BACK TO THE DAY
If your dad came of age in the 1960s or ‘70s and appreciates (as you do) the classic style of those decades, he might also appreciate the retro appeal of custom board shorts. Especially if he still catches the waves at Trancas in Malibu or the Strand in Newport Beach.
Katin is a local (East Rancho Dominguez) action-sport brand that also operates a surf shop in Surfside and has been making custom board shorts for decades. Founders Walter and Nancy Katin started stitching durable swimming trunks from remnant sailcloth canvas in 1959 as an alternative to cutoffs for local surfers. Katin was primed to ride the wave when Southern California surf culture went mainstream in the subsequent decade thanks to Beach Boys music and movies such as “Gidget” and “The Endless Summer” (Katin trunks made a cameo in “The Endless Summer II”).
When Nancy Katin passed away in 1986 (Walter died nearly 20 years earlier), she willed the business to Sato Hughes, who has been sewing board shorts for the company for 48 years. Sato’s son Glenn and partner Robert Schmidt now run the company after buying the trademark back about six years ago from a licensee who had let the brand fade into near obscurity.
The Katin brand still maintains credence with the surf community, and now that heritage brands and classic styles are in demand, it is resurging. Apolis Activism, a fashion-forward men’s line based in downtown L.A., enlisted Katin last year to make a colorful version of its classic nylon board short. And its Kanvas by Katin trunks appeared in a New York pop-up shop at Billy Reid last month called One Trip Pass, featuring vintage West Coast brands selected by former Men’s Vogue editor Ned Martel.
On Thursday, meet Sato Hughes at American Rag while she does board short fittings as she did back in the day. Shoppers can customize their shorts by color, fabric, pattern and in-seam length for $120. There will also be a selection of Katin trunks you can buy off the rack for Father’s Day gifting, such as a striped one from Apolis Activism ($107).
You can also drop by the original shop in Surfside, which stocks Katin’s entire lineup, from T-shirts to canvas casual shorts ($15 to $62).
Schmidt, president and chief executive, has worn Katin since he was 12. “It’s one of the oldest-youngest companies around,” he says with a laugh.
150 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 935-3154. 6 to 8 p.m.
www.amrag.com, www.katinusa.com
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SALES
A.P.C. Thursday until July 22: French fashion brand with a devoted following is holding an end of season sale with spring/summer pieces 30% to 50% off. Women will find $50 V-neck linen T-shirts (regular price $100), $120 floral-print tunic dresses ($240) and $238 strappy sandals ($340). For men, $30 striped short-sleeve T-shirts ($60), $100 flat-front chinos ($200) and $189 navy-suede boat shoes ($270).
619 N. Croft Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 297-0414. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
www.apc.fr
Weathervane Today until June 30: The boutique, which stocks avant-garde lines such as Zero + Maria Cornejo, is taking up to 75% off retail of current season styles. Sale prices start at $13 for 3 Dots T-shirts. Avant-garde designer labels, starting at half-off retail, encompass Comme des Garcons, Maison Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester and Yohji Yamamoto.
1209 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 393-5344. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
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OPENING
Jenny Lee: L.A.-based Lee, a luxury wedding and evening gown designer, has set up shop at Newport Coast’s Crystal Cove Promenade. Lee, whose bridal dress was featured in the film “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past,” uses Italian silk and French lace in her creations. The boutique, illuminated by a Swarovski crystal chandelier, includes a Champagne bar for use during fittings.
7942 E. Coast Highway, Newport Coast. (949) 376-8100. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
www.jennyleebridal.com
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EVENTS
Cut-a-Thon Today: Salon Lujon in Fullerton hosts a charity event with more than 90 stylists on hand to benefit the Virginia K. Crosson Cancer Center at St. Jude Medical Center. Each $25 donation (or more) gets you one salon service (haircut, blow-dry, mini-facial, manicure, makeup application). There will be a drawing for a $250 “beauty” basket.
216 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. (714) 738-1882. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Shop + Pamper Saturday: Local retailers, designers and spas get together for a sample sale fundraiser for Los Angeles Family School in Silver Lake, a progressive nonprofit school for children ages 2 to 6. Look for $10 Corey Lynn Calter tops, Trina Turk dresses for $25 and up, Monrow women’s T-shirts for $15. Dtox Day Spa is also providing mini-massages and bodywork in exchange for donations to the school.
2646 Griffith Park Blvd., Los Angeles. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
www.lafamilyschool.org
Zirh Saturday: Men’s grooming brand is giving mini-facials and messenger bags with purchase of $45 or more at select Bloomingdale’s. Gift ideas include the Zirh Ikon cologne ($50 for 2.5 ounces), Defend facial moisturizer ($32.50) and lip balm ($10).
Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd., L.A., (310) 360-2700; Sherman Oaks, 14060 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks, (818) 325-2200; South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, (714) 824-4600; Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., (310) 772-2100; 1 to 6 p.m. at locations listed.
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SALON
Christophe Tuesday through Saturday: Beverly Hills haircutter is having a Father’s Day promotion of 50% and more off all services for dads and their salon companions. Prices after discount include $40 haircuts (regular price $90), $50 single-process color to cover gray hair ($110) and $20 brow trims.
348 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 274-0851. 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 8:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
www.cristophe.com
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SPA
The Gendarmerie Today until July 1: Spa catering to men, and a favorite of celebrities such as Billy Dee Williams and Jason Alexander, is offering a recession-minded Father’s Day package. The $200 deal includes a 60-minute signature massage (Swedish, deep tissue and sports combo), 50-minute signature facial and a 30-minute ionic foot detox treatment. Additional services are 20% off including manscaping treatments: nose (regularly $15), ears ($25), eyebrow shaping ($25) and back waxing ($70).
9069 Nemo St., West Hollywood. (310) 858-9009. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
www.thegendarmerie.com
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