KITTEN*FRESH FACES IN FASHIONVOLUME 2 ISSUE 1BLOOM

4 CONTENTS61 MASTHEAD60 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

FACES8 STEPHANIE26 ERIN39 MYRIAM57 MICHELLE

FASHION8 TRISKELION COUTURE26 KIT PISTOL39 BRIAN LICHTENBERG57 MARCO MARCO

FEATURES14 RETNA * ART16 SOMETHING FOR ROCKETS * MUSIC49 RIKI LINDHOME * MOVIES51 CHRISTIE MARTIN * DESIGN

RUNWAYS22 KEITA MARAYUAMA24 ATSURO TAYAMA41 COLLETTE DINNIGAN43 BOYD

RESOURCES18 SHOPPING / LA20 DINING / LA45 NIGHTLIFE / LA47 CULTURE / LA

WWW.KITTENMAG.COMDESIGN BY SEVENSECOPYRIGHT 2005

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Triskelion Couture

Photos by Mike Vensel

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Designer - Triskelion CouturePhotographer - Mike VenselModel - Stephanie Granada / Los Olas ModelsHair / Makeup - Tracy MendyStylist - Mike Vensel

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Patricia Gomez Gracia, designer of Triskelion Couture has created a very unique vision which combines elements of 50’s fashion with modern punk rock style. By mixing these styles she has come up with a formula that stimulates the viewer and plays with concepts of femininity in modern times. With the use of simple silhouettes, leather, chains and straps, some of the elements hint at bondage wear and sex kitten superhero. We travel to Miami to take a look at an important designer setting herself apart from the bright colorful wares of other Miami designers.

MV: How long have you been designing?TC: 1 YearMV: What are your signature designs?TC: I use a lot of leather in my designs; I have a mini poodle skirt with a chain that links to your wrist, some funky jeans. My line has a funky 50’s flare to it.MV: Who do you have in mind when you design?TC: It’s a woman who is fashion forward, she doesn’t mind walking into a room and having people notice her. It’s attention she is seeking but its subtle atten-tion it’s not loud or obnoxious.MV: What has been the greatest influence on your design?TC: I can’t really say I have one influence; I am very perceptive so I take from my environment, so it’s not a particular person or designer that influences me. Some of the punk style I get from the downtown scene in Miami, which is very underground grunge. Its kids who don’t have the money to spend on Dolce and Gabbana punk but they have their own 80’s thing going on. I look at what they are wearing and I try to step it up a couple of notches.MV: Is design difficult for you?TC: When I am not designing and I know I have a deadline I worry that I won’t be able to come up with new ideas. I have never had a problem so far, knock on wood.MV: What drives you to continue?TC: I just love design. I love making an outfit, I love the person thinking that the outfit is so great and they appreciate it. So it would have to be the appreciation.MV: What is your philosophy?TC: To coniniulsty keep growing. I don’t ever want to sell out and do mass de-signs to cash out; it’s not my goal at all. My philosophy is to stay real to myself.MV: What’s the most important lesson you have learned?TC: To give without expecting back.MV: What advice could you give to other aspiring designers?TC: Continue. Your going to have a lot of setbacks, not everything is going to work as you hope or expect it to but don’t let that take you off of your course, continue.

Triskelion Couture*Interview by Mike Vensel

Retna * ArtInterview by Veronica Chanel

Retna, removes corporate advertisements of women from illuminated signs and embellishes them in a style that not only recalls Mayan and Egyptian hieroglyphs but even the aesthetic heights of Byzantium with its mosaic tiling of Christ and other deities. Retna’s intervention in these advertisements elevates the perception of the mostly anonymous females.

VC: What is it that inspires you to paint?R: I let the photograph and the model dictate what colors are actually going to go into it, so if the tones are more blues and purples than I just try to add to that in a very subtle manner. Basically I’m just trying to add to the image I’m not trying to take away from it. VC: Why did you only choose the Bebe ads?R: I chose the ads roughly because it’s the female form. When I go out and take the posters there are certain images I just can’t use for myself, I do try to pick the ones that draw you in a lot more. For me that was the Bebe ads.VC: Growing up what was it that influenced you to become an artist?R: I was influenced a lot with graffiti art and gangster lettering, I grew up in a few neighborhoods where that’s what I looked up to. As I grew a little older I started meeting a lot of the people I looked up to, they kind of took me in and helped me flourish as an artist. I like a lot of things that are old like scribes and hieroglyphs; I love Asian calligraphy, Chaz Moore, Gustav Klimt, Monet, Basquiat. I’m pretty open to a different works.

VC: Do you feel your life experiences have affected your work?R: In a verity of different ways, I started out as a graffiti writer so it was more about painting walls around the city hanging over bridges and climbing up the sides of buildings. When it came to this art I kind of wanted to keep the graffiti part out of the painting but I wanted to keep the same style. What I like about the posters was taking or borrowing as you might say, and painting over them. It still had that graffiti style but I wasn’t putting my name all over the image. It was the process of getting them that made it still a graffiti piece to a certain degree.VC: Where would you like to see yourself in ten years?R: Doing a lot of art, continue to be growing as an artist and doing new things. Working with a lot of talented people and helping young kids with more opportunities than I had. Hopefully my work will be in some major institutions.VC: What advice would you like to give to young artists?R: Never let anyone bring your hopes down as far as your art. Believe in yourself even when someone else doesn’t believe in what you do, that should make you to excel and propel yourself to a point where people will start to come around and respect what you do. Have an open mind and if you have the opportunity to go to school than definitely don’t take it for granted. Use all the things that are available to you. VC: Do you have a philosophy?R: Life is good, but it defiantly comes with a struggle. Everybody has something to give, it’s an interesting world so be grateful for the things that you have, the people you have met and the art that is all around for you to look at.

For more information visit: digitalretna.com and inristudios.com

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Something For Rockets * MusicInterview by Veronica Chanel

Rami Perlman [yes, the son of violinist Itzhak Perlman] Josh Eichenbaum and Barry Davis like to “Keep it Sexy” and that is easily done with Rami’s deep voice followed up by great danceable beats. “Something for Rockets” has a sound that could only be described as.. well it’s hard to say.

VC: First of all, how would you describe your sound?SFR: electronic pop rock.VC: Where did the name “Something for Rockets” come from?SFR: We just kind of stumbled into it. We were thinking of names and Josh said what about ‘Something with Rockets’ and Rami came up with ‘Something for Rockets?’. That’s basically what happened.VC: How did you three meet?SFR: Josh and Rami went to college together at Brown University. When Rami moved out to LA two and a half years ago Josh and Rami started working together as a duo for about eight months. So we did “Something for Rockets” with just us two and we played some shows in and out of LA when we realized from some of the reviews we were getting “you know you guys are cool but it would be sweet with a drummer” Barry we had met through Josh’s girlfriend, and we have been together in this reincarnation for a little over a year.

VC: In one word describe “Something for Rockets”.SFR: Sexy!VC: What are your greatest musical influences?SFR: Radiohead, yeah that’s a keeper! Um Bob Dylan, The Beetles, Elvis Costello, Pulp, a lot of that ‘brit pop’ stuff, History of the World Drum & Bass Mix it’s a CD that Rami used to listen to a lot in college, his sister got him into a lot of drum in bass. Oh and Roni Size’s first record, those two records are really the origin of where our beats come from. VC: What is up next for SFR?SFR: We are about to go back to the Pacific Northwest for a two-week tour, and we are also going to SXSW, which is a music festival in Austin Texas. We just shot our first music video. The director is awesome he’s really doing it up! .... it’s going to be sweet!VC: What is “SFR’s” philosophy?SFR: It’s that you only live once and you’ve got to have fun. Life is about happiness and fulfillment and you need to constantly be doing what is going to bring you the most happiness. So for us playing music, going on tour and rocking it hard is what makes us happy makes us feel good. Oh and go out dance and have a good time.

For more information and tour dates go to somethingforrockets.com

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A MasonA Mason1511 Montana Ave. Ste. B Santa Monica, 310.394.7179A Mason Stocks mostly emerging designers A Mason Stocks mostly emerging designers plus its own line of reconstructed vintage clothing.

American Rag CIEAmerican Rag CIE150 S. LA Brea Ave, Hollywood, 323.935.3154A favorite among the ultra hip with clothing A favorite among the ultra hip with clothing from today and vintage pieces from the past.

Barneys New York9570 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, 310.276.4400The ultimate luxury with the best high end The ultimate luxury with the best high end brands, accessories, cosmetics and more.

Bleu454 S. La Brea Ave. Hollywood, 323.939.2228Bleu features many local and national designers and a courteous staff.

Blonde2430 Main St. Santa Monica, 310.396.9113For a standout piece, stop by for cutting edge designs domestic and international lines.

Crush Boutique3835 Cross Creek Rd Ste. 19, Malibu, 310.317.8475From Nanette Lepore to Von Dutch, a favorite among fashionistas and celebrities alike.Originating in Berlin Horn carries lines from Dolce & Gabbana to casual jeans and elegant eveningwear.

Kitson

Shopping * Resources / LA

Elyse Walker15306 Antioch St. Pacific Palisades, 310.320.8882All of the best labels in fashion from C&C to YSL and Jimmy Choo.

Fred Segal500 Broadway Ave. Santa Monica, 310.458.9940A collection of unique boutiques all under one roof each with its own theme and style. A must.

H. Lorenzo8660 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 310.659.1432A must shop location on sunset with Helmut land and Alexander McQueen.

Horn140 S. Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood,310.278.2052A German import with everything from jeans to elegant eveningwear.

James Perse8914 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood, 310.276.7277More than the softest luxury sportswear, this store showcases the laid back Perse lifestyle.

Jill Kohl1210A Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.393.8889High end designers galore from Badgley Mischka with the hottest sunglasses and handbags.

Jill Roberts920 Montana Ave. Santa Monica, 310.260.1966An intimate boutique featuring intimate wear along with Micheal Kors and more.

Kitson115 S. Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood, 310.859.2652An ultra trendy boutique with the latest wares for the trend setting celebrity and their followers.

Lisa Kline136 S. Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood, 310.246.0907Another trend setting boutique with sportswear evening wear and more.

Marco Marco1641 Las Palmas Ave. Hollywood, 323.462.2304One of a kind custom couture made on site by the fabulous Marco Morante.

Madison113 S. Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood, 323.651.3662Top American and European designers along with cutting edge new style.

On Beverly Blvd 8601 Beverly Blvd. Beverly Hills, 310.300.8601A closely edited collection of favorites from upscale European collections.

Patrick Ried705 Montana Ave. Santa Monica, 310.395.9991Celebrity style from a celebrity bloodline, just ask Tara Ried what makes her brothers store so hip.

Pearl1311B Montana Ave. Santa Monica, 310.576.7116Owned by Jenifer Nicholson featuring her line Nicholson along with Imitation of Christ and Vivienne Westwood.

Rebel1528 Montana Ave. Santa Monica, 310.451.3699The hottest items from Juicy couture, Seven and the ever sophisticated Trina Turk

Ron Herman325 N. Beverly Dr. Beverly Hills, 310.550.0910An LA fashion institution with lines from Marc Jacobs to Chloe and more.

Tracey Ross8595 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 310.8541996The store that brought many of the hottest European designers to LA when they were relatively unknown.

Yellow605 N. La Brea Ave. Hollywood, 323.525.0362The hippest national and international brands including Brian Lichtenberg.

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Ammo 1155 N. Highland Ave. 323.467.3293Organic. Great food, convenient location and good straight-forward cooking are just some of the reasons that Ammo is a popular stop with local production studios and the best place to get a gourmet picnic lunch for Hollywood Bowl concerts.

Bastide 8475 Melrose Place. West Hollywood 323.651.5950. French. Undeniably one of the best french restaurants in Los Angeles. True to the extravagance of french cuisine, this prestigious restaurant does not skimp on indulgent extras.

The Belmont747 N La Cienega Blvd. 310.659.8871 Californian. In a party atmosphere setting this restaurant serves up palate-pleasing appetizers, entrees and cocktails.

Buffalo Club1520 Olympic Blvd. 310.450.8600American. A dimly lit upscale steakhouse with a swanky clientele. The outdoor patio offers a more casual atmosphere.

La Cachette10506 Little Santa Monica Blvd. 310.470.4992French. Contemporary fine cuisine by L’orangerie’ s ex-chef Jean-François Meteigner. Delicious dishes and surprisingly reasonable prices.

Whist

Dining * Resources / LA

Chi 8401 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 323.656.1234 Asian. This Justin Timberlake-owned eatery features dim-sum style Asian fusion cuisine. The décor, by Dodd Mitchell is part of the package, with red leather booths and corseted chairs.

Cobras and Matador 7615 Beverly Blvd. Beverly Hills, 323.932.6178 Spanish. Part of the charm is that regardless of its status as a celebrity hangout, owner Steven Arroyo runs his restaurant like a non pretentious little cottage industry with very well-prepared and very affordable dishes.

Dolce 8284 Melrose Avenue. West Hollywood, 323.852.7174 Italian. Famous for the celebrity clientele as well as the famous owners, this popular Italian restaurant designed by Dodd Mitchell sets a sexy mood with its flames behind the bar and black leather tablecloths.

Falcon7213 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 323.850.5350 Californian. This sexy, chic restaurant serves up tantalizing cuisine in a stunning modern environment. Traditional comfort foods with a cosmopolitan twist. Try the grits and grilled corn.

El Floridita1253 N. Vine St. Hollywood, 323.871.8612 Cuban. Okay, so you took those Salsa lessons and now you fancy yourself a real Mambo king or queen. However, you’re tired of these so-called “salsa clubs” that are full of posers and wannabe hipsters. You’re looking for a hot, authentic Latin flavor, this is the spot for you.

The Ivy 113 N. Robertson. West Hollywood, 310.274.8303 American-Cajun. A cottage in art gallery row, with a distinguished garden and a cozy interior with fireplace.

Jones 7205 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica 323.850.1726 Italian. Popular with a rock and roll Hollywood crowd, the food is well-prepared Italian and the drinks are top-notch.

Koi 730 N La Cienega Blvd. Beverly Hills, 310.659.9449 Japanese. This sexy and sophisticated restaurant caters to the Hollywood elite. The prix fixe menu features an extensive selection of traditional Japanese dishes with an inventive modern flair.

The Little Door8164 W. Third St. Los Angeles 323.951.1210 French-Mediterranean. The Little Door, with its European-feeling patio, intimate candles, andnoisy, but not overwhelming crowd, and excellent food lives up to its reputation as one of L.A.’s preeminent restaurants.

Nobu3835 Cross Creek Rd. Malibu, 310.317.9140 Japanese. World-class chef Nobu Matsuhisa has done it again - this time in Malibu. Try the rock shrimp and the jalapeno yellow tail sashimi. For the many local celebrities, Nobu’s cuisine is a daily rendez-vous.

Pacific Dining Car 1310 W. Sixth St. Los Angeles, 213.483.6000 American. For those with first-class traveling fever, an original old-time railroad car with plush décor. You can board 24 hours, even if it’s just for a short adventure with dessert.

Patina 141 S. Grand Ave. Downtown, 213 972 3331 Californian. Patina offers unsurpassed fine dining enhanced by the architectural splendor of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. From the seasonal tasting menus and full-flavored fall game menu to the decadent cheese cart and award-winning wine list,

Rockenwagner 2435 Main Street. Santa Monica, 310.399.6504Californian. It’s so with-it it’s hard to believe it’s been around for 16 years.Chef-owner Hans is a carpenter when he’s not creating in the kitchen and made some of the furniture himself.

Whist Viceroy Hotel, 1819 Ocean Ave., 310.260.7511American Cuisine of chef Rainer Schwarz along with the hottest interior design. Featuring oversized cameos, green black and white and walls of china.

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Kit PistolPhotos by Melissa Rodwell

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Who is Kit Pistol? Fresh out of design school in Florence, Kit Pistol is carving out a new niche in the fashion world with a unique vision and modern takes on classic silhouettes. With her current collection she explores the world through surreal eyes and twists common notions of couture tailoring with a fresh new approach that is uniquely hers.

AW: How long have you been designing?KP: I have been designing for about a year outside of school.AW: What are your signature designs?KP: I have modem doll Victorian type dresses that have hook and eye closures that lace up the back and some luxury sportswear pieces like a skirt/pant combination and vests.AW: What inspires you?KP: I am inspired by traveling seeing other cultures and being surrounded and being able to absorb what is around me and see new and different things and by art to be able to visit art galleries and museums.AW: What do you like most about being a designer?KP: Being able to use fashion and create clothing as my medium of expression most importantly because I feel fashion and getting dresses is the first thing you do every morning its very important to express who you are and be proud and walk out of the house and be excited about being dressed.AW: What do you like least about being a designer?KP: Trying to make clothing that every person will want to wear you really have to identify who shares your same mentality and decide what you like best about fashion and what you want to portray and hope that there are other people that will want to share that with you.AW: What is your design philosophy?KP: Fashion is much more than clothing, its self expression and self portrayal and a way to express and transmit who you are through what you wear and create a non verbal dialogue between the wearer and the viewer in be able to be inspired by what other people wear and in turn inspire them.AW: Who is the kit pistol woman?KP: Someone who wants to be confident in what they wear and also to be proud and be expressive and individual and live outside of societies stiffening roles of what they have to wear and be bold and courageous. AW: Could you explain the influences in your line?KP: The title of the collection is “god save yourself ” and its all about promoting ones self and it come from a little bit of surrealism and a little bit of dada I took elements of that so everything looks very twisted and makes you question which was a big thing in surrealism and Dadaism to ask questions and create diversions and to create a spectacle and so there is a little bit of cabaret maybe and a costume effect and a lot of print work and detailing.AW: What types of construction techniques and fabrics do you use in your line?KP: They are very traditional couture tailoring techniques, which is a great contrast because I will use a very traditional pattern and then manipulate it and with my fabric choices I can make something very different looking and striking. I love using different fabrics, I am obsessed with textiles and a lot of them are imported and hand dyed and I have devel-oped my own screens and my own print and surface designs and I also use a lot of quilting techniques a lot of different notions you will notice a lot of different buttons and some vintage buttons. And the embroidery work is all different designs some taken from dada in this collection and I try to take all of it together and make it very interesting a bit like patchwork.AW: Can you tell us about the color palates you use?KP: I use a majority of black white gray red and gold, I chose those colors because black and white is the perfect con-trast its 2 extremes which is also the silhouette which goes behind this collection is very big at the top very narrow in the middle and very big at the bottom and red is a very passionate color and with gold I wanted to emphasis self reflec-tion.AW: What advice would you give to other aspiring designers?KP: Do what you believe in and do what you want to do because its too hard to make clothing for everyone that walks the earth you have to decide who you want to make clothing for and be true to that because in the future you may not have the opportunity to be as free with your designs.

For more information visit: Kitpistol.com 31

Kit PistolInterview by Amanda Wagner

Interview by Amanda Wagner

BRIAN LICHTENBERG

What he’s known for: Inventive colorful creations that are setting the LA fashion world on fire. After only 5 years of design he has a loyal following of hipster clientele that swear by his wares. With bright colors and the sexiest cuts he works a very unique silhouette that definitely leaves an impression on the viewer. We take a moment to find out who his customers are and where his inspiration comes from.

AW: How long have you been designing?BL: I’ve been designing for about 5 years now, and I started out making one of and my friend had a shop on Melrose and he let me put anything I wanted to in the shop to see how it would do and it gave me the freedom and creativity to do whatever I wanted to.AW: I noticed that you showed with GenArt last year; can you tell us about the selection process?BL: I guess they have a local board of store owners and designers that choose the participants every year, and a few of them were friends of mine and I was actually nominated before, they called me the day before September 11th and I called their office the next day but they were closed and I left a message and ended it there because I knew I wasn’t prepared then for that but that’s how I got picked. I feel that GenArt is a right of passage for LA designers because all of the designers that are still around today that are successful have done the GenArt shows.AW: What stores do you sell in and how would you define the differences between their target markets?BL: Its mainly late teen, 20’s early 30’s market AW: What are your signature designs?BL: I would have to say looking back my patchwork, which is a continuing theme, my monochromatic color scheme is another one and lately there has been a lot of jersey its very California.AW: Do you tend to work with a particular color palette.BL: Early on I used a lot of different colors and fabrics, but now I am more into the monotone 70’s palate and I love the colors green and blue.AW: What inspires you?BL: Street fashion and European runway and friends and thrift stores.AW: What do you like most about being a designer?BL: The freedom to be able to make whatever want.AW: What do you like least about being a designer?BL: Producing multiple things and making sure that everything is on time and fits right. Enlarging every-thing on a bigger scale is tedious.AW: What is your design philosophy?BL: Very casual and very sexy, that’s the image I’d like to portray with my clothing.AW: Who is the Brian Lichtenberg woman?BL: The Brian Lichtenberg woman is confident and self-expressive and doesn’t take herself too seriously.AW: Can you tell us about your current line?BL: It’s a lot of jersey and I am working on some metallic and mesh and kimono sleeves.AW: What is your future plans?BL: Id like to travel more and hopefully with the money I make from my line I can go to Europe and back to Japan again.AW: What advice can you give to aspiring designers?BL: Confidence and don’t get discouraged, stick to what you like and what you like to do, and it will grow from there, try not to think of negative things and follow your heart.

For more information visit www.brianlichtenberg.com

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Concorde1835 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood. 323.464.5662 One of the newest editions to the Hollywood club scene, this club sits on the northernmost end of Cahuenga’s club row. The club’s ample outdoor patios and sleek design attract the young and affluent.

El Centro1069 N. El Centro. Los Angeles, 323.957.1066 The white hot club du jour, undoubtedly has the most envied clientele in the business. Celebrities galore enter through the back alley entrance and party through the night in the minimally decorated space. A bit outside Hollywood’s nightlife epicenter.

Falcon7213 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, 323.850.5350 Stunning and sophisticated this restaurant/bar is sure to appeal to your glamorous side. The food is as stylish as the surroundings. Cozy up to the outdoor fireplace or wait for the DJ to hit the decks and dance the night away.

Forty Deuce 5574 Melrose Ave. Melrose, 323.465.4242Ivan Kane’s new venue. This throwback to the roaring twenties features a modern take on the art of burlesque. Talented dancers striptease their way across the bar/runway. Cheeky decor and cozy atmosphere.

Ivar6356 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, 310.209.0071 Impressive lighting, high ceilings and futuristic decor rank this club among the best and brightest in Los Angeles. It features five separate themed bars.

Nacional 1645 Wilcox Ave. Los Angeles, 323.962.7712 A swank New-York style Cuban bistro and bar. This two-story playground for the elite boasts a sophisticated decor and beautiful clientele. A patio, a fireplace and the fab mojitos are added incentives.

Pearl 665 N. Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood, 310.358.9191 Housed in the former Moomba space, this Weho restaurant/club feels new and rejuvenated. The décor is simple, with clean linen tablecloths and leather booths.

The Standard Downtown 550 S Flower St. Downtown, 213.892.8080 The sky’s the limit at this one-of-a-kind hot spot. Nestled atop the Standard Downtown Hotel, the bar boasts a 360 degree view of the downtown skyline and a fancifully modern decor.

Shelter8117 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 323.654.0030 Formerly the Coconut Teaszer, this new hot spot is all the rage among the young and hip. The low ceilings and working fireplaces create an intimate, mountain lodge type of vibe. The outdoor lounge is a popular destination. Get there early or make a dinner reservation to avoid the lines.

Spaceland1717 Silver Lake Blvd. Silverlake, 323.661.4380A great place to scout new music among the silverlake hipsters. It’s where we found Something for Rockets and many other great bands. Monday night new talent is showcased.

Star Shoes6364 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, 323.462.7827. A tiny elegant bar-lounge which packs up every night, to the sounds of some of the best Dj’s in town.

Sugar 814 Broadway. Santa Monica, 310.899.1989 This club is so hip and funky that it’s difficult to believe it’s located in the tres homogenized Westside area of Los Angeles. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays.

Viper Room8852 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 310.358.1880 Steady crowd of chic-slummers. The main attraction is the intimate stage and dance floor which has hosted everyone from the Black Crowes and Keanu Reeves’ garage band, Dogstar. Info

White Lotus1743 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, 323.463.0060 Hollywood’s young celebs lounge in this former Crush Bar location, Expect Hollywood grandeur as well as long lines to get in.

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Nightlife * Resources / LA

Avalon 1735 N. Vine St. Hollywood, 323.462.3000Hollywood’s newest and hottest mega-club. The revamped club has retained the old Hollywood grandeur of its predecessor and attracts hundreds of clubgoers with a diverse roster.

Bar Marmont 8171 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 323.650.0575 Just steps down from the legendary Chateau Marmont hotel, this sophisticated bar has been a celebrity favorite for years. The stylish décor and romantic ambiance attract Hollywood’s elite nightly.

Beauty Bar1638 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, 323.464.7676 A beauty parlor has always been a place where women could meet and gossip. Throw a few cocktails into the mix and you’ve got the perfect party place for LA’s “beautiful people”. mixed with a bar

Cine-Space 6356 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, 323.654.1268CineSpace is every movie lover’s dream – an upscale restaurant, bar and screening room all rolled into one, known for its after parties and film related events.

California Science Center700 State Drive, Los Angeles, 323 .SCI.ENCEThe new California Science Center opened in 1998. Organized into themed worlds, the Science Center is an exciting exploration of science, mathematics, technology and art for guests of all ages. In addition to over 100 permanent hands-on exhibits and a 7-story IMAX Theater, special changing exhibitions occur throughout the year. Visit often! Admission to permanent galleries is free except for IMAX.

Fashion District110 East 9th Street, Los Angeles, 213.488.1153Venture over to LA’s famous Fashion District, located between Broadway, Wall Street, 7th Street and Pico Boulevard. Here, one can find any and everything all within a couple of blocks. California Mart, though only open to the public once a month, is composed of 4 buildings containing 2,000 showrooms. Directly across the street on 9th Street, check out the New Mart where one may “window shop”, and find out when the next sample sale will be.

Getty Center1200 Getty Center Drive Los Angeles , 310.440.7300The J. Paul Getty Trust is an international cultural and philanthropic institution devoted to the visual arts that features the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Research Institute, the Getty Conservation Institute, and the Getty Grant Program. The J. Paul Getty Trust and Getty programs are based at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

Hollywood Bowl2301 N. Highland Ave. Hollywood, 323.850 .2000 On July 11, 1922, conductor Alfred Hertz and the Los Angeles Philharmonic inaugurated the first season of music under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a current seating capacity of just under 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922.Each season presents World Music, Jazz, Classical and the Weekend Spectacular featuring the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, 323.857.6000 The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has assembled a permanent collection that includes ~100,000 works of art spanning the history of art from ancient times to the present, making it the premier encyclopedic visual arts museum in the western US. Located in the heart of one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, the museum uses its collection and resources to provide a variety of educational, aesthetic, intellectual, & cultural experiences for the people who live in, work in, & visit LA. LACMA offers special exhibitions, as well as lectures, classes, family activities, & film programs.

MOCA at California Plaza250 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles , 213.621.1741Designed by renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, MOCA at California Plaza’s uncommon forms–pyramids, cubes, and cylinders–combine with unusual materials for a distinctive profile. From the street, the building’s north and south wings come together by means of a copper-sheathed barrel vault to form a gateway to the museum. This massive vault, which houses the library, encases an arched window of delicately veined onyx.

Walt Disney Concert Hall / Music Center111 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, 323.850.2000The Music Center is one of the three largest performing arts centers in the nation, and one of the world’s premier cultural organizations. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Music Center is home to the newly opened Walt Disney Concert Hall. Designed by architect Frank Gehry and acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota from Nagata Acoustics, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is the new home for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale. Surrounded by gardens and plazas, as stainless steel curves wrap the entire building, it is sure to become the next international architectural icon. To tour the WDCH, currently the Music Center offers audio and guided tours.

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Culture * Resources / LA

A+D Museum of Architecture and Design8560 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 310.659 .2445The mission of the A+D is to expose the public to architecture and design, to encourage innovative thinking in these disciplines, to stimulate an awareness of contemporary isues in architecture and design, whether it is the general public, school children or the edcated design professionals. The A+D is the only museum in Los Angeles where continuous exhibits of architecture and design is on view. Through exhibits, lectures and book signings, the A+D serves as a showcase for the work of important regional, national and international designers, providing a forum for contemporary issues in architecture, urbanism, and design that are helping to shape the city.

Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center135 North Grand Ave. Los Angeles, 213.628.2772The Music Center is one of the three largest performing arts centers in the nation, and one of the world’s premier cultural organizations. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Music Center is home to the newly opened Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Ahmanson Theatre, and the Mark Taper Forum. Each year, the Music Center welcomes more than 1.3 million people to performances by its four internationally renowned performing arts companies: the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Center Theatre Group, the Los Angeles Opera and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

Riki Lindhome * MoviesInterview by Veronica Chanel

Where you’ve seen her: Playing Hilary Swank’s white trash younger sister in “Million Dollar Baby”. Small roles in Gilmore Girls, Titus and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. What’s next: The film version of the Tim Robbins play “Embedded” and “All In” a poker mockumentary.

VC: When did you know acting was for you?RL: In College, I had done theater my whole life. I went to Syracuse University where I majored in film and you weren’t allowed to be in any of the plays unless you were a theater major so I really missed being on the stage and I think it was the depravation of it that made me realize I wanted to be acting. VC: You just finished a year and a half long run in a play, how was that?RL: Yes! It was a play called Embedded, which was written and directed by Tim Robbins. We started performing last year in this tiny theater next to The Actors Gang; it kept going because people just kept coming to shows so we performed it in LA for eight months, we took it to New York for five months then to London. It was an amazing ride! We also just finished filming a movie version of the play.VC: You’ve had a chance to do a little bit of everything right?RL: Yeah, I did some TV when I moved out to LA. My first real job was an episode on Felicity but the scene was cut. I had a few more jobs in various TV shows and a few low profile plays around LA. Then I got cast in Tim’s play and from there I got a role in “Million Dollar Baby”.VC: What was it like working with Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank?RL: I was really nervous! The second I got on set it was easy Hilary is just so nice and so generous, she came into the makeup trailer and introduced herself we just sat and talked. She was just really open and lovely. When I got on set Clint Eastwood walked up to me and said ‘nice to see you again, have a seat and we’re going to start’ he is very easy going.VC: What do you like most about acting?RL: I think what I enjoy most about acting is the high that it gives you. Being on stage and feeling the energy that the audience gives you. I really love stepping into someone else and I love playing characters that are so far away from who I actually am. VC: What do you like least about acting?RL: [laughs] Auditioning, hands down. It’s the whole ambiguity of the auditioning process that gets to me. But I would rather be doing that then working at a desk so I guess it’s not too bad.VC: If you weren’t an actress what would you do?RL: I would probably be a music producer. I love recording studios and I love manipulating things with the computer and making new sounds. I just started doing that recently.VC: What do you do in your spare time?RL: I play guitar and I sing. I’m a songwriter so I do that a lot, I play at coffee shops and go into my friends recording studio. I have a lot of game nights with my friends we play Tabu and Scatigories. I go to a lot of movies, go hiking, go to the library. Standard boring things.VC: Do you have any advice to share with aspiring actors?RL: Don’t do it! [Laughs] No just kidding. I say just keep going don’t listen to people who tell you that you can’t.VC: Where do you see yourself in five years?RL: It’s weird I don’t have a plan. I don’t have anything laid out I’m just excited to see what’s next. I just want to make a living doing what I love.VC: Do you have any favorite fashion designers?RL: Christian Dior, for the Million Dollar Baby premiere they lent me a beautiful dress.

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VC: What inspires you to create your work?CM: I’m inspired by fashion, I thumb threw Italian Vogue, Harpers Bizarre mainly European maga-zines because they are so ahead of us that I like to pull images from their clothing designers and integrate them into my work. I am inspired by the necklines and fabrics and picture the jewelry that most accessories the clothing. I’m also inspired by the stones and my materials themselves I have a very messy work area that’s partly on purpose, having all the stones and chains lying next to each other in a big hap hazard mess I’ll see something roll next to something else then that becomes a necklace.VC: Are all of the pieces is hand made by you?CM: Myself and one other person hand make everything. I have my own metal smith studio, where everything is made I am a trained metal smith. VC: Tell us about your latest collectionCM: My Spring 2005 collection is fun and whimsical. Charm bracelets are still very big this season with both vintage and newfound objects. The seashell collection I’m still doing this season, they are actually sterling silver seashells that were hand picked on the beach. I picked out my favorite shells and cast them in sterling silver and gold, I always try to throw in some 14 and 18 karat gold in every line. I also did a big wood collection in 2004 and carried that over into spring.VC: What would you say is your philosophy?CM: Be good to others and follow your heart, that’s my philosophy.

For more Christie Martin Designs visit: christiemartin.net 50

Christie Martin * Design Interview by Veronica Chanel

It’s hard to open a magazine or watch a music video with out spotting one or two pieces of Christie Martine’s one-of-a-kind hand made jewelry. Britney Spears, Fergie of Black Eyed Peas, Ashley Simpson, Christina Aguilera, Cheryl Crow, Janet Jackson, Paris Hilton and Kelly Clarkson are all fans of the jewelry.

VC: When did you become interested in designing and fashion?CM: I started doing jewelry when I was in the eighth grade, I used to go to K-Mart and buy the color wood beads you know the little square ones and round ones with the wax cords, I would macramé little chokers with flower designs out of the beads and earrings and give them as gifts. On Saturdays I would sit outside my house and sell them, so really I’ve been doing jewelry since I was nine years old. I’ve always been into fashion, I remember being five years old I wasn’t into dolls I was into getting dressed up in those cute little uni-tards you know the one’s that snapped with the ruffles sleeves, you know I wish they would bring those back they were so cute. I think when I grew up and moved into the city is when high fashion really hit me.VC: How long have you been designing Jewelry?CM: I’ve been designing for 12 years, I started in San Francisco did my intern work in New York and ended up here in Los Angeles.

MARCO

MARCO

Interview by A

manda Wagner

Marco Morante of Marco Marco creates one of a kind pieces; mixing fabrics, colors and patterns in a style where anything goes and the results resemble assemblage abstract art. Available in 15 boutiques located throughout Los Angeles and New York. The artist behind the seams works directly with the entertainment industry creating new and unseen looks for film, television and print. Marco and his staff create all of the designs in-house and are known for their specialized individual attention that they give to their clients. This upcoming designer maintains his compay’s commitment to color, humor and art above all fashion trends.

AW: How long have you been designing?MM: I’ve been designing clothes for 6 years the clothing line is 4 years old the boutique is one year old.AW: What are your signature designs?MM:We use mostly jersey, we love bright colors, were not afraid to use a lot of strange colors together we like a woman who likes thatAW: What inspires you?MM: I am pretty non descript, It could be anything from a vintage bottle cap to a painting to a spread in a magazine, could be anything that floats my boat. AW: What do you like most about being a designer?MM: My favorite part about being a designer is people, you get to meet tons of people every weather you are working with them in the boutique making them a new outfit, someone you are dressing, you get to meet a lot of people and they are really great.AW: What is your design philosophy?MM: The most important things to me are color humor and comfort.AW: Tell us about your current lineMM: I am working with a lot of lace, Marco Marco a one of a kind clothing line people come to the boutique and choose their own fabrics from the back and we can drape something on them – takes about an hour and a half. People come in and they leave with the pieces they got to design with me on the spot.AW: Do you work only with knits?MM: I work primarily with knits; we do use other fabrics when we get special orders. But primarily its jersey.AW: Who is the Marco Marco woman?MM: The Marco Marco woman is proud and strong she’s happy and excited to go out and show off her new duds, she loves to wear bright colors and be flirtatious, she’s very interested in the things going on around her and she is cutting edgeAW: Please explain the statement spotlight to bar fight?MM: We came up with this because we feel it envelops the range or women we dress, you can come here for a evening gown that wear to a red carpet event or you you’ll or come here and pick up a shirt that you can wear with some jeans to the beach. So no matte what situation you are in can we will be happy to make you look the hottest that you have ever lookedAW: What advice would you give to aspiring designers and what do you think makes a successful designer?MM: A successful designer shows consistency and commitment to what they are trying to do make it pretty and make a lot of it

For more information visit: MarcoMarco.net

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Letter from the Editor *Letter from the Editor *Letter from the EditorKitten* has arrived, a new magazine focused on fresh faces in fashion and more. Each issue contains ground breaking new fashion design shown on the most beautiful models in the world. We also bring you images from the hottest runways, local resources, Art, Design, Music and Movies. The print version is published four times per year and our online version is updated weekly with expanded content and video features.

Our spring issue is titled Bloom. What does bloom mean to you? For us it symbolizes growth of new ideas into an old industry. Kitten* brings you four new designers coming into their own in a world of fashion, each with a different approach and fresh new ideas. Showcasing the wares of these hot new designers are four stunning new models emerging onto the fashion scene, each unique and beautiful.

I hope you enjoy this issue as we have spent a lot of time and effort to bring it to you. We will be expanding the magazine as we grow, so expect each issue to be bigger and better than the previous issue. If there were something you would like to see in Kitten*, we would love to hear from you. For more information please visit our website: www.kittenmag.com

Sincerely,Mike Vensel / Editor in Chiefmike@kittenmag.com 60

Fresh Faces in Fashion

Publisher & Editor in ChiefMike Vensel

Fashion EditorFeatures Editor

Design Editor

Associate EditorBusiness Development

Regional Sales

Amanda WagnerVeronica ChanelMichelle Raschatore

Tracy MendyBrian BarnettNicole Gwen

Contributing EditorsAriadna Ledesma, Paola Chaconne

Contributing PhotographersMelissa Rodwell, Edward Jahn

Special ThanksFountain Yount, Jennifer Egan, JJ Cortez

Judy Vensel, Andrew Dutkowsky, Chris Dutkowsky Tom Ford, Gerhard Richter, Frank Gehry

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