Whitewall’s latest cover star, the designer Kelly Wearstler, is a Los Angeles local. Properties that she’s designed around the bend from her own, including Santa Monica Proper and Downtown LA Proper, embody a certain type of undeniable “Wearstler” charm—a combination of history, contrast, and expression. In addition to these spaces, some of Wearstler’s favorite spots in town also evoke unique charm, including wellness destinations, under-the-radar boutiques, restaurants, and cocktail bars.
Kelly Wearstler Shares Her Side of Los Angeles
For this year’s edition of L.A. Art Week, Wearstler shared with Whitewall her slice of home, guiding visitors and locals alike to some of the most anticipated exhibition openings, acclaimed food and beverage concepts, and relaxing spas that the City of Angels has to offer.
Kelly Wearstler at Le Meurice in Paris, portrait by Jacques Burga.
WHITEWALL: Frieze Week is a busy time for Los Angeles. How will you personally be spending the week? Any rituals to get started in the morning, coffee breaks, or time with family or your studio in the afternoon to break up the day?
KELLY WEARSTLER: I will be arriving from fashion week in Europe, so I’ll definitely need to dive head-first into my fitness routines to stave off any jet lag. Frieze week in L.A. is always fun, but especially busy. I’ll be balancing the events with everything we have going on in the studio and my family.
Kelly Wearstler at Le Meurice in Paris, portrait by Jacques Burga.
What Shows Kelly Wearstler is Seeing in LA.. This Week
WW: The week is filled with an abundance of art activations. What are some exhibitions—at museums, galleries, or outdoor spaces—you’re looking forward to seeing?
KW: Southern Guild is opening their Los Angeles gallery, which is exciting. Soot is also a new gallery from Tokyo, so I’ll be interested to check that one out, as well. Bennet Schliesinger is showing his first furniture collection at Marta. I’m such a fan of their program! And Gallery FUMI will show a new iteration of Max Lamb’s “Box” collection. Jay Ezra will be exhibiting John Grica at Del Vaz Projects, which looks intriguing and I’m looking forward to seeing what Francis Gallery has on display. I’m also looking forward to the Frieze preview with Deutsche Bank. It’s an incredibly interesting moment, where we are briefed on new artists and special works.
Santa Monica Proper hotel, courtesy of Kelly Wearstler.
WW: You designed the Santa Monica proper, and Frieze has moved to that neighborhood. What is your favorite hidden gem at the hotel?
KW: My favorite spot is a library space we call The Grotto set within Palma. There is a fantastic curation of books to peruse—a perfect retreat, day or night.
WW: Are there any must-attend parties or events?
KW: The invitations I’m most excited about are visiting Larry Gagosian at his home for drinks, a dinner experience with Mr Chow at his studio, and cocktails with friends for Desert X at Santa Monica Proper.
Serax x Kelly Wearstler, courtesy of Kelly Wearstler.
Kelly Wearstler’s Favorite Spots in L.A.
WW: You recently debuted a new tabletop collection, created in collaboration for Serax. Where can those in town shop it?
KW: You can shop my new tabletop collection for Serax at +COOP!
WW: What are your top five spots that someone new to L.A. must check out when they’re in town?
KW: I love Saffy’s, Uchi, Antico Nuovo, Chi Spacca, and The Tower Bar at Sunset Tower.
Serax x Kelly Wearstler, courtesy of Kelly Wearstler.
WW: You’ve always embraced experimenting with fashion and have an eye for shopping at off-the-beaten shops, in addition to luxury brands. Do you have any favorite boutiques in town?
KW: Maxfields, Bode, JF Chen, Dover Street Market, and The Window.
WW: 5 top places to unwind—like a spa, a wellness space, park, or a beach?
KW: Malibu Racquet Club, Heated Room, a stroll through Huntington Garden, a walk on the beach in Malibu, and Surya Spa for Ayurveda.
Synchronicity by Kelly Wearstler, courtesy of Rizzoli.
