The clock has struck summer. That means it’s high time to hop into silky sundresses and jumpsuits that are easy and breezy just like our SoCal locale. LA has always been known for shopping, both high-end and highly affordable, but when it comes to the nucleus of America’s cutting edge fashion, the spotlight has always honed in on those grumpy New Yorkers. And even though there is suddenly a huge rush of east coast fashion designers coming west, LA has always been its own brand of cutting edge. Creatives have been here since before it was on trend, and those trailblazers are the real heroes of LA's fashion scene.
Take it from Michelle Mason, the successful Korean American fashion designer whose namesake label launched in LA in the mid 90s and can now be found in boutiques and on red carpets across the globe:
“The Los Angeles fashion scene has always had such a pioneering spirit. There are some significant LA brands making waves worldwide, but it isn’t exclusively about the fashion aspect; it encompasses everything—lifestyle and philosophy.”
Michelle’s collections may twist and turn with season and trend, but there is always a common thread: classic silhouettes in sleek modern fabrics. Her designs encapsulate that sexy understated look we’re all after. When you see her impressive but approachable gowns and jumpsuits strutting down red carpets, it’s evident that she's been inspired by the laidback Los Angeles vibes and its unique urban-meets-natural landscape.
“The different sceneries can invoke so many different moods—and subconsciously become translated into various elements in my seasonal collections: from the choice of fabric to colors, textures and even the silhouettes,” says Michelle.
Images courtesy of Michelle Mason
Michelle Mason's Pre-Fall Collection
Despite the time she spends in her DTLA studio, Michelle is deeply in touch with Mother Nature. She lives in Malibu and has a house in Ojai (#lifegoals). This escape from the hustle and bustle of the city allows her to unplug from it all and reconnect in a way that informs her work.
“It is nearly impossible to not appreciate the peaceful aspect of nature and philosophize while there!” she says of Ojai.
We wanted to get on Michelle’s wavelength so naturally, that means spending a day in her shoes, shopping where she shops and eating where she eats.
Take us through your ideal LA day in LA.
Michelle Mason: Hopefully it’s a balmy morning and after a matcha smoothie at home, I go for a short hike in the trails nearby or hit my beach of choice at Little Dume. Then brunch with friends. After that, I’ll maybe catch a film with my 6 year-old godson at The Grove, or head over to Burbank to see my brother’s horses and go for a trail ride through Griffith Park. Japanese dinner and drinks at Kagaya or Matsumoto, and hope for a quick traffic-less commute back home to Malibu. If it’s a clear night, there is some stargazing to be had.
Little Dume. Image courtesy of @grace.lyra
Matsumoto. Images courtesy of @little.nibbles
Shop
Heath Ceramics, LA
Fairfax, $$$
MM: All my friends know that this is one of my favorite stores in LA. All my dinnerware comes from here—I love the versatility and the color of the ceramics, as well as the history of the company.
Image courtesy of @jolenekraus
Image courtesy of @amylipnis
Tortoise General Store
Venice, $$$
MM: I am a sucker for anything Japanese—this is a beautifully curated store. You really have to take your time to go through all the goodies the owner has selected for the store from Japan.
Images courtesy of @tortoisegeneralstore
Avalon Vintage
Highland Park, $$$
MM: This store is owned and operated by my friend Carmen Hawk, formerly of Jovovich-Hawk. You can get some great vintage pieces that she hand selects; she has an incredible eye.
Carmen flaunting selections of her own.
Matteo Factory Store
Boyle Heights, $$$
MM: Hands down the best sheets you will ever sleep on. And because it’s the factory outlet, that means great prices! Great colors, great finishes.
Images courtesy of @matteolosangeles
Mona Moore
Venice, $$$$
MM: I have a shoe problem—like every other girl. This store is just trouble for my wallet.
Images courtesy of @monamoore
James Perse
Malibu, $$$
MM: My go-to store for cotton basics—and you can play ping pong out front at the Cross Creek location!
Image courtesy of @dreamer0814
Image courtesy of @_evanbernard_
General Store
Venice, $$$
MM: Great selection of ceramics, books and vintage—just a beautifully curated store.
Image courtesy of @masonstpeter
Image courtesy of @lisagrovemonster
Poketo
DTLA, $$
MM: Everytime I step in, I want everything in this little gem of a store.
Image courtesy of @firstlovehk
Image courtesy of @poketo
As Of Now
DTLA, $$$
MM: A charming little store with a great sensibility—it has everything: apothecary, textiles, jewelry, etc. Wonderful place to grab quick gifts!
Images ciurtesy of @asofnowstore
Hennessey + Ingalls
DTLA, $$
MM: My favorite bookstore has left Santa Monica and come right around the corner from my studio in downtown. Best selection of hard to find books on architecture, art, and design.
Image courtesy of @hennesseyingalls
Image courtesy of @suzanne_hll
Food and Drink
n/naka
Palms, $$$$
MM: In my opinion, the most sublime Japanese meal you will have in the city, but since the Netflix “Chef’s Table” feature, it’s been quite difficult to get a reservation! Kaiseki Omakase only.
Images courtesy of @nnakarestaurant
Bestia
DTLA, $$$
MM: Two blocks away from my office, so I started getting takeaway from here, since impossible to get a table last minute. My favorite dish is the roasted lamb neck.
Image courtesy of @aymala
Image courtesy of @missfoodieproblems
Tokyo Kalbi
Sawtelle Japantown, $$$
MM: Japanese style yakiniku—where you grill your own meat, Korean style—but a bit more refined in service and presentation than the traditional Korean BBQ restaurants in Koreatown. Marinated short rib is delicious.
Image courtesy of @yaytofood
Image courtesy of @losangeles_ryugaku
Gjusta
Venice, $$
MM: Love sitting in the back patio—they have amazing roast chicken and carrot cake.
Image courtesy of @bryanjimenez86
Image courtesy of @ladymingpr
American Tea Room
DTLA, $$
MM: Tea house in the arts district—the choco latte organic rooibos tea is my favorite.
Image courtesy of @from.ezei
Image courtesy of @helloosandra
Header Image depicts Michelle Mason in her DTLA studio wearing some of her favorite LA-based brands. Top by Black Crane; Pants by Pharaoh; Sandals by LD Tuttle.
Arden Shore is a writer, dot connector and sock collector from Los Angeles who believes if everyone wore more yellow, we would be one step closer to world peace. Follow her meanderings @ardyparty on Instagram and ardyparty_ on Twitter.
