Seeing Is Believing
You don’t have to wonder how Donna Mills makes eyes anymore. She tells all on her how-to home video, “The Eyes Have It,” just released by MCA. “Look natural, not be natural,” she begins before applying her outdoor, daytime makeup. She also shows how to look glamorous or businesslike. But of myriad beauty tips tucked into the tape, only one comes with a promise: “I guarantee this will make eyes look sexy,” Mills purrs before drawing a soft, blue pencil line on the inside of her lower lid.
Original Trunk Show
We never thought of him as climbing the fashion ladder from “humble beginnings,” but local designer/retailer Rick Pallack says it’s so. He started out selling from the trunk of his car, he reminds Listen, and now he’s the menswear maven for an impressive number of celebrities. One well-known personality who has never stepped foot in Pallack’s Sherman Oaks store is Mayor Tom Bradley, but that didn’t stop him from summoning the successful native son to his office last week and declaring May 30 Rick Pallack Day in Los Angeles. According to the official proclamation, the day belongs to Pallack for a number of accomplishments, including the fact that he has twice been voted outstanding West Coast menswear retailer and has “exemplified the highest standards of a community leader and businessman.” Does all this mean there will be dancing in the streets, parades, flower-laden floats? Not exactly. “Of course, banks and schools will be closed,” the designer tells us, quickly explaining: “It’s Saturday.”
Other People’s Business
Giorgio, the legendary boutique in Beverly Hills, will keep its name after all. The agreement reached by Avon Products Inc. and Fred J. Hayman, chairman and chief executive of Giorgio, stipulates that Avon will purchase Giorgio Inc., the Beverly Hills-based fragrance company, and the Rodeo Drive Giorgio boutique, for $165 million cash. Hayman will buy back the boutique and continue to operate it under the Giorgio name. Apart from continuing to sell the Giorgio fragrance at his shop, Hayman will not be connected with the perfume any longer.
More Big Business
Leslie H. Wexner, chairman and chief executive officer of the Limited, announced plans at the firm’s annual meeting in Columbus, Ohio, this week to launch a group of “super stores” that will be 15,000 to 20,000 square feet each, as opposed to the usual 4,000-square-foot space of most Limited outlets. The Beverly Center mall in Los Angeles is being considered as a site for one of the first super stores. Wexner also announced the Limited’s entry into the menswear business, with the planned opening in August of 15 experimental menswear shops. And happiest news of all to shareholders was given by Limited Vice Chairman Robert Morosky, who predicted a 30% to 50% rate of profit increase “over the next few years.” Sales last year were more than $3 billion, with profits of more than $227 million.
Color by Numbers
When you buy a lipstick at the Vanity makeup studio on La Cienega Boulevard, you might get more than you expected. Paula McKenna of the boutique has a name for every color, based on the most famous person who wears it. Number 72 makes her think of Lauren Hutton, 133 means Tina Turner and 88 is Heather Locklear, she tells Listen. Eyeliners and makeup bases in the shop have a Hollywood pedigree too, and McKenna could probably write the book on how she selects appropriate cosmetics for certain stars. In fact, she says, she is writing the book.
Dressed-Up Fund-Raiser
“I didn’t think rock ‘n’ roll would work,” Dr. Susan Reynolds, owner and director of Malibu Emergency Room, tells Listen. So when “residents and concerned people” told her they wanted to raise funds to extend the hours of the facility, Reynolds says she suggested something more sophisticated. The agenda for the $100-per-person event now calls for a champagne and caviar reception and entertainment by Sinbad (the comedian), Dave Mason, Rich Little and Cheech, of Cheech and Chong fame. Olivia Newton-John and Brian Keith won’t be entertaining, but they will be there, Reynolds says, in their roles as co-chairmen of the event. But, wait, there’s more: a fashion show, organized by Encore boutique owner Greg Danley. It will feature garments by Los Angeles designers Phyllis Sues, Rosemary Brantley, Susan Baraz and Bonnie Strauss. The benefit takes place at Gulls Way Monday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are available at Malibu Savings, (213) 456-5579.
Hair-Raising Award
Theodore Gonzales might need some more storage space. This admitted “collector” of ‘20s fashions says he has “700 dresses and 600 purses at my house just waiting to be put on someone.” He also has a new award to stow, as a winner of the recent 70th Annual International Beauty Show in New York City. The stylist of La Regina Beauty Salon in Artesia placed first in the “beautiful people competition,” for a hairdo he calls a “ ‘20s look, with ‘80s techniques.” The blond hairdo, covered with a vintage veil, consisted of finger waves and an off-center bun shaped into a rosebud of human hair. Gonzalez, who has won several state and national hair awards, took home a crystal Venus trophy and $1,000 for his efforts.
Belle of Shopping
Patti LaBelle didn’t plan it this way, but she can roll out of bed and go shopping. It turns out that Le Mondrian hotel, where she stays in Los Angeles, is across the street from the shop where she has costumes made. Listen hears from Jack Reed of the David Keys I.F.I. (Innovative Fashions International) boutique on Sunset Boulevard that LaBelle’s most recent purchase was a floor-length dress with beige spangle beads on beige mesh, by designer Tony Chase.
