LOS ANGELES, Dec 21, 2005/ FW/ --- It has been a few weeks since British designer Sir Paul Smith opened his store at 8221 Melrose Avenue, and the pink rectangular building that look literally like a shoebox continues to be a curiosity to Los Angelenos simply because it is so L.A.!

The boutique, which is Paul Smith’s second freestanding store in the U.S. (the first one is in New York) measuring 5000 sq. ft (485 sq. meters) houses both men’s and women’s collection plus accessories.

The shop is unique, like all Paul Smith’s freestanding stores wherein not one is alike. Each one is different and adjusts to its environs.

Like the Paul Smith men’s shop in Kyoto that just opened last December 2. On the outside, it looks like a traditional Japanese house, yet inside, it is very modern and built on two floors.

The store is arranged around a traditional Japanese garden that the designer has placed an English garden shed.

So, here in Los Angeles, it is not surprising that Paul Smith inspired by the work of Mexican architect Luis Barragán chose a rectangular building that blends with the Los Angeles architecture, painted with pink, standing out among the rest to house his collections.

After all, his great eye for color is what revolutionized menswear during the 1970s in London, wherein he ‘challenged’ Saville Row’s standards of what menswear should be!

If the building looks almost anonymous except for its pink color outside, the inside looks like a scene from old Hollywood wherein every nook and cranny feels like a ‘set’ whom an actor can walk in any minute.

But instead of making the place look disjointed or in disarray, there is a unifying effect to it all, with the wood beamed ceiling resembling the interior of a soundstage. Ah, so Hollywood!

Currently, the store is stocked with the Fall / Winter 2005 collections for both men and women.

In springtime, expect floral prints and stripes with gorgeous pastels and delicious brights for men. With LA’s more casual outlook for dressing, this collection will fit well albeit not the usual jeans and t-shirt.

Paul Smith
8221 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90046
Tel: (323) 951 4800

Paul Smith

Paul Smith

Paul Smith

Paul Smith