Hollywood Sizzle Lights Up D&G Debut
Even a tough economy cannot knock the will to party out of Los Angeles.
When the flagship for Italian brand D&G debuted Dec. 15, paparazzi cameras were flashing at the red carpet, where actors such as Golden Globe–nominated actor Kevin Connolly, Josh Brolin and Bijou Phillips brought Hollywood sizzle to the store opening.
The boutique, located at 147 N. Robertson Blvd., seems to have been designed to give off even more light than the paparazzi’s cameras. Milan, Italy–based architects Dordoni Architetti Studio designed the 6,800-square-foot boutique and lined it with silvery chrome and a highly polished stainless steel called super mirror. When light hits the super mirror, it gives the illusion that the merchandise hanging on its walls is floating, according to a D&G representative. The architects also hoped to offer visitors a grand entrance. The store’s exterior is lined with white marble.
With the entertainment industry’s awards season just around the corner, the store will give D&G a luxurious place to clothe celebrities for the red carpet. The store offers two VIP lounges, and there’s also an outside patio designed for future Hollywood fecirc;tes.
The store is the seventh D&G boutique in America. No other D&G stores are scheduled to debut in the United States in the near future, according to a D&G representative. However, the Robertson store was intended to be a dramatic backdrop to the growing D&G label. Originally considered a trendier, urban line of iconic Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, D&G has grown to a full collection offering designs spanning from handbags to men’s suiting. Items sold at the store include a $595 patent-leather purse, a $1,000 sequined women’s top, a $385 men’s V-neck sweater and a $1,095 men’s suit.
Visitors walking through the store basically get a tour of the entire collection. The visitor first passes through an area for handbags and women’s footwear. The next section is devoted to women’s formal wear, and following that is an area offering casual women’s clothes. Next up are two sunglasses walls, and past this area is a section devoted to men’s casual fashions. The last section of the store is devoted to men’s suiting. The Robertson store’s manager, Adrian Caprarella, said the store would offer D&G’s runway styles as well as product exclusive to the store. —Andrew Asch
