Daily Front Row

2008 August 13

A Confederacy of Fashion

Comments | | Print

(LOS ANGELES) Maxfield, Fred Segal, Barneys New York--consider yourself warned. On August 30, there's a new store in town, and it's proving one to be reckoned with. Confederacy, a 5,000 square-foot space on Hollywood Boulevard just east of Vermont, is the brainchild of celebrity stylist and former Satine and Milk buyer Ilaria Urbinati. Her illustrious partner? None other than actor Danny Masterson, one of her best friends since childhood. The story will carry the latest and greatest from the likes of Alaia, Proenza Schouler, Margiela, Zac Posen, Jenni Kayne, Mayle, Band of Outsiders, Vena Cava, Anna Sui, Nom de Guerre, Patrick Ervell and Opening Ceremony. "Many of my clients are men," Urbinati says, citing Brendan Fraser and James McEvoy, "So no wonder the store has a menswear influence." (Store uniforms were designed by Rag & Bone.)

Confederacy will also feature books and beauty merchandise. When shoppers tire of sifting through Marc Jacobs collection footwear, Genevieve Jones jewelry, Tom Ford eyewear and Oscar de la Renta candles, a cafe awaits. The artistically inclined can browse the gallery space, which will feature etchings by Francis Bacon, Julian Schnabel and Francesco Clemente. "It's not intimidating, and it's definitely not dark and brooding," insisits Urbinati. "Above all, it's just an amazing place to hang out."

The festivities begin on September 15, when Urbinati and Masterson will throw a hauter-than-haute party featuring Los Angeles' finest. Agyness Deyn and Albert Hammond Jr. will host.
ASHLEY BAKER