What's in Store

THE PARTY More than 1,000 of L.A.’s best dressed descended on The Americana at Brand to welcome a sparkling new Nordstrom. The party, held by honorary gala chair Nicole Richie and host committee members including stylists Cher Coulter and Anita Patrickson, helped raise more than $100,000 for Ascencia, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Glendale; and Hillsides, which works to improve the well-being of at-risk children. THE SCENE Guests wandered through the new three-story space while snacking on offerings ranging from blue cheese-bacon sliders to shot-glass-size root beer floats. Showing off the merchandise, models in the season’s latest looks strolled around or posed in frozen stances that resembled their plastic counterparts nearby. A bouquet of Gerbera daisies accompanied each guest home. THE HIGHLIGHTS Shopping and cocktails proved to be a potent combination as more than a few guests left with purchases. HGTV’s Emily Henderson, a member of the gala host committee, summed up the general feeling of the night: “As an open lover of the Americana, I’m very excited that Nordstrom has opened, although my wallet is not!” Photography by Donato Sardella and WireImage