High-end merchandise and designer styles beckon shoppers to LA from around the world. “Los Angeles has a great landscape for fashion-forward luxury boutiques. In a city where everyone is seeking to be on the cusp of the next big thing, boutique shopping in Los Angeles is both unique and gratifying,” explains Sarah Dandashy, concierge at The London West Hollywood. “… It is all about the curated shopping experience.”
That experience wouldn’t be complete without the goods that make the city’s market singular. In LA, established names converge with fledgling designers, fresh faces with even fresher ideas. It’s also a cross section of luxe apparel, footwear and accessories where the season’s most current trends are available to the public. With racks full of chic treasures, the time is right to explore all the West Coast hub has to offer.
1. Elyse Walker
“Elyse Walker is a great place for those looking for a more one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Specializing in clothing that is effortlessly casual with a metropolitan vibe, this store houses [clothing by designers ranging] from Alexander McQueen … to [Helmut Lang]. Now everyone from Beverly Hills wants to make the drive to the Palisades to discover all the delightful threads that Elyse Walker curates to dress the racks under her roof.” (15306 Antioch St., Pacific Palisades; 310-230-8882; elysewalker.com) —Sarah Dandashy, concierge at The London West Hollywood
2. Alice and Olivia
Less than a year old, Alice and Olivia’s shop on Melrose Avenue is a bright, open space designed with the same artistry behind the fashion house’s treasures. At 2,100 square feet, the space offers the full collections of apparel and accessories from designer Stacey Bendet. Alice and Olivia shops are also located in Beverly Hills and Malibu. (Multiple locations; aliceandolivia.com) —Kristina Martindale, chef concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
3. Opening Ceremony
Mixing homegrown boutiques and curated collections of high-end brands, some retailers, such as Opening Ceremony, replicate the variety of the department store experience with diverse merchandise. “At Opening Ceremony in West Hollywood, you will find threads from trendy designers such as Alexander Wang, Acne Studios and Rachel Comey.” (451 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood; 310-652-1120; openingceremony.us) —Lori Trimble, chef concierge at SLS Beverly Hills
4. Madison Los Angeles
“A great place to start one’s shopping adventure, Madison Los Angeles offers a selection of contemporary and designer clothing, shoes and accessories that are wearable and classic. Since they handpick their pieces, you can find various designers all under one roof featuring styles that range from the everyday to the professional to a perfect evening look.” (Multiple locations in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Malibu and Beverly Grove in LA; madisonlosangeles.com) —Sarah Dandashy, concierge at The London West Hollywood
5. III Luxury Collective
III Luxury Collective brings together three boutiques in a historic space on Main Street in Venice. With the stores right next to each other, shoppers may peruse high-end accessories at Mona Moore, then pop over to Pamela Barish for the designer’s fashion-forward womenswear, and visit the fine jewelry and luxury lingerie collection at LFrank. (Mona Moore: 222 Main St., Venice; 310-452-4070; monamoore.com) (Pamela Barish: 224 Main St., Venice; 310-314-4490; pamelabarish.com) (LFrank: 226 Main St., Venice; 310-452-0771; lfrankjewelry.com) —Michelle Gilley, chef concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
6. Diane von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg continues to stay relevant in the world of high fashion decades after inventing the wrap dress for professional women in 1974. Head to stores at The Grove, Santa Monica Place or Glendale for the timeless silhouette that is now a canvas for modern styles with new hemlines, sleeve lengths, fabrics and prints. (Multiple locations; dvf.com) —Kristina Martindale, chef concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
7. Theory
“I love the simplicity and classic elegance of Theory’s everyday wear. Located on Melrose Avenue, Theory is definitely a go-to shop for someone looking for more streamlined outfits that are sleek and sophisticated.” (8428 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; 323-782-0163; theory.com) —Lori Trimble, chef concierge at SLS Beverly Hills
—Written by Lauren Matich
