Los Angeles' true fashion moment begins when award season kicks off Jan. 11 with the Golden Globe Awards. In preparation, purveyors of pricey baubles, including Fred Leighton and Neil Lane, recently decamped to expansive digs with VIP rooms primed to accommodate actresses and stylists looking for showpiece jewels.
Lane, a go-to jeweler for red-carpet gems for two decades, has a new showcase boutique on La Cienega Boulevard cater-corner to Monique Lhuillier on Melrose Place. Lane was one the first jewelers to make a name by lending pieces for photo shoots and red carpet appearances, and created custom bling for Academy Award winners Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron.
His salon is minimal, featuring jewelry cases made from white oak, Ultrasuede and Portuguese limestone plus a rear lounge where clients can try on pieces. Here, $2,500 diamond heart necklaces and $5,000 engagement rings share space with close-up-ready rare gem pieces priced in the millions.
708 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 275-5015. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. www.neillanejewelry.com
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OPENINGS
Domenico Vacca: In time for award season, celebrity dresser Vacca has moved into larger digs in Beverly Hills' Golden Triangle. The 2,500-square-foot boutique resembles a Neapolitan atelier, with Murano chandeliers and handmade Italian leather club chairs. Vacca provides ready-to-wear wardrobe consultants and custom tailors, offering more than 2,000 fabrics and exotic skins plus accessories including ties, shoes and signature timepieces.
Vacca, who outfits Jeremy Piven on "Entourage," has an extensive celebrity clientele that includes Kanye West, Will Ferrell, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Steve Carell and Antonio Banderas. Vacca also outfits women, including Scarlett Johansson, and carries an exclusive line of heels and bags.
449 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 247-0325. 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Sunday, www.domenico vacca.com
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SPAS
KaplanMD: Dr. Stuart H. Kaplan offers $20 off his signature facial (regular price $145) and $50 off an Evolence treatment (a new line filler) until Jan. 15. The signature facial, which firms and plumps skin, features patented peptides, amino acids and botanical extracts, plus a soy antioxidant phytogenic triactive complex and black cohosh herbal treatment aimed at reversing signs of aging. The kaplanMD skin-care line's Lip 20, a favorite of Jennifer Garner and Emmy Rossum, is $100 when purchased online and comes with four lip treatments and a travel bag.
