The Smell of Success

I am writing with regard to your article entitled “The Perfume Wars: Giorgio Saga Continues” (by Mary Rourke, April 1).

In the article, Rourke said of Beverly Hills: “ . . . it’s questionable whether there’s any allure left about the place.”

Well, certainly Rourke isn’t aware that Creative Artists Agency is building their new I. M. Pei-designed headquarters in the city at Wilshire and Santa Monica. The new MGM/UA headquarters will be located at Wilshire and Crescent. Giorgio Armani’s exclusive boutique is coming to Rodeo Drive, joining the recently opened Polo/Ralph Lauren store.

The stars, foreign dignitaries and VIPs are still shopping in our stores, staying in our hotels and patronizing our restaurants, and most important, Beverly Hills’ own loyal residents are supporting these establishments like never before.

Real estate values are better than ever--more than $1 million per acre and 1987 retail sales surpassed the $1 billion mark. Our hotels will spend more than $125 million on renovations by the end of 1988.

Since the days of Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., Charlie Chaplin and Will Rogers, Beverly Hills has been synonymous with glamour. As we celebrate our 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary this summer and into 1989, we are honoring a world-class city whose international appeal and world-wide mystique is steadfast.

BENJAMIN H. STANSBURY

JR.

Mayor, Beverly Hills