Madison on Santee Court
Notable Los Angeles City Hall denizens— including Mayor James Hahn, city council members Jan Perry and Antonio Villaraigosa, and representatives from U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard’s office—rubbed elbows with fashion folk and real estate developers on May 22 at the grand opening of Santee Court in the Fashion District.
The downtown development is the brainchild of MJW Investments President Mark Weinstein, who in his signature effusive style attempted to thank everyone in attendance. He reserved special thanks for Hahn, Villaraigosa and Perry; members of his MJW team, including Larry Hudson and Kit Marchel; Fashion District Business Improvement District Executive Director Kent Smith; and Central City Association President Carole Schatz, whom Weinstein dubbed “the woman who makes housing happen in Los Angeles.”
Weinstein also pledged to donate $1 million from his profits to charitable organizations that provide for the elderly and send underprivileged children to summer camp. “I hope in this small way our company can make a difference,” he said.
More than 1,200 people turned out to see the new loft spaces.
Los Angeles specialty retailer Madison gave Santee Court a high-fashion welcome with a runway show of Spring and Summer fashions in the project’s courtyard. Pegah Anvarian, Diane von Furstenberg, Mason by Michelle Mason and Marc Jacobs were a few of the designer labels cheered by the audience watching the show, produced by Girls Girls Girls Productions.
Madison Owner Marc Goldstein took his fashions downtown after Girls Girls Girls Producer Kamala Dexter recruited him to take part in the show. He was able to satisfy his passions for basketball and fashion at the event by watching the runway show as well as the Lakers game screening on a television a few yards from the stage. Would he open a Madison store in this new neighborhood? “I’m never going to say never,” he said.
The crowd gave hearty applause to a lavender dress by Mason by Michelle Mason. Other favorites included a red-and-black sequined dress by Diane von Furstenberg, a shoulder-baring silk chiffon peasant blouse by Isabel Marant and a zip-up black jacket with a knit miniskirt by Development.
Pegah Anvarian’s appearances in the show stressed clothes draped in the alwaysreliable color black. Featured pieces included a black top mixed with white pants by Marc Jacobs. Anvarian was also represented by a black mini-dress made brilliant with a bright-red gathering. —Andrew Asch
