The Big-Budget Haul
More signs of the changing spending habits of the rich and famous: Recently Paula Abdul was seen shopping in the Sherman Oaks off-price undies store, Lingerie For Less. And not just window shopping, reports a store spokesperson. The top-of-the-pops diva dropped nearly $300 in less than 20 minutes on silk pajamas, a Christian Dior robe, and some silk chemises. She also signed up to be included on the store’s mailing list.
HERE COME THE BRIDES: We hear they are friends, which could explain why Meryl Streep and Tracey Ullman were sitting together during last Saturday’s bridal show at I. Magnin/Bullocks Wilshire. A store executive says Streep--in Los Angeles to work on a film--brought along her cousin, who is in the market for a wedding gown. Streep wore a pink pants suit to the event, which must have seemed like the real thing when wedding cake and Champagne were served to the 550 guests.
JUNKING WITH THE SWELLS: Enter the era of the high-concept flea market, where valet parking and cappuccino are the operative words, and where fleas are nowhere in sight. Doors will open at the civilized hour of 10 a.m., and the current frenzy for rusted garden furniture and tarnished silver will be satisfied by dealers who gladly provide delivery services and accept American Express. The appropriately named Cheap & Chic market opens for the first time tomorrow and Sunday at 110 N. Robertson Blvd. The market will continue to operate on the last weekend of each month.
PROTECTIVE CAMOUFLAGE: When New York-based designer Zang Toi came to Fred Hayman Beverly Hills last week to present his trunk show, he looked like a Californian in his Technicolor jacket and shorts. His outfit was a little too casual for some establishments, though. Toi was turned away from the Regent Beverly Wilshire restaurant and Bar One, and only made it past Trinity’s doorman because he was with Hayman’s son, Robert. The unflappable Malaysian-born designer was amused by it all, but said he wouldn’t make a very good Angeleno. “I don’t know how to swim or drive. I don’t even know how to start a car.” GLOBAL REWARD: As best comedic actor of the year, Robin Williams got more than a Golden Globe. He also got a new jacket. Fashion and furniture designer Jon Planas says he hand carried his latest styles to Williams at the request of the actor’s wife, Marsha, who’s been wearing an old Planas jacket around the house. Williams added a dinner jacket painted with Navajo symbols to his collection and his wife got a hand-painted duster. By the way, the old Planas jacket she’s been wearing is one Williams got for a TV special and it will be part of a Planas display at Bullock’s, Beverly Center, starting February 12.
A STAR IS AWARDED: Cross Colours is one of the hottest new labels in town , with everyone from Danny Glover to Gerardo wearing the casual, colorful clothes that bear anti-gang messages. Colours designers Carl Jones and Thomas Walker upped the ante last Thursday night when they won the Rising Star award at the California Mart’s annual Marty Award presentation. Now all they have to do is surpass San Diego designer Walter Muroya’s back-to-back victories. He was last year’s Rising Star, and this time he won Designer of the Year.
