Arroyo Monthly September 2009 by Southland Publishing

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4 ~ AUGUST 2006 ~ ARROYO

ARROYO VOLUME 4 ~ NUMBER 9

M O N T H LY

11 SAN GABRIEL STYLE 11 TRUE BLUE FASHION Rising Sun Jeans designer Mike Hodis goes back to the future of premium denim, using time-honored techniques to create intricate pieces. –By Jenine Baines

16 DARK GLAMOR Pasadena’s Kate and Laura Mulleavy go goth this fall with their internationally celebrated demi-couture line, Rodarte. –By Caroline Cushing

43 YOU MUSTN’T SUFFER FOR BEAUTY Well, not all the time, anyway. At least not when you’re wearing these chic shoes designed for comfort. –By Irene Lacher

44 FANTASY DRESS UP’S HIGH ROLLERS Audrey Pittokopitis of La Cañada Flintridge’s Belle of the Ball designs formal wear for young movie stars and other girls living the princess dream. –By Brenda Rees

48 RESTYLANE TO THE RESCUE An aging novice discovers the heady world of injectable fillers. –Arlene Schindler

49 BEAUTY BITES What’s new in doctor skin-care treatments and hot makeup colors for fall –By Irene Lacher

DEPARTMENTS 7 FESTIVITIES Roy’s Pasadena’s pre-opening party for Hillsides, Olympic Send-off Gala, Action on Film Awards dinner

52 THE ART OF SCIENCE Some of the trillion bacteria in your gut may hold the key to treating inflammatory bowel disease.

53 THE LIST Hollywood directors open LA Opera’s fall season, Kori Newkirk at PMCA, the Guitar Center Drum-Off and more

56 KITCHEN CONFESSIONS When your kids decide to go green, pack them off to school with organic lunch box cookies.

58 TASTE TEST 750 ml’s founding chef and rising star get the South Pasadena bistro back on track. ABOUT THE COVER: Photo by CM Hardt (cmhardt.com)

ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 5

EDITOR’S NOTE

Higher gas prices may be impacting some aspects of the American way of life - including everyone’s God-given right to take a cross-country car trip in an SUV – but there are some things people just can’t do without, even in the face of a tough economy: food, shelter and super-premium denim. Indeed, as Jenine Baines discovered in reporting her piece on Mike Hodis’ Pasadena shop for custom jeans and other handcrafted styles, the market for triple-digit denim is alive and well, with sales of jeans costing $75 and up growing 24 percent over last year; that’s 12 times the growth rate of less-expensive denim. Chalk it up to fashion’s siren call, that irresistible urge so many of us have to wear our best selves on our sleeves — literally. Everyone — even celebrities, whose fabulosity seems so effortless — needs a few props to become his or her own walking fantasy. La Cañada Flintridge formal-wear designer Audrey Pittokopitis has dressed the Fanning sisters in silk ruffles fit for a princess for their forays onto the red carpet, and she’s keenly attuned to her young clients’ tastes, grounded as they are in the reveries of childhood. So, as Brenda Rees discovered, it’s not surprising where Pittokopitis looks for inspiration: her dreams. Pittokopitis isn’t the only Pasadena designer who knows there’s a ballerina inside nearly every girl. Laura and Kate Mulleavy explore a far edgier take on that classic fantasy for their fall 2008 Rodarte collection, showing distressed poufy skirts with ripped stockings at New York Fashion Week. Their autumn line was deemed among the industry’s top 10 by Women’s Wear Daily, and it’s spotlighted in the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum’s first exhibition on goth fashion, opening in New York this month. The two fashion world outsiders were recent UC Berkeley grads who’d studied art history and literature when they made the cover of WWD — and that was just weeks after landing in New York in 2005 to launch their demicouture label. Caroline Cushing looks at the Mulleavys’ remarkable trajectory.

Sept. 25th

— Irene Lacher

ARROYO MONTHLY EDITOR IN CHIEF Irene Lacher PRODUCTION MANAGER Yvonne Guerrero ART DIRECTOR Joel Vendette • JUNIOR DESIGNER Alex Prompongsatorn WEB DESIGNER Maricela Estrada VP OF FINANCE Michael Nagami • HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Andrea Baker STAFF WRITER Carl Kozlowski CONTRIBUTORS Karen Apostolina, Jenine Baines, Leslie Bilderback, Michael Burr, Michael Cervin, André Coleman, Steve Coulter, Caroline Cushing, Mandalit del Barco, Noela Hueso, Brenda Rees, Arlene Schindler, Kirk Silsbee, John Sollenberger COPY EDITOR John Seeley PHOTOGRAPHERS Johnny Buzzerio, C.M. Hardt ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Dina Stegon ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Fred Bankston, Dana Bonner, Hilary Chen, Elizabeth Guzman, Leslie Lamm, Rochelle Reiff, Cynthia Wagner ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Maricela Estrada, Carla Marroquin BUSINESS MANAGER Angela Wang ACCOUNTING Archie Iskaq, Tracy Lowe, Ginger Wang OFFICE ASSISTANT Emma Luna PUBLISHER Jon Guynn

CONTACT US ADVERTISING dinas@pasadenaweekly.com • EDITORIAL editor@arroyomonthly.com PHONE (626) 584-1500 • FAX (626) 795-0149 MAILING ADDRESS 50 S. De Lacey Ave., Ste. 200, Pasadena, CA 91105 www.ArroyoMonthly.com ©2008 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

6 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

FESTIVITIES

1 1

Some 450 water sports aficionados watched a diving exhibition by members of the 2008 U.S. Olympics Diving Team at the Olympic Send-off Gala at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center on July 27. The evening culminated with a fireworks display and guests rising to

Roy’s Pasadena, the

their feet to salute the athletes before

latest outpost in the

they embarked for the Beijing games.

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The event capped the 2008 Kaiser

arms with Hillsides

Permanente National Diving

for a preview party on Aug. 7, benefiting

Championships at the aquatics center,

where men and women vied for 10 titles

1. Olympians enter the exhibition area.

during six days of competition.

2. From left: former Olympian John Naber, eight-time Olympic coach Dr. Ron O’Brien and former Olympian Greg Louganis

At the closing gala, David Corless was honored as the first recipient of the Van Austin/Roland King Diving Award, which was presented by master-level diving world champion Felix Grossman. Sports commentator John Naber

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the support center for abused kids. On the eve of the restaurant’s public opening at 641 E. Colorado Blvd., founder Roy Yamaguchi joined 300 guests for the cocktail party, underwritten by Roy’s, which

3. Seated, from left: Justin Boland, Lauren Halatek, Alex Sutherland, Lindsey Hayes, JPL Director Charles Elachi and Stacey Boland. Standing: Olympian Jevon Tarantino, coach Jeff Huber, Valerie Elachi, Kristen Sutherland, Alexander Hayes and Keith Edwards.

raised $22,350 for the Pasadena charity. Guests were greeted with leis – traditional 3

orchids for women and kukui nuts for men.

served as emcee for the dinner, which was catered by the Kitchen for

Tahitian performers demonstrated traditional dances, while revelers cruised buffets of sushi, kalua

Photos provided courtesy of Outlook Newspaper

pork sliders, seared Hokkaido sea scallops and

Riboli Family Wine Estates, Maddalena

other specialities. The crowd included Hillsides

Vineyards, provided the potables.

Executive Director John Hitchcock and his wife, Ida, of Pasadena; Hillsides board chair Debbe Booth and her husband, Spike, of San Marino; 3

“Burn Notice” writer/co-executive producer Alfredo Barrios and his wife, Lisa, of Glendale; Jacob Maarse Florists’ Jacob and Clara Maarse and Hank and Ana Maarse of Sierra Madre; “The Insider” correspondent Victoria Recaño; “Jeopardy!” Clue Crew correspondent Cheryl Farrell; Ice House Comedy Club owner Bob Fisher; San Antonio Winery marketing director Steve Riboli and his wife, Sindee, of Sierra Madre; and Throop Lumber’s Jeffrey and Angel Throop of Sierra Madre.

1. Hillsides board chair Debbe Booth, Hillsides CFO John Sterner and Hillsides 95th anniversary chair Lyn Spector 2. Bill Noce, Hillsides board member Susan Noce, chef/founder Roy Yamaguchi and Hillsides board members Mary Dee Hacker and Steve Nishibayashi 3. Ida and John Hitchcock, Hillsides executive director 4. Hillsides Education Center Director Jay Bechtol with Roy’s managing partner, Chris Kadohiro

ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 7

8 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

FESTIVITIES

The 2008 Action On Film International Film Festival capped six days of screenings and parties in Old Pasadena with a black-tie awards dinner on July 31 honoring actors Michael Madsen and John Savage. Madsen (“Kill Bill,” “Sin City”)

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received the Will Rogers Legacy Award and an AOF Award before a

capacity crowd at the Twin Palms restaurant. “Some people say that the work that actors do really doesn’t matter, but I’m here to tell you that it does,” he said.

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Savage (“Deer Hunter”) accepted his award from Pasadena physician Andrew Muller, who called him “one of the greatest actors of our time.” Both 3

actors received a standing ovation. Beginning July 25, the fifth AOF film fest held screenings at Old Pasadena's

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Laemmle Theaters and hosted nightly celebrations at Gordon Biersch, the Vertical Wine Bistro, East 46 and Mojitos. Guests included George Takei, Maria Conchita Alonso and Vinnie Jones. “Pasadena was the perfect host and setting for this huge event, which displayed so much talent from around the world,” said AOF fest creator Del Weston.

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SAN GABRIEL STYLE

True Blue Fashion RISING SUN JEANS DESIGNER MIKE HODIS GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE OF PREMIUM DENIM FASHION, USING TIME-HONORED TECHNIQUES TO CREATE INTRICATE PIECES. BY JENINE BAINES

It’s like going back to two-buck Chuck after a sip of Château Lafite. After flipping through the racks at Rising Sun Jeans in Old Pasadena, browsers and shoppers alike might never again feel quite the same way about that $25 pair of denims in their closets. The rugged-looking shop is part of the ever-rising market for super-premium jeans — intricately fashioned, custom-made pieces that make even high-priced department store denim seem so, well, common. The store’s racks are also stocked with handcrafted premium denim, and designer/owner Michael Hodis understands why visitors covet the sumptuous goods that line the shop’s brick walls. “Denim’s appeal becomes more infectious by the day as I realize the complexity and the beautiful properties that the living fabric possesses,” says Hodis, 40. “Living” fabric deserves personal attention, not a factory assembly line, he says, so in the workroom behind the shop, two tailors – Julio Barrios and Belar Valladares – each make just three pairs of jeans per day, working on century-old industrial Singer sewing machines. Hodis opened the doors to the shop at 107 South Fair Oaks Ave. in June to craft jeans using time-honored techniques. Even the store’s name signals his reverence for America’s past: When the Declaration of Independence was signed, Benjamin Franklin jubilantly announced that the half sun painted on the back of George Washington’s chair was “the rising sun” of the new American nation. Two centuries later, Hodis – whose family moved to Los Angeles from Romania when he was 13 years old — has declared his own independence from mass production. “Our goal is to resurrect traditional manufacturing methods from the 1920s and ’30s by using period-correct equipment and techniques,” he says. His line of clothing for men and women includes denim jeans, jackets, skirts and work shirts as well as non-denim items like T-shirts, herringbone twill drivers’ caps and World War II military-style pants, jackets and mechanic caps. The designer’s quest for authenticity begins long before his tailors sit down at their Singers. The designer orders denim from Cone Denim in White Oak, North Carolina, the oldest working denim mill still in existence. Denim is woven from organic cotton on vintage fly-shuttle looms – just as it was when Levi Strauss first became a customer in 1912. Flyshuttle looms differ from modern looms in that they weave fabric with one continuous cross thread – called the weft – that is passed back and forth down the length of the bolt. As the weft loops back into the edge of the denim, it creates a “self-edge” or selvage, a clean natural edge that does not unravel or fray. As anyone who walks through a higher-end store or clicks “selvage” on Google will discover, selvage jeans are high on most jeans aficionados’ wish lists. The key to spotting a selvage pair is to turn up the cuff. The two selvage edges –

Rising Sun designer/owner Mike Hodis

—CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 11

SAN GABRIEL STYLE

“CRAFTSMANSHIP RUNS IN THE FAMILY. MY FATHER IS AN INCREDIBLE CARPENTER, MY BROTHERS WORK WITH STONE AND MARBLE, AND MY SISTER IS ALSO A DENIM DESIGNER. I GUESS YOU CAN SAY THE APPLE DOESN’T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE.” —CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

where the denim is sewn together – will be apparent, especially since they’re usually stitched with a colored thread that becomes part of the design. Rising Sun’s standard jeans, which are made with organic cotton, sport a thick green line. Other pairs at the shop – some organic, some not – feature blue, red or white stitching. Currently, only men’s jeans at Rising Sun Jeans are selvage, although the shop plans to develop selvage jeans for women soon. “Women’s selvage takes a lot more technique and finesse because, traditionally, selvage is an A-line cut, and a women’s jean pattern tends to have more curve through the knees to the hip,” says assistant designer Karolann Bergman. What Rising Sun Jeans won’t be producing is jeans in a variety of colors. Denim is available only in the deep, dark indigo from what Bergman calls “denim’s golden era” – the turn of the 20th century through the 1950s. Yet here, Hodis has had to compromise. While Hodis’ supplier, Cone Denim, feeds cotton yarn through vats of indigo dye multiple times – with breaks in between each dipping to allow the dye time to oxidize and create an authentic indigo blue – the indigo itself is not natural. “There is very little natural indigo still being used around the world,” Hodis says. “Most of our product is pure indigo. Pure is different from natural in that it is synthetic, but it’s the shade closest in color to the real thing.” Authenticity and hand stitching do not come cheap. In ready-to-wear, prices range from $150 for a pair of women’s cropped jeans to $500 for men’s 12 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

selvage. The denim industry’s newest trend, bespoke jeans (or custom jeans) start at $700 and go up from there. The term is derived from 18th century tailoring, when aristocratic patrons of London’s Savile Row would ask for, or “bespeak,” a measure of cloth. Once you bespoke it, it was yours and yours alone until your suit was completed. “But here’s the fun part,” says Bergman. “For something to be truly bespoke, the pattern is made especially for the client. This is different from made-to-measure, where you alter an already existing pattern.” Rising Sun Jeans, Bergman adds, offers both options. But in a glum economy, are bespoke jeans destined to become the pet rock of the denim industry? “We’re feeling the impact, but we’re confident that, as long as quality is our main ingredient and we don’t react to the economic environment by cutting corners, our clients will continue to invest in a pair of Rising Sun jeans,” says Hodis. A recent study by BIGresearch supports Hodis’ confidence in the $200 billion denim industry. Although 39% of 7,500 adults polled earlier this year said higher gas prices have led them to spend less on clothing, the market for premium jeans is not only growing but growing at a faster rate than the market for lower-priced denim. NPD Fashion World’s AccuPanel Data reveals that purchases of jeans that cost more than $75 have increased 24 percent over 2007, while purchases of less expensive jeans are up only 2 percent. “The denim industry is still one of the few rising stars in a tough economy,” NPD group retail analyst Marshal Cohen concluded.

The industry has clearly changed dramatically since 1873, when young German immigrant Levi Strauss developed ultra-durable work pants for miners prospecting in the hills of Northern California and sold his “Levis” for $1.85. Yet a visit to Rising Sun Jeans will bring back those days. Vintage denim pieces from Hodis’ personal collection — featuring iconic labels like Levi Strauss, Lee, Wrangler and Buckaroos from 1910 through the 1950s — are on display throughout the shop and workroom. Interspersed among them are hand-embellished punk-rock vests from the ’80s, hunting and military gear and a bright red 1934 Indian Sport Scout motorcycle. “You can understand why people sometimes have the misconception that we’re a vintage store,” says Bergman. “What we are is vintage-inspired.” Even the store itself is vintage-inspired. Before he hung a single pair of jeans along the walls, Hodis spent two years “handcrafting” the shop’s interior. It took that long because Hodis and his crew of two – his father and brother – did virtually all the work themselves, from cutting leather tiles for the floor and hand-distressing the tin ceiling to installing vintage display cases. “The shop was a labor of love and a family effort,” says Hodis, who “landed in the jeans industry by chance” after a job at B.U.M. Blues led to a 10-year stint as a designer for Lucky Brand Jeans. “Craftsmanship runs in the family. My father is an incredible carpenter, my brothers work with stone and marble, and my sister is also a denim designer. I guess you can say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” AM ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 13

SAN GABRIEL STYLE

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SAN GABRIEL STYLE

Dark Glamor PASADENA’S KATE AND LAURA MULLEAVY GO GOTH THIS FALL WITH THEIR INTERNATIONALLY CELEBRATED DEMI-COUTURE LINE, RODARTE. BY CAROLINE CUSHING

Pasadena may not leap to mind as the probable base for any of the designers on Women’s Wear Daily’s list of top 10 collections for fall 2008. It’s just, well, too far away in both miles and mindset from New York’s Seventh Avenue, to which all roads lead in American fashion. And yet, two sisters considered among international fashion’s hottest talents share both instincts and a guest house a little west of Caltech. The proximity isn’t a coincidence. The cottage sits on property owned by their grandmother, a former opera singer whose husband was an engineer on the Manhattan Project. Laura and Kate Mulleavy — the dark-haired designers behind the fouryear-old label Rodarte — may be the ultimate fashion outsiders, a fact that has paradoxically contributed to their recent huge success. The UC Berkeley grads (Laura, 28, studied English and Kate, 29, art history) grew up making their own clothes, but they never received formal training in fashion design. Rather than surf the style zeitgeist, the Mulleavys have found their inspiration in sources as disparate as a Thomas Gainsborough painting at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, Kabuki theater, Asian horror films and the alternative rock band White Stripes. Their fresh, exquisitely handsewn designs are sophisticated, even painterly, and they embrace all sorts of contradictions: They’re romantic yet edgy, both raw and refined, and intellectual in a way that has both enchanted and perplexed a fashion world unused to designers so apparently oblivious to the rules of commerce. Oddly, the Mulleavys’ early naiveté served them well. Bereft of connections, they grabbed the lapels of fashion editors by sending them 30 handmade paper dolls, each equipped with a paper armoire packed with seven paper Rodarte dresses. They’re “genius and quirky, not city slickers but real independent artists,” says supporter and Decades boutique owner Cameron Silver, himself a fashion/arts hybrid and former cabaret singer. Rodarte’s fall 2008 collection, inspired by Japanese horror films, included “slasher” dresses in black, white and blood red over coarsely knit, spiderweb stockings and S&M-inspired heels by their admirer Christian Laboutin. Editors applauded the loose, colorful knits, shimmering fabrics and punk ballerina cocktail dresses. “The duo have turned the idea of dip-dyeing and painterly layers, on nests of mohair as much as silken fabrics, into an art form,” fashion veteran Suzy Menkes wrote in the International Herald Tribune. “There is a singular vision that is both romantic and edgy...Rodarte expresses all kinds of yearnings threading through current fashion: the search for individuality; a passion for craft; a longing for the unique; an urge to find clothes touched by human hands.” 16 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

British musician Natasha Khan, a.k.a. Bat for Lashes, texted the New York Times after the runway show: “It was my first Rodarte show and it reminded me of a Kubrick film – really eerie, bewitching. The models looked like Technicolor zombie ballerinas.” The Mulleavys are featured in a two-page photospread in Vanity Fair’s current style isssue, ordaining “the rising stars of American fashion.” And a long black, white and blood-colored dress from the fall line is already in the collection of the Museum at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, included in its “Gothic: Dark Glamor” exhibition, opening Sept. 22. “The Mulleavy girls are the most exciting new fashion designers to emerge in America,” says Valerie Steele, the museum’s director and chief curator. “Their last show in particular was brilliant. The clothes have a delicate, deconstructed quality. It’s delicate magical fashion, girlie in the best sense. The use of red dye was fabulous – blood and water images, a very labor-intensive watery effect dyed by hand. This season, they did light, airy, cobwebby knit sweaters. The stockings are divine – and almost $1,000 — so lacy, fierce and gothic.” When Steele gave them a tour of FIT’s archive, she was struck by what seemed to make the designers tick. “They really love the craft of fashion, not trends and marketing,” she says. “These girls are very sincere, not fashionista types, very smart in blue jeans and T-shirts. They got into fashion early, sketching and discussing it. They act like twins and have a secret language and passion for fashion from childhood.” The daughters of a botanist specializing in fungal genetics and his artistic wife – she later hand-crafted Peruvian skull necklaces for the label — the Mulleavy sisters grew up in Northern California, where the natural landscape influenced their aesthetic early on. They later told the New York Times that they considered the quintessential style icon to have been Charis Wilson, photographer Edward Weston’s second wife and muse. “Laura and I have always been obsessed with the idea of an untamed, romantic California, and she is the perfect example,” Kate said.

Rodarte’s Japanese-horrorfilm-inspired ready-to-wear collection for fall 2008 at New York Fashion Week. Photos by Gregorio Binuya

—CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 17

SAN GABRIEL STYLE

Dark Glamor PASADENA’S KATE AND LAURA MULLEAVY GO GOTH THIS FALL WITH THEIR INTERNATIONALLY CELEBRATED DEMI-COUTURE LINE, RODARTE. BY CAROLINE CUSHING

Rodarte’s Japanese-horrorfilm-inspired ready-to-wear collection for fall 2008 at New York Fashion Week. Photos by Gregorio Binuya

—CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 17

SAN GABRIEL STYLE

—CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

The family moved to Pasadena when the girls were teens, and they returned to their grandmother’s property after Berkeley. There – and later, at their studio near Staples Center – they sketched and talked and whipped up their obsessively detailed creations. Laura explained their process in an interview for the website of the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation, which awarded them an emerging designers grant of $25,000 toward their fall 2006 New York runway show. “We cut all of our garments by hand with a pair of pinking shears so that each edge is pinked,” she said. “The result is a detail that is meticulously finished and yet light and ephemeral. All of our pieces are handsewn and we do all of our own beading, pleating, feather work and embroidery. Overall, our collections are conceptual, so we realize the importance of bringing a vision to life in a thorough manner...In the end, everything matters: texture, color, location, makeup, hair, lighting, but most of all, it’s all about the work itself.” In 2005, when the Mulleavys were still unknown, Silver helped them connect the dots between Nowheresville and New York Fashion Week. “I met Kate and Laura after they mailed me a lovely package with pictures and sketches and a cover letter asking if they could show me their collection,” says the high priest of L.A. fashion. “It was such a kind and flattering letter that I was intrigued. They were looking for advice and guidance. They showed me what I believe was seven or 11 pieces, and I was immediately impressed.” Silver let the sisters use his high-end vintage boutique on Melrose Avenue to show their designs to Vogue’s Anna Wintour, and within weeks of landing in New York that spring with 10 pieces, they’d become “It” girls: The Mulleavys scored a WWD cover and features in the New York Times, Vogue, Elle, W and the Washington Post, as well as orders from New York’s Barneys and Kirna Zabête. Laura tantalizingly told reporters that the spring 2006 collection, the sisters’ first to be unveiled at New York Fashion Week, was inspired by “memories of winter,” including a 1973 photo of their parents’ snow-covered car in Death Valley. Rodarte’s stunning debut was quickly followed by the inevitable backlash. Some fashion editors complained that their work was too commercial – others, that it wasn’t commercial enough. In February 2007, the New York Times’ Cathy Horyn declared their spring collection “strange.” Robin Givhan of the Washington Post snipped, “The Rodarte collection needs maturity and better technique.” The Mulleavys haven’t seemed too worried about such criticism, at least not enough to stop pursuing their own muse (perhaps aided by Pasadena’s distance from the pressures of Seventh Avenue). Sometimes derided as frumpy by the press, the sisters don’t wear their scene-stealing clothes and often appear in public dressed entirely in black. And despite their proximity to Hollywood, they don’t get swept up in the fashion industry’s red-carpet frenzy, preferring to vet the few intelligent beauties who get to borrow their clothes – women like Cate Blanchett, Keira Knightly and Natalie Portman, who wore Rodarte to “The Other Boleyn Girl” premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February. The Mulleavys may not wear Rodarte themselves but, consistent with their paradoxical view of the 18 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

From left: Kate and Laura Mulleavy flanking a model wearing one of their limited-edition designs for the Gap in an image from the clothing giant’s April 2007 ad campaign. Above and near left: Blood red was an important color in the fall collection. Fashion photos by Gregorio Binuya. Rodarte photo by PRNewsFoto/GAP INC.

world, Kate told Vogue that they are nonetheless their own muses. “In some ways, I do feel like we design these dresses for ourselves, because they come from our imagination,” she said. “And we always kinda live in our imagination.” Rodarte is carried by 30 high-end stores worldwide, including Colette in Paris, where Karl Lagerfeld famously scooped up a sample garment. By early August, the fall collection was virtually sold out in Los Angeles, with Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills offering a mere four pieces – filmy blouses with matching silk skirts. (The line is also carried here by Barneys, Beverly Hills, and three Los Angeles shops: Ron Herman, Opening Ceremony and Presse Boutique.) That’s, of course, a function of their popularity, but it also stems from self-imposed limitations. The Mulleavys fulfill orders with the help of only a patternmaker, a sewer and a staff of interns, far fewer hands than a couture house would be able to call on. And Cameron Silver wonders whether their fierce independent vision is laying the groundwork for a viable longterm business plan: “Will this phenomenon turn into a [going concern with sufficient volume] or just be collectibles?” But Vogue’s West Coast editor, Lisa Love, an early fan of their work and a collector, sees a bright future for the sisters’ brand of demi-couture (extravagantly made ready-to-wear). “I know they are wanted for couture in Europe,” she says. “If they leave, it will be a great loss for L.A.” AM

ART, ANTIQU ES & JEWELRY

José Vera Fine Art & Antiques Come visit José Vera Fine Art & Antiques and peruse their collection of unique architectural pieces (check ou the gargoyles, fountains and infamous “Eagle” of Eagle Rock), their vast art collection and services including custom ironwork and custom framing! José Vera is pleased to present an exhibition featuring artwork by established Chicano artist David Flury and emerging artist Miguel Felipe, from Saturday, August 9th to Friday, September 5th. The opening reception is Saturday, August 9th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (NELAArt Walk Night). 2012 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles (Eagle Rock). Call (323) 258 – 5050 or visit www.joseveragallery.com

Single Stone Single Stone on Mission Street offers fine vintage and contemporary jewelry in a jewel box setting. Blending old time glamour and modern sophistication Single Stone carries a wonderful array of rings, eternity bands, earrings and pendants featuring diamonds and semi precious stones. Single Stone on Mission Street is proud to showcase such prominent designers as Gurhan, Pomellato, Monica Rich Kosan, Julie Baker, Arunashi and many more. Custom design is available to create your own signature piece. 2527 Mission Street, San Marino, CA 91108 t.626.799.3109 or 607 South Hill Street, Suite 204, Los Angeles CA 90014 t.213.892.0772. www.singlestone.com ADVERTISEMENT

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everything from top-notch bridal gowns and wedding décor at Mary Linn’s Bridal Boutique to creative hairstylists eager to give you the latest and greatest ‘dos at Tangles Salon. Those looking for fine fashion can also choose among the must have clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories for the woman who wants to look classy and stylish but not to be a slave to trendy fads at Flutter, and the red-hot, custom-made jeans available to order at Rising Sun Jeans.

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hen most shoppers think of Old Pasadena, their minds likely turn to Colorado Boulevard and its vibrant array of top-name local and national shops and restaurants. Yet just one block south lies a treelined street of other fine establishments that offer great goods and fine dining with only a fraction of the traffic congestion and sidewalk crowding.

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Head into the Sofa Company, where a new location offering the latest and greatest in super-plush home furnishings will soon open, adding to a popular chain that’s growing across Southern California. Sassan is also coming, bringing high-style women’s fashions and bringing some razzle-dazzle to a long-dormant former garage. Once you’re done with all that shopping and walking, there’s some terrific places to unwind as well. The popular Daily Grind chain of coffee shops is about to open at the corner of Green and DeLacey, offering some much-

needed competition to the longtime caffeine outposts like Starbucks and the Coffee Bean. For lunch, you can relax amid the cozy splendor of the Scarlet Tea Room’s delectable array of international teas and sandwiches, and you can enjoy a tasty mix of steaks and sushi at the Dena House (which is also home to Old Pasadena’s best dining happy hour). Close out your evening by dropping in at the snazzy Red White & Bluezz jazz club for a night of great music and hearty eating. Food, fashion and fun – the three key words to a truly fantastic Green Street experience!

Dena a House It’s all about you Fine Dining & Full Sushi Bar 145 W. Green St. Pasadena 626.792.2948 www.tanglespasadena.com

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YOUR SHOPPING AND DINING DESTINATION

• EVE OF MILADY • JIM HJELM • ST. PUCCHI • PRONOVIAS • CHRISTOS• ANNE BARGE • AMALIA CARRARA .... AND MANY MORE.

In other words, it’s time to expand your buying and dining horizons.

Old Town Pasadena • 626.585.8200

Green Street and its adjoining side streets of DeLacey, Fair Oaks and Raymond offer

Ready to design your hip new condo or shake off the doldrums in your long-time home?

Top Designer Bridal Gowns By:

Appointments are recommended • www.MaryLinn.com

Dena a House It’s all about you Fine Dining & Full Sushi Bar 145 W. Green St. Pasadena 626.792.2948 www.tanglespasadena.com

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Health Beauty Aesthetic Advantage was founded by a female surgeon whose goal was to provide cutting edge cosmetic procedures aimed at providing celebrity results to everyday people. The company philosophy includes providing stellar results, in a warm friendly environment, at reasonable prices. Banik Chiropractic - Isn’t some back pain normal? Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn’t right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended the problem can slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve. Spinal joints that aren’t moving right can choke or irritate nearby nerves. Chiropractic adjustments add motion to these stuck joints, reducing nervous system disruption. Then, health can return. Newborns, pregnant women, seniors and even back surgery patients can get adjusted. All adjustments are tailored to your size, age and particular health issue. Consult Dr. Banik today to see if you’re a candidate for chiropractic care. Dr. Marilyn Mehlmauer - Having smooth, youthful skin is the first step to feeling great about your appearance. Dr. Marilyn Mehlmauer offers a wide variety of solutions for any problem areas on your face. Whether you have lines, wrinkles, or acne, we have a remedy —CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

VOTED BEST DOCTOR IN PASADENA 2008 Shunpei Iwata, M.D.

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Health Beauty

wellness. The condition of good physical and mental health, especially when maintained by proper diet, exercise, and habits.

Banik Chiropractic - Isn’t some back pain normal? Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn’t right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended the problem can slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve. Spinal joints that aren’t moving right can choke or irritate nearby nerves. Chiropractic adjustments add motion to these stuck joints, reducing nervous system disruption. Then, health can return. Newborns, pregnant women, seniors and even back surgery patients can get adjusted. All adjustments are tailored to your size, age and particular health issue. Consult Dr. Banik today to see if you’re a candidate for chiropractic care. Dr. Marilyn Mehlmauer - Having smooth, youthful skin is the first step to feeling great about your appearance. Dr. Marilyn Mehlmauer offers a wide variety of solutions for any problem areas on your face. Whether you have lines, wrinkles, or acne, we have a remedy

1151 El Centro Street | Suite A South Pasadena, CA 91030 banikchiropractic.com

—CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

VOTED BEST DOCTOR IN PASADENA 2008 Shunpei Iwata, M.D.

VOTED BEST DERMATOLOGIST Pasadena Weekly Reader Poll 2007 Marilyn n A.. Mehlmauer,, M.D.

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10 CONGRESS ST

STE. 320

PASADENA

CA A

91105 D

T ARROYO ~ MARCH 2008 ~ 25

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to restore the elasticity and refine the appearance of your skin. Visit us and explore our facial rejuvenation treatment options. Call and schedule your consultation today. (626) 585-9474. At Elements Total Health Center we believe that, 'holistic care is about more than just making your pain and illness disappear. It is about understanding and taking care of your body to improve your quality of life.' We tailor a specific plan of treatment to match your body's needs. Our goal is not only to eliminate your stress and pain but to give you the tools and help to attain your ideal health. We'll help you to take back your life. Dr. James Kazandjian D.C., L.Ac. specializes in the treatment of chronic neck and low back pain. He uses advanced Medical Technology called Spinal Decompression for disc herniations and spinal stenosis. Call our center today to make an appointment (626) 441 – 1888.

We Buy GOLD DIAMONDS & WATCHES Bring Your Old Jewelry to Us and Our Designer Will Turn It Into a Beautiful Piece of Jewelry

PRINCE

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• 1 hour Flow Massage • 1 hour Roots Massage • Acupuncture • Chiropractic Call now to reserve your appointment. (626) 441 – 1888 ELEMENTS TOTAL HEALTH CENTER Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage 1605 Hope St. Ste. 350 South Pasadena, CA 91030

(in the white brick building, next to Gus’s BBQ)

Original Jewelry Designs Since 1983

411 E. Huntington Dr. #111 Arcadia (626) 455 - 5229

HRS: Tues. - Sat. 10a.m. - 6p.m.

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elementstotalhealth.com A

ARROYO

HOME&DESIGN

ABOUT SNYDER DIAMOND A Pasadena favorite since 1975, Snyder Diamond has recently relocated, opening a stunning 17,000 sq. ft. showroom in the historic former Thomasville building, across from the new Whole Foods Market. The Tudor Revival structure was built as a laundry plant in 1922 by Arnold J. Bertonneau, also recognized as the father of the "East-West Football Game" held on New Year's Day. Today, the building is home to the very latest in built-in appliances, decorative plumbing and fine hardware, all showcased amidst the original brick architecture, expansive ceilings and abundant natural light. You'll also find a traditional parts counter, with all the parts and expert advice you need to solve any day-to-day plumbing problems. The new showroom also features The Living Kitchen, California’s first store-within-astore concept created exclusively by Sub-Zero and Wolf. Here you'll experience the most complete selection of products, ideas and inspiration, from these two kitchen soul mates.

ABOUT THE COVER PROPERTY NAME: Snyder Diamond 432 South Arroyo Parkway (at Bellevue) Pasadena, CA 91105 626.795.8080

Whether you’re looking to replace an appliance, remodel an outdated powder room, create your own personal spa retreat, or build your dream home, this independent, family run store is your trusted neighborhood resource for kitchen and bath.

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Modern Lighting QUALITY • SINCE • 1946

Largest Lighting Selection in the San Gabriel Valley 28 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

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HOME&DESIGN Arcadia Pool Construction Your swimming pool should be a work of Art. We have the experience and expertise to create what you can only imagine. Arcadia Pool Construction specializes in the latest state-of-the-art pool equipment, custom masonry, and building materials designed to add beauty to your home and lifestyle. Give us a call at (626) 447-8181 or visit www.arcadiapoolz.com to create your perfect haven of relaxation.

FERGUSON BATH & KITCHEN GALLERY IS YOUR ONE STOP SHOP - FROM UNDERGROUND TO FINISH Ferguson Bath & Kitchen serving Pasadena and surrounding communities for over 15 years takes pride in providing our customers with a huge selection of quality lines that include Kohler, Kallista and Rohl.

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Visit Our Showroom Today! 157 Vista Ave, Pasadena

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Bridge Design Studios Downsize Today - Too much space in your empty nest? It’s great to have a spacious house when the kids are growing up and need room to roam, but now that they’ve moved out and into the real world, it’s time for you relax and enjoy yourself. And that means looking for a lovely new place that won’t overwhelm you with its size and need for upkeep. ASID Golden Key Award Winner, Diane Bedford is the perfect person to help you make the transition into a more reasonably sized, but no less fabulous, home. That’s because she’s developed a sterling reputation for decorating countless classic interiors in the past 20 years as the head of Bridge Design Studio. Now Diane is ready to help you redesign your life to fit a smaller space without sacrificing luxury or comfort through her new venture, Downsize Today. Visit her new website at www.downsizetoday.com and see how reducing your space doesn’t have to limit your lifestyle. 1030 E. Green St. Suite 104, Pasadena – 626.799.9019 Brodie Electric ,Inc Believes that the design process for your home, be it interior or landscaping, should not end when the last piece of furniture is put into place or the last tree planted. Lighting is such an important and integral part of the design process but it is often neglected. Paul Brodie, owner and founder of Brodie Electric, Inc and his team, through their extensive knowledge of lighting products and current design trends, specialize in creating perfectly lit environments throughout your home. Brodie Electric is not just an ordinary electrical contractor focused on getting the job done as quickly as possible but a team of professionals who truly take pride in their work and stand behind that work 100 percent. For more information or to schedule your own personal consultation, please visit them at www.brodieelectric.com or call (661) 294-5001. —CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

30 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

| ADVERTISEMENT |

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ARROYO

HOME&DESIGN Arcadia Pool Construction Your swimming pool should be a work of Art. We have the experience and expertise to create what you can only imagine. Arcadia Pool Construction specializes in the latest state-of-the-art pool equipment, custom masonry, and building materials designed to add beauty to your home and lifestyle. Give us a call at (626) 4478181 or visit www.arcadiapoolz.com to create your perfect haven of relaxation.

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Bridge Design Studios Has Moved! The new address to your new dream home is 1030 E. Green St. There you will find owner and senior designer Dianne Bennett Bedford, who brings her extensive knowledge of the design industry to all her projects from commercial to high-end residential. Having traveled and studied in Europe and Asia, Diane is intimate with antiques, Persian rugs and various styles of furniture, from the traditional to the very contemporary. She prides herself on versatility, and attention to detail. With her practiced eye she is able to create unique and individual environments. She?s equally at ease designing a whimsical children?s room, a modern mixed environment, and even the most sophisticated, serene settings. Her design philosophy is “every home should reflect the tastes of the owner.”626-799-9019. 1030 E. Green St. Pasadena. Brodie Electric ,Inc Believes that the design process for your home, be it interior or landscaping, should not end when the last piece of furniture is put into place or the last tree planted. Lighting is such an important and integral part of the design process but it is often neglected. Paul Brodie, owner and founder of Brodie Electric, Inc and his team, through their extensive knowledge of lighting products and current design trends, specialize in creating perfectly lit environments throughout your home. Brodie Electric is not just an ordinary electrical contractor focused on getting the job done as quickly as possible but a team of professionals who truly take pride in their work and stand behind that work 100 percent. For more information or to schedule your own personal consultation, please visit them at www.brodieelectric.com or call (661) 294-5001. —CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

30 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

| ADVERTISEMENT |

2008 Golden Key Award Recipient for Outstanding Design

—CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

Carol Cobabe Design, For the past two decades, Carol Cobabe has been designing a rich array of stunning yet tasteful interiors for Pasadena’s finest homeowners by focusing on her philosophy of “good design resulting in the creation of harmony in one’s environment.” Now her disciplined usage of the basic elements of space, color, texture, light and nature to establish a unique style for each client has been rewarded with the prestigious 2008 Golden Key Award from the Pasadena Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Added to her coveted First Place Award of the L.A. Chapter of ASID, the honor spotlights the importance she places on the balance between quality work and reasonable fees. “The budget is always the most important thing with any project. I always come in on budget,” explains Cobabe. “The responsibility of spending your client’s money is always a daunting task, and I take that responsibility seriously.” If you’d like to discover the magic Cobabe can bring to your home while also experiencing the magical feeling she’ll leave in your wallet, call Carol Cobabe Design at (626) 441-6052. Carousel Floors, This family-owned, 38-year-old company provides a superb selection along with remarkable service. For hardwood, select from all the top names, $75 charge after the second revisionFloors, pre-finished or finished by expert craftsman. including Appalachian Hardwood For linoleum, Marmoleum is a natural, eco-friendly, stylish flooring with multiple patterns. Carousel is a Mohawk Color Center, carrying Fabrica, Karastan, Masland and Schumacher to name a few. Free consultations; designers welcome. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat.; or by appointment. 676 E. Green St., Pasadena. Call (626) 795-8085. Carson-Magness Landscaping, From the overall exterior vision to the implementation and construction, this magnificent team makes a name for itself with its handcrafted, hands-on detailed approach. Complete exterior design services include horti-

culture to structures, such as pergolas, loggias, outdoor kitchens, pool house, bar and bath and even outdoor furnishings! In the spirit of being commissioned to create a piece of artwork, Melissa Carson, Barry Magness and their team bring their rich and varied backgrounds in painting, sculpture, water design and lighting to each one-of-akind project. Barry specializes in the lusty organic with walkways, walls and original water features of metal, glass, wood and fire. The clean, understated elegance of Melissa?s artistic studies reflect her brilliantly placed foliage, flowers and trees for the deepest and most subtle impact. Together they create the most extraordinary masterpieces of mystery and romance. Barry Magness and Melissa Carson were selected as designer advisers at the 2006 Pasadena Showcase House of the Arts. For more information call (818) 241-2128, or visit www.carson-magness.com. Craypo’s Pool & Spa, We have been in the swimming pool business for more than 16 years. We understand all phases of construction and maintenance. We also understand that your yard is an extension of yourself and we will treat your project with the dedication and attention to detail you deserve. Call our office , (626) 3556145 , to make an appointment. We look forward to making your backyard your own private oasis! Crystal Clear Pool & Spa, Inc. Craftsmanship is a Skill...Since 1995 this family owned business specializes in high-end one of a kind custom swimming pool design and construction. Kevin Bauer, owner, has the interests of each customer in mind throughout the entire design and construction process. We go to great lengths to make sure we understand exactly what you want. Our commitment to quality is evident in the craftsmanship of our work. We want our customers to feel comfortable. Contact us today for more information 626-446-0592. Let us build your backyard dreams.

Decorating services •Window treatments •Floor coverings •Upholstered furniture Kitchen Design • Bath Design

Carol Cobabe

ALLIED MEMBER ASID

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—CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

ASID Golden Key Award Winning B R I D G E design studio Announces their new specialty service

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Cynthia Bennett and Associates This celebrated designer and general contractor, along with her staff of 11 designers, architects and project managers, have created some of the most beautiful spaces in the San Gabriel Valley. The term “Full Service” does not give them enough credit. They will take any project from concept, plans, lighting, construction through furnishings and accessories, using the best materials, and an exacting eye for detail. The design and build focus of Cynthia Bennett?s team is the iconic Southern California lifestyle of light, open spaces, accessible patios, garden areas, and kitchen great rooms. Using modern Green Design products and techniques, this 28 year old design firm provides clients with unsurpassed service and quality. 501 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena. (626) 799-9701.

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Day of Design With Terri Julio “My mission is to offer more people an opportunity to consult with a professional designer and afford them a service that fits into their budget.” Those words capture Terri Julio’s practical and thoughtful approach to her profession. A full day of design consultation (six hours for one flat fee) is a great way to begin any project. The job will run smoothly, and, most importantly, Terri will help you avoid costly mistakes. Terri’s philosophy also extends to “putting the client’s wants first.” She simply guides those desires to a beautiful conclusion. Call (626) 447-5370. Euro-Chic Living, Inc. is a family owned interior design company specializing in creating custom upholstered sofas, sectionals, chairs, ottomans, chaise lounges, andheadboards; as well as in providing a full range of interior design services for the modern home. With over 10 years of experience in furniture and interior design, our company prides itself on making durable, quality products. With hundreds of possible sofa styles and dimensions, thousands of fabrics and a variety of cushion fills, your sofa, sectional or chair can be made to fit your unique style, taste and budget. EuroChic Living, Inc. offers a full range of services, including window treatments, color —CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Cynthia Bennett & Associates, Inc.

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HISTORIC LIGHTING SPANISH REVIVAL AND CALIFORNIA RANCHO LIGHTING AND FURNITURE —CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

selection, decorating, space planning and design, wall treatments, lighting and home staging. Our interior designers will be happy to answer all your questions and help you pick out the perfect solution to match your and your family's lifestyle. Are you ready to live your life the Euro-Chic way? Visit our showroom at 762 E. Colorado Blvd. in Old Pasadena or call us at 626-796-1660. Ferguson Bath & Kitchen, Make sure to visit the Pasadena Ferguson showroom which has been serving Pasadena for 15 years. Let Ferguson showroom staff, Sarah and Antaya helps you with your appliances, sinks, faucets, tools, accessories, environmentally safe tankless water heaters, and commercial and residential lighting needs. Ferguson Pasadena is your one stop shop from underground, to finish. Ferguson Pasadena is small, but flexible. Visit www.ferguson.com or call (626) 7959551.

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et and in a timely manner. Gary Sewell Jr., aka Gar, President of Garocco, Inc., is an award-winning designer and lead developer of all projects. Gar believes there are three key elements to client satisfaction. First and foremost is communication from design to completion. Second, all projects are guaranteed to be completed on time. Finally, all new pools are serviced for the first year, free, to ensure your complete satisfaction. Additionally, we offer a cash rebate of up to $1000.00 for your old pool equipment when you upgrade to our new ecoEquipment, putting cash in your pocket. Utilizing our 100% financing OAC, your monthly payment can actually be LESS than you would be SAVING in energy costs. For more information regarding Garocco, Inc. and our services, please visit www.garoccoPOOLS.com or call 866.GAROCCO. Gerald Sowell Interior Design, is a full-service residential interior design company that has been working throughout the Los Angeles Basin for the last 30 years. We specialize in traditional and transitional interiors, defying trends and giving each client?s home a fresh new look perfect for family and entertaining. (323) 461-2271

Garden View Landscaping, Nursery, Pools Specializing in landscaping, nurseries and pools, Garden View Inc. can take you from a design idea or concept to a fully finished, detail-oriented garden. Garden View & their clientele are recipients of 60 awards from the California Landscape Contractors Association. Complete & integrated outdoor construction, nursery & maintenance. The intent of the company is to provide high-quality interrelated outdoor services. The synergy between having their own designer/project managers, in-house crews, their own large nursery, and being a licensed pool builder ‹ coupled with Mark’s almost daily job visits provides for efficiency, competitive pricing, quality & schedule control. (626) 303-4043

Historic Lighting, Our long dedication to the Arts & Crafts revival has been inspired by the original Craftsman movement centered in the Pasadena area. Our showroom blends quality production home furnishings with representation of individual artisans. Our close relationships with noted local craftsmen allow us to offer individual pieces not readily available elsewhere. Lighting and interior design services are available. Working from architectural plans and photographs or actual site visits, we can assist clients with their Craftsman and Bungalow-style projects, both old and new. Historic Lighting is located at 114 E. Lemon Ave., Old Town Monrovia, (626) 303-4899.

Garocco, Inc. Pool and Landscapes With over three generations of experience, the Sewell family has been designing, building and remodeling custom pools and landscapes totaling over 5000 projects. This can assure you the job will be done on budg-

Home Matters Style, comfort and warmth are always considered at Home Matters. We feature tasteful and unique furnishings that reflect your elegant yet casual lifestyle. Featuring living room, dining room and bedroom furniture for both traditional and eclec—CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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tic tastes. Thinking about a new entertainment center on which to place that flat screen? Home Matters specializes in creating custom-made entertainment consoles to fit your every need! Beautiful selection of wrought-iron pieces and accessories, as well as a wide selection of slipcover sofas. We offer in-home consultations. No interest financing. Come see us today. Home Matters, 45 E. Foothill Blvd, Arcadia. (626) 574-0433 Judy Taylor Interior Design, Inc. is a full service professional interior design firm. The firm addresses each client project with personal consideration. All phases of the

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approved plans are integrated and implemented with the highest professional standards of quality and workmanship. Our goal is to reflect our client?s personal lifestyle and creatively design and integrate the plan to fit the existing architecture of the home. We take the project in the scope of needed including interior design, remodeling or total construction including Kitchens and Baths to full completion and installation. Experience counts-take advantage of twenty years of experience and Professional Qualifications. Member of the American Society of Interior Designers and certified by the California Council for Interior Design Certification.

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Kitchen Tune-Up, is one-stop shopping if you?re looking to change your kitchen a little or a lot. A Tune-Up is a process in which we refurbish existing wood cabinets to look as close to new as possible. We also offer refacing, custom cabinets, bathroom vanities and cabinets as well as home entertainment centers and closets. We have a wide selection of the most popular countertops, including Livingstone, Corian, Caesarstone and Silestone. If you like your existing layout but want some changes, we can add pullout drawers, spice cabinets and roll-out trash drawers, even that island you?ve been dreaming about. We can help change your kitchen and bath as simply or dramatically as you like and have in-house designers who can help transform your vision into reality. So if your kitchen?s in need of a Tune-Up or it?s time for new cabinets or a remodel we can help you every step of the way. We are Steve and Megan Morelock. We are Kitchen Tune-Up. Please call for a complimentary consultation at (626) 533-4402. Outside Door Collection Teak Warehouse Where you can view thousands of choices in A-Grade teak patio furniture! Explore various tables for your dine-out experience! Feel the drama of our deep seating! Imagine the ecstasy of lounging around! Teak Warehouse has been distributing teak patio furniture in the United States for the past 20 years. We are now California’s largest seller of A-Grade teak furniture. Teak Warehouse is a major supplier to —CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

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the international market, supplying retailers, hotels, resorts, architects, landscapers and designers in the Pacific region, Europe and the United States. Our furniture is designed and manufactured to the highest standards under the supervision of European craftsman. We only use grade A teak, harvested from government-controlled forests in accordance with strict sustainable forestry practices. Our warehouses provide the public the opportunity to purchase direct at wholesale prices. You will not be able to purchase your teak at a better price than at Teak Warehouse ‹ guaranteed. Fully assembled – delivery available. Plumbridge Custom Cabinets Kitchen cabinets that blend traditional charm with the functional requirements of modern life are the hallmark of Plumbridge Custom Cabinets. Plumbridge is a ?full serviceÇ cabinet shop. This means they take care of all your cabinet needs, from design to installation. Bill Buck is the owner, and with over 30 years of experience, he knows that a great kitchen starts with a great design. Bill personally meets and works with you to design your perfect kitchen. They hand-build every cabinet in their shop in Duarte, using the finest materials. Bill makes sure it all goes together ?picture perfect.Ç Call (626) 256-9337 or vist www.plumbridgecabinets.com Prime Building Materials is a family owned business that has been serving the Southern California building industry for over 20 years with pride and traditional values. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff work with homeowners, developers, landscape contractors, general contractors, designers and architects alike to achieve your exact goals, dreams and beyond. Our huge supply yard features acres of building materials for all phases of building and home improvement, with a specialty showroom featuring a host of interior and exterior products. From formal residential landscapes and masonry to large, track home developments, Prime Building Materials can provide all the materials to create the perfect living environment. 5 locations to serve you - Call us at 626-284-2222 for a free consultation or estimate on your next project.

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The e Supplierr off Quality Building g Materials —CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

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Designer Furniture, Custom Cabinets & Sofas

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VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM* *NEW DESIGN CENTER 13870 Foothill Blvd. Sylmar 818.364.6767 Design Center 7811 Lankershim Blvd. N. Hollywood 818.503.4242

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La Cañada

AROUND THE WORLD BOOKS AND ART Where do you go for the comfort of old books? Try Around the World Books and Art in La Cañada. Begun in 2005 with their personal library and augmented with gems from estate, library, and private sales, Priscilla, a former instructor of history and English, and her husband Mike, a science teacher, have got something here for everyone among their 40,000 volumes—and paintings and photographs, too. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 11 to 6. 643 Foothill Blvd. in the Plaza de La Cañada breezeway behind Zeli Coffee - (818) 790-2329. FANCY THAT! “Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen, Voices whisper in the trees, "Tonight is Halloween”! — Dexter Kozen Brace yourself for a Spooktacular Halloween as FANCY THAT! prepares for this most outrageous holiday! If you are looking for a creepy centerpiece or a unique design element to impress your costumed party guests, Jim, Paula and the Boo Crew have unearthed some hauntingly frightful relics. From Bethany Lowe vintage Halloween characters to Department 56 creatures and scary villages to twisted table top and wall decorations, FANCY THAT! has exactly what you need to decorate Castle Dracula or host Damien for dinner. And for dessert, devilishly delicious chocolate concoctions will delight. The cemetery gates will open after Labor Day. Be afraid. Be very afraid…

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At present rate of infection AIDS will orphan 20 million African children by 2010 !!

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42 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

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626.403. 2577 ARROYO ~ AUGUST 2008 ~ 42

SAN GABRIEL STYLE

You mustn’t suffer for beauty Not all the time, anyway. At least not when you're wearing chic footwear designed for comfort. These days, more fashion-forward shoe manufacturers are stepping it up when it comes to babying feet, so that women no longer have to choose between their exterior and interior. Of course, there will always be torturous teeter-totters on the red carpet. Leave those more-stylish-than-thou 5-inch heels to celebrities who get paid to wear them. — I.L.

Orthopedic surgeon and fashionista Taryn Rose is a true believer in marrying fashion with comfort. Her luxury line is made with Poron cushioning (a high-performance foam used by NASA), great arch support and soft nappa leather handsewn in Italy. This graceful gray chamois bootie with a 21/2-inch heel is a key silhouette for fall ($625).

Geox has become one of Italy's most popular shoe brands thanks to founder Mario Moretti Polegato's patented discovery of a porous membrane that makes leather soles both breathable and waterproof. The technology keeps toes cool and dry – and lets you doff your shoes without fear. Geox also has a great selection of elegant flats. Try this season's tumbled patent leather moccasin with interlocking chain loops over the toes ($145).

Of course, there's no rule that says that when you want to wear comfortable shoes, they can't look like comfortable shoes. Go for it, but then rev up your style quotient instead. Do it with these great garment-dyed Superga sneakers from Italy ($98). The sneaker company, which originated in 1913, has just reentered the American market with cotton canvas, linen, leather and lamé styles that are de rigueur on the streets of Rome. So why not San Marino?

Eco-friendly Corso Cosmo is as keen on making shoes with flexible, soft leather soles as it is on using recyclable packaging – and designing edgy styles worthy of its Brazilian base. We love these rock-star peep-toe heels with buckle details, made with silvery, snake-embossed leather ($170).

Taryn Rose, Corso Cosmo, Superga and Geox are available at Nordstrom Santa Anita, 400 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, (626) 821-6363, www.nordstrom.com. ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 43

SAN GABRIEL STYLE

Fantasy Dress Up’s High Rollers AUDREY PITTOKOPITIS OF LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE’S BELLE OF THE BALL DESIGNS FORMAL WEAR FOR YOUNG MOVIE STARS AND OTHER GIRLS LIVING THE PRINCESS DREAM. BY BRENDA REES PHOTOS BY CM HARDT Audrey Pittokopitis’ admirers consider her frothy confections for welldressed little girls to be positively dreamy, and with good reason. The La Cañada Flintridge designer of formal wear for pubescent movie stars and Saudi Arabian tweens finds most of her inspiration under the covers. “I go to bed and then I see them,” Pittokopitis says of her designs for the familycentric label Belle of the Ball (www.belleoftheball.net), which makes classic couture for young girls. “I wake up, and I draw them very quickly before I forget.” Not surprisingly, Pittokopitis’ creations are the stuff of little girls’ dreams everywhere: fanciful frocks of swirling silk and chiffon, swathed with ruffles, sashes, lace and tulle. And those dreams are recurring. Unlike the adult fashion industry, which must reinvent itself each season to keep cash registers ringing, Belle of the Ball has, for 10 years, maintained a catalog of about 25 styles, in which interest never seems to flag. When the company tried to discontinue some of its older designs, the changes met fierce resistance among buyers from New York to Dubai. “Storeowners tell us they still want the tried-and-true designs,” says Zoë Vidalakis, Pittokopitis’ daughter, who handles the business end with her sister, 44 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

Tania Grafos (the sisters also co-own and operate the Pasadena Civic Ballet). “We do add maybe four or five new designs a year. Mom keeps coming up with new ideas.” The ideas may be new to the collection, but they’re rooted in the dress code of a bygone era, when dressing up for a simple dinner at home was the norm. That’s a rare occurrence in casual Southern California, so California stores don’t carry Belle of the Ball frocks, the company says. Shoppers can, however, find them at 40 stores, mostly on the East Coast — including Zitomer on New York’s Madison Avenue — where formal fashion is more commonplace. (West Coast customers can contact the company through the website.) When Hollywood celebrities need dresses for the red carpet, they work directly with Pittokopitis, who designs to order for them. Dakota Fanning, now 14, has been a regular client; three years ago, she wore a white silk gown à la “Gone With the Wind” to the Critics’ Choice Awards. Fanning’s delight at sporting a hoop skirt prompted her to muse to a People magazine reporter: “There’s a way to walk with a hoop. You have to glide. There’s nothing worse —CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

Silk and tulle dresses (from left): “Petals,” $450; “Blossom,” $400; and “April,” $400 ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 45

SAN GABRIEL STYLE

Silk and tulle dresses (from left): “Petals,” $450; “Blossom,” $400; and “April,” $400 ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 45

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than a bouncing hoop.” “Gossip Girl’s” Blake Lively was once a catalog model, and Belle of the Ball was spotted on young guests at the weddings of Nicole Kidman and Toni Braxton. Braxton wore an of-the-moment, off-theshoulder dress by Marc Bouwer, but her pint-size guests might just as well have been attending Sleeping Beauty’s wedding in the 1959 Disney film. So why do age-old fantasies of childhood have such an enduring grip on children’s fashions? “It’s a classical look that we associate with childhood, and it never seems to go out of style,” says Kevin Jones, costume curator for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Museum & Galleries and an expert on children’s fashion. “Ruffles often equal innocence.” In the late 18th century, children were often dressed like dolls or miniature adults, Jones says, and many affluent parents used their children to “show off their status [by demonstrating] what they could afford. These kinds of fashion have deep social aspects.” The frilly designs also pack an emotional punch, not just for the child but also the parent. “More than likely, mom wore these dresses as a child, and she’s passing this on to her daughter,” he says. “There isn’t a lot of room for ruffles in a woman’s wardrobe these days. She’s living out the fantasy along with her daughter.” Such charms prompt some people to pay from $400 to as much as $1,500 for a dress that will be worn only a handful of times — if that often — before the girl outgrows it. For April Kamar of La Cañada, one of many Belle of the Ball

customers who consider their handmade creations to be small masterpieces, the dresses are “worth every penny.” They’re made to order, and details, such as tulle trim, bows, coffeedyed rosettes and crystals, are meticulously handsewn by local contractors. In addition to using fine silk dupioni and French lace, Belle of the Ball dresses employ an abundance of fabric — as much as 20 yards or more per design. “I would put [the dresses] on display at our home if I could,” says Kamar, whose two daughters, Katerina and Eleni, have been wearing them for the past four years. When the girls outgrow the frocks, Kamar saves them in storage boxes because she considers them “a great investment.” Pittokopitis was born in Edmonton, Canada, where she spent her childhood making her own clothes but flunked out of Home Ec. (“They wanted me to follow a pattern – which I couldn’t do,” she says.) She studied ballet and performed for 10 years with the Munich Opera in Germany. While there, she met husband Kyriacos, and they eventually moved back to Canada where they started a family. With two small daughters in ballet school, Pittokopitis begin making tutus and dance costumes. “She could never design anything simple,” says Vidalakis, calling her mother’s style “elegant and yet comfortable.” For Grafos’ wedding in 1998, Pittokopitis designed flower-girl dresses with plenty of old-world charm. The wedding photographer later used some of the shots for an ad for his company, which he placed in Town and Country Magazine. The response was dramatic — and surprising. “[The photographer] was inundated with calls from people asking, ‘Where can I get those dresses? I want one of those dresses!’” Grafos recalls. “We were floored, but it got us thinking.” When they launched the line in New York a decade ago, 14 stores carried it. Their ranks have since more than tripled, which pleases Pittokopitis, but she considers something that other designers dread — knockoffs — to be the ultimate honor. “I go down to the garment district [in downtown Los Angeles] and I see [other clothing lines] copying my designs from previous years,” she says. “The fabric and quality of stitches and details aren’t the same, but they are my dresses. There’s no doubt.” “Oh mom, that is so infuriating,” says Vidalakis. “No, it’s not,” says Pittokopitis with a broad smile. “I think it’s a high compliment. I guess that means you’ve made it, huh?” AM

“There’s a way to walk with a hoop. You have to glide. There’s nothing worse than a bouncing hoop.”

From left: Zoë Vidalakis, Audrey Pittokopitis with Parfait and Tania Grafos ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 47

SAN GABRIEL STYLE

Restylane to the Rescue AN AGING NOVICE TAKES THE PLUNGE AND DISCOVERS THE HEADY WORLD OF INJECTABLE FILLERS. BY ARLENE SCHINDLER

Now that the AARP is harassing me habitually and Father Time has stamped crow’s feet around my eyes, I’ve decided to enlist a new soldier in my war on wrinkles. I’ve found a sympathetic surgeon with an eagle eye, a steady sculptor’s hand and the precision of a delicate Southern woman who excels at the fine art of needlepoint. Why am I at war with getting older? I live in a city where women aren’t allowed to show their age or their unretouched face after 40. Just ask Raquel Welch or Meg Ryan or the woman sitting next to you in any restaurant that has valet parking. Befriending a good cosmetic or dermatological surgeon is as important as having a good relationship with your trainer or hairdresser. He or she will keep you looking your best when you face the world — you know which one, the one that’s getting younger every day. My goal isn’t to go under the knife like a cat-eyed scalpel-slave or a certain shopping-channel pitchwoman. I seek light freshening for my high school reunion. No knives, just a cornucopia of needles and lasers, otherwise known as the lunch-hour facelift. I don’t want to look like a movie star, just a fresher version of me…when I was 39. The most important step was finding a doctor whose work I admired. All I had to do was look at friends’ faces and determine who looked youthful and not frozen. (Some women follow a don’t-ask, don’t-tell policy, while others are veritable reference books.) I found a forthcoming face who raved about her doctor, and I was intrigued. First, I visited his website. (Every good doctor has one, and I’ve become wary of those who don’t.) The doctor’s site highlighted where he went to school (Harvard) and his experience teaching other doctors how to use injectables for rejuvenation. Also on his website were before-and-after photos with the kind of “after” I was looking for — the hollows under the eyes filled in, diminished nasolabial folds and a smoother jaw line, minus jowls. The site had a picture of his friendly face. He looked ageless and glowing, like I soon hoped to be. Last but not least, the site featured discounts for first-time patients. I dialed and made an appointment. 48 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

When I arrived at the doctor’s office, I noticed many treatment rooms and a staff of friendly, fresh-faced women in powder-blue lab coats with gold name tags. One of them ushered me into a small room and took my medical history. Twenty minutes later, the doctor entered, looking even fresher-faced and more handsome than the photo on his website. The second he touched my cheek, right under the hollow of my discontentment, and raised it up a scooch of an inch, I was as hooked as I was the first time I heard Paul McCartney sing, “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” Without my prompting, he told me where he wanted to inject Restylane, a dermal filler made of hyauralonic acid which restores volume and fullness to the skin. I asked about a photofacial for brown spots and aging. He countered with a Vbeam laser for redness. He saw what I saw and was going to improve it. After less than 15 minutes he left the room. Another bluecoated woman entered, carrying a clipboard. “You’ll be receiving two syringes of Restylane and a Vbeam treatment. How will you be paying for that?” she asked sweetly. I pulled out my credit card and a discount certificate I’d printed from the website. She did some math and said, “For every visit, we give you a 5 percent credit toward your next visit. Today’s visit will be $1,200.” I gave her my credit card. A half hour later, another assistant came in to slather the injection area with a topical anesthetic. My face felt cool, then numb. After another 30 minutes, the doctor returned and proceeded to inject the filler under my eyes, while yet another assistant followed his moves with ice packs, resting them on the freshly injected area for about 30 seconds. I felt no pain, and the procedure was over in minutes. The two escorted me to another room for my Vbeam laser treatment. After my eyes were covered, the doctor switched on a machine that resembled something a dental technician might use to clean teeth. After about 10 quick zaps to my cheeks, the treatment was complete. I examined the instant results in a hand mirror. The hollows looked plumped. Some of the redness had faded. I thought my mirror image looked five years younger than the woman who had entered the doctor’s office earlier that day. I was thrilled. On my way out, I was presented with instructions to ice my face that evening and the following morning. Later, holding a bag of frozen peas to my face as instructed, I marveled at how pain-free the procedure was. The following week I wore less makeup, because there were fewer flaws to cover, and I felt as sexy and vital as I did the first time I went dancing — disco dancing, that is. AM

BEAUTY BITES BY IRENE LACHER

SAN GABRIEL STYLE

Pretty Advanced A RASH OF DOCTOR SKIN-CARE PRODUCTS HAS BEEN SPROUTING UP IN STORES AND MEDICAL OFFICES LATELY. HERE ARE A COUPLE OF THE MORE INTERESTING OFFERINGS THAT HAVE RECENTLY COME OUT OF SOCAL:

kaplanMD

Dr. Kalil’s Vi Peel

Beverly Hills dermatologist Stuart Kaplan has been making headlines lately. Okay,

Dr. A.F. Kalil was trying to treat his daughter’s

not for curing cancer, but for something nearly as newsworthy, as far as the blog-

acne when he began experimenting with differ-

osphere is concerned: He’s the guy who removed Sarah Jessica Parker’s mole.

ent combinations of chemicals to find the ulti-

The assistant clinical professor at UCLA Medical Center has also launched a new

mate peel. He says his search ended with the

skin-care line that offers an uncommon take on staving off the inevitable. In addition

development of his Vi Peel — a potent brew of

to antioxidants, peptides and exfoliants, kaplanMD includes estrogen substitutes to

acids: phenol, retinoic, salicylic and vitamin C —

address the hormonal imbalances that come with aging.

which tackles a broad spectrum of skin woes, from

Falling hormonal levels lead to sagging, wrinkling,

acne and rosacea to aging.

dry skin and facial hair growth, hazards usually

What’s interesting is what he says the Vi Peel doesn’t do:

associated with menopause. But, Dr. Kaplan

It doesn’t require much downtime or any skin preparation

notes, younger women aren’t entirely off the

products, and it doesn’t bleach skin, despite the pres-

hook either. “It’s a while before you see the

ence of phenol, making it safe for all skin tones. (Dr. Kalil

signs, but estrogen levels decrease in your

says phenol’s bleaching action is counteracted by the

20s,” he says. “And if you want to look 40

combination of ingredients.) “What we did was put all the

when you’re 50 or 60, you have to start early.”

major acids together for the first time,” he says. “And the

Calling kaplanMD “the first skin-care line specifically created to mimic the effects of estro-

idea was, each acid had a different mode of action.” The peel eliminates the skin’s top layer, stimulating the growth

gen on women’s skin,” he infuses each product with a

of collagen and glowing new skin a week later. I wanted to see whether his peel

“phytogenic triactive complex” of soy, grapeseed and black cohosh. To address

could help my blotchy skin, so I visited the peripatetic dermatologist at the Vitality

the ravages of time and environmental damage, each product also contains at

Institute he opened in Beverly Hills last year. (A nurse practitioner applies the peel

least seven additional active ingredients, such as vitamins A, C and E; hyaluronic

when the Miami-based dermatologist is out of town, as do the 300 doctors he

acid; Matrixyl 3000; and mango-seed butter.

has trained and licensed, including several in the Pasadena area.)

The line is pricey, ranging from $48 for the Revitalizing Toner to $295 for the

I asked Dr. Kalil to apply a generous dose, which he did, sending me off with

Perfecting Serum, but there’s a certain economy to Dr. Kaplan’s approach. He

two packets of peel-lotion towelettes to apply the first two evenings after the visit.

packs everything you need into five products: a cleanser, a toner, a day cream, a

For the first couple of days, my skin was bright pink; then the top layer began to

night cream and a serum. “We’ve done the thinking for you,” he says. “It’s a com-

flake off, which lasted for a few days. Dr. Kalil had given me a tube of moisturizer

plete balanced diet.”

from his own skin-care line to minimize discomfort (which was minor anyway), and I went about my business as usual, although the next time, I’ll plan to spend a few

Available at Neiman Marcus, Fred Segal and www.kaplanmd.com.

days indoors. The result was glowing skin with noticeably more even skin tone. The peels range in cost from $300 to $500, and Dr. Kalil recommends two to four a year to maintain the results. Available at: Laser Touch Medical Clinics in Pasadena (960 E. Green St., Suite 208, [888] 527-3715) and Eagle Rock (1501 Colorado Blvd., [888] 527-3715); Immacule Medical Aesthetics, 1043 E. Green St., Pasadena, (626) 584-9988; and Advanced Laser & Anti-Aging Medical Center, 960 E. Green St., Suite 108, Pasadena, (800) 452-7371. For more information, visit www.kalilmedical.com.

ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 49

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BEAUTY BITES

What’s hot in makeup this fall These days, everyone is too young to smoke, even veteran members of AARP. But don’t let that stop you from wearing some of the season’s three-alarm makeup colors, the sooty earth tones and rich jewel hues designed to lend sophistication to the grays, pewters, purples and rusts that smudged the fall 2008 runways of New York Fashion Week. — I.L.

Very Cherry MAC’s new Cult of Cherry Collection is ripe with color – purply rubies, spiced chocolates and coppery browns. Sweep on So Scarlet Lipstick ($14) to create some heat when the temperature drops. MAC, 350 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 535-0154

Nailing It Shimmery Chic Nars’ shimmering eyeshadows are rich neutrals that will take you everywhere. Cordura Duo Eyeshadow ($32) Nordstrom, 400 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, (626) 821-6363

y t u a e B Bull’s Eye

Target’s GO International clothing collections are all about global chic, and now the company is turning its roving eye to cosmetics with the launch of three new prestige beauty brands: NP Set by Australia’s Napoleon Perdis, Pixi by Petra from Swedish makeup artist Petra Strand and JK by Jemma Kidd from the force behind London’s Jemma Kidd Makeup School. The collections sell for about 40 percent less than the makeup artists’ higher-end lines, but they still embrace their creators’ design philosophies. NP Set is lighthearted and punchy, while JK by Jemma Kidd is keenly attuned to the runway. Pixi by Petra is packed with beneficial ingredients for a look of sheer beauty. Store displays even include product testers – another Target first.

OPI’s lush new Collection de France offers three super-dark nail lacquers for Lincoln Park After Dark fans: Eiffel for this Color, We’ll Always Have Paris and Yes...I Can-Can! You Don’t Know Jacques! ($8.50), a chiarascuro taupe, looks particularly fresh right now. Pure Beauty, 28 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 564-9550

JK by Jemma Kidd (from top): Hi-Design Eye Colour in Artiste, Dramatic and Mondernist I-Design Eye Colour in VIP ($18)

NP Set Lipstick (from left): Washington, San Francisco and Denver ($15)

Pixi Lumi Lux Eye Palette ($38)

ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 51

THE ART OF SCIENCE

At right: Friendly bacteria producing molecules that keep their host’s immune system up to par.

Say Hello To Your Little Friends SOME OF THE TRILLION BACTERIA IN YOUR GUT MAY HOLD THE KEY TO TREATING INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE. BY STEVE COULTER

A NEWSPAPER REPORTER I WORKED WITH IN THE MID-’90S SUDDENLY HAD TO GO ON EXTENDED SICK LEAVE. FOR HER, IT WAS ANOTHER TERRIBLE REMINDER THAT AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE WAS WREAKING HAVOC ON HER INTESTINES. FOR MANY OF HER CO-WORKERS, IT WAS A SHOCKING INTRODUCTION TO CHRONIC ILLNESS. The most noticeable thing about her ordeal was her relentless weight loss. She had always been thin, which we attributed to her stringent dieting, but there

First proposed in the late ’80s, the hygiene hypothesis suggests that the rise of modern sanitation, vaccinations and a healthy diet correlate with the increasing incidence of ailments like IBD, asthma, multiple sclerosis and Type 1 diabetes. In short, some scientists believe that we have truly gotten too clean for our own good. But wait, it gets worse before it gets better. Have you ever heard the expression “Keep

came a day when she passed “ooh-la-la” and arrived at “uh-oh.” There were fre-

your friends close, but keep your enemies closer”?

quent trips to the bathroom, headaches and bouts of depression. We had always

Well, according to Mazmanian, there are upwards

sagely assumed that that was standard operating procedure for a journalist, but as

of 100 trillion bacteria flourishing in your gut as you

it turned out, they were the symptoms of an inflammatory condition known as

read this. But as any yogurt commercial will tell you,

Crohn’s disease.

not all of them are out to get you.

An estimated 1 million Americans suffer from inflammatory bowel disease

Sarkis K. Mazmanian

“(Some) bacteria, the more intelligent ones, have taken the evolutionary route

(IBD), according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, a nonprofit ded-

of shaping their environment by positively interacting with the host immune system

icated to finding a cure for these debilitating ailments. And a recent discovery in

to promote health, which gives them an improved place to live,” he said. “It’s like

the realm of microbiology made by a team of Caltech researchers is shedding light

creating bacterial nirvana.”

on the subject, even as it reveals more about our fragile balancing act with nature. The study concluded that we may have become too clean for our own good,

Remember the Mad magazine cartoon strip “Spy vs. Spy”? It’s the one with a spy in white and a spy in black in perpetual battle for world dominance. In this

washing away microbes that are beneficial along with the ones that cause disease.

case, the “world” is the intestines of a laboratory mouse. The white spy is a bac-

“Through societal measures we have changed our association with the microbial

terium called Helicobacter hepaticus which causes a disease in mice similar to IBD

world in a very short time span. We don’t have the same contact with microbes as

in humans. The black spy is a bacterium called Bacteroides fragilis which pro-

we have for millions of years,” said Sarkis K. Mazmanian, an assistant professor of

duces a sugar called polysaccharide A (PSA).

biology at Caltech and a lead researcher for the study. Mazmanian conducted the study with Dennis L. Kasper, professor of microbi-

White spy plants an IBD bomb to destroy the world, but black spy simply wets its fingers with polysaccharide A and snuffs out the wick. At least that’s how

ology and molecular genetics at Harvard Medical School, and June L. Round, a

it works in experiments with mice. Time will tell what it means for humans, but

Caltech postdoctoral researcher. Their article, “A microbial symbiosis factor pre-

Mazmanian has high hopes. “The most immediate and obvious implication is that

vents intestinal inflammatory disease,” was featured on the cover of the May 29

PSA may potentially be developed as a natural therapeutic for inflammatory bowel

issue of the journal Nature.

disease,” Mazmanian said.

Too clean?! Germophobes everywhere are shuddering in horror as they scrub

I lost touch with my reporter friend after I left that newspaper job, but I heard

their hands with antibacterial soap, turn doorknobs with their elbows and collec-

that she eventually married a really nice, bacteria-filled guy and had a couple of

tively lock themselves in hermetically sealed bubbles. But they aren’t really pro-

bacteria-riddled kids.

tecting themselves, according to something called the “hygiene hypothesis.” 52 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

I hope they’re happy, all 4 trillion and 4 of them. AM

THE

LIST COMPILED BY JOHN SOLLENBERGER

A HIGHLY SELECTIVE PREVIEW OF UPCOMING EVENTS

HOLLYWOOD DIRECTORS

RAISE THE CURTAIN ON THE NEW LA OPERA SEASON Sept. 6 and 7 — LA Opera opens its 2008-09 season at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with a production of Puccini’s “Il Trittico,” directed by filmmakers William Friedkin (“The Exorcist”) and Woody Allen (“Annie Hall”). Music Director James Conlon conducts the new production, which features two Academy Award-winning film directors offering a fresh look and cinematic flair to the trilogy of one-act operas. Friedkin, who directed previous LA Opera stagings of “Duke Bluebeard’s Castle,” “Gianni Schicchi” and “Ariadne auf Naxos,” directs ‘Il Tabarro” and “Suor Angelica.” Allen makes his operatic debut directing “Gianni Schicchi.” “Il Tabarro” (“The Cloak”) tells the story of a love triangle leading to a tragic finale. “Suor Angelica” (“Sister Angelica”), which features some of the composer's most beautiful melodies, is a tale of a cloistered nun with a worldly secret. “Gianni Schicchi” is a Danteinspired comedy featuring Thomas Allen as a charming ne’er-do-well, plotting to rewrite a

dead man’s will. The opening performance starts at 7:30 p.m Saturday, followed by 7:30 p.m. performances Sept. 11, 17, 23 and 26, as well as 2 p.m. matinees Sept. 14 and 21. On the Sunday of opening weekend, the company presents the U.S. premiere of Howard Shore’s “The Fly,” based on the 1986 film by David Cronenberg, who also directs. LA Opera commissioned the work with a libretto by David Henry Hwang inspired by both the film and its source: the 1957 short story by George Langelaan. “The Fly” is conducted by Placido Domingo and Israel Gursky. The production opens at 2 p.m. with additional performances at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10, 13, 16 and 20 and a 2 p.m. matinee Sept. 27. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located at 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Call (213) 972-8001 or visit www.laopera.com.

A PRESIDENT’S SON SPEAKS AT THE AUTRY

CRUISING FOR ROSES IN SOUTH PASADENA

Sept. 6 — Steve Ford was 18 years old when his father, Gerald Ford, became president. Deciding he didn’t want to be shadowed by Secret Service agents at college, he chose to head west to become a working cowboy. Now, in conjunction with the Autry National Center’s “Cowboys and Presidents” exhibition, the late president’s youngest son shares a humorous take on an insider’s life in one of the world’s largest fishbowls, complete with never-before-seen photos, slides and videos. Ford speaks at the Autry at 1 p.m. The Autry National Center is located at 4700 Western Heritage Way in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Call (323) 667-2000 or visit www.autrynationalcenter.org.

Sept. 14 — The fourth annual “Cruz’n for Roses Hot Rod and Classic Car Show” hits the streets of South Pasadena from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit the city’s Tournament of Roses Parade float. The event boasts some 300 hot rods and custom and classic cars, as well as a South Pasadena Police Safety Fair, a raffle, DJ, food and more. Trophies will be awarded in all categories of pre-1975 cars. The show takes place at the corner of Mission Street and Fair Oaks Avenue. Call (626) 799-7813.

KORI NEWKIRK WORKS DISPLAYED AT PASADENA MUSEUM Through Sept. 14 — There’s still time to catch the exhibition “Kori Newkirk: 1997 – 2007” at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. Newkirk’s diverse media, subjects and themes reflect his unique perspective on identity and African-American cultural politics. The exhibition includes more than 30 of the LA-based artist’s works completed since he received his MFA from UC Irvine. His art is inspired by popular culture and personal experiences, focusing on realities facing a black man growing up in a largely white upstate New York community. As he grew artistically, Newkirk’s work embraced broader notions of gender, race and social geography. The Pasadena Museum of California Art is located at 490 E. Union St. Call (626) 568-3665 or visit www.pmcaonline.org.

A “ROCKING” GALA Sept. 14 — The Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful (CERB) hosts “Friends of the Rock Evening Gala” in a benefit for the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail at the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness (GLAD) historic building. The event starts at 4 p.m. with a stroll through the GLAD garden, where guests can view and purchase works of plein air painters working onsite. Also scheduled are raffles and silent auctions. The gala reception runs from 5 to 7 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres and champagne in the garden, followed by dessert in the penthouse and a presentation on the progress of the trails and plans for future development of the trail area. Tickets cost $35 in advance, $40 at the door. The GLAD building is located at 2222 Laverna Ave., Eagle Rock. To purchase tickets, visit www.cerb.us, call (323) 255-9400 or send a check payable to CERB to P.O. Box 411441, Eagle Rock, CA 90041.

VAUDEVILLE LIVES AT THE ALEX Sept. 20 — The Alex Film Society presents a retro night of fun during its 9th annual Vaudeville Extravaganza. Six acts of period music, magic and mayhem fill the Alex Theatre stage, with the return of Ian Whitcomb and his Bungalow Boys and appearances by Davis & Faversham, golden-voiced tenor Peter Nathan Foltz, acrobatic jugglers Jack and Jeri Kalvan, Shari Lewis’ daughter Mallory Lewis with the iconic puppet Lamb Chop and Christopher Hart with his “Addams Family” movie-star hand, “Thing.” The evening starts at 8 p.m. and concludes with a pair of classic movies, the 1917 Charlie Chaplin comedy “The Cure” and the 1939 short “The Royal Rodeo.” The Alex Theatre is located at 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Call (818) 243-2539 or visit www.alexfilmsociety.org. —CONTINUED ON PAGE 55 ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 53

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THE

LIST

A HIGHLY SELECTIVE PREVIEW OF UPCOMING EVENTS

—CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53

WE’RE TALKING GARDENS AT THE ARBORETUM

AMERICA’S

DRUMMERS HAVE GOT

TALENT

Sept. 25 — The Los Angeles County Arboretum launches its fall series of Thursday garden talks with Lili Singer, which continue through Nov. 13. The September installment explores ways to convert your garden into a native paradise. The event features Barbara Eisenstein, horticulture outreach coordinator at Claremont’s Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. The class runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Each session costs $20; admission for the entire series is $100. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is located at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. For reservations, call (626) 821-4623.

“BIG READ” CELEBRATED AT THE HUNTINGTON Sept. 27 — The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens is one of 208 organizations nationwide to host a “Big Read” celebration, starting Sept. 27 and continuing through Nov. 2. The Huntington was awarded a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts to host the ongoing event celebrating Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild.” The Big Read, an NEA initiative in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest, is designed to restore reading’s place at the center of American culture. It aims to reach non-readers and readers at risk, using works in the Huntington’s collection. The library is home to London’s 50,000-item archive, including a first edition of “The Call of the Wild.” Items from its archives will be on display throughout the event, which will include public lectures, book discussions, dramatic readings, films and musical performances. For more information, visit www.neabigread.org. The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens is located at 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. Call (626) 405-2100 or visit www.huntington.org.

FRAGILE ART BENEFITS PMCA Sept. 27 — The Pasadena Museum of California Art hosts “Egg O’ My Heart,” its annual fundraiser benefiting the museum’s work exploring cultural dynamics specific to California. PMCA gave a large group of California’s most important artists an ostrich egg to turn into a work of art, and their eggs will be sold during the event in live and silent auctions. Participating artists include Kenny Scharf; Raimonds Staprans; Betye, Alison and Lezley Saar; the Clayton Brothers; Annie Lapin; and many others. Beyond art, the event also features music and food. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a preview and tour of the upcoming exhibition “Romance of the Bells: The California Missions in Art,” led by Jean Stern, executive director of the Irvine Museum. The live auction starts at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $175 for non-members, $150 for members. The Pasadena Museum of California Art is located at 490 E. Union St. Call (626) 568-3665 or visit www.pmcaonline.org.

A GRAND CELEBRATION Sept. 28 — The fifth annual Grand Avenue Festival, an open house celebrating arts and eats along the downtown Los Angeles street, runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free cultural celebration features an array of music, dance, theater, art and food from local restaurants. The festival includes performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Hall, drum circles and dances at the Music Center, exhibits at MOCA, tours of the Colburn School and events marking the Mark Taper Forum’s season opening. The festival extends from the Music Center at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Temple Street to the Los Angeles Public Library at 5th Street. Call (213) 972-7611 or visit www.grandavenuefestival.org.

CLASS SPOTLIGHTS ITALIAN BAROQUE ART Sept. 30 — Steen Art Study’s new class on Italian Baroque art features a tour of the Getty Museum’s major exhibition of the works of Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the first major Bernini show in North America. The 10-week class meets from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 9 (except for Nov. 25). Professor and art historian Ronald Steen’s course places Bernini in the context of other Italian Baroque artists, including painter Giovanni Guercino, architect/painter Pietro da Cortona and architect Francesco Borromini, a Bernini rival. Steen has taught at California State University, Fullerton; UCLA Extension; and the J. Paul Getty Museum Education Department. The course costs $215, which includes the tour and refreshments. The class meets at 200 S. Euclid Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 357-9887 or visit www.steenartstudy.com to register. AM

Long before America began worshipping singers on “American Idol” and playing “Guitar Hero” at home, the Guitar Center was stepping in to help launch the great drummers of tomorrow. September 23 marks the kickoff of the 20th annual edition of the nation’s biggest drumming competition, the Guitar Center Drum-Off. The world’s largest retailer of musical instruments is hosting the contest at all 214 of its locations coast-to-coast, including the Pasadena store. The walls will be Top and above: Past Drum-Off winners Cora “C.C.” Dunham (Prince’s drummer) and Eric Moore quaking for three consecutive Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m. as 10 contestants perform 3-minute solos each evening before a panel of judges and a crowd of friends, family and fans. Before the finals are held in December, more than 7,000 drummers nationwide will compete for an array of prizes, including $25,000, a Roland TD-20 kit and a custom-designed drum kit by DW, Pearl, Gretsch, Tama or Orange County Drums — and that’s not even counting expected endorsement deals. Past winners have gone on to successful careers working with some of the hottest names in the music business, including Prince and Jay-Z. “Guitar Center is a brand, and we are incredibly dedicated to providing our customers the opportunity to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams as pro musicians,” says spokesman Dustin Hinz. “The Drum-Off was created 20 years ago as a vehicle to say, we sell more than just guitars, we sell drums too. Now we’ve evolved along with the program into something the drum community marks their calendars for.” If you’re ready to pound the skins at a world-class level, or you know someone who is, visit www.guitarcenter.com/drum-off, drop by the Pasadena Guitar Center at 2660 E. Colorado Blvd. or call (626) 535-0108. — Carl Kozlowski

ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 55

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all that remain of summer vacation. Complaints of boredom have been replaced by complaints of too much homework. It was a fun summer. My kids are much more interesting as they get older.

example, a fresh green salad with vinaigrette, grilled fish with lemon and herbs,

During the summer, their attention was focused on trying to undo the damage we

roasted carrots, a wedge of cheese and an apple tart. No choices. Take it or leave

have done to our planet — an admirable use of time that has led to some fascinating

it. And they take it. They also have longer lunch hours, which include vigorous

tweaks of their world view. When I was a kid, my parents were uncool because they

play. Sure, the French system costs more. Should we conclude the French love

listened to lame music. It appears that I am an embarrassment simply by carrying a

their kids more than we do too?

plastic grocery bag. “Mother.” Eyeballs roll. “Didn’t you bring the canvas bags?” Their green obsession has trickled down to their forks, and they’ve decided

I was taught to eat what was put in front of me. No whining allowed. Kids were starving in China, and I was lucky to get anything. There was never a chance I would

to care about the food they eat, too. This is a bonus for me, because it means I

be offered anything else, so I ate what was there. It was brilliant parenting. If our

have to nag less. It also means I am finally vindicated for all those years of ban-

schools adopted a similar strategy, our replacement generation would be happier,

ning school lunches. It doesn’t take a chef to figure out that American school lunch-

healthier and have a better relationship with food.

es lack significant nutritional value. Even if you argue that a potato has nutrients, you

As a professional chef, it is my duty to spread the gospel of good cooking, not

must understand that mutation into Tater-Tot form and deep-fat frying will strip it of

just to foodies but to everyone, including kids. There is a difference between good,

any legitimate claim to be considered food.

nutritious food and junk, and that lesson should be part of the national curriculum,

Despite the failure of the Reagan USDA’s attempt to classify ketchup as a veg-

taught in all 12 grades and reinforced at home.

etable (a.k.a. ketchupgate), American school lunches are still looking pretty grim.

So this summer, my environmentally friendly kids purchased reusable plastic

Last year, my kids’ school offered the following brunch and lunch items (I kid you

sandwich boxes to replace the plastic zipper bags. They’re asking for organic peanut

not): fried hash browns, nachos, pizza, breadsticks, slushies, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos

butter sandwiches on whole grain bread to take to school. They bring water in stain-

and donettes. Clearly, apples and salad cannot compete in such an environment.

less steel, BPA-free water bottles, and they prefer that I shop at the farmers market

Why do the schools pander to kids’ love of high-calorie, low-nutrient food? Perhaps they’re afraid that children won’t eat at all if they are unable to find their

for apples to reduce their lunches’ reliance on jet fuel. There may be hope for our species, after all. AM

favorite cheesy, deep-fried, high-fructose-corn-syrup meal. Undernourished, they will spend the remainder of their class time staring off into space in a famine-induced

Bilderback is a South Pasadena resident, a certified master chef and baker and the

daze. Or maybe they are fully aware of the relationship between nutrition, health and

author of five volumes in Alpha Publishing’s “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to...” series —

grades and are trying to bring about a generation of fat, stupid kids. (For the record,

“...Snack Cakes” (June 2008); “...Good Food from the Good Book” (March 2008),

even I don’t believe that.)

“...Spices and Herbs” (Dec. 2007); “...Comfort Food” ( Sept. 2007); and “...Success as

In the French public schools, lunches are made from fresh, whole foods by real cooks. There, a typical school menu includes four courses, including, for 56 ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ ARROYO

a Chef” (Feb. 2007). A former executive chef of the California School of Culinary Arts, Bilderback teaches her techniques online at www.culinarymasterclass.com.

Put the kids to work making this recipe, and while you're cooking, talk about organic and local foods and why they're better for the body and the planet. Ingredients (Makes about 2 dozen cookies) 2 1/4 cups organic whole wheat flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup organic unsalted butter 1 cup naturally milled organic sugar 1/2 cup honey

3 eggs 1 cup organic peanut butter 1 cup organic rolled oats 1/2 cup millet 1 cup organic chocolate chips 1 cup chopped walnuts

FROM FIVE COURSE SIT-DOWN DINNERS TO BABY SHOWERS AND EVERY EVENT IN BETWEEN.

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.

KITCHEN ROYAL INTERNATIONAL CATERING COMPANY is your full service catering solution helping you to celebrate the great events in your life.

2. In a large bowl, using a sturdy spoon or an electric mixer, beat butter, honey and sugar together until creamy and lump-free. Add eggs, one at a time, then peanut butter, and beat until smooth. Slowly add oats and flour mixture, and mix thoroughly. Stir in millet, chocolate chips and nuts.

Our extensive international menus include Authentic Italian, French, Middle Eastern, Indian, Mexican & Asian Cuisines. A full service beverage host or cash bar is available.

3. Drop cookie dough, 2 inches apart, onto lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden brown on the edges. Cool 5 minutes before removing from sheets.

FOR INFORMATION CALL (626) 825-1200 ARROYO ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 ~ 57