Elisabeth Weinstock’s flair for the exotic
Accessories designer Elisabeth Weinstock in the ‘living room’ of her boutique in West Hollywood. Luxury designer and native Angeleno Elisabeth Weinstock knows the art of blending elegance with edge -- a skill she attributes to having grown up a punk rock kid in Beverly Hills (the spiked Christian Louboutin sneakers she is wearing one recent day further validates this point). (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Elisabeth Weinstock’s new boutique in West Hollywood is divided into four unique rooms, ideal for showing off her brand.
Inside view of the “man cave” at accessories designer Elisabeth Weinstock’s boutique. Her line of accessories for men, women and the home incorporates exotic skins and leathers in a variety of colors in one-of-a-kind pieces such as humidors, cigar holders, travel valets, Dopp kits, clutches and jewelry armoires. Weinstock’s travels inspired the look and feel of each hand-made item, most of which are named after foreign cities and countries such as Dubai, Milan and Greenland. Prices range from $96 for a travel valet to around $25,000 for a large jewelry armoire. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
A crystal chandelier hangs over a table with Italian dish ware in the ‘dining room’ of accessories designer Elisabeth Weinstock’s boutique. Weinstock’s line began when she decided to build a 4-feet-tall jewelry box wrapped in exotic skin. After that first armoire quickly sold in 2008, Weinstock continued creating boxes in a multitude of shapes, sizes and purposes -- including stacking boxes, cuff link boxes, tissue boxes and special use containers such as condom boxes, which can be used to discreetly store their contents on a boudoir table. In 2011, she introduced a bag collection for women, and her men’s line followed shortly thereafter. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Pill art objects made of wood and water snake at Elisabeth Weinstock boutique. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
A cross made of Boa and spikes at accessories designer Elisabeth Weinstock’s boutique. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Handbags and clutches inside accessories designer Elisabeth Weinstock’s boutique in West Hollywood. Her line of accessories for men, women and the home incorporates exotic skins and leathers in a variety of colors in one-of-a-kind pieces such as humidors, cigar holders, travel valets, Dopp kits, clutches and jewelry armoires. Weinstock’s travels inspired the look and feel of each hand-made item, most of which are named after foreign cities and countries such as Dubai, Milan and Greenland. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
A Boa snake football in the “man cave” of accessories designer Elisabeth Weinstock’s boutique. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Custom painted wood floor inside the “living room” of accessories designer Elisabeth Weinstock’s boutique. With the exception of the dining room table, all items in the store, from the cabinets and shelves to the wood paneling and fully stocked bar, were designed and constructed by Weinstock. “The living room is very whimsical and is a more modern, playful room. You see that in the fuchsia couch, the cases, the snakeskin backgammon table and the pop art on the walls,” Weinstock says. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Exterior view of accessories designer Elisabeth Weinstock’s boutique. With a barista, cappuccino machine, crystal glasses from which to drink complimentary alcoholic beverages, the shop feels welcoming. “We want people to come here and feel special,” Weinstock says. “We want them to understand and appreciate each and every item that we have and understand the craftsmanship that has gone into it.” (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)