Grand Entrance to U.S. Market

Los Angeles designer Gregory Poe, who makes and peddles his pricey clothes in Japan, is setting the stage for his entry into the U.S. market--literally. Poe, 32, designed the flashy costumes for “The Geography of Luck,” a play opening today at the downtown Los Angeles Theatre Center. Set in Las Vegas, Poe’s most spectacular female get-up is a Kelly green showgirl number, complete with satin, feathers, sequins and beaded headdress. Poe, who says he plans later this year to start selling his other designs in the United States, describes the “Geography” costume gamut as “anywhere from very glitzy showgirls to white trash.”

The Unusual Is His Usual

Stylist to the stars Angelo di Biase has left his post at Umberto to become the style director at Char Salon. Di Biase is known for creating the unusual hair styles sported by Rosanna Arquette, Beverly D’Angelo and Ellen Barkin. His work will be seen in the movie “Johnny Handsome,” featuring Barkin and Mickey Rourke. Di Biase will also be responsible for coiffures showcased in “Robocop II.” Guess even robots need the right “do.”

Step Right Up, Folks

Here’s a new approach to hair salon protocol. At the Accent salon, clients are taken on a walk-in basis only. No appointments accepted. And those who wait more than 45 minutes for services are granted a 50% discount. There are seven of these shops in U.S. cities now, and there will be one in Los Angeles this year, says Mary Tingle, a spokeswoman for the company. They cater especially to the hair-care needs of black men and women, and use both Gentille and Nucleic A products, she tells Listen.

Try to Patch That Up

Looks like Tom Petty is into the hippie scene, judging from the decorative patches on his blue jeans. Listen caught sight of him the other night, with rocker Billy Idol close by. Idol isn’t joining the Woodstock Revisited look, despite all the hoopla lately about this being the 20th year after. He’s still wearing his ubiquitous black leather with fringe. This time he added a horsehide vest, complete with Pinto markings. What would the hippie vegetarians say about that?