Undies of the stars
Kyra Sedgwick’s eco-bustier has garbage trailing off the hem. Courteney Cox Arquette and David Arquette’s corset is covered in tattoo-like graphics. Andy Garcia’s is fashioned entirely out of pieces of the Cuban flag. And they will all be up for grabs at the Frederick’s of Hollywood annual Lingerie Art Auction on Thursday night.
The fourth annual charity auction of celebrity-designed corsets benefits the Clothes Off Our Back Foundation, co-founded by Jane Kaczmarek, star of “Malcolm in the Middle.” Apparently, when Kaczmarek saw Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” last year, her inner lingerie designer was set free, and her rose velvet design with green paneling will be auctioned. Although it remains to be seen whether it can fetch the $18,000 that Charlize Theron’s intricately beaded brown satin number went for last year.
To create their pieces, celebrities were given a design kit; they created a sketch, and costume designer Linda Stokes -- best known for dressing Gwen Stefani on tour -- produced them. The Clothes Off Our Back foundation funds children’s charities and holds other celebrity clothing auctions throughout the year. Thursday’s event begins with private shopping at Frederick’s, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the charity, followed by a silent auction of 16 corsets and a live auction of six to eight more. Additional pieces will be auctioned online Friday. To purchase tickets ($150 to $5,000), call (310) 491-1401. Frederick’s of Hollywood, 6751 Hollywood Blvd. 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday.
OPENINGS
Happy LA With Capiz shell chandeliers, a sky blue floor and dressing room curtains made from Missoni beach towels, the new, beachy-themed Pacific Palisades boutique Happy LA gives new meaning to the term retail therapy. “We wanted a friendly neighborhood boutique, where you can hang out, and we get to know our customers,” says Lori Bzura, who co-owns the place with Dawn Baker. Many items for children and adults have a “eco” twist, or a local pedigree, such as Hochman Fuller’s oversized clutches and jewelry by Heather Benjamin and Chan Luu. A mom can snag a simple blue vest from American Vintage ($170) and pair it with Genetic jeans ($245); her daughter might go for a Lucite clutch by Zambos & Siega ($188). Baby lines include Elegant Baby and Alternative Apparel tees ($16). 542 1/2 Palisades Drive, Pacific Palisades; (310) 459-5511; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
John Lobb The Rolls Royce of gentleman’s footwear, the 150-year-old John Lobb company has opened an outpost at South Coast Plaza, offering custom shoes and boots made to measure in England. A fitter flies in every three months to take measurements. And that kind of service will cost you. Prices start at $4,600, but for exotic materials such as ostrich and crocodile, the sky’s the limit. Ready-to-wear shoes, including oxfords and loafers, go for $1,040 to $1,500 a pair. John Lobb began in London, where else? 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; (714) 662-3300; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Elie Tahari Billed as the world’s largest shop within a department store, the Elie Tahari boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue stocks every piece of women’s wear or accessory a girl could ever want, in a surprisingly pleasing space. Designed by Piero Lissoni, a 60-foot, backlighted translucent Corian wall along the back of the boutique creates a luminous glow by which to shop. Apples are heaped in silver bowls, and art books by Cy Twombly and Helmut Newton are scattered around to encourage lounging. The must-have item? The full-length “Kara” dress in silk voile with an empire waist and wood beads along the neckline and hem ($398). 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 275-4211; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday, to 8 p.m. Thursday; to 7 p.m. Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Flock Shop Chinatown’s growing retail scene has a new clothing and housewares boutique courtesy of Michelle and Chad Corros. The space may be tiny, but it’s jampacked with one-of-a-kind pieces, including reversible ninja hoodies by Soulful Commando ($125), belts with resin buckles by Brooks Salzwedel ($175) and silk-screened vintage suitcases and purses by San Francisco artist Liz Saintsing ($168 to $348). There’s even something for the little ones, adorable miniature kimonos packed in sushi boxes by Lucky Wang, $36. 943 N. Broadway, No. 103, Los Angeles; (213) 229-9090; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; www.flockshopla.com.
EVENTS
Vintage Fashion Expo Today: Lovers of vintage will go gaga over this traveling show, with wares from more than 75 dealers. Offerings include clothing, jewelry and accessories from as far back as the Victorian era. Big names from the past such as Halston and Galanos should be in evidence, along with chic ‘40s pumps, Bakelite, Southwestern jewelery and ‘30s lingerie. Tickets sold at the door, $10. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., www.vintageexpo.com.
Bloomingdale’s the Shopping Benefit Thursday: Brush up on the season’s trends, and buy them too. Bloomingdale’s is hosting a series of shopping events and fashion shows to raise money for 10 L.A.-area charities. For $10 at the door, guests receive a 15% savings coupon. In Century City, there’s an Ellen Tracy runway show; in Sherman Oaks, there will be a medley of fall collections featured with members of the Junior League of L.A. modeling. Bloomingdale’s Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 360-2700; Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 772-2100 (fashion show starts at 1 p.m.) and Westfield Fashion Square, 14060 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks; (818) 325-2200, (fashion show starts at 6 p.m.).
Think Pink and Green Fashion & Entertainment Gala Tuesday: October is breast cancer awareness month, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation is hosting a fashion show with Mariel Hemingway to mark the occasion. Breast cancer survivors will model designs by Sash, Eco-Centric, Stacia and Not Your Daughter’s jeans. For tickets ($100; VIP tickets are $150 and include a VIP reception), call (626) 577-2700 or go to www.komenlacounty.org. All proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 206 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills; 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
TRUNK SHOWS
Kenneth Pool Bridal Trunk Show Friday and Saturday: “Project Runway” first-season contestant Austin Scarlett has parlayed his Scarlett O’Hara aesthetic into bridal design. His third collection of ultra-embellished bridal-wear for Kenneth Pool has arrived at Saks. Brides-to-be, get in line. Saks Fifth Avenue, 9600 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, (310) 887-5509, by appointment only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SAMPLE SALES
Michelle Mason Warehouse Sale Today: Flouncy trapeze tops, draped jersey dresses, bubble frocks and more from Michelle Mason’s summer and fall collections are for sale at insanely low, wholesale prices. 2444 E. 8th St., Los Angeles, (213) 621-9270; www.michellemason.net; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
