On a small, charming street in Los Angeles, a myriad of luxury designer boutiques are nestled amongst beautiful foliage and fragrant eucalyptus trees. Melrose Place has long been a destination for the antique set, however that all changed once Marc Jacobs cropped up in 2005. Not to be confused with Aaron Spelling’s cheesy apartment complex, this hidden gem off Melrose and La Cienega is the chicest address for the style-savvy.
Designers such as Chloe, Marni, Temperly, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, and Monique Lhuillier have all opted to locate there, and these tres cool French newcomers- Isabel Marant, L’Agence, and Equipment- add to the bustling revival of LA’s fashion scene. For those power-shoppers in need of a brief reprieve, Alfred Coffee and Kitchen- offering Stumptown’s best, as well as pastries, salads and sandwiches- just opened, while hairstylist Frederic Fekkai and celebrity skin care queen Kate Somerville provide a beauty re-boot.
There are still several antique shops in the mix, most notably the renowned interior designer, Rose Tarlow, whose Melrose House is worth a visit. If you’re drawn to art oriented book shops, LeadApron is a gallery for rare books and photography, as well as Marc Jacobs additional store- Book Marc- which is filled with fashionable books and collectibles. Moving on from day to night, Fig and Olive- New York’s Mediterranean inspired restaurant- opened their first West Coast location last year, catering to the beautiful power players from neighboring interior design firms and art galleries. Although the image of old-world-European doesn’t usually resonate with Los Angeles, Melrose Place may actually change your mind.
