event guests. all photos by Josh Menashe , Copperleafstudios@gmail.com
Saturday was a gray day in Los Angeles, but inside Malgosia on West Third Street, things were warm and cozy. The chic boutique was the setting for a mojito-themed party hosted by Women & Wine, style editor of Variety Monica Corcoran and celebrity colorist Michael Canale. These weren’t just any mojitos, mind you! These were 10 CANE RUM Mojitos— a very special rum and a very unique mojito preparation and presentation. (YUM!)
Julie and Maggie.
Guests mingled among the mojitos (original, tangerine, pineapple) and sampled the delicious fare from Joans on Third (duck tacos, spicy rock shrimp, quesadillas), as models floated by in Malgosia wares.
For Women & Wine, it was another event toward their mission of creating experiences for women “who love wine, food, travel and the other great things in life.” And the whole cavernous space, complete with patio and design studio in the back, was filled with women (and a few men) enjoying the great things on offer.
Julie and Monica
Malgosia owner Maggie Waschberger was busy meeting and greeting the guests in her pretty jelly fish print skirt from Miriam Ocariz, but she spent a little time telling me what’s ahead for spring and summer.
Julie and Sharon
Malgosia’s niche, it could be said, is as the thinking woman’s clothier: sexy and subtle – no cleavage-baring va-va-vavoom numbers here. Think more distinct, modern detailing, unique. Celeb fans of the boutique include Heroes’ star Ali Larter and singer Eve.
Instead of going for the “LA look,” which so many shops already do quite well, Maggie, from Poland herself, travels the world for interesting, offbeat designers that you won’t find anywhere else. (Her first question for prospective lines: Where do you sell in LA?) A few of her anchor lines: Rajesh Pratep Singh from New Delhi, Miriam Ocariz from Bilbao and Juliette Longuet from Paris.
Her accessories are interesting too, whether it be semi-precious jewels from Milanese designer Daniela de Marchi, Botkier bags, or the necklaces from Vega, designed by the store’s manager, Victoria Kray.
Here is what Maggie sees as far as upcoming trends:
• A continuation of layering: different colors and textures.
• Wide pants: we’re talking sailor wide — it’s port and starboard, ladies! Sorry, petites, Maggie says these work best for medium height and tall figures.
• 50s glamour: “very done,” she says … a lot of shape, bubbly silhouettes, funky and feminine.
Monica Corcoran, style editor at Variety, concurred. She forsees “confections” for spring, which brings to mind marzipan and meringue, but in fashion terms means dramatic florals and eye-catching prints. Monica also thinks the ubiquitous big bag will shrink considerably. The era of handbag-as-luggage could very well be coming to an end.
Did I mention the mojitos?
Master mixologist Francesco La Franconi, Italian native and current resident of Las Vegas, was mixing the most delicious cocktails this side of … well, anywhere. Using 10 Cane rum, a new brand that’s tasty and crisp, Francesco graciously schooled me on the finer points of mojito and daiquiri creation.
Forget about those sickly sweet mixes churning in a machine — these daiquiris were the real deal! Made simply with fresh lime juice, simple syrup and rum and shaken vigorously with ice, they are light and refreshing — not too overpowering if you’re not a sweet-drink fan.
As a new disciple, I asked Camille Broderick, the rep for 10 Cane, if I could order them at any bar, and she told me most bartenders don’t even know how to make them the old-fashioned way! Alas, we may all have to become master mixologists.
So to recap, this spring promises to be — what else? – fun and feminine, with an emphasis on exaggerated shapes. And whether your pants are wide or your bag is small, the best accessory could very well be a fresh daiquiri.
I’ll drink to that.
Julie Haire
LA Story .
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