Where: Los Angeles
What: Miracle Mile PlaceList
Who: In 2005, Desiree Kohan opened her eponymous boutique, Des Kohan, in a nearly century-old warehouse in the good company of cultural landmarks like LACMA, the La Brea Tar Pits, and the El Rey Theatre. The location in Miracle Mile was a natural decision for Des, who has always been drawn to the area’s rich history and architecture. 12 years later, she wouldn’t change a thing: “The Miracle Mile is lined with art galleries, and I wanted my clothing store to be a destination with a gallery-like setting as opposed to being located on a typical shopping street,” the trend forecaster says. Here are some of Des’ favorite spots in the neighborhood:
Des Kohan
Desiree Kohan: We are housed in a 1920s warehouse on Cloverdale, a residential street. We carry under-the-radar and sought after exclusive designers like Chalayan, Dusan and Juan Carlos Obando, to name a few. We curate and hand pick each of the collections so the editing speaks for itself. We often hear that this is the only place stylists allow their clients to shop without them, because the buy is so very well edited. We treat the store like a living room, where clients, personal shoppers, stylists, designers and editors alike come to hang out and have tea. We love the idea of creating looks and helping clients build onto their wardrobe, and inter-style. Complimentary alterations and styling is offered as we opened with the idea of treating every single client as a friend and family member.
Wilshire Beauty
DK: This is a Miracle Mile gem founded in 1946, and was one of the first beauty supply stores to ever open, which set the tone for all others that followed. They have the best edited selection of the most sought after beauty, hair and skin products on the market. It's where your stylist and every in-the-know beauty editor shops. They have in-store classes and workshops from lead stylists, so it's always nice to learn the tricks of the trade from the very best!
Also, I recently curated a vegan beauty concept store inside of Wilshire Beauty, with select groupings of products ranging from cult favorite makeup brands like Grown Alchemist, Shiva Rose, Caudalie, Herbavore and RMS, and haircare products from Yarok and Japanese go-to brand, Komenuka Bijin. I'm super excited about the partnership, especially because Wilshire Beauty is attached to our parking lot, so I get to walk all of our clients over to see the space personally!
Republique
DK: This is my go-to spot for lunch. Just a two-block short walk from the store, it's where I take all my clients and friends. The food and oyster bar is otherworldly. And they have an award winning bakery, to add to the list. To top it off, they make some of the best matcha lattes I've ever tried. It's cool people watching—I think in the day better than the evening. Fun fact: the space is actually the former Charlie Chaplin estate from 1929, and has been perfectly updated and renovated into one open space.
La Brea Bakery Cafe
DK: I love to walk over here with my son to grab their famous nut and fruit bread. Service is perfect and the owner/entrepreneur is always there by the bakery to mingle. Very much of a village-type coffee shop feeling.
El Rey Theatre
DK: I used to come here to hear live music as a teenager. Think last-minute Prince shows, just jamming with friends, or checking out your favorite band when they've added an intimate secret show. It's always fun to check out and pay special attention to the beauty of the building as well. Much of the theater from the box office to the lobby has remained true to its Art Deco roots.
LACMA
DK: I often send my out of town clients for a morning at LACMA, an afternoon of shopping at Des Kohan, followed by lunch at Republique, all of which are in walking distance from each other—an anomaly for Los Angeles! I love attending all the LACMA events, Director’s Circle events and exhibits, and just visiting the museum on a monthly basis. I highly recommend James Turrell (Light Reignfall) or Picasso and Rivera (conversations across time) exhibitions. The views from the second story of LACMA are pretty great as well.
LACMA is also great for kids!
La Brea Tar Pits
DK: Especially if you have kids, this national natural landmark is a perfect stop next to LACMA. If your kids love dinosaurs like my two-year-old does, I highly recommend the tar pits.
The Icon
DK: If you're into photography, then this is your place to print photos, create online photo books and more. I blew up many of my Africa wildlife images as large as 48x120 for a friend’s gallery here. The staff is super friendly, creative and will always point you in the right direction. This place is a hidden gem housed in a deck building, with the highest ceilings ever. Enjoy!
Image courtesy of Des Kohan
Wilshire Beauty courtesy of @sagelynaturals
Image courtesy of Republique
Image courtesy of La Brea Bakery
Image courtesy of El Rey Theatre
LACMA courtesy of @elricotheman
Image courtesy of The La Brea Tar Pits
The Icon courtesy of @bellaheathcote
Header image courtesy of Des Kohan
