You know a place is going to a blast when its opening is delayed due to collective hangover from the premiere party (Mary J. Blige and Dita Von Teese were among the guests, thank you very much). Arriving one day fashionably late, Catherine Malandrino Maison has finally opened its fabulous doors.
Walking Maison feels like finally scoring that invite for tea and cakes at your rich neighbor's Beverly Hills pad. Photos line the walls of the two-floor, 6,000-square-foot space. Curl up with a book by the fireplace, or stroll the patio and front lawn. Should you become faint from all the ogling, there's a cafe with snacky morsels from Little Next Door.
Of course you really come for Malandrino's signature frilly-yet-classic style. Creamy, dreamy tops with subtle wedding cake-like details look good enough to eat, while bold colors and architectural shapes are smart and modern. Naturally, Catherine doesn't come cheap. Her stuff's pricey, but not totally outside of mere-mortal bounds, with some bargain-basement tags starting at $400.
Do yourself a favor and set aside a few hours to take it all in. Even if you can't afford a thread, Maison makes it easy to stay awhile and dream.
Catherine Malandrino Maison
651-653 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
