YSL, HIS STORY
In the month since the death of revolutionary French designer Yves Saint Laurent, tales from his illustrious life and career have been captured in countless printed words. Now catch a different, equally poignant glimpse of the man: filmmaker David Teboul’s pair of 2002 documentaries, “Yves Saint Laurent: His Life and Times” and “Yves Saint Laurent: 5, Avenue Marceau, 75116, Paris,” airing back-to-back Saturday on Sundance Channel.
“His Life and Times” is a biography come to life, using vintage and contemporary interviews with the shy, humble designer and his closest circle of confidants to explain a cheerful Algerian boyhood and subsequent ascent to the top of fashion’s game at the tender age of 21.
“5, Avenue Marceau, 75116, Paris” peeks into Saint Laurent’s atelier on the eve of his final runway presentation before retirement. For eight weeks, the film follows the designer as his thoughts unfold into magnificent runway confections.
Unlike today’s glossy, craftily edited fashion reality shows, these films are straightforward, as Saint Laurent’s story needs no false drama. The sheer and simple beauty of a tortured genius at work engages more than any catfight or catchphrase ever could.
“Yves Saint Laurent: His Life and Times,” 7 p.m. Saturday; “Yves Saint Laurent: 5, Avenue Marceau, 75116, Paris,” 8:20 p.m. Saturday. Both on Sundance Channel.
SALES
Stella McCartney Followers are devoted to McCartney for her ethereal, floral slip dresses, masculine boxy blazers and sky-high platform heels in PETA-friendly materials. Unfortunately, you need a Beatles-size budget even for faux-leather bags. Lucky for fans, every item in the L.A. shop is now 60% off. 8823 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 273-7051. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. www .stellamccartney.com
Resurrection Tuesday through July: In 1996, designer Katy Rodriguez stocked a funeral parlor in New York’s East Village with a selection of vintage designer goods so notable, Kate Moss was her first customer. Twelve years and three stores later, everything in Resurrection’s L.A. outpost is up to 70% off, including a James Galanos belted, fuchsia halter dress for $425 (originally $850) and a Saint Laurent black-and-white striped cotton maxi dress for $980 (originally $1,400). Hermes cuffs, Gucci pendants and Dior shades are added bonuses. 8006 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 651-5516. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. www.resurrectionvintage.com
Premium Outlets July 4th Summer Sale If the thought of a barbecue equals boredom this coming Fourth of July weekend, take a road trip to one of these discount destinations, where the labels you love are on sale for even less. At Camarillo, American Apparel’s basic T-shirts are practically free at $6 each, and anything with a Lacoste alligator logo is an extra 20% off. At Desert Hills mall, Ferragamo’s spring flats and pumps are 60% to 70% off. Camarillo Premium Outlets, 740 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. (805) 445-8520. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Monday, July 7; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 6. Desert Hills Premium Outlets, 48400 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. (951) 849-6641. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday, July 7; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. www.premiumoutlets.com
OPENINGS
Chinese Laundry: The 30-year-old shoe label is opening its first store of trendy footwear and accessories at baby-sitting-money prices. Jelly gladiator sandals ($29.99) mimic Givenchy’s much pricier version, and black patent studded T-strap stilettos ($69) feel decidedly Burberry. Tribal-inspired pieces exclusive to the shop include fringed suede wedge sandals ($99). Westfield Topanga, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park. (818) 888-1100. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. www.chineselaundry.com
Damiani: This family-run Italian fine jeweler has an affinity for celebrities, so it’s about time they opened a store in Southern California. Brad Pitt, who chose Damiani when he put a ring on Jennifer Aniston’s finger, now designs a whole line of gold, garnet, quartz and diamond rings and cuff links for the house, which recently announced Sharon Stone as its new face. 250 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 862-1320. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. www.damiani.com
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