WhatsupNaddy!: Parties : What's in Store, Clare Vivier Celebrates New Flagship Opening in L.A.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Parties : What's in Store, Clare Vivier Celebrates New Flagship Opening in L.A.

This spring brought a new crop of stores to the Los Angeles retail landscape, from Jeannie Lee’s new Abbot Kinney outpost, Satine boutique, to luxury watchmaker Rolex’s newest space on Rodeo Drive. In Silver Lake, local bag designer Clare Vivier had her own reason to celebrate Saturday night as friends, family, and fans packed into her new flagship store off Sunset Boulevard. “I design for working girls who have great style,” said Vivier, surveying the crowd (which had overwhelmed the store and begun to spill out onto the sidewalk) that included local designers Jasmin Shokrian and Maya Brenner along with L.A.-based architect Barbara Bestor (with whom Vivier collaborated on the 750-square-foot space) and Sophia Bush. “The messenger is amazing,” said writer Jeanne Darst, browsing among rows of classic totes and woven “pochettes” displayed alongside Steven Alan beach towels and painted wooden books by artist Leanne Shapton, who chose ten French titles from the designer’s husband’s library. Following cocktails, the crowd moved to a casual, private dinner in a small courtyard behind the new shop. “Your store is beautiful, just like you,” toasted cohost Shiva Rose, alongside her daughter, Coco, before chatting up guests about her summer plans and, of course, her favorite Vivier bags, including a recently purchased brown tote the actress turned blogger will take to Sun Valley and Tuscany later this season. Another cohost, Minnie Mortimer, will take a Vivier bag on her own escapes—her choice being one with a neon-pink stripe. “I stock it with all my airplane essentials,” she explained. Kirsty Hume, who arrived just in time for dinner in a stunning vintage Alessandro Dell’Acqua dress, pondered carrying her Vivier pink clutch, a gift she received for Mother’s Day, to Scotland where she’ll visit her family in a few weeks. Among the Vivier crowd, clearly the perfect getaway isn’t complete without the perfect bag to take you there.