Balenciaga Nation

By now you have probably seen a few celebrities trottin around those beautiful Balenciaga handbags. One of my favorite designers, Nicolas Ghesquiere, is the innovator of the famous motorcycle le dix bag, photographed being carried by Ashley Olson, Madonna, V. Beckham, just to name a few. Now the internationally recognized line has broadened its choices with classy yet edgy clutches, traveling bags, and not to mention, a very well respected runway line of threads.

I know you love us for this one!!! We got a hold of the invite for the exclusive Balenciaga trunk shows in L.A., San Francisco and NYC and because you're our some of our fav peeps we're sharing them with you (see date,time, location below)!!!!

Another little LAChicPix/JetSetterInc tip for you. The second Balenciaga location in the U.S. (first is in NYC) will be opening somewhere on Melrose in West Hollywood within the next few months.... Get your black cards ready! Nicoloas Ghesquiere collaborates with celebrated French artist Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster to bring the much thought- out conceptual store to the West Coast. The NY location I visited a few yrs back in Greenwich Village was a true spectacle, mixing raw and natural materials to create an art gallery rendition of a designer boutique. Each boutique's concept is adapted to its location's environment and style, so lookin forward to the exciting edition coming to town.

Spring 2008 Trunk Shows
New York
Madison & 61st
Fri. Oct. 19th 10am-6pm
The Penthouse

Beverly Hills
9570 Wilshire Blvd
Fri. Oct. 26th & Sat. Oct. 27th 10am-6pm
Second Floor

San Francisco
77 O'Farrell St
Mon. Oct. 22nd & Tues. Oct. 23rd 10am-6pm
Third Floor

Guess Who Tried to Sneak Open! Katsuya Hollywood and S-Bar

It seems that the long anticipated Katsuya Hollywood located at 6300 Hollywood Boulevard, opened its doors on Thursday, October 11, 2007 with an SBE style launch party (Mayor Villaraigosa, Rick Fox, Nicky Hilton attended). Funny enough we haven't heard much word on the street about this place yet, so last night LAChicPix and JetSetter Inc. decided to slip in and take a peek to find out if Katsuya Hollywood, the second pairing of sushi chef Katsuya Uechi and designer Phillippe Starck lives up to the past year of hype that's been circulating with the trendy-set.


What a pleasant suprise! Entering from the still gentrifying Hollywood Boulevard, is like arriving in a different world. Sensual lighting and seperate yet open dining rooms define the space. A reservation-only dining room features tables for parties of four or more and in the next room, guests can order from the gigantic open air sushi bar. For an informal bite or a quick drink sit in the "Liquid Kitche" also known as the bar and order from bartender Alejandro (if you happen to be in on a Friday or Saturday night). A true mixologist he will recommend the "Burning Mandarin" an Absolut Mandarin with Serrano chili concoction which was voted #1 drink last year by L.A. Magazine. The kiwi-cocktail is a hit as well.

Now for the fun part.... S-Bar. Apparently, this place is poised to be the coolest of the cool. Hyde? A distant memory. S-Bar is like chillin' in the Mad Hatter's living room. Portraits from the palace of Versailles hang along the wall, lamps are hung upside down, couches are comfy and the capacity is 75 of the world's coolest peeps. S-Bar also has a seperate menu than Katsuya with the Delirious Pepper and Horseradish Pomegranite Margarita being our pick (you can be an alcoholic and still get your veggies!). Our tip is to check it out now before you have to drop copious amounts of money to get in or at the very least have a hawt sex tape(think Hyde).

On Monday, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa made his first public appearance since confirming his affair with Telemundo newscaster Mirthala Salinas. If you check out the LA Times coverage people sure are pissed! So what's the deal? Do poor personal decisions really reflect poor professional performance? Why do people get personally offended when they realize that politicians are just like everybody else? Comments?

Staying In LA for Memorial Day Weekend

If you've decided not to jet to Vegas or Miami for the long weekend you're probably trying to figure out what the hell to do in L.A. besides stay home and guzzle a 6-pack and grill some steaks. Although that is a popular (and not bad) idea there are actually a few cool things going on in SoCal from May 25-28.

UCLA JazzReggae Festival

The UCLA JazzReggae Festival has been going on forever and is a nice way for UCLA alumni to catch up with old classmates. The Festival starts on "Jam Day" Sunday, May 27, 2007. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the concert is from 12 noon to 7 p.m. The Festival is located at the UCLA Intramural Field on the campus of UCLA in Westwood. Artists that will perform include Jill Scott, Lupe Fiasco, Les Nubians, Soulive, J*Davey, Dujeous and Christian Scott. "Reggae Day" is on Monday, May 28, 2007 and will feature reggae musicians such as Luciano, Cham, Turbulence, General Degree, Mr. Peppa and many more.

Tickets are $25 per day in advance and $30 on the day of the event. For more information or to purchase tickets please go to www.jazzreggaefest.com

Fiesta Hermosa

Come out and enjoy fun in the sun and sand in Hermosa Beach this weekend! The free Fiesta Hermosa event is a 3-day arts and crafts festival that has taken place in Hermosa Beach every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend for over 35 years. It is the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California featuring more than 270 vendors. This year Fiesta Hermosa will also feature Calypso/Caribbean, 70's pop, classic rock, hip-hop, smooth jazz, 60's, jazz, 80's, and Rock n Roll bands on two sound stages.

For more information please visit www.fiestahermosa.com

Pasadena Summer Fest

This is a really fun and cool event however, it won't be taking place this year due to problems with location. Apparently it will start again next year.


Parties

L.A. wouldn't be L.A. if there weren't going to be a ton of parties this weekend. Of course the Hollywood Hills will be alive with the sound of music. If you're one of the cool kids you'll know where to go. Probably the biggest parties this weekend are "Riot on Sunset" at the House of Blues' Foundation Room on Sunday, May 27, 2007 and Avalon Nightclub in Hollywood is also hosting a huge event also on Sunday. Check out www.clubzone.com for more info.

Jeremy Can Be in My Entourage!!!

I know most Angelenos love HBO's Entourage. However, I just can't help thinking that they wouldn't have a show without Jeremy Piven. Besides being the star of Entourage did anyone catch him 2-episodes ago in the shirtless scene?? OMG!!!! Throw me in the pool!!!!

Who Cares About Rosie, Babwa or The View

Am I the only one who is tired of hearing about the drama on ABC's The View? If I want to hear a bunch of women talking at the same time I'll go get a pedicure. Why is this show still on??

Daddy Winfrey's Book Doesn't Make O's Book Club

Vernon Winfrey, father of Oprah is reportedly writing a book about her. However, its said that Oprah was unaware of her father's project until it broke in the media. Apparently Daddy Winfrey said that he should have been harder on O when she was a youngster and that she was a wild child. This is one book that looks like it won't make it into her book club.