Kelly Wearstler wearing her Oncidum blouse, $285, and Ivy skirt, $265, in her WeHo studio; PHOTO Justin Cox.
WITH A NEW L.A. BOUTIQUE, INTERIORS DOYENNE KELLY WEARSTLER FEELS RIGHT AT HOME IN THE FASHION WORLD
BY KELSEY McKINNON
When Kelly Wearstler debuted a ready-to-wear collection earlier this year, no one realized she was planning to turn her home design business inside out. Now, the floor plans that covered her airy studio on La Cienega Boulevard have been replaced with clothing racks, and the vibrant fabric swatches once meant to upholster a couch are instead wearable, hand-painted patterns destined for a sweater. This month, she opens her first store nearby on Melrose Avenue, and, from the sign out front to the ceramic totem pole-inspired columns inside, the inventive space has got her name written all over it. “The combination of refined materials and natural light feels very casual and California to me, which I love,” says the veteran designer who employed the same risk-taking creative process she’s always relied on—this time mixing antique wooden sculptures with eclectic brass and marble details. Angular custom racks in the 2,250-square-foot shop will display her colorful contemporary-priced line, jewelry, clutches, printed scarves and an exclusive mix of home accessories. “This felt like a natural evolution,” she says of having to scale down her interior business to around five projects per year. One that’s already on the horizon: a New York boutique. 8440 Melrose Ave., L.A.; kellywearstler.com.
Tagged in: Designer, Kelly Wearstler, Melrose, Viceroy
Reanna
I love all of Kelly Wearstler’s work! Her textiles and designs are impeccable and it’s no surprise her fashion line is also to die for!
August 31st, 2011 at 9:42 am ()