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L.A.'s Top Celebrity Piercer Is Spilling His Wildest Stories [NSFW]
The following is an interview with Brian Keith Thompson, L.A.'s most in-demand piercer and owner of Body Electric Tattoo. His celebrity clients include Beyoncé, Scarlett Johansson, FKA Twigs, and Jessica Alba. Edited for length and clarity.
Prison To Piercing
I did four years in the Marines. From there, I tried to get in with the LAPD, but they weren't hiring [people like me] in '95, so I went and started working for my dad's company in network integration. I got into trouble and did a stint in prison in the L.A. county jail. Life, dude, you never know where it's going to go, but that's how I found this place...
[When I got out], I had some tattoos I didn't like and some guy at a gym in North Hollywood told me about Body Electric Tattoo. I wanted to cover my chest; I thought if I was going to change, I was going to change everything about me. I got tattooed every two weeks — I just fell in love with the place — and six years later, it came up for sale and one of the artists asked me to be his partner. I said yes, but two weeks later he chickened out, so I did it alone.
I cashed out my pension and stock options, gave up my place, and was living at the Marriott Courtyard in Buena Park to afford it. I remember that first night, sitting in my hotel room having a panic attack. I literally gave my last dollar to buy the studio. I had to live out of the trunk of my car and sleep on the floor of the studio for almost six months.
At first, I worked seven days a week, made no money, and got no respect from the industry. And there was no 'big break.' I tell people it’s like climbing a mountain: You’re not going to run up it, it’s going to take time, but once I got to the top 10 years later, I had gone through so many trials and tribulations that I was a stronger climber, a better business person.
I literally gave my last dollar to buy the studio. I had to live out of the trunk of my car and sleep on the floor of the studio for almost six months.
-BRIAN KEITH THOMPSON
Piercing Celebs
Most celebrities want me to come to them, but state law stipulates that I can't. They’re fun, but they can also be very demanding. They walk in with security and try to shut down the shop; some bring an entourage. I’ve had body guards hit my jewelry case because I made them wait. Most, I’d say 90%, are really nice though. Scarlett Johansson would come in and wait patiently on the couch for me, just like any other client.
I will travel to switch out their jewelry though; I went to Beyoncé's house to switch out hers. If I have a rapport with them, I don’t mind at all. Beyoncé is great and so is her entire staff — I love working with them, some of the nicest people.
I used to get a lot more celebrities in the shop, but now it’s so busy, a lot of them don’t want to come in. I just had FKA Twigs fly from England to pierce her philtrum, she even laughed about how she flew all the way here, but she wanted me to do it. It's so flattering hearing that.
Strange Encounters
People do really inappropriate stuff; I don’t know what it is, maybe because you’re piercing their body? But I have had girls take off all of their clothes to change their belly button jewelry. I get set up, then I turn around and they’re completely naked... I think they do it just to see if they can get away with it.
A girl once grabbed my crotch. Yeah, that was weird. I don’t respond well to that. She was flirting and thought it was funny and said she ‘needed something to hold onto.' I said, ‘I can get one of the tattoo artists to hold your hand.'
I have actually been yelled at by girls for not looking at their nipples when I’m piercing them, because I only look when I have to. I had a girl say ‘I’m insulted! You didn’t even look at my boobs once!’ I try to make it as comfortable as possible. I want to keep my business, I don’t want to get sued for sexual harassment, plus, I don’t think it’s right to do that. I value women, I love women, and I want their business.
The weirdest thing that happens is people passing out; they get really worked up and then they just pass out. Sometimes the friend that is standing there with the camera passes out — it’s so funny, it’s hard for me not to laugh. You tell the person to take a deep breath and then the friend faints!
Beyoncé is great and so is her entire staff — I love working with them, some of the nicest people.
-BRIAN KEITH THOMPSON
Wild Things
I only do nipples or female genitals if the girl asks for me specifically, otherwise I have [my female piercers] work with them. I want people to feel comfortable. If they do ask for me, I only look at the breast or genitals when I need to, otherwise I look at my clients in the eye. It's not sexual, it's clinical.
There are many different types of genital piercings for women. There’s the VCH and HCH — vertical clitoral hood or horizontal clitoral hood — as well as the Christina and inner and outer labia. There’s also a really weird one called the Fourchette. It goes from the bottom of the vagina and comes out right before the anus. In my 11 years, I’ve done maybe three, that’s how rare it is. You’d never guess who’s getting these piercings — from professional athletes to moms, there’s no type, some people are just into it.
I don’t pierce the tongue because I think it’s detrimental to your health and your teeth, so we just won’t do it.
Most Requested
Right now, nipples are having a big moment. I've said it before, but I think I've pierced every nipple in Los Angeles — twice. And we are having a second big influx in people requesting constellation piercings; most people are still asking for very small, delicate, dainty stuff in their ears. I am seeing the navel come back — there was a lull in that for a while. Hoops are bigger than studs — even for the navel.
People are also becoming more educated that they shouldn’t get five or six in one sitting. They’re being patient and wanting to work up to it. Do a couple, then come back and do a couple more. It’s easier to heal three piercings than it is to heal seven.
The Good, The Bad, & The Banned
After the first article that Refinery29 wrote about me, I had women coming in from the East Coast, from Houston, all specifically to get pierced by me.
"I get a lot of women from Saudi Arabia and Dubai as well. They will simply pull the hijab to the side for me when I pierce them.
I do 86 people, but it's pretty rare. I just 86'd a blogger, I told her I didn't want to work with her anymore, not to come to my studio. I won't say what it's about, but I am very passionate about what I do. It takes a lot to get 86'd, but if you come in and treat my staff rudely, or start barking off orders or demanding things, I am going to send you right out the door. You treat us with dignity and respect, and I'll treat you with the same. You give me an attitude, I'll give you a bigger fucking attitude right back.
Success Story
I had someone tell me recently 'Man, you blew up!' and I said, no, "I showed up!' But I'm glad that it all worked out this way, because it makes finally reaching success that much sweeter.
Sometimes I can't believe that I did it. It took a lot of luck, because it could have worked out the other way and I could have not been successful. The fact that I have women and men that trust me to decorate their bodies — it's flattering and a great responsibility. I am having the time of my life.
Want more? Check out Thompson's piercing best practices and latest trend picks.
Meet The Woman Changing Prison Return Rates — Through Beauty
Tammy Kennedy is the founding director of Coffee Creek Correctional Facility's cosmetology program in Oregon. Over the past 16 years, she's helped 89 women graduate with their cosmetology licenses. Only six students have returned to prison after being released — which is one third of the national recidivism average. With unprecedented increases in women behind bars in the U.S., the value of programs like this are gaining new attention. The following interview was told to Lexy Lebsack and has been edited for length and clarity.
Getting Into Prison
The cosmetology school I went to in Salem, Oregon, didn't teach its students how to do textured hair. But I wanted to learn, so after some asking around, I ended up training with the cosmetology teacher at the local men's prison. Years later, I heard that they needed an instructor, and I ended up getting a job there. I worked there for five years until it closed due to budget cuts. In 2002, I applied at Portland Community College, which is the contractor for vocational training at Coffee Creek, and I was hired to start the cosmetology program. There were a lot of programs for men at the time, but there weren't any for women. We started from scratch: Just a room and a chair.
Fresh Start
The students start at 6:30 a.m and work 1o hour days, four days a week. The point is to educate the women in all aspects of cosmetology — hair, nails, and basic aesthetics. When someone comes to prison, they're starting out with a strike against them, so I think that it's important for us to give them the best education they can get and to teach all the newest techniques
When they leave here, they will be licensed by the State of Oregon so they can go out and get jobs so they don't come back. We want them to be successful and take care of themselves and their families. My students are dedicated to changing their lives and they rise to the occasion. When I interview them for the program they all tell me, 'I'm ready, I'm ready to be different. I'm ready to be a better mom, a better wife, a better mother, a better sister.'
Check Point
Security [in prison] is really important for everyone; it's important for the students, it's important for the clients, it's important for me. Part of that is making sure the tools are all accounted for, that they don't go somewhere else in the facility where something could happen with them. We have tool cages that have shadows behind each item, and hair color is in a locked cabinet because it could change their appearance [which is closely monitored and might require new identification]; I also monitor all of the hair color.
TWO STUDENTS PRACTICE GEL POLISH APPLICATION.
Appearance Matters
When a student starts school, there's an expectation that they do their hair and makeup for class. I tell them you have to suit up and show up every day. You need to come prepared like you were going to work in a salon. Don't just put your hair in a messy pony; I come in with my hair and makeup done every single day, so I say, 'If I can do it, you can do it.'
This is a profanity-free zone and they don't talk about criminal activity when they're in here. I'm trying to prepare them for success. Would you talk like that to a client when you're in a salon? If not, then you can't talk like that here. We work on that every single day, as well as the things that brought them here, trying to let go of some of those things to be the best person they can be when they leave.
Caring For Clients
Anyone from the general [prison] population can come into the program for free services. A lot of self esteem is lost when women come to prison. Being able to color their hair, do their nails, and those types of things help to restore a little bit of that.
Tattoo removal is a huge buzz around the institution right now, because we're trying to get a tattoo removal laser; there's a lot of people that have tattoos that they regret, whether they are gang-related, domestic violence- related, or drug-related. Being able to remove that part of their past is huge, and they're very excited about it.
Life On The Outside
"I have a binder called 'Tammy's Success Stories.' I have some students that have gone out and gotten really nice jobs and are doing great with their careers and rejoining their families. I had a student that, when she first started the program, was like, 'I don't wanna do this or that.' But we kept with it and she worked really hard, and when she left here she opened a Paul Mitchell partner school. One student just opened her own salon.
There are lots of students that start really down and out, but then they pick themselves up and realize that they can really do this! People make mistakes, but now it's, 'What are you gonna do to change that and bring it to a positive in your life?' You can't change what happened, but now you can change where you go forward from here.
Confessions Of Hollywood's Most In-Demand Tattoo Artist
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KENNETH CAPELLO
Brian Woo, better known as Dr. Woo, is the go-to tattoo artist for celebrities like Drake, Miley Cyrus, and Zoë Kravitz. To celebrate his TV debut tonight on Viceland's Tattoo Age, he opened up to R29 about his relationships with his famous clients, the odd story behind his moniker, and why he doesn't believe his own hype. The following interview was told to Lexy Lebsack and edited for length and clarity.
An Offer He Couldn’t Refuse
“I grew up in L.A. and got my first tattoo when I was 14; it was a little dragon on my ankle, which is now on the side of my calf because I had a growth spurt. I got my start when I was offered an apprenticeship with Mark Mahoney, who had been tattooing me for eight years. I was a fan of getting tattoos, but I didn't think I could ever be a tattoo artist. I compare it to getting a scholarship to a great medical school — even if you weren't sure about being a doctor, you'd probably take it.
“Getting my start at [Shamrock Social Club] on the Sunset Strip, I've seen some crazy things — from huge fights breaking out in the middle of the street to celebrities coming in and out. One time, a girl passed out in the bathroom before her appointment; she must have taken something to calm her nerves, and I had to literally break down the door like a movie when you throw your shoulder into it.”
PHOTO: COURTESY OF VICELAND.
Dr. Woo is famous for his delicate line work.
It’s All In The Details
“There's the old, traditional style of tattoos, which is bold and can be done in color, but fine line started in the ‘50s in the Los Angeles prison system. They're thinner gauge needles and create a finer tattoo with more details. My style was influenced by L.A. and by Mark, who is one of the founders of the single needle tattoo style. I would describe my style as super delicate with a lot of small details in a smaller space. It's not too bold or invasive and it gives an option to people who don't want to be totally covered in tattoos; it's more of an accessory.
On Becoming The “Doctor”
“At Shamrock Social Club, it's kind of a rite of passage: Once you go from apprentice to tattoo artist, you have to get a nickname. Mine started when one guy said there was an old movie that had this evil villain called Dr. Woo, but the character ended up not even being named Woo!
“As a first generation American, my parents immigrated here [from Taiwan] so their kids could be lawyers or doctors, so that was also a running joke — finally my parents have a doctor in the family! When I first started, my parents weren't psyched about my career path, but now they're super proud, which is kind of cool.”
PHOTO: COURTESY OF VICELAND.
Dr. Woo giving a client a calf tattoo on tonight's episode of Tattoo Age.
Draw The Line
“Celebrities go through life being hounded constantly, so I just treat them the same as everyone else. Being tattooed is such a personal thing between the artist and the client, and I take it very seriously and I’m very protective of all my clients. I don’t talk about the tattoos I do on celebrities, but if someone asked me about a random client’s tattoos, I wouldn't tell them about that either.
“A lot of other tattoo artists like to use the hype of the celebrity to promote themselves, but I just like to be about my work. I want people to look at a Dr. Woo tattoo and be like, ‘That's dope!’ I want them to like my work, not the fact that I gave a celebrity a small cross tattoo on their ankle. That doesn't really define me as an artist — if I tattooed a celebrity and they got a dot or some shit, ya know? That's just hype, and hype doesn't last forever."
Linda Rodin Launches Lipstick, We All Freak Out
COURTESY OF PROJECT MM/ARI SETH COHEN.
Update: Well, it turns out the rumors were true, and Linda Rodin has officially entered the color-cosmetics market with five killer lipsticks! The shades are exactly what you’d expect from Rodin: bright, bold, and beautifully packaged. Oh, and there’s even one named after Winks! You can pre-order the shades on her site now, so we suggest grabbing one (or all five) while you can, then checking out her interview with R29 below. Happy Tuesday!
This story was originally published on December, 4, 2015.
It could be easily argued that Linda Rodin single-handedly started the face-oil phenomenon a decade ago, with a blend she created in a coffee cup (!) in her bathroom. And after sitting down with the 67-year-old this week to talk all things beauty, we would alsoargue that she’s one of the industry's most noteworthy characters — with unfiltered opinions on everything from injectables to gray hair.
Chances are, you’ve seen Rodin somewhere — whether in a fashion campaign or in the manyprofiles of her floating around the internet, always alongside her (also) gray-haired poodle, Winks. The New York-based model-turned-stylist has been a fashion industry mainstay for decades, but it wasn’t until her 59th year that she dipped her toes into the beauty world. Today, Rodin's face and body oils are the gold standard in the industry. Plus, she just launched her first cleanser, and rumor has it she’ll be coming out with lipstick next. (But more on that later.)
Rodin is perched on a bench outside of Violet Grey’s Melrose Place beauty boutique, wearing her signature look — gray hair perfectly coiffed, bright-red lipstick and nail polish, clumpy lashes underneath oversized, tinted glasses. She’s visiting the West Coast with artist friend Donald Robertson to fête her colorful holiday packaging at the L.A. store. Because, why not?
Ahead, Rodin takes us to beauty school.
R29: First question: What’s the biggest beauty lesson you’ve learned?
Linda Rodin: "The reason that I started [Rodin] is that less is more. I like one thing that does not [do] everything, but something specific. I’m not into a million different things, so my tagline has always been, ‘There’s beauty in simplicity.' I like it simple; I like to get up and go."
I find [young people getting injectables] absolutely frightening; it’s science fiction to me. You've got to grow up and see what you’re going to look like!
-LINDA RODIN
R29: Was your signature beauty look an "aha!" moment, or did it evolve over time?
L.R.: "It happened because my hair started turning gray at 35, and I never dyed it; I never thought of dyeing it. And I started not being able to see, so I started wearing glasses. The look found me out of necessity."
R29: And have you always loved a bold lip?
L.R.: "On and off. As a teenager I wore frosted, light colors, and I have been back and forth, but as I got more gray, I thought I needed something bright because I can look a little transparent."
R29: What was the best thing about finding your signature beauty look?
L.R.: "It’s easy! Although on some level, some people can think it can be a little limiting, but at my age, I’m not experimenting. I'm going to be 68!"
R29: Speaking of, what are your favorite lipstick colors?
L.R.: "I love a red, a pink; I like hot colors."
R29: What are your favorite brands and shades?
L.R.: "Um...it’s kind of a secret, for now."
R29: Are you going to do lipsticks next?
L.R.: "I don’t know [laughs]. I should! I only like to make things that I would use. Like, I would never make a foundation."
COURTESY OF PROJECT MM/ANNE MEHNKE.
R29: You've said you have tried injectables, but they weren't for you. What do you think about all the girls using them in their teens and 20s?
L.R.: "I find [young people getting injectables] absolutely frightening; it’s science fiction to me. You've got to grow up and see what you’re going to look like!"
R29: What was your experience?
L.R.: "Well, I was wrinkled, so I thought, This is going to be great! But I realized that, although it was done very well and no one knew (it was very subtle), one day, I looked in the mirror and I felt like I was morphing into something else. Slowly, things started looking not like myself. I hate my wrinkles; I’m not bragging about them, but I just couldn’t look at myself."
R29: Do you have any makeup tips for people who wear glasses?
L.R.: "I very rarely wear eye makeup, but I like clumpy mascara. I think the beauty of glasses is that you don’t need eye makeup if the lenses are tinted [like mine]. But, I do like to do a little eyebrow if it sticks out at the top, depending on the glasses I'm wearing."
R29: How do you create the clumpy lashes?
"I just have clumpy lashes; they grow like this [holds fingers crossed], and I always wished my lashes were perfect and gorgeous, but I never had that. So now I say, ‘Embrace it!'"
R29: What are your favorite nail polish colors?
L.R.: "I used to love white. I used to wear dead-white opaque. I love a bright red; I think it's happy, and I do love a vampy color. I think there is something kind of black-and-white-movie about it."
R29: What's the most extravagant thing you've heard your oil used for?
L.R.: "Someone once said they only use it on their feet, but I can’t tell you who it is, or I’ll get arrested! It’s a celebrity, but I’m not supposed to know."
I always wished my lashes were perfect and gorgeous, but I never had that, so now I say, ‘Embrace it!'
-LINDA RODIN
R29: How did you come up with the oil?
L.R.: "I was a stylist for years, and I was at shoots with every top model and every great makeup artist, and I would see them using all these products. Of course, I would go buy them, or I’d go to Ricky’s, and I realized I never found anything I liked, so I decided to make one. I always liked little oils: I used arnica for bruises and evening primrose when I had a rash; I love jasmine and neroli because they’re wonderful for your skin. I just decided to make one of my own, so I just mixed [11 oils] together in a coffee cup. It was a fluke. I was doing it in my bathroom, on the ledge of my sink, in a coffee mug."
R29: And now you have a cleanser! Tell me about it.
L.R.: "It’s fabulous! It’s powder, so you pour a little bit out, and the more water you use, the creamier it is, and the less water, the more exfoliating. I use it every night: I cleanse my face, use it, and after, you keep your face semi-moist and you put the oil on. It’s just a preparation for the oil."
R29: You cleanse first? So it's like an exfoliator?
L.R.: "Yes, but it doesn’t have to be, I use it very rough about twice a week and more creamy the rest of the week. You can use it however you want!"
R29: Tell me more about the holiday Kaleidoscope packaging we're here celebrating today.
L.R.: "I used to work for photographers — and I used to want to be a photographer — and I was always fascinated with gel [light filters]. I decided years ago that I was going to wrap one of my perfumes in lavender [cellophane], and I never got around to it. Then, about a year and a half ago, I decided I was going to cello-wrap everything, and I wanted it to be vibrant colors. Then, it started looking to me like a kaleidoscope."
COURTESY OF PROJECT MM/GABOR JURINA.
R29: I’ve heard that a lot of people struggle when they sell a company to the Estée Lauders of the world. Have you had a good experience? Do you still have control?
L.R.: "Yes, I have creative control! That was the key for me — I think they were smart, because I am a good demographic, and I am also a good face for it. There are things that make me nuts about a corporation, which I'd never known anything about. I think it was a learning curve for both of us, for me and them, because I had a full-time career and I made products at the same time. Now, I can’t do both."
R29: Was it difficult to give up fashion for beauty?
L.R.: "No, because I really enjoy this, and I get to dress myself. It’s easier dressing myself than any other people...I just know [what] I'm going to look good in!"
R29: Last question: What do you think the secret is to aging gracefully?
"People ask me this a lot, and I always say: There’s nothing graceful about it. You just can't believe it, almost. I look at old pictures and I think, Oh my God, I was worried about what my hair looked like? but then I think, I didn’t have any wrinkles, why was I worried about my hair? I was so cute! I think it’s hard to accept, and I think that now, with all this crazy stuff [people are doing to their faces]...I just can’t get on board. It's a little scary to me... And when I see these young girls, I just don't know what they're doing...this nipping and chopping can’t go on."
Creed's Leading Lady On Why She's All About Old Clothes
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TIMOTHY SEAN O’CONNELL.
“There was a period growing up where my family would thrift all the time, which was annoying as a kid, especially when people are coming in the first day of school in their brand spankin’ new whatever,” actress Tessa Thompson explains as she sifts through racks of vintage dresses. “But in high school, people would be like, ‘Oh hey, what you’re wearing is really cool.’ I realized that [thrifting] was a neat thing; that I had things that were one-of-a-kind."
Thompson’s wearing a vintage mesh top and Madewell flared overalls under a Maiyet jacket, a well-worn moto tossed over her arm. Although it’s only 10 a.m., we’re already at her second stop, thanks to a morning show appearance that came with a 4 a.m. wakeup call.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TIMOTHY SEAN O’CONNELL.
Thompson’s on a lengthy press tour for Creed, the reboot of the Rocky franchise that’s already commanding the box office and collecting Oscar buzz. And while she’s had her pick of designers to wear on the red carpet — Rodarte, Miu Miu, Altuzarra — the 32-year-old still has a deeply rooted affection for vintage clothing, which is why she’s asked to do the interview while thrifting.
Of course, Thompson is no ordinary shopping partner, so it should be expected that we’re not at any old thrift store. Instead, she picked Shareen Vintage in L.A., a “girls only” warehouse that houses hundreds of red carpet worthy vintage frocks. It’s the kind of place you have to know about to find, hidden in a commercial neighborhood between Chinatown and Dodger Stadium. Thompson has been coming here for years.
While I’m convinced that Thompson must be exhausted from her early morning, as soon as the conversation turns to the film, her eyes light up. She plays Bianca, an experimental R & B singer and the love interest of Michael B. Jordan’s character. But don’t be fooled: Bianca is no run-of-the-mill female love interest in a sports film. Thompson wouldn’t have signed on for that.
There was a period growing up where my family would thrift all the time, which was annoying as a kid, especially when people are coming in the first day of school in their brand spankin’ new whatever.
TESSA THOMPSON
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TIMOTHY SEAN O’CONNELL.
Although Creed may seem like a departure on her résumé alongside films like Dear White People, Selma, and For Colored Girls, the film checked all the boxes for Thompson: Wunderkind director Ryan Coogler (she’d deeply admired his first film, Fruitvale Station), a complex love story in a blockbuster film, and a collaborative ethos that allowed her to write Bianca’s music for the film, a skill she developed thanks to her time spent in electro soul band, Caught A Ghost.
“We get really used to just seeing one thing on TV and movies, and it was important that Bianca was a complicated female counterpart to Michael B. Jordan’s character,” she explains. “Not to begrudge anyone who is comfortable playing the beautiful, supportive, lovely love interest...but I'm not sure that I would be that good at it [laughs]."
Not to begrudge anyone who is comfortable playing the beautiful, supportive, lovely love interest...but I'm not sure that I would be that good at it.
TESSA THOMPSON
Of course, Bianca, as the character stands today, didn't appear out of thin air. Thompson lived in Philly for two months before production began, doing her research: secretly recording girls in nail shops to master the Philly dialect, visiting concert halls where Bianca might play, and even — you guessed it — thrifting for her character.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TIMOTHY SEAN O’CONNELL.
At this point in the day, I've successfully convinced Thompson to try on a gold lamé romper and fur jacket combination better suited for a theme party than real life — for the record, she could pull it off — but she's narrowed it down to a ladylike dress perfect for an upcoming red carpet. Of course, this is exactly why I couldn't let her head to the cash register just yet. From the fabrics to avoid buying to the best places to shop, Thompson dished on what she loves most about thrifting, and divulges a few shopping secrets.
You mentioned that you started thrifting with your parents. Do they still thrift?
“We still thrift together! My dad and I just drove cross country and all we wanted to do was stop at every Goodwill we saw, but I had to get back for work.”
Where are your favorite thrifting haunts?
“There’s an Out of The Closet in Atwater Village that I love that I live by now, so it’s perfect; I go all the time. Beacon’s Closet in New York is fantastic, because it’s easy and cheap. Shareen’s place in New York is smaller than this and really curated.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TIMOTHY SEAN O’CONNELL.
How would you describe the things you gravitate toward?
“I like things that are classic and understated, but I also have a side of me that loves things that are wild, so I am always trying to find a marriage between the two. I hate the idea of anything being too trendy or boxed into one space.”
It sounds like you have a lot of vintage. Where do you keep it all?
“I used to buy too much, but now I’ve gotten way more selective. For a while I bought so much that I thought I would open a store! It was right around the time that people started selling on eBay, and I was like, ‘Oh, I’ll just have a store.’ It amassed, and I would look in my closet and be like, ‘Why do I own this?’ I used to buy things and say, ‘I'm going to make it into a shirt!’ But, then I just had a bunch of projects in my closet that I never wore. I also realized that my whole closet was vintage and it just smelled weird…”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TIMOTHY SEAN O’CONNELL.
That’s the mistake I make! Having all these vintage projects I never start…
"It’s a trap! I always think that I can change the garment, but unless it’s a simple thing — like if it fits you, but you want to shorten it, that’s simple. Vintage garment are normally so well made that if you try to futz with them, they don’t work. If you look enough, you’re going to find something that fits you perfectly.”
What other thrifting traps are easy to fall into?
“Buying too much vintage and wearing it head to toe. [Your outfit] can be vintage, but from different eras with things that are bit cleaner, to keep it in present day. But when I see people who are just too vintage, it becomes costume-y. So much of what we wear that’s relevant now is totally based on vintage stuff, so they’re made to mix. This is newly made [points to Madewell overalls], so they’re in pristine condition, which keeps it really clean, but this shirt is vintage ‘80s.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TIMOTHY SEAN O’CONNELL.
Let’s talk about getting rid of stuff. How do you purge?
“I have a group of girlfriends and we do a clothes swap! There are certain friends I get very excited about, because we’re relatively the same size, and they have great stuff.”
What kind of jewelry do you thrift?
“A lot of vintage rings. I got really into chokers and full neck cuffs for a while, so I got into searching for them online, mostly on Etsy. I prefer Etsy because you kind of find people who specialize in that sort of era.”
What are your rules when it comes to fabrics?
“I don’t thrift rayons or polyesters. They collect smell and are itchy, and not so great. I don’t wear fur unless it’s vintage, and I'll buy leather, fur, and suede. Then, really beautiful silks and cottons — vintage laces and cotton are the holy grail of vintage, but they’re so delicate that you have to really find them in good condition, otherwise they’re just relics that you can have around but not really wear.”
What’s the best thing you’ve ever thrifted?
“I love vintage Betsey Johnson dresses. I have four of them — they’ll never stop being wearable. I have a couple of perfect vintage slipdresses from Betsey Johnson. I also have this beautiful leather garment bag that I travel with. It’s the kind of leather that’s tanned, with roses embossed on the leather.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TIMOTHY SEAN O’CONNELL.
What are your thoughts on vintage shoes?
“I used to buy vintage shoes, but not pumps. They’re just not the same. Vintage boots are fantastic. I have been inspired by that sale, A Current Affair, where you can buy Issey Miyake or Céline boots from some years ago. It's all so beautifully made, and it comes back around, so if you’re a fan of a designer, you can get something by them even if you can't afford it new."
What about new clothes?
“I really like this store Mohawk General Store [in L.A.] and Sincerely, Tommy in New York. The reason I am attracted to vintage is the same reason why [I like these two stores], because you’re not going to run into someone with the same thing.”
I Traveled 6,000 Miles To Try George & Amal Clooney's Favorite Wine
PHOTO: COURTESY OF RONCO CALINO WINERY.
Celebrities are notoriously particular about just about everything, and beverages are no exception. To wit: Beyoncé reportedly prefers her water at exactly 21 degrees celsius (and served with a titanium straw, mind you), while Robert De Niro is said to demand his cocktails are shaken for far longer than one would think is necessary. But perhaps the most specific quirk is George and Amal Clooney's. It's beenreported that when summering in Italy, they only drink wine from a friend's winery in a remote northern Italian region called Franciacorta.
So, when I got the opportunity to explore the region and taste the wines in question, I jumped at the chance. Of course, it's no secret that the couple is obsessed with the Italian region of Lombardy — and two flights, three car rides, and 19 hours later, I realized why. Almost totally untouched by tourists, it has the sensuality of Italy, with the charm of nearby France, and prestige of neighboring Switzerland. And did I mention their newest export — sparkling wine made in the style of Champagne — is giving the world of bubbly a run for its money?
The Italian destination is the perfect place to add to your travel bucket list, and not just for the chance to rub elbows with Hollywood A-listers. Ahead, everything you need to know to add Franciacorta to your dream European vacation itinerary. And until then, you can school even the biggest winos with your new knowledge on poppin' bottles like an Italian. Cheers!
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LEONE FELICE.
What To Know
Franciacorta is located one hour east of Milan, in the region of Lombardy in northern Italy. It's a bit like Champagne, in that the word Franciacorta describes the region, the production method, andthe sparkling wine itself. Say it with me now: I'm going to Franciacorta to drink Franciacorta.
The area has been producing wines since the 16th century, but the bubbles are a recent addition, dating back only 50 years. Which could be why the town is quaint, quiet, and almost totally untouched by tourists. While around 90% of Franciacorta is sold within Italy, availability in the States is rapidly growing, popping up in places like Sotto in Los Angeles and Scarpetta in New York.
Since it's just a stone's throw from Milan, it's also a hot spot for the Italian fashion set in the same way that Palm Springs is to Hollywood or the Hamptons are to New York. In fact, Franciacorta is the official wine of Milan Fashion Week.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF RELAIS FRANCIACORTA.
Where To Stay
Franciacorta is the perfect day trip to punctuate a visit to Milan — but it's even better if you spend the night at one of the rustic hotels or posh resorts dotting the region. Warning: Book early, as most hotels have limited rooms and can fill up quickly.
For rustic charm (think: actual room keys, sweeping views, and spotty Wi-Fi that will force you to disconnect), opt for Relais Franciacorta, pictured here. You'll understand the full spectrum of the region without leaving the property, thanks to bike tours and a restaurant serving regional fare (and Franciacorta, but of course).
For those who want to take it a step further into the past, select Hotel di Charme, a former convent with 14 rooms that have been beautifully preserved in a courtyard-like setting. It's peaceful, with old-world charm and a renowned restaurant on site. Not a fan of rustic? Book your digs at L’Albereta. You'll get lost navigating the 5-star resort: There are several restaurant choices, a spa you could spend an entire day in, sunning decks, and sprawling grounds.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ALBERETA.
Where To Eat
Lombardy is far closer to France and Switzerland than southern Italian cities like Naples or Sicily, so it's a totally different experience than the red sauce eats you may be anticipating. Expect fresh pasta topped with white sauce, seafood caught that day in nearby Lake Iseo, and local cheese and meat plates on most menus. Naturally, Franciacorta is offered with nearly every meal. (Insider tip: Breakfast wine is totally acceptable on vacation.)
Whether you're looking to sip bubbly, or a café au lait first thing, swing by Pasticceria Roberto to start the day nibbling beautiful (and wildly delicious) pastries with the locals. Lunch is best served with a view, so make a reservation at Vistalago Bistro at L'Alberta, pictured here, and order whichever house-made pasta strikes your fancy.
But save some room for dinner at La Foresta, which is easily the best kept dining secret in the area. It's situated on a tiny island in Lake Iseo, only accessible by ferry, and there's no menu. Instead, you'll be greeted by a waiter who will seat you and begin a procession of seafood caught that day until you firmly say finito!
PHOTO: COURTESY OF RONCO CALINO WINERY.
Where To Taste
Now comes the hard part: There are well over 100 vineyards to choose from in the region, most of which are family owned and operated and offer affordable tastings of their best brut, sparkling rosé, and every other bubbly they make. But the bonus is the tour that traditionally comes with the tasting.
Ronco Calino, pictured here, is one of the smaller productions: They ship under 70,000 bottles a year, which is teeny in comparison to many others. The property boasts impressive views, organic bubbly, and intimate tours you can't get at larger vineyards.
Art lovers can view impressive works while tasting at Majolini, a vineyard that ships about 150,000 bottles a year. Expect art ranging from Insta-worthy, large-scale sculptures all the way down to leather wine bottle covers you'll need a second look at to appreciate. (Yes, wine bottles are dressed in couture koozies here.)
But whatever you do, do not miss Il Mosnel, where you can spend the entire day exploring the cellars (which date back to the 1800s) and biking around the 99 acres on a rented bike, which comes complete with a picnic lunch.
Inside The Ultimate Fashion Girl's Palm Springs Wedding
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
Consider Amanda Thomas and Pat Monahan the Bey and Jay of the L.A. fashion scene. She owns LuvAJ, a line of fashion-forward jewelry and leather pieces that has garnered devotees like Miley Cyrus and Kylie Jenner, and he's the mastermind behind Private Party, the cheeky sweatshirt and T-shirt line that, while new, already has fans like Madonna and Drake.
L.A. power couple? Yes. Insanely cute? You bet. And, as expected, not a single detail was overlooked for their December 2014 wedding in Palm Springs. In fact, the desert nuptials included a variety of inspirations that ranged from Morocco to P. Diddy's annual white party. The results are a feast for the eyes, and utterly inspiring for anyone who wants a traditional wedding that is anything but boring.
Ahead, Amanda walks us through every detail, from the couples' engagement story to her custom-made dress (it took six months and has over 10,000 Swarovski crystals!) to the Adidas sneakers she changed into for the reception.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
As cliché as it sounds, I knew what dress I wanted to get married in for years…. When Givenchy came out with their couture collection in 2010, I saw this one nude gown covered in crystals, and I knew that I had to get married in that dress. Considering I look nothing like a supermodel, and the dress is five years old, I also knew I had to find a seamstress to make it from scratch.
"The only person crazy enough to say yes was Armine by R-Mine Bespoke. I worked with her twice a week for six months to bring my vision to life. The final dress is made from two thin layers of nude mesh, covered in over 10,000 Swarovski crystals, and weighs more than a small child. It truly is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"My longtime friend and hair and makeup artist Sunnie Brook did my glam for the big day. I work with her on tons of campaign shoots for Luv Aj, and she has such a great eye for beauty. We’ve built such an amazing rapport that I honestly trust anything she wants to do. For the wedding, I just wanted to feel like a buxom blonde, like Brigitte Bardot."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"My makeup was super-matte and clean, with a dramatic liquid-eyeliner cat eye and a pink lip. Every time I walked by a mirror, I did a double take because I couldn’t believe that was me!"
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"I met Pat one night at a college friend's dinner party in Venice. We bonded over our love of rap music and drinking wine with ice cubes. After a few weeks of hanging out, he finally asked me out, and our first date ended up lasting three days. After that, we kind of just never left each other’s side, and a year later he proposed!"
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"I was convinced Pat would propose at our house or by the beach...something mellow for sure. We were at a big launch party for the release of my belt collection with Stone Cold Fox one night last April, and all of our friends were there. It's honestly the last place I thought it would happen. Cut to 11 p.m., when the music stops, a giant spotlight hits me, and everyone starts screaming. It took me a good 30 seconds to realize what was going on. I looked over, and Pat was on one knee, with a Feyoncésweatshirt on and a ring box open. I was just so shocked and excited. Best night ever."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"I have been making jewelry since I was 14 years old, so the jewelry for our wedding day was one of the most important elements to me. My engagement ring is rose gold with a hexagon, halo set, round center stone on a pavé X ring."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"We knew we wanted to get married in Palm Springs, because it's our home away from home. It's a place that holds some of our fondest memories."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"When we decided on Palm Springs, we knew we wanted to stay away from hotels, because there isn't a ton of flexibility with designing the space. So, we started researching private homes. La Chureya was such an incredible find: It has a massive front yard, which worked perfectly for the ceremony, and a gorgeous courtyard and backyard for the reception."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"We walked down the aisle to a string quartet playing Drake and Beyoncé."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"My engagement ring is kind of a piece on its own, so I wanted to have my wedding band be something totally separate and a statement ring, too. I designed a coil ring that went from pavé to baguettes, then back to pavé. I'm obsessed with it, and wear it on my other hand now."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"Luke and Katherine are a husband-and-wife photography team who were recommended to me by a close friend, and they were amazing. Having two people shooting at once was so key to capturing every moment of the day."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"Our florist, Dandelion Ranch, built us an incredible succulent altar that truly was the focal point of the ceremony."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"Luke and Katherine's style of photography is really modern and cool, definitely perfect for someone like me who is so picky about the visuals."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"Found Rentals and Witty Rentalsprovided all the Moroccan wedding blankets, vintage leather couches, and sheepskin rugs."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"If there is one thing I can recommend about planning your nuptials, it's to hire a wedding planner! We used Beau and Arrow Events. I have a pretty flexible schedule because I work for myself, but having the Beau and Arrow girls on my side was the biggest lifesaver. They were so easy to work with and really understood my vision and vibe."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"My best friends, Cydney and Dallas, are the owners and designers of Stone Cold Fox, an L.A.-based line known for its boho-inspired silk dresses. My bridesmaids ranged from a size 0 to nine months pregnant at the time, so I knew we had to do something custom to fit everyone perfectly. They let us choose the silks and blend a few different dress designs into one to come up with this simple and chic wrap dress that really complemented everyone."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
The seated dinner started at dusk...
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
Pat and Amanda slowing down for just a second...
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"Pat didn’t want a traditional band, so he decided to be bold and get some diamonds in his ring. His band is channel-set black diamonds in a yellow-gold band. It’s subtle but still makes a statement."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"Pat and the groomsmen each wore a skinny suit from TopMan."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"Since it was a winter wedding, we wanted to incorporate dark purple and peach-colored florals, mixed with tons of succulents."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
A Bey and Jay moment? We think so.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"I had a very clear vision of the kind of vibe I wanted for the day, but it was Beau and Arrow and their Rolodex of vendors who brought it to life."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"For party favors, our guests received Private Party sweatshirts! Even before the wedding, we had guests asking us if the gifts were going to be Pat's sweatshirts, so it just seemed like a no-brainer. He came up with a few amazing phrases for them, and we set up a mini Private Party pop-up shop in the reception area. When people saw it during dinner, it turned into Walmart on Black Friday. Almost every sweatshirt was gone before the first dance!"
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"We added in a lot of cacti, since it's Palm Springs, and did mini potted plants, too."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"One of the things on our bucket list is to go to P. Diddy’s annual white party. It’s just the ultimate turn up, and every year the photos make me want to teleport to Miami and try to get in. We wanted to channel that vibe and do something a little nontraditional, so we asked all the guests to dress in white."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"For the tables, we did cacti nestled in clear, crystal quartz shards to make them a bit more magical."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"Casa de Perrin provided all the vintage Czech glassware, plates, and rose-gold silverware."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"Whenever Pat and I go to Palm Springs to hang, we eat at Birba. It’s like an L.A. restaurant, just plopped in the middle of the desert. They do delicious and chic Italian food, and it was something that was very easy for us to agree upon for the wedding. We served the food family-style, so every table got plates to pass and share. We included things like chimichurri flank steak, gluten-free squash-blossom ravioli, French fries two ways, and chopped salad."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"My girlfriend Leslie and her friend Courtney recently started their latest food venture in L.A., called Large Marge Cooks. Leslie is the former pastry chef at Momofuku Milk Bar in NYC, so she is the woman for nontraditional cakes. Leslie and Courtney came up with really interesting donuts and cookies, and then made their famous Mexican-hot-chocolate churro cake, which was the hit of the night."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"Our guests wearing all white ended up being such an amazing element of the night, because it created camaraderie. Plus, it was the middle of winter, so everyone was excited to dress like it was summer, especially our East Coast friends."
Let the dance party begin...
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"Our videographer, Yayo Ahumada, got some insane footage that we’re cutting together now. It's going to look like a music video; I can't wait to see it all!"
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATHERINE ROSE AND LUKE GRIFFIN.
"As spectacular as my wedding dress was, it weighed a million pounds, so I knew I wanted to change into something fun and easy for the latter part of the evening. My dress designer, R-Mine Bespoke, whipped up this Chantilly-lace tuxedo-blazer minidress for me two weeks before the wedding. By the end of the night, I had the tuxedo dress on with my Adidas Stan Smiths. It captured my style to a T."
Tour The New Boho Home Of L.A.'s Raddest Celeb Hairstylist
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
Not many people would find themselves on a beach in Bali, scouring the internet for prime Los Angeles real estate. But, such is the life of Riawna Capri, celebrity hairstylist and co-owner of one of West Hollywood's coolest salons, Nine Zero One. (Capri's first name is pronounced just like Rihanna's, for the record!)
Capri and her roommates had just moved out of their shared house when she got called on a work trip halfway across the world. Obviously, she couldn’t say no (it was Bali, after all), but with no place to call home afterward, the stakes for this search were high.
When Capri saw a posting for an expansive, modernist home at the top of winding Laurel Canyon, she instantly felt it was the winner. Hours after hitting the tarmac, Capri walked in and knew she had to have it.
With help from friend and aspiring interior designer Amber Lancaster, Capri's new digs are now fully decorated in her signature boho aesthetic, and ready for their big debut. So, she called up her best pals (and us!) to come over and celebrate with her favorite libation (rosé), some light bites, and a healthy dose of her infectious laughter. With a busy schedule styling celebrities like Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Julianne Hough, it’s no wonder Capri needs such a great place to unwind.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
Welcome! As you can see, Capri (and one of her pups) is ready for our tour. What you may not see is that Capri's house is nestled high in Laurel Canyon, with sweeping views of L.A.'s rolling Hollywood Hills.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
The living room’s soaring ceilings make way for a wall of built-ins, which houses a record collection Capri inherited from her dad, a subtle nod to Laurel Canyon’s rock-'n'-roll history. (Joni Mitchell and Cass Elliot are just a few musicians who called the canyon home.)
Nickey Kehoe Moroccan Pom Pom Throw Blanket, $210.00, available at Nickey Kehoe; Nickey Kehoe T Chair,$1275.00, available at Nickey Kehoe.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
When the house isn’t full of friends — which is not very often! — Riawna can be found curled up on her sofa with pups, Kai Oytee and Jazzy Fae, and girlfriend Morgan Beau.
If Kai Oytee (left) seems a little shy, it's because she's half coyote and half Romanian street dog, so it takes her a little while to warm up to new people. Capri adopted her from a friend who brought her to the states from Eastern Europe!
Tip: Two CB2 armless sofas were pushed together to make a more expansive seating arrangement that better suits the space.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
Capri has a serious love for rose gold — and rosé! This nook houses a vintage tray in her favorite hue, and a few of her favorite wines, as well as her father's vintage record player. Bright green foliage and a large geode add a rich, earthy energy to the shelf.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
Plants thrive in the bright light of Capri's living room, offering a little extra bohemian touch.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
Capri's vintage train-cart coffee table displays books that sum up her passions quite perfectly: Face Forward by the late makeup legend Kevyn Aucoin, Gypset Living and Travel, and the lust-worthy Poolside With Slim Aarons.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
The kitchen's clean lines are balanced by a colorful stripe-print rug and potted desert plants.
Nickey Kehoe Creative Women Ribbed Stripe Hand Towel, $30.00, available at Nickey Kehoe.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
Capri keeps neat stacks of Pendleton towels on hand for guests who spend the night. The dark, moody guest bathroom on the main floor looks out on her bright and lush front patio.
Pendleton Chief Joseph Spa Towel,$49.50, available at PENDLETON; Pendleton Mountain Majesty Towel,$49.50, available at PENDLETON.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
"It's the first place I've lived that I don't want to leave," Capri tells us. "I'd rather have everyone come to my house than go out somewhere." By the looks of that merino wool throw with sheepskin stripes, it's hard to imagine she would ever want to leave her bed, either.
Jayson Home Sheep Wool Throw,$1195.00, available at Jayson Home; Matteo Folk Sham Single, $102.00, available at Matteo.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
The house has three (yes, three!) beautifully-weathered wooden decks overlooking the canyon. The bottom level is attached to the master bedroom, and has been left almost completely bare. A vintage lounger and potted plant reside on the quietest of her outdoor spaces.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
Though Capri crafts cocktails using herbs from her garden, she’ll be the first to admit she’s not a big cook. A quick call to Stir Market, a local gourmet food-hall, put a spread on the table faster than you can say "easy entertaining."
Arranged artfully on serveware from CB2, Jayson Home, Crate & Barrel, and Nickey-Kehoe, the spread of flatbreads, salads, and charcuterie was ideal for an evening in with friends. And, a membership to Club W keeps her wine fridge well-stocked.
Nickey Kehoe Coffee Wood Tasting Spoon, $24.95, available at Nickey Kehoe; Jayson Home Kasbah Brass Round Trays, $18.00, available at Jayson Home; Jayson Home Horn Handle Spreader, $14.00, available at Jayson Home; CB2 Hex Green Marble Board, $19.95, available at CB2; CB2 Campfire Small Bowl, $19.95, available at CB2; Crate & Barrel Tondo Plate,$6.00, available at Crate & Barrel.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
Capri says what she loves about her home is that when you’re there, you "don’t feel like you’re in L.A." The sweeping deck adjacent to the living room is just as much part of the house as the interiors. "I love using rugs on the floor outside, having comfortable furniture, warm lighting, and really embracing the idea of outdoor living."
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
See, we told you Capri loves rose gold and rosé!
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
"The joke with my friends is that it’s always Riawna, plus 12," she says. She loves having everyone get together, so much so that she hosts a girls' night for which everyone has to bring someone who no one else knows to expand her friend group even more. “I kept finding myself at the salon saying to clients, 'You need to meet so and so, and you need to meet so and so…'" Eventually, Capri took it upon herself to do what she does best — play host.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
Mismatched serving plates add eclectic charm to Capri's entertaining style.
CB2 Hex Green Marble Board, $19.95, available at CB2.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
“I like cocktail parties, I like sunsets, I like long walks on the beach,” Capri jokes. Her love for entertaining is evident as soon as her guests start to trickle in. Everyone feels comfortable. Maybe it’s the hillside vistas, the bountiful cheese board, or the plethora of places to lounge, but her canyon hideaway seems the perfect place to spend the evening. Here, she looks out at the canyon with her sister.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
It seems Capri has a natural way of mixing business with pleasure: Her friends are her clients, and her clients, her friends. When Julianne Hough recently decided to dye her hair a bold shade of pink, naturally she called upon her confidante, Capri.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
Candlelight made the mood a bit warmer as the “goddess cards” came out. Geared toward women, the cards reveal how to improve your life, health, relationships, career, and more. It seems a night at Capri’s may just be what every woman needs.
Crate & Barrel Crosby Small Lantern,$69.65, available at Crate & Barrel; Crate & Barrel Celena Gray Stripe Pillow, $59.95, available at Crate & Barrel.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY EVAN LANE.
By the time we left Capri and the girls, the sun had long set, but the drinks stayed fresh, and the music kept playing.
Crate & Barrel Jasper Wine Glasses,$7.95, available at Crate & Barrel.
Meet The 8 Cutest Dogs In L.A.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
There are only so many magical moments during a journalist's career when he or she can be on a photo shoot with the most in-demand models, wearing the latest fashions straight from the runway. This was not that shoot. Yet somehow, it was better.
In case you didn't know, today is National Mutts Day, and we're taking it very seriously. So much that we cast eight of L.A.'s cutest mixed-breeds, rescues, and utterly charming former strays for a fashion shoot with doggy designs from our favorite local pet boutiques. Yes, you read that correctly: Get ready for cute dogs wearing collars and clothes straight from L.A.'s coolest pet-accessory designers.
And of course, each set of four legs (and one inseparable doggy duo) comes with a heartwarming story of how they beat the odds and ended up in a loving SoCal home. According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.9 million dogs enter shelters each year in the U.S., and around 1.2 million of those are euthanized. That's about one third.
Need even more proof that adopting is the way to go? Just click through our slideshow for the best seven reasons you've ever seen to pass on the pet store.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Stella's Adoption Story
"I was looking for a dog for about six months, going to the shelters on every single day off, trying to find my dog. The first time I walked by her cage, she was huddled in the corner, super-skinny with long, greasy hair. I walked by a few times and then sat down and started talking to her, hoping she would come over to me. It took about 10 minutes before she slowly crawled, on her belly, towards me, lifted her head, and let me pet her. Then I got the feeling everyone talks about: I had found my dog!
"She was a stray that had just been brought in, so she had a week-long hold on her, but I was the first on the list. She was about six months old, and they don't know how long she was on the streets. She was really skittish for a long time; she peed every time anyone pet her, and I had to learn how to approach her. I named her Chloe, which lasted for three days — it just didn’t stick. When a friend suggested the name Stella, it just worked. She’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. It’s hard to think of a time when she wasn’t a part of my life! She's a miniature schnauzer mixed with something else, maybe poodle, but we're not really sure."
— Brittany, Stella's owner
Rosie Bunny Bean Serape Sherpa Bed, $100, available in-store at Rosie Bunny Bean. Beast and Babe Point Break Collar, $46, available in-store at Healthy Spot.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Stella's Vital Stats
Age: 6 years
Rescued From: The Pasadena Humane Society
My Personality: Loyal, bashful, spunky
Favorite Game: Biting my mom's hand under a blanket
Biggest Vice: Fish treats!
I Love: Going to Lake Hollywood Park with my friends
I Hate: When people touch my "tickle spot"
Beast and Babe Point Break Leash, $96, available in-store at Healthy Spot.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Modeling comes naturally for Stella, clearly.
Dogs of Glamour Coco Ruffle Dog Dress, $59.95, available at D.O.G. Pet Boutique.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Brooklyn’s Adoption Story
"My husband and I had wanted a dog for a while, but it never felt like the right time to do it. But then I heard about No Kill L.A., and we decided just to stop by to see what kind of dogs they had, not thinking we'd actually be coming home with one! We saw two puppies we liked a little. Then, on our way out, we spotted Brooklyn in a gated-off area; she had just gotten fixed and was recovering. She was part of Wags and Walks, an amazing rescue organization. I sat down next to her, and it was instant.
"In the beginning, she had major separation anxiety. She would freak out for hours when we left, but we’ve worked with her and a trainer at Dog Gone Problems, and a few months later she is much better — but she’s still afraid you’re going to leave her and freaks out for about 10 minutes when we leave. She has a serious fear of missing out, especially when you’re in the shower — she just sits there by the sink and waits for you to come out; it’s the cutest thing. The vet thinks she is part spaniel and part chihuahua, with a few other things mixed in, but it’s a mystery. It's been a few months, and we can't imagine our lives without her!”
— Natasha, Brooklyn's co-owner
California Collar Co. Leather Bow-Tie Collar, $40, available at California Collar Co. Jax and Bones Geo Lounge Bed, $119, available in-store at Healthy Spot.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Brooklyn's Vital Stats
Age: 9 months
Rescued From: Wags and Walks
My Personality: Animated, mischievous, mushy
Favorite Game: Barking until you notice me
Pet Peeve: When the humans say "off"
Biggest Vice: Mommy’s flip-flops
I Love: Belly rubs
I Hate: When it’s not all about me
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Brooklyn's day rate is a braided bully stick.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
A few props left in Brooklyn's high-energy wake.
Beast and Babe Occasional Ninja Collar, $46, and Leash, $79, available in-store at Healthy Spot. Lincoln BarkTreat Smart All Natural Treats, prices vary, available in-store at Healthy Spot.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Sam's Adoption Story
"I found Sam on Craigslist in an advertisement for Cocker Spaniel puppies, but when I showed up to the house in East L.A., they were definitely not Cocker Spaniel. It was him and his brother, covered in fleas and shaking. They both had back problems, with front legs that were longer than their back legs, which could be why they were getting rid of them, but I really don’t know. I wanted to take both of them, but I couldn’t; I was still in college and couldn’t have two dogs. To this day, I wonder where his brother is. If I could, I would take that dog in a heartbeat now.
"For the first few months, he was so scared that he hid in the corner of my room, under my bed, so I think his previous owners weren’t very nice to him. To this day, he still likes to sleep under the bed. He had approximately seven names before he was Sam. At first, I named him a few different Hawaiian names, which is where I’m from, but they didn’t fit him. Then he was Samual, then Sammy, then just Sam. Some vets say he’s a poodle mix, some say he’s a Bijon mix, maybe part terrier, but I don’t know. Sam is truly my best friend. He’s changed my life in so many ways, and every single minute that I’m with him makes me a better person."
— Maia, Sam's owner
Penn + Pooch Herringbone/Peach Statement Babe T-Shirt, $26.50, available in-store at Healthy Spot.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Sam's Vital Stats
Full name: Samual
Age: 7 years old
Rescued From: A private home via Craigslist
My Personality: Weird, quirky, human-like
Favorite Game: I like to play keep-away with my favorite toy, the reindeer
Pet Peeve: When mom takes me for walks but doesn’t let me play with all the other dogs on the street
Biggest Vice: I’m a sucker for a good bully stick or, even better, a fresh marrow bone!
I Love: The beach! I love swimming in the ocean and running free at Broad Beach in Malibu. But my favorite thing to do is cuddle on the couch.
I Hate: Car rides! They’re the worst
Beast and Babe Point Break Collar, $46, available in-store at Healthy Spot. Rosie Bunny Bean Denim Sherpa Bed, $102, available in-store at Rosie Bunny Bean.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
I'm ready for my close-up!
Beast and Babe Point Break Leash, $96, available in-store at Healthy Spot.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Hank & Harriet's Adoption Story
"Hank and Harriet came into our lives organically and unexpectedly. About four and a half years ago, Jane was in the passenger seat of her friend's car in a parking lot when she spotted a beautiful pit bull running loose without a collar or owner. Her friend pulled up next to the pup, and he leapt through the window into Jane's lap, stared at her for a minute, and began licking her face. After a week spent looking for his owner, [we] decided to keep him. Six months later, one of our friends discovered Harriet running down the street on Melrose and took her with him out to a bar. He couldn't keep her and knew that we loved dogs, so he asked if we wanted to bring her home. She was so tiny and adorable, how could we resist? That night, she came home with us. And the next morning, we woke up to find her snuggled up with Hank. The rest is history..."
— Jane and Rick, Hank and Harriet's owners
Rosie Bunny Bean Serape Fleece Blanket, $88, available in-store at Rosie Bunny Bean. On Hank: California Collar Co. Buckled Martingale Collar, $55.00, available at California Collar Co. On Harriet: California Collar Co. Spikes Leather Collar, $48, available at California Collar Co.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Hank's Vital Stats
Age: Unknown
Rescued From: A parking lot
My Personality: Gentle, loyal, hyper-alert
Favorite Game: Climbing trees in search of phantom squirrels
Pet Peeve: Cats!
Biggest Vice: The rogue chicken bones that are all over the streets in downtown Los Angeles
I Love: My sister, Harriet, smoked salmon (all meat, really), climbing trees (especially palm trees), peeing on everything (even my own leg, or Harriet sometimes), lounging hard, running laps in the backyard, barking at things that aren't really there, cruising the streets with my family, and ice cubes
I Hate: Cats, fireworks, thunder, fire alarms, and when my parents try to clean my butt
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Harriet's Vital Stats
Age: Unknown
Rescued From: The street
My Personality: Tough, frisky, co-dependent
Favorite Games: Begging for food, or sometimes even for inedible objects that I think are food. Barking at someone to put me on the bed with Hank and then hiding under the bed when they walk over to put me on it, and inventing new cuddling positions with Hank
Pet Peeve: Birds
Biggest Vice: Eating whatever falls on the floor, chewing paper towels and Q-Tips
I Love: Exploring with Hank, cuddling with Hank, being fed people food, being scratched, being carried, howling with fire trucks, and being spoiled
I Hate: Sitting on the floor, bodies of water, when it rains, being ignored, and long walks
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Already missing Hank and Harriet? Don't fret: The duo has an Instagram.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Spuds' Adoption Story
"I had been thinking about getting a dog, kind of, but I wasn’t really serious about it. I had some meetings in Santa Monica one day and decided to go to the shelter to look afterwards. There weren’t that many dogs that day; then I saw this little dude. I wasn’t looking for a small dog, but for some reason it just felt right. Most of the dogs seemed pretty out of control, and he was so chill. It was instant, kind of like you don’t know what you want until you see it.
"The previous owner surrendered him, saying that he didn’t listen to commands and attacked small children, which is insane. He is the most relaxed dog in the world. The people at the shelter said that he had been there for five months and not one person had looked at him until the week I got him, and I was the fifth person to ask about him, which is so bizarre. He’s a big cuddler and loves to sleep right between my legs for some reason. His name was Sonny, but it didn’t fit him, so I named him Spuds, after the '80s Bud Light dog, plus he kind of looks like a potato."
— Squid, Spuds' owner
Healthy Spot and Penn+Pooch Mantis/Hunter Green/Grey Emerson Hoodie, $42.50, available in-store at Healthy Spot.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Spuds' Vital Stats
Full Name: Spuds MacKenzie
Age: Around 2 years
Rescued From: The Santa Monica Animal Shelter
My Personality: Chill, happy, just one of the bros
Favorite Game: I like the "bite your finger gently and repeatedly" game the best
Biggest Vice: Getting into my human's gummy bears
I Love: Begging for a taste of your food, especially pizza
I Hate: Weird-smelling people
Jax and Bones Sierra Fire Napper Bed, $99, available in-store at Healthy Spot.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Modeling is such hard work.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Who wants to go on a w-a-l-k?
From left to right: Beast and BabeMagic Lamp Leash, $103; Point Break Leash, $72; and Occasional Ninja Leash, $79, all available in-store at Healthy Spot.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Blue's Adoption Story
“Poor Blue had a very tumultuous start to life. We occasionally dog-sit and got a call late one night from a man who was desperate for me to watch his dog, saying that he’d been kicked out of his apartment and had nowhere to take him. I agreed to watch Blue for a few days while he was trying to get his life back in order. However, after a few weeks, it became clear that he may not return for Blue. Which we all felt might be the best thing for everyone involved because we wanted to adopt him! It turns out that his previous owner was in some trouble with the law. At this point, poor Blue was a ball of pent-up energy, which made him a handful to deal with at first. He was not house-trained, thought biting us was a fun game, was destructive, and pretty much all around a crazy little maniac!
"The first few days were very tough, to say the least. I had cuts all over my hands; he was destroying my clothes with his insatiable desire to bite and tear at us. But once we got Blue into a routine with lots and lots of exercise, things started to change dramatically. As soon as that pent-up energy was taken care of, this incredible little genius of a puppy started to emerge. He is eager to please and loves interacting with his humans as much as possible, so that makes him a dream to train and work with. He has so many little facial expressions, and the way he just looks at you sometimes is so ridiculously adorable that my heart is constantly melting around him.”
— Linda & Alan, Blue's owners
Kenna Dakota Collar in Camel with Gold, $52, available in-store at Healthy Spot.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Blue's Vital Stats
Full Name: Rebel Blue
Age: 2 years
Rescued From: His previous owner
My Personality: Loyal, inquisitive, and enthusiastic...about everything!
Favorite Game: My absolute favorite game is the one that I actually invented myself called "chase me"
Biggest Vice: Plastic bottles! There is just something about the way they crunch and the noise they make that I can't resist
I Love: All humans, especially myhumans; ripping the squeaker and all the stuffing out of new toys; and sticking my head into doors, bags, suitcases — anything that it'll fit in!
I Hate: When my humans forget to take me with them when they leave the house
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Did someone say treat?
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Don't worry, we gave him one for the ride home.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
A few leather and studded collars on set.
Top: California Collar Co. 5/8" Diego Leather Collar in Black, $60, available at California Collar Co. Right: California Collar Co. 1" Artemis Leather Dog Collar, $74, available at California Collar Co. Left: California Collar Co. 5/8" Diego Leather Collar in Brown, $60, available at California Collar Co.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Xander's Adoption Story
“I was having a bad day and wanted to pet some puppies — because that’s what we all do when we’re upset, right? — so I walked over to my neighborhood rescue with my roommate, just for fun. She has a dog and was very supportive of me getting one, but I didn’t think I would actually end up adopting one. Alexander was the second one they brought out to play, and I immediately liked him. The rescue, called Spot, makes you do an application, so I filled it out (again, just for fun). But then I found myself going back every day to see him, and then they approved me! I took him home and shortened his name to just Xander.
"The first four months were miserable. He had a lot of separation anxiety; he would bark and cry for hours after I left the house, but we got through it and now he's much better. What I love about our story is that he was already an adult, so he was already housebroken and walked on a leash. I didn’t have to deal with any of the puppy stuff.
"Years later, I met a woman who had worked at Spot, and she remembered Xander. I learned that Spot rescued him from the Downey animal shelter; they brought a van and took all the dogs that were going to be euthanized that day. He was only one or two when they saved him, and they had him for four months before I adopted him. I’m very grateful for them, because I can’t imagine my life without him.”
— Marisa, Xander's owner
Dogs of Glamour Diamond Repeat Hoodie, $54.95, available at D.O.G. Pet Boutique.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Xander's Vital Stats
Age: Around 4 years
Full Name: Alexander
My Personality: Energetic, adventurous, brave
Favorite Game: Playing fetch with my mom
Pet Peeve: People who refuse to share their food
Biggest Vice: Rolling around in that weird-smelling spot on the grass
I Love: Chasing squirrels, belly rubs, and hellos
I Hate: Brooms, baths, and goodbyes
Kenna Black with Neon-Green Painted Edge Collar, $52, available in-store at Healthy Spot.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEREK WOOD.
Xander broke his Blue Steel pose for one last shot.
Kenna Black with Neon-Green Painted Edge Leash, $76, available in-store at Healthy Spot.
Tour Ban.Do's Glittery, Colorful, & Insanely Fun L.A. Office
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Ban.Do's Los Angeles office is like nothing you've ever seen. Take just the walls, for example: From room to room, they're candy-striped pink, covered in glitter wallpaper, or made entirely out of disco balls. Of course, if you know the brand, this should come as no surprise. As founder Jen Gotch says, they're not just selling accessories; they're selling fun.
And, that they do — in the form of graphic bags, kitschy tech accessories, vibrantly-printed stationery, and much more, all with a necessary dash of irreverent sass...and confetti. While it may not be your traditional company (our math shows 30% of the staff have dabbled in pink hair on the job), the employees make no secret of the fact that their one-of-a-kind office is really just a genius exercise in branding. The happy byproduct? A workplace that delivers enough visual stimulation to keep the small team of eight powered through the day, sans coffee. Interiors aside, the personalities that reside in the Los Angeles space (nicknamed "The Ban.Do Party House") are each as vibrant as their professional abode.
Ahead, meet a handful of the staff members — the designers that brought the comapny's vision to life — plus between 13 and 37 accessories you'll likely want to purchase.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
A simple, pink pop of color on the door and color-blocked shades lends a cheery touch to the otherwise unassuming exterior.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Kelly Edmonson, Director Of Marketing
Tell us about your role at Ban.do.
"I’ve been with Ban.do for five and a half years; I’m technically the second employee ever. I came on doing miscellaneous things, and my role grew into what it is now. It’s been fun learning and growing, and working with Jen [Gotch] especially. I call her a creative powerhouse.
"Now, I handle anything under the marketing umbrella: I make sure we look good in all aspects of what we are and that our brand message is strong. I always try to make new besties for Ban.do, whether it’s PR people or wholesalers, Instagram people or social media influencers. I like to talk to people and get their feedback. It’s my dream job, and it’s perfect for me."
What’s your typical day like?
“All over the place. I’m trying to put more shape into my day, but it’s whatever needs me at the time. Wholesale, social media, marketing, branding, any of that. I work with our partnerships and collaborations. It’s a lot of talking to people, a lot of emailing and phone calls.”
Describe your relationship with the color pink.
“When I started working here I was like, ehhh? Now, it’s full-blown love and I can’t get enough.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
What’s your favorite part of the office?
“The disco ball wall.”
Do you think you’ve become more creative since you started working in this office?
“I think so; this office breeds creativity. It's so incredibly dreamy, but it’s also the girls who are in it. They’re packed with personality and inspiring...it really helps feed my creativity.”
What's your typical work uniform?
“I would probably say vintage dresses or something sparkly.”
When it comes to accessories, when is less more?
“I’m all about the more, but I’m also about the selection. I wouldn’t necessarily do earrings, necklace, and rings. I wouldn’t do a necklace with these big brooches. So, it’s just about more, but the right amount of more.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Is it as fun to work here as it seems?
“Yes. But, we do work very hard. And, we do work long hours. It’s like, work hard, play hard.”
Has the office rubbed off on your home look?
“Actually, yes. I just moved into a new place, so I’m setting it up now. Knowing [designers of the space] Emily and Ginny, their use of color is amazing, and how they style things is so cool. It’s nice being close with them by proximity. Hopefully some of that comes off on me.”
Last question: Confetti or glitter?
"Confetti! But, a curated mixture of confetti... I buy different confetti separately and mix them differently.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Christina Winkelmann, Director Of Social Media
First things first: Tell us about your rad hair!
"It's been pink for about seven months; it used to be dark brown with ombre, and before this, I did a gray-blue, which faded out to what I like to call 'L.A. water.' [Laughs] People come up to me all the time and say, ‘I wish I could dye my hair, but I can’t because of my job.’ Luckily, I work for Ban.do. and pink hair is okay here! It’s definitely a job perk."
Have you always been into the color pink, or was it inspired by Ban.do?
"I’ve always been super-girly. When you first start, you want to fit the pink vibe, but after a while, you shift into your own identity. Which is the same with the brand. We started off with super-girly hair products, and now we’re doing lifestyle, gifts, and accessories.”
Tell us about your role at Ban.do.
"I work with our director of marketing to put together our marketing and social media calendar. I’m in charge of making sure everything gets posted to Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, and making sure everything is curated to reflect our brand. Also, I create our content for Instagram!"
This office seems like a social media goldmine!
“It is! Every corner you turn, there is something beautiful to photograph. You definitely get used to it, but it’s always refreshing to see people come into the office and want to Instagram everything. In the old office, we had no natural light. I was more focused on doing little vignettes, but now it’s easier to tell a brand story that way."
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Have you become more creative in this office?
“Definitely, 100%. I think working with someone like Jen [Gotch], it’s just so inspiring. It’s hard not to be creative when you work with so many talented girls.”
Is it as fun to work here as it seems?
“Yeah. There are a lot of job perks. We work really, really hard, and there will be times when everyone’s silent and in work mode, and then Jen will come out and be wild and crazy. We do like to incorporate, for our own sanity, field trips. We’ll go to a movie or lunch or get cookies. We have a wall of field trips that we can plan to do as a group.”
What’s the best reason for a girl’s night with your office crew?
“Chris Pratt in a tight shirt in Jurassic World.”
Could you ever go back to a minimalist office?
“No. I would just be on my phone the entire time, looking for more color and more fun.”
What's your work uniform?
"Probably a flow-y dress from the Rose Bowl and some sort of tailored top, like a jacket or a blazer."
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Favorite Ban.do offering?
“The Ban.do agenda. I kind of nerd out with stationery stuff, and it’s right up my alley. We've learned that there are some girls who are obsessed with agendas. I’m not that obsessed, but I like being organized.”
Has this office rubbed off on your home look?
“Yes, to a certain degree. But, I feel like my life has always been colorful. You see a lot of people in L.A. gravitating towards macrame, leather, and succulents. But, I [have] huge Hello Kitty neon posters and vibrant colors everywhere. I think my house is a mixture of SoCal vibes with a lot of color mixed in."
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
The space comes complete with a pop-up shop in the rear of the stand-alone house that sells prints, cards, patches, and approximately 1,000 other items one wants to buy immediately.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Remember when we said "irreverent charm"?
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Edmonson holding her favorite item, the Peekaboo Clutch. "I’m a bag-within-a-bag person," she says. "I would love to have it nicely organized, with my phone, keys, and wallet, and that’s it, but really I just throw all my junk in there. So, it doesn’t look pretty, but I do love it.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
The space had to be gutted, painted, and aired out before the girls moved in (the marijuana dispensary that resided in the building previously left a fragrant odor behind). But, it was well worth the legwork: "We loved the idea of having a freestanding office because we would be able to make the rules as we go," Gotch says. The entire project took around three months and many trips to the Rose Bowl flea market.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Every journey begins with a single step, and in the case of this elaborate office, it came in the shape of Gotch pulling inspirational images, then shopping for pieces to anchor each room with designers Emily Henderson and Ginny Macdonald (more on slide 14). "On a sensory level, I had an idea of what I wanted and what I wanted it to feel like," Gotch says.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
The main room houses a large table suited for group meetings and communal projects, plus desks for the graphics team.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Emily Henderson, Stylist & Designer (left)
Ginny Macdonald, Interior Designer (right)
Henderson is one of Gotch's oldest friends (plus an interior guru). She and her associate, Ginny, designed the space from top to bottom with Gotch.
Where to begin? What were the first steps like?
Emily Henderson: “First, Jen came up with the inspiration; how she wants it to feel. When you plan, it can be totally abstract and conceptual; it doesn’t have to be images of spaces. There were pictures of Dolly Parton on there! Then, we try to figure out how to visualize that inspiration into a space that is functional for people to work in.
But, we weren’t just going to West Elm and CB2 and filling the office. So, it takes time. Sometimes, it’s just not at the Rose Bowl flea market that day.”
What's one small thing you did that made a big impact?
Ginny McDonald: “We bought vintage chairs, then found fabric for them and had them reupholstered."
EH: “Making a space look interesting and full of personality is definitely a longer process than just filling the space with furniture you need."
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Were there any challenges that you somehow pulled off?
EH: “The disco ball wall. In every project, there are things you haven’t done before, which is why you hire a designer and why you have to be willing to make mistakes. The disco ball wall, the plexi on the desk, and these plexi boards were all custom-made. Just figuring out how to construct it, who’s going to make it, how do you make it secure? Once it’s done, it’s like, ‘Man, I could make another one, it’s so easy.’ The first time is always just troubleshooting, and it’s a big learning curve to do anything for the first time."
How did you keep the office balanced?
EH: “We tried to keep the basic pieces simpler. So, we have the white cabinets and the white desks. Then, we tried to make it visually louder where we could. We tried to have more exciting moments around the function.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
What’s your favorite part of the office?
GM: “I like the Girls Girls Girls neon sign. Some other details were trial-by-error, but it came out well.”
Did working on this project change your look at all?
GM: “I’m a black-and-white person; I don’t like color. But, when I come here, it kind of makes me want to wear color. I appreciate it more.”
EH: “When we were doing this job is also when we were doing our office and my house. There are definite things where I was having such a Ban.do moment. I did do a metallic wallpaper in my bedroom. I wish I could do this stuff in my own house, but I live with a straight man. ”
GM: “I do have pink pillows in my house now!”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Jen Gotch, Founder & Creative Director
First things first: confetti or glitter?
“That’s like picking children! I think I’m going to pick glitter; it’s the herpes of the craft world. Do you know that joke by Demetri Martin? Because you can’t get it off you."
Have you always been into the Ban.do aesthetic?
“No, and I don’t even know how it happened, to be honest. I like really simple, pure, beautiful things as much as I like crazy things. The way I look at Ban.do is that it’s an element of my personality, but I’m not like ‘I just want rainbows and unicorn dust on me all the time!’ It’s not like that. I’m really trying to inform people outside of our bubble that it’s more than just that."
Is it challenging to live within this one aesthetic at work?
"We’re working to broaden a little bit because, for me, I want to appeal to everyone. I’m also the type of person that wants everyone to like me. Ban.do has a lot of other elements, and I have a lot of other elements. The thing with branding is, you have to commit, and then you have to stay there for a really long time. And, as a creative, that’s a huge struggle. I’m trying to interject things that are a little bit smarter. If you look at Ban.do’s Instagram and my Instagram, I get to say a lot of things we can’t say. I’m sure most creatives suffer with the same thing — you get the itch. You’re like, 'I want to change the logo!' but you can’t.”
Let’s talk about your relationship with pink.
“I think pre-Ban.do, pink was just a natural feminine reaction to color for me. Now, I still love it, but it almost feels like a job. It’s love-hate, but mostly love.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Is it really as fun to work here as it seems?
“Absolutely not. We had an intern quit because there wasn’t enough dance music playing. She kind of expected it to be a party, and I was like, 'That’s called branding, we actually have a lot to work to do.' So no, it’s not as fun as it seems, but I really care about how people feel at work. I want people to feel fulfilled and satisfied and challenged. If I’m not here, apparently it’s super quiet — I’m the most distracting. However, we do spend a lot of time focusing on joy and celebrating success. We’re growing and doing better each day.”
Let's talk about the office: Is it everything you dreamed of?
“Yes. I think part of my job is to never be fully satisfied, so I could also re-do it tomorrow. I think I’ve found a balance with this. We’re starting to grow out of it, so we’ll probably have to move some desks around soon, but it does feel really special. There is a glaze that comes over people’s eyes when they come in. We sell products, but we also sell fun. I wanted something that felt nice...but I also wanted people to come in and immediately get where we were coming from.”
What’s your favorite part of the office?
"My office. I love having an office, I love the walls, I like all these gel [window treatments] that do crazy things throughout the day. I like having a space that I can control that I don’t have pets or a husband in, who tend to break all my precious things. [All this stuff] would not fly in my house for several reasons. I like to look at stuff all the time. And, my second favorite is the store.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Does the Ban.do vibe translate to your home or any other part of your life?
“I think maybe to my wardrobe. If I’m at a swap meet, the vendor I’m going to is not the one that’s curated by color; it’s the one with all the dresses and frills and sequins all over the place. My home is much more whites and neutral. Also, I live with a guy. This is not a relaxing environment. My husband came in once and was like, 'I gotta go.' I think I’m pretty immune to visual stimulation, but for a lot of people, it’s a lot to take in. It keeps my mind active at work, but I don’t want that at home. My home is much quieter."
Do you think being in an office like this makes you more creative?
“We did a lot of great stuff in an office that didn’t look like this, so it doesn’t have super-healing powers, but I do think there is a lot in visual stimulation. And, it especially helps with social media; there’s always somewhere to take pictures."
Could you ever go back to working in a minimalist office?
“I guess it depends what my job is. Maybe when I become a therapist. I did go to school for that for a while. As long as I have this job, no way!”
Last question: favorite Ban.do item for sale now?
“We have a watermelon cooler bag that’s pretty epic because it serves so many purposes; it actually keeps things cool. It has a lot of cache on social media to have a bag with a watermelon.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Welcome to the pop-up! In it, you'll find a sampling of Jen's favorite designers, like Ashkahn, Sara M. Lyons, Tuesday Bassen, Sue Jean Ko, Gabriella Sanchez, and Maddy Nye.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
It's been nicknamed the "Girls Pop-Up" because of the signature neon light, which Jen and Emily had made in downtown Los Angeles. (Go ahead; you know you want to pin this.)
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
This is Ban.do's third office, if you count the first few months spent in Jen's living room. The second space was a standard office building nearby, but they didn't have the budget to pimp it out, so it stayed in tones of white and cream, decorated only with supplies and such. "Glitter wallpaper does not come cheap!" Gotch says. "But, worth every penny."
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Gotch admits she was hesitant when Emily approached her to do pink, candy-striped walls. "It can look so...basic," she explains. A leap of faith later, the results thrilled her, thanks to the offbeat direction of the pattern.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA NEUSTADT.
Did you really think they were going to let us out of there without a confetti bomb?
Priceless Career Advice From L.A.’s Top Millennial Designers
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
Everyone has a dream job: For a lot young people, it involves striking out on your own and launching a business where you get to call the shots. But, how does one get there — much less before even turning 30? In the spirit of gleaning some primo professional inspiration, we talked to a handful of L.A. fashion designers all in different stages of their careers.
They each have their own unique stories, but one big thing in common: None of these women have had any formal design training. Not one of them went to fashion school, and they've all funded their collections themselves. These women all got where they are today through good old-fashioned hard work. Translation: They're the perfect people to turn to for inspiring career advice — no matter your industry.
We visited each of them in their work spaces, homes, and stores for a hefty dose of professional insight. (And yes, we also lusted after all of their designs on our way out.) Now sit back, click through our slideshow, and prepare for an exhilirating buzz of career inspo.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
Janessa Leoné, 28
Designer, Janessa Leoné
Leoné grew up in San Diego and moved to Los Angeles after studying English at USD. She runs her business in Santa Monica with a small handful of employees. Her line is in its second year and can be purchased at stores like Barneys New York and Nordstrom.
Tell us about your background.
"I studied English literature in college and I was planning on going to law school, but then I decided that wasn’t the path for me. I knew I wanted to do something creative, but I didn’t know what that was. So, I just started nannying to try and figure it out."
Have you always been a hat person?
"I didn’t know there were ‘hat people’ until I started the line, but yes, I am!"
How was the line born?
"I had this idea that I wanted to make hats, so I just kept nannying and saving money so I could do it. I moved to Los Angeles three years ago, made samples, and a friend gave me the addresses of a few editors and stylists. I started sending people hats and everyone was very supportive; it was kind of a crazy, whirlwind experience. From there, I just started really trying to focus on it, but I was still nannying and doing this on the side. I continued to develop this idea, shot a lookbook and line sheets, then decided to just go for it."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
How did you know how to get started?
"A year or two of Google searching. I was living in San Diego and started calling people I found online — real hat aficionados — from Maine to Texas. I ended up talking to a bunch of cowboys, because they have these bespoke milliners that make their hats. They were all really excited to help me; I found that milliners all kind of want to bring real hat-making back to the mainstream, so people were really enthusiastic. Then, I finally found my first manufacturer in Canada, from a recommendation from someone I spoke to in Texas. I went to Canada, and started working with them immediately. It was a lot of legwork, a lot of really frustrating Google searches!"
When did you decide to quit nannying and do this full-time?
"Years later, I had employees and I was still a part-time nanny, because everything was being funded by me; I haven’t taken any investor money. I was getting paid well, so it made sense for me to keep working both. I have only been fully doing this for about a year now. It was a hard decision to quit, but I just got to the point where it made the most sense for me to do this full-time. It was a scary decision, but it ended up being a great decision. I just took a leap and went for it."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
What is the most challenging part of this journey?
"One of the biggest challenges is to try not to get bogged down by the business side, and continue to create good things. My biggest personal challenge is putting that all on the back burner. Even though it’s stressful, and the business side is so pressing, you have to focus on creating good stuff.
"I don’t have a business background, so it's been hard trying to run a realbusiness and maneuver production and finances. It's constant frustration and a big learning curve."
Being in Barneys New York has been huge for you. How did that happen?
"They found us; I’m not even sure how or where, but they’re really good at breaking emerging designers. When I'm starting something new, they'll get on the phone with me and give me advice."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
Have you had any moments when you wanted to quit?
"Every day. Truly, every day. Most recently, I have had moments when I say, ‘I don’t know if I can do this.’ But, at the end of the day, it’s self-indulgent to feel that way, because I am so lucky to be doing what I’m doing."
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?
"I would say, ‘Just do it!’ I had that internal struggle for a long time. When I was in college, I knew that I wanted to do something like this. And, even after college, I knew it was the only thing that would make me happy, but I didn’t feel like I had what it took. I constantly made excuses and constantly put it off. Then finally, on my 25th birthday, I said ‘I need to do this.’ From that point forward, I decided not to look back. You just have to make that decision that you’re going to do it, and do whatever it takes."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
Cynthia Sakai, 33
Designer, Vita Fede
Sakai was born and bred in Southern California. She foundedVita Fede in 2008, and currently runs the company out of offices in downtown Los Angeles (the company also has a second small space in Italy). She has dozens of employees, and her jewelry can be found in stores around the world.
How did you get your start in fashion?
"I started an accessory line when I was 18; we had jewelry, bags, and nail polish, and I did that for three years. Then, I opened a showroom downtown when I was 21; we had lines that ranged from contemporary to high-end."
Wow, you really hit the ground running!
"Well, when I first started my business when I was 18, I didn’t know anything. I didn’t know what an invoice was, and I didn't know anyone in the industry except for my mom, who owned a retail store. All that I knew is that I wanted to make something and I needed to sell something. I literally went door to door myself to sell my products."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
How did you launch Vita Fede?
"At the time, I was in the Cooper building, and my friend who owned a showroom across from me had just gone on a buying trip to Italy. She came back and gave me a few of these bracelets that are very iconic and really represent Florence. I thought, 'Wow, these are so cool and they’re really well made.' I had never seen them here, and I said, 'I really want to show them at the showroom!'"
How did you find them?
"I scrounged up all of my money and got on a flight to Florence the week after. I walked all over Florence with the bracelets in my hand, and went to every retail store looking for more. Keep in mind: I don’t speak Italian and had never been to Italy! I went from door to door, and I finally found a retail store that had them! I said, ‘I want to get a bunch of these, but I want to change the colors. Can you make me samples?’ They worked with the factory to make them, and a few days later I brought them back with me to the showroom. That season, we sold about 10,000 units. We sold them to Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Fred Segal. It was really cool."
How did you transition from that into a full-blown jewelry brand?
"After we sold the 10,000 units, the factory found me because they wanted me to buy directly from them. We started working together, and now we’re working with five different factories in Italy. I closed the showroom to focus on Vita full-time."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
What have been your biggest challenges?
"They have changed every few years, depending on where I am in the business. When I first started, it was how do we keep up with production, how do we keep the quality good as we produce more? Then, it became how do we brand and market the products? Now, it's how do we keep innovating and pushing ourselves forward?"
What are the not-so-glamorous parts of your job?
"99.99% of my job is unglamorous! People look at fashion like they look at entertainment. They look at it as designers are celebrities, but behind all of that is 16- or 17-hour days. It’s being on a plane, getting off a plane, getting back on a plane. I'm in 17 countries this year; I travel seven months out of the year. You’re constantly running and you never have enough time."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
Is there anything you wish you knew when you started?
"It’s really important to know what everyone else in your industry is doing, but that shouldn’t consume what you’redoing and where you want to go. The most important thing is to come up with a fresh idea, or look into the market and see where the void is. Sometimes, the ideas that you think are crazy are the ideas that push you to create and become who you end up being."
Do you have any inspiring words for someone who wants to work in fashion?
"My advice to anyone is to have a clear vision of exactly what you want to do. It can be as crazy as, 'Someday, I want to have a store and the door is going to look like this, and the shelves will look like that.' It's good to be as precise as possible in your vision, because you are your brand. And, if you don’t have a clear-cut vision, you’ll never be able to show people on your team what your vision is, or be able to stay on a straight path. When you know what your path is, then every day you work toward that goal, and it becomes a building block to get there."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
Anine Bing, 32
Designer, Anine Bing
Bing is Swedish, but was born in Denmark and has been living in Los Angeles for over 10 years. She began modeling at age 15, became a recording artist under the name Kill Your Darlings, and blogs at Anine's World . She operates her company in downtown Los Angeles with her husband (he does production; she designs). She has stores in Los Angeles and New York, and sells to over 400 stores worldwide. Her line is in its third year.
You've been in the industry for years as a model. When did you decide to move on to the other side of the business?
"I started thinking about it four years ago, but I started the actual line three years ago. I just felt that something was missing in the market. I like basic clothes with a rock-'n'-roll twist, and I was always looking for the perfect pair of jeans, but I couldn’t find them. I started the line to create the perfect jeans, then slowly I started adding in basic tees. Then, it grew into jackets, shoes, and finally, jewelry."
You guys move fast! What have been some of your biggest advantages?
"I'm lucky that I knew a lot about social media. I started at the right time, when not a lot of people understood digital marketing. I didn’t do it the traditional way; I just launched my line through Instagram and with bloggers."
What have been some of the biggest challenges?
"It is so much hard work. And, there are so many challenges in production. From samples being wrong, to jean sizes being too small — there are a lot of things that can go wrong."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
What were your biggest successes early on?
"After only thee months, we sold to some big stores in L.A., like Satine and Madison, and a few really good stores in Europe. It all happened really quickly, and I realized, 'Wow, this is a real brand and not just a hobby.'"
What was the transition like from jeans and tees to shoes and accessories?
"Shoes happened really quickly, after just a few months. I added boots, which is what got us on the fashion map, because a few celebrities started wearing the brand. Jewelry was a year later."
How do you stay fresh and relevant to your consumer three years in?
"We do about 20 new pieces a month. I go in and start the design process, then I have a team that works on it, and I go back in and finish it up. Basically, whatever I want in my own closet is what I design, and I get inspired everywhere. I couldn’t find the perfect bra, so I just made my own. I guess I design very selfishly — but, luckily, the rest of the world seems to like it, too."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
Were there ever any moments when you wanted to quit?
"Yeah, I [often] feel that it’s a little bit too much, but especially in the beginning. And, working with my husband means there is never a break — even when we're home, we work. We put the kids to bed, then we work. But, you have to take those moments to work super hard in the beginning. Eventually it’s important to take a day off, take a weekend off, to reward yourself."
What are the best and worst parts of being an entrepreneur?
"The best part is that you get to build your own company. And, in my case, I own everything, so that’s a really rewarding feeling. The hardest part is that there is never a stopping point; there isn’t an off switch. When normal people go home from their office at 5 p.m., they’re off. That's not how it works when you're the owner."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
As you've grown, what are the things you won't compromise on?
"I focus on designing in really good materials, a lot of silks and linens, good leather, and cashmere. The goal is that I want everything to be really nice, so you can build a good, basic closet."
Do you have any inspiring words for young entrepreneurs?
"You have to be smart and know what you’re good at, and what you’re not. Maybe you are a great designer, but you don’t know how social media works. There are so many connected parts starting a business. You have to find out what you’re good at and focus on that. If you’re not good with numbers, you have to find a person who is. In the beginning, I tried to do everything, and it was just draining and frustrating, because you can’t be everywhere and do everything yourself."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
Lulu Chang, 29
Designer, The Fashion Club
Chang was born in Shanghai, grew up in San Francisco, and lived in New York briefly after studying at UC Berkeley. She cut her teeth as an intern for Alexander Wang, and blogs at Lulu and Your Mom. The Fashion Club is in its second season, operating out of a live/work space in the Beachwood Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Tell me about your background.
“I was born in Shanghai, but my family came to San Francisco so my father could finish his MFA; he’s a really amazingly-talented painter. So, I really grew up between two worlds. I didn’t go to fashion school and I don’t have a traditional fashion résumé. I went to UC Berkeley and studied English and political science."
Was living in San Francisco inspiring?
“There are a lot of art schools in San Francisco, but less jobs, so there were a lot of angsty kids who had graduated, but didn’t want to leave their friends. So, there are a lot of creatives in the city. I was there when all of these warehouse parties and creative things were happening. Now it's different, and a lot of those kids have moved to L.A.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
How did you end up in Los Angeles?
“At UC Berkeley, I took a class on utopia and dystopia, and the example of dystopia was Los Angeles. It’s gritty and kind of messed up, but you can’t fix it. I had never been here and just thought, 'What is this place?!'”
And, how did you get your start in fashion?
“I don’t have training in fashion, but I feel like if you’re smart and you have passion for it, who cares? You’ll figure it out. I interned with Alexander Wang when I was young; I was their sample-sale girl, and would help out when they were getting ready for runway shows, which I liked. But as far as design, I’ve never felt that I’d found myself more than during the process of becoming a maker.”
You're in your second season. What’s the biggest expense of starting The Fashion Club?
"People don’t realize how much of an investment it is to start a ready-to-wear collection. In the beginning, all of your money is going to go to your sewers, especially in L.A. This city known for fast fashion, so it’s hard to find good sewers. When you do, you have to hold onto them, give them work, and make sure that you’re paying them well."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
What's been the biggest challenge?
"I run my own production...and I hope not to one day!"
How are you funding your line?
"I helped build this digital network called Chictopia when I was 22, and I still freelance in digital tech, mostly UI and UX stuff. Sometimes, you have to do jobs that are part of your skill set to pay the bills."
Your collection is very curated. How do you decide what to create?
"I want to make wearable clothes, but nothing is a compromise. If I add even a T-shirt, it means something; it has a purpose. It grows a little bit more organically that way."
What are your long-term goals?
"I love the idea of creating a lifestyle label. I want to throw parties, and make shoes and bags; I want to do a 360 brand."
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CORTES.
How has the line grown from last season?
"This season, we’re introducing so much stuff — knits, denim, and a print for the first time — all of these things that I couldn’t do before [because I didn’t have the resources] that I can now!"
Do you have any advice for young designers?
"I think you find success when you’re ready for it. If the line had started any earlier, I wouldn’t have had all my numbers and customer figured out — and I do now, so I feel really good. Also, you have to find your team!"
3 Engaged Couples Who Met On Tinder
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MOLLY CRANNA.
Mention the word Tinder in certain circles and you'll be met with reactions like: "That's just for hooking up," or "You're on Tinder?!" But, more and more millennials are starting long-term relationships by swiping right — and some are even getting engaged.
Of course, we don't have to tell you that it makes sense. We do everything else on our phones, and if you live in L.A. you know that it’s hard to meet someone, given our car culture and sprawling city. Unless you have a particular affection for our bar scene or are lucky enough to spark an office romance, getting a date with someone you actually want to see is no easy task.
Forget the horror stories you may have heard (or experienced firsthand!). The following three couples have incredibly different relationships, but they all have two things in common: They met on Tinder, and they moved very, very quickly. We're talking "I love you" within a week, moving in within a month, and buying homes within six months. Welcome to the future of dating in L.A.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MOLLY CRANNA.
John & Casey
John, 34, is a programmatic advertising specialist at Yahoo and Casey, 28, is the founder of Minx Society and works in real estate. They got married in Calabasas, California just a few days before our interview.
How did it all start?
John: "I was on Tinder for about a month and most of my dates were just terrible. There was zero anything afterwards, until Casey."
Casey: "I met John on Tinder an hour after I joined. My best friend said, 'I'm so sick of you dating all these immature losers,' because I was living in Hollywood and I wasn't meeting a serious guy. I'm such a relationship person and I was looking for 'the one.' I really was. Everyone I met was totally nowhere near that. In fact, the guy I was dating before John was 21. I'm 28."
John: "I'm 34."
Casey: "So, my roommate said, 'You have to get on Tinder'. Literally, within an hour, my best friend and I were sitting on the couch and he popped up. His pictures were very vague, but his number one picture was him speaking at a wedding in a tuxedo. So, I was like, 'Whoa, this guy's sexy.' I don't want to waste time, so I developed three questions. Number one: Where do you live? Number two: What do you do? And number three: What do you do for fun? Normally, people would fail on the first question. They would say something like, 'I like to eat burritos for fun.' Automatically, I would know that person's a weirdo."
What was your first date like?
John: "I picked her up at her house. We went and had drinks; I got a new job that day, so I was like, 'Let's get some champagne, let's toast.' Then we went to dinner, then we went to the Roosevelt to meet up with her brother."
Casey: "It was balls to the wall. We were out all night. It was so fun. I had never been treated like that ever in my life. Even with a boyfriend of two years — he had never been that nice to me. We had the best time ever. We both knew it after that. He called his family and I called my family and I was like, 'I met my husband.' I just knew it right away. It was just super fast from then on. We bought a house together just a couple months after dating. We completely gutted and renovated it and lived at my parents' house while it was getting finished. Survived that. Then, got two puppies. Survived that. Then, he proposed."
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MOLLY CRANNA.
Wait, you bought a house together after a few months?!
Casey: "I'm also a real estate agent, and he wanted me to show him houses. I showed him the first house and my mom showed up for some reason — my mom pops up everywhere; she stalks us. So, we go in, me being his agent and he's my client. He takes me out front, puts his arm around me, and he's like, 'This house would be perfect for us.' I was like 'Whaaat?' We celebrated, we went out to Casa Vega for lunch with my mom; we had margaritas. That was the first time talking about moving in together."
John: "There was no doubt before that [that we'd move in together], but that was when we talked about it."
Casey: "My mom was like, 'Should we buy the sex swing or the baby swing first?' [laughs]. I always wanted to have kids, but then when I met John, I needed them. It was so weird. We want to have like 20 kids."
Tell me your engagement story.
John: "I knew I wanted to have all of our families around. So, I arrange for my family to come down this Thanksgiving and we'll have it at her parent's house. I'm from San Francisco. The weekend before was her grandma's 80th birthday in Carmel. So, I asked her dad that weekend before. Everyone was there. I didn't want her mom to know, because she has a big mouth. Only her dad knew. I stood up and pretended to make a toast, and then sort of launched into it."
Casey: "He got down on one knee. I was shaking and crying. Almost barfing. Everything was crazy. We were all just about to eat. I was so shocked, so shocked."
Adam & Samantha
Adam, 31, is a reality TV producer (hint: on a very popular dating show) and Samantha, 31, works in finance for a real estate company.
Tell me how it all started.
Samantha: "I'd been on Tinder for maybe two or three months and had gone on four or five dates. They were fine; I wanted to be friends with all of them, but, I never went on two dates with the same person."
Adam: "I was on for about two or three months. I was also using OK Cupid. I never went on a date from Tinder other than with Sam. I was using Tinder to see who else was out there and who I would match with. We matched up three days before I was about to leave the country for for six weeks for work, so I didn't message her. But, then Sam wrote to me.”
Samantha: "I had never reached out to a guy. I think it was 11:00 at night, and I was at home watching Dateline, and I was like, 'Oh fine, I'll message him.' He has a screenshot of it. I said, 'Is it customary for the girl to wait for the guy to reach out first?' He responded with like, 'It's an iPhone app, I think all rules are off.'"
Adam: "But, I was already shooting the show and living in a hotel in L.A. My life is consumed by it when I'm doing it."
So you waited six weeks to meet in person?!
Samantha: "Yeah! We talked so much that I had said to a girlfriend of mine, 'He's either going to be my best friend or I'm going to marry him.'"
What was your first date?
Samantha: "He had tickets to see Ben Harper at the Walt Disney Music Hall and we got drinks before at Perch downtown. I got to the bar and we hugged. It was really good. I've seen so many photos of him, so I knew there wasn't going to be any surprises. Besides the fact that he was an inch shorter than he stated."
Adam: "One-quarter of an inch!"
Samantha: "I told him the only Ben Harper song I knew was 'Forever.' That's when he kissed me; when that song was playing [at the concert]."
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MOLLY CRANNA.
How long were you together before you moved in together?
Samantha: "Depends if my dad's reading this. [Laughs] Technically speaking, he moved in probably four months after."
Tell me about the proposal.
Samantha: "I had a day planned with my girlfriend, and she had tickets to the Disney Music Hall for a NPR concert. I was thinking really we're going to the Disney Music Hall?' I searched the website, and sure enough, the artist {she told me we were seeing] was playing. So, I thought 'it must be a coincidence.'"
Adam: "I told her I had to work for my uncle that day, so I'd be gone all day and be busy."
Samantha: "When we got these I looked up and he's standing at the top of the stairs. I don't remember a lot, except him asking if I knew why he was there. He said a bunch of stuff I don't remember, including, 'Will you marry me?'"
Adam: "You said you really wanted to call and tell people, but I said we should take a deep breath and go to Perch and get a glass of champagne."
Samantha: "We go up to the rooftop, and I walk out and all of our friends are there. I started hysterically crying. One of my friends from Houston had flown in, I looked between the crowd and my mom was there. We were loud, hysterically crying. Ugly crying. I couldn't believe she was there, and that she knew and didn't blow it.
Adam: "One of my favorite parts of the day was waking up that morning and knowing she had zero idea our lives were about to change. She went on her way, and I nervously paced around, and maybe had a whiskey, got in an Uber, and went over."
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MOLLY CRANNA.
Alex & Neda
Alex, 28, is a risk analyst for an oil and gas trading company and Neda, 27, is a senior origination analyst for a (different) oil and gas trading company.
Why were you initially on Tinder?
Alex: “When I started, it was just for fun, just kind of an ego thing. She was the only one I went out on a date with.”
Neda: “My girlfriend told me about it and we were seeing who would get more matches [Laughs]. I only had it for a few days when we matched."
Who messaged who first?
Alex: “I messaged her. It’s actually a famous line among my friends. I said, ‘Hi, Neda’ and waited a couple minutes. Then I said, ‘Bet you weren’t expecting such a smooth opener. She started laughing."
Tell me about your first date.
Neda: “We were both living in Houston and he suggested we meet on that Friday, but that was the night of my going away party because I was moving back to L.A. [where I'm from] in two weeks. So, we went out right away. We went to get drinks and ended up closing down the bar."
Alex: “There were no awkward silences, no awkward pauses. Everything I expected and hoped it to be based on our conversation on Tinder ended up materializing and being the same in person. ”
Neda: “We hung out every single night as much as we could for, literally, two weeks straight. We said 'I love you' after a week.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MOLLY CRANNA.
What was long distance like after you moved?
Neda: “Luckily, I traveled back to Houston a lot for work; we did it for a year. My company would pay for it, and I could stay at his apartment and work out of our Houston office. So, I could see him for a week at a time, as opposed to if he came to see me, it would just be for a couple days. We saw each other at least once a month.”
Alex, when did you decide to move to California?
Alex: “We had talked about it a lot and set dates on when I could possibly move. All my family and friends are in Texas, but she had been wanting to move back to California because this is where all of her family is. I was going to break my lease at like six months to move out here, but there was no point in rushing, so we waited.”
Did you ever think about not telling people you met on Tinder?
Neda: “Yes. I didn't tell older people [at first], but for young people our age, we were the biggest advocates. Two of my other friends met their fiancés on Tinder. We had several friends who were in serious relationships because of Tinder.”
Alex: “My boss had asked me, and I said through a friend just so I don’t have to explain what it is.”
Neda: “I feel like the older generation just doesn’t understand. But now, we’re just open with everybody because we don’t care at this point. And, it’s become more well-known. At first, I showed my parents, I had to re-download the app, because they didn’t get it. It was too much of a pain to go through that with everyone. I’d say a restaurant — which wasn’t a lie because we did meet at a restaurant. [laughs]”
Can you walk us through your engagement story?
Neda: “I had no idea [it was coming] because my dad was supposed to be in Iran and I knew Alex wouldn’t propose to me while my dad was out of the country. We were supposed to have dinner and drinks with my cousin...
"We park the car and we're walking, then we found this little lookout and he said, 'Let's take a selfie.' So, we took a picture, and he said, 'Let’s look at the photo we just took.' He had made a photo album of all these pictures of us from the past year, and all these things we had done. At this point, I knew something was going on. I kind of blacked out and he asked me to stand up, and I start crying. I don’t even know what he said, but he got down on one knee, and pulled out the ring.
"We went to my mom’s house after, and my dad was there, he lied about going to Iran! I was crying when I saw him. My best friend, who is my maid of honor, had flown in to surprise me. All my family was there. My best friends from college had sent these cookies with our faces on them. I just lost it.”