Shopping: Fred Segal’s daughter goes into the biz
When it comes to L.A. shopping and style, it doesn’t get much more legendary than Fred Segal. The retailer — who set up his first Fred Segal shop almost 50 years ago in West Hollywood — is a trendsetter, and the various stores he’s operated over the years have always doubled as incubators for cutting-edge SoCal style.
And now his daughter, Annie Segal, is bringing back some of her dad’s greatest hits with Fred Segal Originals — a new collection and boutique that launched Thursday inside the sprawling Fred Segal complex in Santa Monica.
Annie, who grew up scampering around the West Hollywood flagship (which no longer belongs to Fred Segal), said she’s always had “a passion for the feeling of Fred Segal,” adding that the concept behind the new collection and store “is to revive and pay homage to all things Fred Segal.”
For the 36-year-old former stylist, that means resurrecting and reinterpreting some of her father’s most innovative designs, restoring what she calls “authentic pricing,” and peppering the small store with historic photos and memorabilia from the early days of the Fred Segal shop.
The new collection for women is full of souped-up wardrobe staples, including solid, brightly hued T-shirts (in long-sleeved, sleeveless, V-neck and short-sleeved varieties), Halston-esque long and short drapey dresses, metallic spandex leggings and bandeau tops and Annie-designed jersey maxi-dresses and wraps emblazoned with words including “Peace,” “Love” and “Courage.”
Why create basic American Apparel-style T-shirts? “None of them fit the way these do,” said the sprightly shop owner.
The store’s pants are all a variation on one model — the “Offon,” an elastic-waist pull-on pant that’s a cross between a legging and a vintage sweat pant (it comes with banded bottoms and straight legs). Segal senior pioneered the look in the 1970s, and an archival photo shows the store in the 1970s bearing Offons signage.
The easy pants (a play on “off, on”) come in silk, twill and jersey — with more fabrics to come.
Most of the items in the store — save a few from outside brands such as Foley + Corrina and Prophetik — are priced under $100, which, in the world of Fred Segal-level retailing, is a downright steal. “I wanted things to cost what they really cost,” Annie said. “When I was young, that was what Fred Segal was all about. The prices were good, and the customers were so happy.”
Her famously private dad is a consultant to Fred Segal Originals, but not a day-to-day part of the new business. “Over the years, so many people have approached him to do a collection,” Annie said, “but he never wanted to.”
Why now? “I think I’m most similar to him,” she said. “There’s a trust there — he’s completely put his trust in me.”
Fred Segal Originals, 500 Broadway, Santa Monica. (310) 395-0808. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
SALES
Geren Ford sample sale Friday and Saturday: Check out a selection of true samples from the L.A.-based contemporary designer’s spring, pre-fall and fall 2010 collections, reduced up to 90% off retail price. All looks — including silver croc wrap sandals, silk dresses and even leather pieces — will be priced between $10 and $125. Inventory will be replenished during the two-day sale. Credit and cash only.
Smashbox Studios, 8549 Higuera St., Culver City. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
https://www.gerenford.com
Jenette Bras’ Black Bra Friday sale Friday: One of L.A.’s best intimates shops hosts a one-day sale on all black bras, slips, corsets, stockings and undies — discounting looks up to 40% off. Score hard-to-find European labels including Marlies Dekkers and Empreinte.
4308 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 665-7490. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
https://www.jenettebras.com
OPENING
Barker Black: The storied British men’s shoemaker has opened its second U.S. boutique, in West Hollywood (the other outpost is in New York’s Nolita neighborhood). The 500-square-foot boutique features the full Barker Black collection of men’s shoes and accessories, with made-to-order services available.
450 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 358-0293. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
https://www.barkerblack.com
L.A. Rose Boutique: Amid the food stands at the Original Farmers Market is a new vintage-centric fashion boutique curated by former Hollywood costume designer Lysa Rose. Expect an eclectic selection of looks, including sequined tops and beaded gowns, Indian cotton tunics and plunge-neck jumpsuits.
6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. (323) 938-9909. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
https://www.laroseboutique.com
Inglot Cosmetics: The Polish cosmetics company — which boasts more than 250 stores in 21 countries — has opened its first California store at Fashion Island. Known for its limitless color combinations (there are 1,500 hues — that’s 3 billion possible combos), you’re encouraged to create a personalized, eye-popping palette of cosmetics.
401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, Suite 1085. (949) 640-9940.10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
inglotcosmetics.com
EVENTS
Vellum Atelier event Friday and Saturday: RonRobinson Fred Segal hosts jewelry designer Jen Dolan, who will be introducing her brand’s new costume jewelry collection — which employs semiprecious stones, 24-karat-gold plating and intricate beading.
8118 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (877) 476-6762. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
https://www.ronrobinson.com
