May '03
From new places to shop to fresh names to drop, Hint pays attention to retail in L.A.
  L.A. designer Brett Westfall's dark sensibility came to light last month in an intimate outdoor showing at the Mameg boutique. Following the disturbing performance, in which the models' faces were masked with fabric, a call came from Comme des Garçons requesting a formal presentation of Westfall's work. Voilà! In just two weeks, the emerging designer and sometime artist became Rei Kawakubo's latest protégé. The attraction is clear: Westfall's shadowy, unfinished pieces are hand-crafted and -dyed, and bring to mind Kawakubo's own monastic approach, as do the high prices (from $1500 for the frayed jacket seen here). Mameg, 11925 Montana Avenue, 310-826-4142.

The next time you're walking in L.A., step into Undefeated, an emporium of new- and old-school sneakers owned by the founders of the now-defunct menswear mecca KBond. The well-heeled new store stocks everything from limited-edition Nike one-offs to an exhaustive range of vintage styles, all of which are worth the waitlist. Undefeated, 112 1/2 La Brea Avenue, 323-933-2251.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
 

Although known for his brooding Goth aesthetic, Rick Owens lightens up with this whitewashed windbreaker. The L.A. designer, who recently signed on as creative director for French furrier Revillon, adds edge to his new menswear line by updating the classic trench coat with draped detailing. Barneys, 9570 Wilshire Blvd, 310-276-4400.
  Louis Verdad is a name to watch and to drop. Bringing together the classic elements of male and female dressing, his latest collection features romantic pieces that recall the glamour of the 1940s without being overly nostalgic. Born in Chicago and raised in Mexico, the thirtysomething designer was discovered by stylist Arianne Phillips and tapped to outfit Madonna's recent American Life tour, so expect to hear a lot more of him. He's all the rage at Beige, 7274 Beverly Boulevard, 323-549-0064.
By Sameer Reddy page 1 2



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