The Ant, nothing but
Fashion and art go together like Young Hollywood and mug shots, so it’s only apropos that designers finally get the Basquiat-style reception they deserve. Armed with industry cred and a desire to delve inside the style-minded brain, fashion gallerists Miho Ikeda and business partner T-RIK have opened New High (M)art, a tiny boutique/art gallery in Chinatown. Each six weeks a new label will move into a 300-square-foot space, offering shoppers a chance to be fashion insiders, seeing the exclusive pieces that often only appear on the runway. Did we mention that they take cash and credit?
“No one ever sees the full vision of a collection,” says T-RIK, a former wardrobe stylist and brand consultant. “This is appreciation for the craft.” The artist-in-residence through January is Grey Ant mastermind Grant Krajecki, whose L.A. label of ‘70s-inspired garb was channeling “Charlie’s Angels” back when high-waist denim still meant “mom jeans.” Along with pieces from the spring collection, shoppers will be able to purchase the quirky runway extras that make the Grey Ant fashion shows memorable, including those buzz-inducing aviators and morbidly cool acrylic rat necklaces, designed by New York jewelers Alex + Chloe. 741 New High St., Los Angeles. (213) 621-7822. Noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday. www.newhighmart.com.
OPENINGS
Red Heat: Pottery glazing is so 2007. The latest in DIY is Red Heat, where patrons can pretend they have a celebrity T-shirt line -- if only for an hour. A cotton tee becomes your canvas as you choose from thousands of graphics and letters to be heat-transferred onto your frock. G-rated possibilities include unicorns and superheroes. If you’re feeling saucier, you can add some 18-and-over spice to your design. And though you probably won’t see your creation in the window of Kitson any time soon, an in-store photo booth makes good times a near guarantee. 7225 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 937-1037. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.redheatla.com.
DC: The title of “label whore” is no longer reserved for runway fashion fanatics. Skaters have their own status symbol in action sportswear company DC, which has been outfitting the half-pipe crew since 1993. Fans of the brand can lounge in plush Eames chairs while perusing the shoes, beanies, jackets and T-shirts that round out this impressive collection of skate park gear. With the line’s expansion from street to snow, boarders might want to check out DC’s boots and outerwear now that Mammoth Mountain is officially open. 8025 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 944-0041. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. www.dcshoes.com.
SALES
Presse Through January: Any good fashionista regularly shares her bed with Vera Wang, Rick Owens and Derek Lam -- in her dreams, that is. Now, you can get these and many other designer darlings out of your head and into your closet by hitting up the sale at this well-edited boutique. Selections from fall are waiting to be scooped up at near outlet mall prices -- between 50% and 60% off. Richard Chai driving gloves and cloche hats by Proenza Schouler are among the offerings. 326 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 937-1560. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.presseboutique.com.
Diavolina Shoe Blowout Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend obviously never shopped for shoes at Diavolina. The longtime L.A. grande dame of footwear carries a selection of designer styles that would make Carrie Bradshaw weep. Those of us who don’t live in a foot fetish fantasy world can still indulge by hoofing it to the shop’s sale, where treats for the tootsies have just been marked 50% off. The sale will continue, the salespeople say, until they run out of shoes. 156 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 550-1341. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Saks Doorbuster Sale Wednesday: If a long holiday season filled with commercial chaos hasn’t destroyed your will to shop, you’re in luck. Luxury behemoth Saks will host its annual day-after Christmas sale where select merchandise will be slashed up to 50% for four hours only. Wondering what’s on sale? So are we, as the reduced goods have been shrouded in a Jimmy Hoffa-like web of mystery. But with nearly every important high-end label under one roof -- think Gucci, Prada and Michael Kors -- we’re guessing that the get is gonna be good. But, like a fashion version of Cinderella, the sale ends when the clock strikes 12. Get there early to ensure that those killer pumps don’t turn back into a high-priced pumpkin. 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 275-4211. Sale: 8 a.m. to noon; store: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. www.saks.com.
