“Los Angeles has been home since my early 20’s. It’s where I launched my career, built my business, and started my family. There’s an energy to Los Angeles that feels endlessly inspiring – the light, the openness, the coast, the collision of creativity and culture. It’s a city that encourages experimentation and reinvention, where creativity feels boundless – that sense of possibility has shaped everything I do.” – Kelly Wearstler, Founder & CEO at Kelly Wearstler
The yellow house exterior and red-checkered interiors at Dan Tana’s haven’t changed since 1964 – the nostalgia runs deep here. Once a hangout spot for stars like Frank Sinatra, Johnny Carson, and Elton John, it’s now a family favorite for us.
Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, with interiors that send you back in time. The energy is still so alive here, it feels like a trip to the Golden Age.
It’s a go-to for me when I’m looking for an indulgent, family-style Italian meal. The location is special as well, tucked under one of the oldest buildings in Venice – a quintessential hidden gem with a vibe that’s industrial, made elevated.
The Jazz Cafe gives you a taste of Old Hollywood glamour. It’s intimate, decadent and always a hit with visitors.
This is the perfect stop for a quick bite, afternoon meeting or drink. Their interiors are rich, tactile and sculptural.
Located within The Beverly Hills Hotel, Fountain Coffee Room is a perfect marriage of old-school diner charm and seamless hospitality. My kids love their homemade ice cream!
The Surfrider’s beautiful views of the Pacific are hard to beat. The entire interior is finished with natural materials – limestone, teak, and white oak – it’s such a calming environment.
The Proper Hotels are near and dear to my heart. I designed the Downtown LA and Santa Monica hotels to be a true reflection of their setting, and an ode to my favorite city.
One of the most mythologized places in Los Angeles, Chateau Marmont’s history is just as spectacular as its iconic Gothic exterior.
The perfect place to discover thoughtful, artisanal products from around the world that inspire a more intentional way of living.
Maxfield LA is one of my favorite places to shop in Los Angeles. There’s always something new or unique to discover.
Joey Grana’s Scout is a minimalist store with an incredible selection of hand-picked designer and vintage clothing and accessories. I always end up experimenting with the pieces I find here.
The perfect place to discover one-of-a-kind vintage decorative and fine art. Think 20th-century modernism but with unexpected twists and surprises.
Paola Russo has incredible vision – she’s created a truly unique shopping experience with Just One Eye. The space merges art, design, and fashion for an exceptionally inspiring shopping experience.
The Downtown LA gallery operates out of a former flour mill – it’s a beautifully restored industrial space.
Faith Ringgold’s show this summer at Jeffrey Deitch is definitely on my hit list. Her work has an optimism and playfulness about it that I find so inspiring.
I’ve been going to LACMA for as long as I can remember. I’m excited to see the brand new David Geffen Galleries open in April.
The gallery primarily focuses on solo shows, rather than the traditional design gallery group-show format. It’s an exciting place to discover the most talented emerging talent in design right now.
An LA staple for great smoothies, healthy on-the-go snacks, and great people watching.
A must-see for any design and architecture lover. Gehry designed the surrounding building in 1991, but needed a structure to tie together the complex. He recruited the irreverent Coosje van Bruggen and her artist husband Claes Oldenburg to create the iconic binoculars.
The Broad is a must-visit in LA. The Robert Therrien retrospective on view through April is incredible. Therrien’s work transforms everyday objects into something that feels dynamic, personal, and full of emotion. I’m so inspired by the way he played with scale.
Originally developed by the famed real estate developer, Paul Trousdale, the neighborhood is home to an incredible concentration of Mid-Century Modern architecture and breathtaking 180-degree views. Driving through the area instantly transports you to mid-century Beverly Hills.
Tastemaker Joel Chen has a decades-long career in curation and buying. There are some true masterpieces in their 30,000+ square foot galleries.