I am absolutely reveling in rediscovering all that Los Angeles has to offer, since returning as a full-time resident in January of this year. After spending many years on a bi-coastal basis, I always left LA wanting for more.
My timing is impeccable as February is far and away the most exciting month in the Los Angeles art calendar. Now in its fifth annual edition, and the second in its current location at the Santa Monica Airport, the arrival of Frieze to the city truly cemented its reputation as a thriving center of the art market, on this side of the hemisphere. And while Los Angeles has always had a rich artistic culture, with its incredible Fine Arts programs and major arts institutions as well as the many artists who live and work here, there is something about the flourishing of Frieze that has really galvanized the city. And of course, a vibrant series of events have appeared in Frieze’s orbit during its run – including Felix Art Fair. It’s held in a series of hotel rooms and pool cabanas at the famed Roosevelt Hotel, and this fair, which mixes cutting edge galleries from Los Angeles and beyond alongside more established galleries, has such a decidedly LA vibe, it is not to be missed.
On February 29th Sotheby’s launches a private selling exhibition of Damien Hirst works from across his career, entitled, ‘Damien Hirst: Forever & Always’. This stunning selection of Hirst’s era-defining works (29 February - 29 March) spans his oeuvre, all available for purchase. Make sure not to miss these incredible works in our galleries on North Camden Drive (conveniently sandwiched between Mr. Chow and Cipriani in case looking at art whets the appetite!)
Sotheby’s Los Angeles 350 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, California 90210
If you want to be transported into another, lovelier world, there’s no better way than with a visit to the Hotel Bel Air. Nestled in a residential area within one of the most beautiful zip codes of Los Angeles, this hotel feels like an immersive sanctuary of calm, beauty and serenity. Don’t miss a sceney lunch al fresco or a martini in the hotel bar, where the walls are covered with glamorous photos by Norman Seef. (On my last visit I was seated next to Margot Robbie!) The Sunset Tower is also a quintessential Hollywood Spot – dinner at The Tower Bar, with the occasional sighting of George Clooney at the piano, is a experience.
Hotel Bel Air, 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Book Soup is the largest independent bookstore in Los Angeles and as such, has become a bit of a cultural institution. With everything from elegant cocktail-table books (wonderful gifts) to visiting author events with leading politicians, Book Soup has made the bookstore a true destination. Their tag line? “Book seller to the great and infamous.”
Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
This is one of my favorite destinations - an amazing emporium of fashion, design and jewelry that was once referenced in a New York Times article as being a space of ‘extreme beauty and style.’ And that’s absolutely spot on. With brands ranging from Cartier to Paco Rabanne, as well as an eclectic mix of new and cutting-edge designers, they have something for every discerning luxury-lover. And… they just so happen to have a killer art collection on their walls too, works collected by co-founder Paola Russo, formerly of concept store Maxfield. Located right by Jeffrey Deitch’s gallery and a strip of cool boutiques and coffee shops, their enticing edit of luxury brands is worth a visit. And make sure you don’t skip the croissants at neighboring Sightglass!
Just One Eye, 915 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 USA
Now, I can’t claim to be much of outdoorswoman. I have hiked Runyon Canyon a few times which is an obligatory stop on every tour of LA but I am dying to get out to Griffith Observatory for a hike. The scene of the observatory in La La Land was so dreamy I must experience it for myself.
Griffith Observatory, 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Los Angeles is increasingly becoming a members’-club city. What started with Soho House so many decades ago, has only blossomed and its these clubs behind closed doors that can be the best for celeb spotting. So cozy up to a local and maybe they will whisk you in!
But if that feels out of reach, try booking a table at La Dolce Vita. This Beverly Hills trattoria has new owners and a new celebrity crowd to match. Think Carbone, but in Los Angeles! An old world hot-spot, it’s been tastefully brought up to date, while the dimly lit interiors are still atmospheric enough to evoke the golden age of Hollywood. As such, it attracts a celebrity crowd, so indulge in some discreet star-spotting from behind one of its charming, over-sized menus or if you can’t snag a reservation, have a seat at the cozy bar.
La Dolce Vita, 9785 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The must-try on every Angeleno’s lips right now is Funke. Helmed by the same chef as crowd-favorite Felix in Venice, here Evan Funke has done it again. Have a drink on the roof when the weather is nice and enjoy handmade pasta and wood-fired cuisine in a cozy and cool interior that just so happens to include works by LA favorite, Ed Ruscha.
Funke, 9388 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Over three decades ago, in 1987, the artist and curator André Heller came up with an audacious idea. He built an amusement park in Hamburg, Germany, with a twist – the rides, games, and attractions were designed by a roll call of 30 of the world’s leading artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat (who designed a Ferris wheel), Keith Haring (a merry-go-round carousel) and David Hockney (a ‘geometric forest pavilion’). Incredibly, due to legal wranglings, the entire fair was packed up and forgotten for years - until now. It has been lovingly restored and reopened in Los Angeles and is a wild, and truly amazing, art experience. Don’t miss!
Luna Luna, 1601 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90023
