Hollywood, thisisthegreat.com)
Head to Emily Current and Meritt Elliot’s Americana-infused wonderland on Melrose for perfectly worn-in knits, vintage-inspired denim and relaxed suiting. Also of note: the duo’s curated collection of fragrance oil, candles, pottery and more.
insider’s tip After noticing that guys were hoarding the women’s largest sizes, the brand recently launched a men’s line: THE GREAT. Man.
Palisades Village
(Pacific Palisades, palisadesvillageca.com)
Caruso’s West Side shopping destination features a trove of luxury shops from L.A.-based women-owned businesses, including Jennifer Meyer and Tamara Mellon, and mouthwatering eateries like The Draycott and Blue Ribbon Sushi. insider’s tip The Coast Lounge, a private space for VIP shopping and events, is also a secret shopping and spa destination, hosting pop-ups from luxury brands like Jonathan Simkhai, Biologique Recherche, Dr. Barbara Sturm and Chanel Beauté.
-0001.jpg)
The Shoe Surgeon (theshoesurgeon.com)
In a world of knockoffs, Dominic Ciambrone’s custom-tailored sneakers stand out. Using the rarest premium and exotic materials and constructing with the finest attention to detail, Ciambrone—who has created pairs for LeBron James, Justin Bieber and more—rethinks classic kicks in a fresh, artistic way. insider’s tip The Shoe Surgeon Shoe School is a creative outlet for those interested in the art of shoemaking, and goes beyond the craft to help students change their lives for the better.
Mia Becar (West Hollywood, miabecar.com)
Founder and creative director Betsy Gonzalez and co-founder and co-designer Carolina Lujan’s new, direct-to-consumer luxury shoe line seamlessly merges intricate artistry and comfort. Although there are beautiful everyday basics to choose from, it’s the party shoes that shine. Even the most blinged-out stilettos can be dressed down when paired with denim. insider’s tip Check the site regularly, as new limited-edition styles launch every month.
Violet Grey (Melrose Place, violetgrey.com)
Every item at Cassandra Grey’s jewel box beauty destination on Melrose Place goes through rigorous testing before receiving the best-in-class Violet Code stamp, a requirement before hitting the shelves or the website. Many items, such as Victoria Beckham’s new Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer—a collaboration with Augustinus Bader—are exclusive to the store. insider’s tip Visit the boutique to check out Hollywood memorabilia such as Dean Martin’s director’s chair and original sketches by Edith Head, along with a rotating curation of product that changes weekly.
Shani Darden (Beverly Hills, shanidarden.com)
L.A. may have estheticians on every corner, but there are only a handful worth visiting. Darden’s no-fuss, results-oriented approach—delivered in her absolutely stunning new studio space on Civic Center Drive—cuts through the frills to achieve what everyone wants: glowy, youthful skin.
Insider’s tip Ask Darden about her microcurrent gloves, which she incorporates into facial massage. The dramatic lifting results are visible immediately.
Kristen Shaw (Andy Lecompte Salon, West Hollywood, andylecomptesalon.com; kristenshawhair.com)
A love of sculpture and line work comes through in Shaw’s effortlessly chic men’s and women’s cuts, which pay special attention each person’s facial and body structure, as well as how they live. insider’s tip Shaw is a big believer in scalp health and believes that regular use of detoxing shampoo and conditioner (once every two months) will restore hair’s strength and stability, leading to a thicker, longer, healthier mane.
Tracey Cunningham (Mèche, Beverly Hills, mechesalonla.com)
Arguably the most coveted colorist in L.A.—everyone
from Charlize Theron to Drew Barrymore has seen her—Cunningham is a masterful artist, bringing life and luster to even the dullest locks. insider’s tip If you can’t get in with Cunningham, see the talented Jacob Schwartz. He studied under her for years and weaves her tips and tricks in with his own unique vision.
Photography by: Violet Grey photo by Laure Joliet; Shani Darden photo by Michael Clifford: The Shoe Surgeon photo by Sam Grant; Mia Becar photo courtesy of brand
