ONE MILLION OF A KIND
Justin Giunta has a gift for turning trash into treasure. The designer behind Subversive jewelry scours flea markets and thrift stores for trinkets for his heavily adorned keepsakes. Keys, coins and vintage family-crest pins are a few of the finds that are piled onto his singular pieces in a chaotically cool way.
Chris Benz used Subversive creations in his fall presentation, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America just nominated Giunta for accessory designer of the year. But now, the guy known for making found objects into one-of-a-kind gems is mass producing the look.
Say what?
That’s right, Subversive is landing at Target. And the result, not surprisingly, is disappointing. A long, beaded necklace, $19.99 at Target, is similar to a $1,600 original. But without the vintage beads, the item could come from any Santee Alley vendor.
A turquoise cameo necklace, $59.99, uses the same leaf motif as a $460 Subversive design, but Target’s take is so flimsy, it bends like a twist tie. Not to mention that, well, it’s just plain ugly. Cuff bracelets with childish-looking rhinestone insects ($14.99) are no better.
Bottom line: Without the one-of-a-kind pearls and chains that made Subversive’s name, this jewelry collection is more trash than treasure.
Subversive for Target is available at select Target stores and Target.com through July 20.
OPENINGS
H&M; Thursday: The Swedish retailer’s invasion continues with the latest store landing in Hollywood. You know the drill: runway-inspired family fashion at value-minded prices. On opening day, the first 200 shoppers get a free H&M; T-shirt and a gift card worth up to $300. 6922 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 466-7633. Opening day: noon to 10 p.m. Regular hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. www.hm.com
K-Swiss Pop Up Store Through March 30: The tennis shoe king has set up a shop full of shoes and active apparel for the sporty set. You can grab a pair of the trademark white tennis shoes ($50), which debuted at Wimbledon in 1966. Want more opulence in your step? A tricked-out luxury edition includes extra padding and a cashmere leather upper ($60). On Thursday, get your groove on when Spin magazine hosts a listening party from 7 to 9 p.m. 1244 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. www.kswiss.com
SAMPLE SALE
New Mart Friday: Be ready to race for below-wholesale bargains from some favorite labels whose showrooms are open to the public only one day each month. This round of deals includes Betsey Johnson, Da-Nang, White + Warren and Calvin Klein. Many other showrooms are included; find a complete listing on the New Mart website. Don’t forget this is a sample sale in its truest form: sizes are limited, only cash is accepted and fitting rooms are nil. Don’t go commando to this one. 127 E. 9th St., Los Angeles. (213) 627-0671. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.newmart.net
EVENTS
Jack Rabbit Trunk Show Saturday: Hollywood designer Mollie Culligan shows her fall collection of butter-soft shoulder bags, oversize clutches and waist-cinching belts. Champagne and nibbles will be served. American Rag Cie at Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. (949) 760-1510. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. www.thejackrabbitcollection.com
Donald J. Pliner Saturday: For 40 years, Pliner has been mixing playful design and Italian craftsmanship in his line of functional footwear for men and women. During this Beverly Hills store personal appearance, 10% of sales will go to the Peace for the Children Foundation. 341 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 246-2700. noon to 5 p.m. www.donaldjpliner.com
Fashion Week El Paseo Monday through March 30: Sleepy Palm Desert gets a jolt of style during this week of fashion shows, parties, seminars and sales on the city’s main drag. On Tuesday, buy tickets to hear trend analyst David Wolfe tell you what not to wear. Thursday, sip tea at Escada and use your very own personal shopper at J.Crew -- both complimentary. Saturday, a $75 ticket allows you to sip wine and enjoy hors d’oeuvres as Eduardo Lucero presents his spring and fall collections of sultry evening wear. Schedules and prices are listed on the event’s website. Main tent is on Larkspur and El Paseo, Palm Desert. (760) 325-2333. www.fashionweekelpaseo.com
EXHIBITS
Tastemakers Through March 30: Los Angeles magazine’s showcase of local fashion and design features the work of Katy Rodriguez and Society for Rational Dress designer Corinne Grassini along with those of sneaker designer James Bond and White Trash Charms’ Brooke Dulien. The demonstration, installed by FIDM, highlights various style, art and design talents in a temporary gallery. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 801-0100. Noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday. www.lamagtastemakers.com
Wearable Expressions Through April 20: Israeli artist Lily Poran’s tire rubber sandals are part of this exhibit of 250 pieces of wearable art made from unusual materials such as salmon skin and stainless steel. Most are for sale, and standouts include Evening News, by local duo Nekia and Ja’ire Hattley, a dress made entirely from newspapers. Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 W. Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes. (310) 541-2479. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. www.pvartcenter.org
--
