Category Archives: Window Display

Christmas on Rodeo Drive, 2018

Louis Vuitton, Christmas on Rodeo Drive, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tory Burch, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tory Burch, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Hermes, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Hermes, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Dior, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Dior, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Versace, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Versace, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Gucci, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Gucci, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier

Christmas on Rodeo is one of my favorite times of  year, and November 15th, 2018 was the official kick off of Rodeo Drive’s Holiday Celebration.  A three and one half hour event complete with food trucks, stilt walkers, and of course musical performances, led up to the official lighting ceremony.

Every year the theme is a little bit different, and this years look featured vertical lighting on all of the palm trees. These LED lights change colors, so every photo you take is just a little bit different. The overall glow makes for a magical visit, especially with the piped in holiday music. I love dropping the top on the convertible in the middle of ‘winter’, cranking up the heat, and enjoying the full experience, especially when friends are visiting from out of town.

Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Romi Cortier & Recio Young
Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Romi Cortier & Recio Young

Some of my favorite window displays include Tiffany & Co., with their intimate window box insets. Each window is completely different and builds on a theme. Gucci featured a fun party atmosphere with lots of pink sparkles. And another favorite was Louis Vuitton. I was so excited when I saw their Christmas Tree covered in Louis Vuitton branded ornaments, because I knew exactly who I’d be buying them for… but wait, they’re only for display?  Why why why?  I know Coco’s mom would go out of her mind for a few of them, sorry Melanie. Maybe they’ll come to their senses next year.

Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Romi Cortier & Coco, aka MalibuPom
Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Romi Cortier & Coco, aka MalibuPom

I also loved the ‘step and repeat’ that was set up for the big opening night celebration, complete with fantastic lighting to make each and every one of us look and feel like a celebrity. Did you know that the brighter the lighting, the more flawless your skin looks? Keep that in mind when you’re taking fun family photos during the holidays. #AlwaysUseYourFlash

If you live in the area, or your’e  visiting from out of town, be sure and check out these fun and free experiences on Rodeo Drive.

Cheers!

 

The Magic of Tiffany & Co. on Rodeo Drive

Tiffany & Co., Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany & Co., 2017, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany & Co., Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany & Co., 2017, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany & Co., Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany & Co., 2017,  Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany & Co., Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany & Co., 2017, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany & Co., Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany & Co., 2017, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier

The magic of Tiffany & Co.  window displays burst on the scene in  1961  when  the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s debuted with Audrey Hepburn.   It solidified the idea of romance with all of  it’s endless  possibilities… so there’s absolutely no pressure to create holiday windows that will still captivate nearly 60 years later, right?

The delicate  details that go into each and every window display are still pure magic. Those beautiful blue-green boxes wrapped in white ribbon keep your minds eye wondering what beautiful treasure might be hidden  inside.  By the way,  did you know that Tiffany Blue has its own Pantone number – PMS1837, however, it can’t be seen in the Pantone swatch book. It’s also copyrighted in some American states… just a few more ways to keep that magic a little more elusive.

Established in 1853, Tiffany & Co. was one of the first stores to clearly mark the price on their goods to prevent any haggling over prices. In addition, against the norm of the time, Tiffany only accepted cash payments and did not accept payments on credit. My how times have changed.  The famous  flagship store on 5th Avenue and 57th Street in Manhattan  opened in 1940,  and one of my favorite things about the store is its Art Deco details. If you happen to see newer locations, such as those built  inside a mall, their front  doors still feature those iconic stainless steel deco details.

Tiffany & Co., Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany & Co., Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier

Even after having been in business for over 160 years, they’ve managed to keep the magic alive. On my sisters recent 50th birthday, we traveled to Manhattan to celebrate… and stop number one, Tiffany’s! If you’re still looking for that last minute holiday gift, you know where to go.

 

Louis Vuitton pairs with Jeff Koons for the Masters Collection

Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier

Louis Vuitton has paired up with world renowned artist Jeff Koons to create a line of handbags focusing on old world art masters such as Monet, Gauguin, Manet, Turner and Boucher.  I only discovered this a couple of nights ago while strolling down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. I’m not trying to be bougie… it’s just that I live a few blocks away and it’s so much fun to take in the holiday decorations. It’s free, fun, fantastic and often inspiring to see the holiday window displays.  Plus this year they’ve brought back the Baccarat Chandeliers that are only hung above  the street during some  Christmas seasons, not all. There’s also a little piped in holiday music, and plenty of areas for photo ops  with the hashtag #OnlyOnRodeo. It’s all about branding, plus I think that retailers are having a tough time getting shoppers into stores since online shopping has become everyones ‘easy out’.

As I was walking by Louis Vuitton’s windows I was initially drawn in by the new color combinations of some of the handbags, particularly the ones inspired by the paintings of Turner. The strong lavender-blue tone mixed with the hazy orange tones of Ancient Rome, really did it for me. As I continued to study the windows, I realized that the large white bunny in the entrance, as well as the handbag tags, were  an homage to Jeff Koons balloon animals that he’s so famous for.

Jeff Koons Ballon Rabbit, Eli Broad Collection
Jeff Koons Ballon Rabbit, Eli Broad Collection

And then… there are the LV’s and the JK’s on the handbags, as well as in the windows, another reference to the collaboration between these two iconic companies.  And lastly, there’s that big blue Christmas ball that isn’t a Christmas decoration at all, but rather an homage to his Gazing Ball Paintings.

Jeff Koons Gazing Ball Paintings, Gagosian Gallery
Jeff Koons Gazing Ball Paintings, Gagosian Gallery

Whether you love or hate the new handbags, the holiday windows on Rodeo Drive are a perfect exercise in restraint. They tell the story of the new collection and joint collaboration, while still looking festive from an uniformed point of view.  Bravo!

 

Chinoiserie is front and center at Lily Et Cie

Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Ca. Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Photo Romi Cortier
Lily Et Cie, Beverly Hills, Photo Romi Cortier

Lily Et Cie, a renowned Vintage store in Beverly Hills,  has one of the most stunning window displays that I’ve seen in ages. I quite literally stumbled upon this gem while out for one of my late night strolls last week. It was one of those, hit the breaks and back up moments… while on foot. I love it when something is so beautiful that it stops me in my tracks.

For over 30 years this luxury vintage boutique located at 9044 Burton Way has been home to some of Hollywood’s most exquisite haute couture designers, such as Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Gucci and Chanel.  When I peered through the glass of the front door, I could see racks of remarkable black and white vintage gowns, waiting for their next walk on the red carpet. Even in the dim light of the showroom, excitement stirred in my soul. I waved at the overhead camera, took my photos, and headed for home with a little extra bounce in my step.

Since I wasn’t familiar with this boutique, I did a little research online. Reviewers on Yelp were not kind to Ms. Rita Watnick, the stores owner. That said, I totally understand her point of view. If you’ve got museum quality gowns worth tens of thousands of dollars each, the last thing you need or want,  are ‘shoppers’ riffling through your merchandise with no regard for how delicate or special these items may be, especially when considering their provenance. This isn’t the Goodwill and you’re not there to find a designer bargain. Her dresses are pure art, and need to be handled as such. As a small business owner myself, I’m very sensitive to how people handle the items on my retail shelves.  So yes, I’m going out on a limb to defend a woman I’ve never met, and a store that I’ve never set foot in. Why?Because when something has special or extraordinary written all over it, you should proceed with caution and kindness.

And on a side note, Chinoiserie seems to be a hot fashion trend this season. I’ve seen several jackets at retailers from Bloomingdales to Kitross, with embroidered dragons and other chinese motifs.

Here’s a fun video with Rita Watnick and Leon Talley, discussing the nuances of a vintage dress reportedly loaned to Princess Margaret.

 

Rodeo Drive Holiday Window Display

Dior, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Dior, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Coach, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Coach, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Versace, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Versace, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Ralph Lauren, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Ralph Lauren, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Bijon, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Bijan, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Dolce Gabbana, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Dolce Gabbana, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Hermes, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier
Hermes, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Holiday 2015, Photo Romi Cortier

I Love strolling down Rodeo Drive to enjoy the Holiday Window Displays. No matter what my mood, I’m always happier for having made the trip. If you’ve read my previous posts, then you know what a fan I am of this art form.

Every retailer has a different point of view when it comes to luxury branding, which is what makes the experience so enriching. I’m not normally a Ralph Lauren kinda guy, but when I saw their window displays, one of which included a black jacquard tuxedo jacket,  it made me swoon for a chic 2016 New Years eve party to attend. And when it comes to feeling like a king, who wouldn’t want the gilded throne in the windows of Dolce Gabbana. Where on earth do they find such spectacular items? They must have a wear house stacked with European treasures solely for this purpose.  I didn’t think I was a fan of Bijan, but the black and white striped ties for their formal attire were simply stunning. I also loved the peacock inspired windows at Coach. Do they dismantle and reuse those materials, or are they stored away for a hopeful museum show?  As I’ve said before, I would so love to have something like that hanging in my home. I find it  much more interesting then some of the modern or contemporary art I see hanging in museums. And when it comes to ingenuity, Marc-Philippe Guerig takes the cake for his floating octopus in the windows of Hermes.

There’s still another week left in the 2015 holiday season, so if you’re anywhere near Rodeo Drive and Wilshire boulevard, take a walk or a late night drive and  soak up some of this amazingness.